Four-Channel Audio Codec Targets Multi-Speaker PCs

Significant enhancements in the end user's PC gaming and musical experiences are said to result from use of the CS4294, a multi-channel, AC '97-compliant audio codec. Aimed at the multi-channel sound card and set-top box markets, the four-channel-output codec enables PC users to surround themselves with at least four and up to eight speakers if two of the codecs are used. The single-chip device combines two A/D channels, stereo mixing for three stereo inputs, a microphone preamp, and mono microphone input with four 18-bit D/A channels. It can be coupled with the company's DSP-based CS4622 or CS4624 PCI audio accelerators to create a full-featured PCI audio implementation.