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SigmaTel Delivers Sound Technology for Sony VAIO(R) Desktop PCs

Posted on: Monday, 26 September 2005, 00:00 CDT

When consumers turn on the new Sony VAIO(R) desktop PCs to watch a movie, play music or compose a song, they'll be experiencing professional theater quality sound based on the new Sound Reality(TM) processor, which features technology from SigmaTel, Inc. (NASDAQ:SGTL). SigmaTel, a global leader in analog intensive, mixed-signal integrated circuits for the digital multimedia consumer electronics and computing markets, is a champion of putting professional quality audio capabilities in the hands of everyday consumers. The Sound Reality technology is a combination of SigmaTel's theater quality 8-channel High Definition Audio codec and Sony's DSD technology, offering consumers a professional audio quality experience not found on today's conventional PCs.

"SigmaTel and Sony worked together to develop the Sound Reality processor for the new VAIO desktop PC family, opening up the world of professional sound creation to mainstream consumers," said Ron Edgerton, president and CEO of SigmaTel. "Soon, the line between professional and at-home users could blur to the point where one is indistinguishable from the other."

Powered by SigmaTel's 8-channel High Definition Audio codec, multimedia PCs like Sony's new VAIO PC Type R, Type H and Type V models introduced for the Japanese market last month and the VAIO RC series and selected models in the RB series now available in the US, provide music enthusiasts and home studio users with the world's first consumer PC audio chip capable of recording and playback in the Sony DSD format; the codec used in Super Audio CDs. Additionally, these new PCs are compatible with the new Intel High Definition Audio standard providing compatibility with any Windows-compatible software.

Sony worked with SigmaTel to create a system that maintains a very high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), a measure of signal strength relative to background noise. The new Sony VAIO PC family far exceeds the sound quality of conventional PC sound processors with an average SNR of 107 dB. To get the most out of the Sound Reality technology, Sony engineers reduced electronic noise within the PC, dramatically reducing the noise generated during the sound transfer process improving total sound quality.

Additionally, the Steinberg, AG Audio Stream Input/Output (ASIO(TM)) API provides compatibility with high-end Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) and audio editing software. ASIO technology, which was previously only available to professionals in high-end studio equipment, makes it possible for consumers to take advantage of professional sound creation and editing capabilities at competitive, mass-market prices.

About SigmaTel:

SigmaTel, Inc., a fabless semiconductor company headquartered in Austin, Texas, designs, develops, and markets proprietary, analog intensive, mixed-signal ICs for a variety of products in the consumer electronics and computing markets, including portable compressed audio players, such as MP3 players, notebook and desktop PCs, digital video cameras, multi-functional peripheral products, digital televisions, and set-top boxes. SigmaTel provides complete, system-level solutions that include highly-integrated ICs, customizable firmware and software, software development tools, reference designs, and applications support. The Company's focus is on providing system-level solutions that enable customers to rapidly introduce and offer electronic products that are small, light-weight, power-efficient, reliable, and cost-effective. SigmaTel is ISO 9001:2000 certified and is committed to providing customers with high performance, quality products along with superior customer service.

Readers may obtain investment information from the company's investor relations department at 512-381-3931, by sending email to investor.relations@sigmatel.com, or on the Web at www.sigmatel.com/investor.relations. For product information, please visit www.sigmatel.com.

Cautionary Language:

This press release contains forward-looking statements based on current SigmaTel expectations. The words "expect,""will,""should,""would,""anticipate,""project,""outlook,""believe,""intend," and similar phrases as they relate to SigmaTel or future events are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the current views and assumptions of SigmaTel, but are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, and there will be events in the future that SigmaTel is not able to accurately predict or control. For a discussion of factors that could impact SigmaTel's financial results and cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, please refer to recent SigmaTel filings with the SEC, particularly the Form 10-K that was filed on February 8, 2005 and the Form 10-Qs that was filed on April 19, 2005 and August 9, 2005.

SigmaTel is a registered trademark of SigmaTel. VAIO, Sound Reality, DSD and their logos are trademarks of Sony Corporation. ASIO is a trademark of Steinberg, AG. All other products and brand names as they appear in this release are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. All specifications may be changed without notice.

Source: Business Wire

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