Creative Introduces 'Audigy'
Continuing its drive toward domination of the computer audio market, Creative has developed what will serve to be the heart of its next generation sound cards. The newly dubbed Audigy processor combined with EAX Advanced HD software will provide enhanced audio playback while securing digital copyrights. Products will be marketed toward different interest groups – such as gamers and music aficionados.
With four times the processing power of its predecessor, Audigy is set to replace the EMU10K1 chip, the company's former headlining technology that powers current Sound Blaster Live! cards. It will feature a 32-bit Multi-Effects Engine with support for Microsoft's Direct Sound API, Dolby Digital 5.1, OpenAL, and EAGLE 3.0; a graphical librarian editor.
Creative's EAX software includes functionality such as the ability provide background noise reduction, realistic sound effects, enhanced surround sound, and also includes support for converting audio files into the popular MP3 file format. However, the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials will be policed by a technology called ContentPass.
Swapping music to and from hard drives as well as personal electronic devices will benefit from the inclusion of an integrated IEEE1394 (Firewire) port, delivering high speed file transfers.
Creative hopes these latest advances will convince users to upgrade to its new technology. In today's press release, company founder and CEO Sim Wong Hoo said, "Audigy and EAX ADVANCED HD represenht an exponential leap in the power and functionality of PC audio. Creative is the pioneer in audio technology for the PC, and these innovations position us for continued leadership and success in both the PC and consumer electronics markets."
The Register, a UK based technology Web site, reports that prices of cards powered by Audigy will vary from $99 USD to $199 USD. No set schedule for product releases has been confirmed as of yet. Creative spokesperson Phil O'Shaughnessy was unable to respond to specific inquiries by press time. Saying only, "At this time we have only announced the processor. Please stay tuned for future developments."