SigmaTel Introduces 8-Channel Theater Quality Audio Codecs for Home Entertainment and PC Soundcards Applications; ADAT(R) and SPDIF Interfaces Optimize Multimedia Design

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 31, 2006--SigmaTel Inc. (NASDAQ:SGTL), a leader in mixed-signal multimedia semiconductors, today announced its new family of 8-channel Theater Quality audio codecs, targeted at rapidly growing consumer audio applications such as AV receivers, surround sound processors, set-top boxes, DVD recorders, Hi-Fi systems, and PC soundcard applications. The STAC9480/9481 is the latest extension of SigmaTel's leading PC audio codec technologies into the consumer audio space following its recent introduction of the SGTV58xx line of high fidelity TV audio processors. These products are being demonstrated to SigmaTel customers attending the annual Computex consumer electronics trade show in Taipei next week.

Not only do the STAC9480/9481 audio codecs offer very high-performance, with DAC SNR up to 110dB, but these devices also feature digital interface connectivity, SPDIF transceiver functions, and highly flexible data switching to ensure optimal audio fidelity with ease of component interconnection. The STAC9481 further supports the ADAT(R) Optical interface for use in professional grade audio equipment.

“Developers can rapidly create the 8-channel entertainment experience expected by today's consumers by using the STAC9480/9481”

"Developers can rapidly create the 8-channel entertainment experience expected by today's consumers by using the STAC9480/9481," said Steve Beatty, senior vice president of SigmaTel's Integrated Components Group. "Our high levels of audio performance, system integration, interface flexibility, and extensive support translate into lower system costs and more rapid time to market for our customers."

Samples of the STAC9480/9481 are available now. SigmaTel also offers the STAC9460/9462 high-performance audio codec family with two and six-channel capabilities for high-performance audio equipment.

SigmaTel will demonstrate and display more than 20 diverse applications using its silicon solutions to customers attending Computex. SigmaTel will showcase multiple MP3 personal media players, Sony's VAIO(R) Sound Reality(TM) PC home theater system, notebook computers with HD Audio and built-in digital microphones, multi-function printers, digital TV audio tuners, digital cameras, and digital picture frames.

STAC9480/9481 Highlights

High Performance

-- 8-channel theater quality audio codec with DAC SNR up to 110dB

-- 24-bit resolution audio with up to 192kHz sampling rate

-- Digital interface support for up to 8 uncompressed channels

High Integration

-- 8-channel theater quality DAC, and 2-channel ADC, with mic boost

-- SPDIF / ADAT interface (ADAT support on STAC9481)

-- Audio data digital switch

High Flexibility

-- Digital switching of audio data enables flexible audio system design

-- Four I2S channels to four DAC pairs plus one I2S channel to SPDIF output

-- One I2S channel to ADC pair and one I2S channel to SPDIF input

-- ADAT input as an alternative to I2S as a system interface

-- Digital interface support for up to 8 uncompressed channels

Other Features

-- Support for external pop suppression circuitry

-- +3.3V digital supply, +5V or +6.5V analog supply

-- 64-pin QFN package compliant with environmental standards

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 digital multimedia 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-function 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.

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 24, 2006, and the form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2006.