FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ESS Technology, a leading provider of high performance audio/video solutions, today announced the Crescendo II SoC is shipping in volume in Samsung’s latest HW-D550 Soundbar.
At the recent CES show in Las Vegas, Samsung, with its HW-D550 Soundbar, won the prestigious CES 2011 Innovations Design and Engineering Award in the Home Theater Speakers category. The soundbar has 310W of high-quality 3D audio through 2.1-channels to match the 3D HDTV quality. With a slim design and a high-gloss finish, easy configuration, flexible HDMI ports, advance audio enhancement technology and a wireless subwoofer, the HW-D550 has a clean appearance with all connection jacks hidden in the back. It supports HDMI ARC, which means the user needs only one HDMI cable running from the sound bar to the HDTV.
The Crescendo II SoC used in the HW-D550 sets a new benchmark in soundbar audio quality by integrating ESS’s highly acclaimed SABRE DAC technology normally found only in high-end audiophile and professional audio equipments. It delivers spectacular music with an unsurpassed sound stage, utilizing the ESS patented HyperStreamTM modulator capable of 100% modulation and unconditional stability to drive analog or digital power stages. Additionally, the Crescendo II SoC includes all the necessary processors and peripherals for full-featured soundbar applications: a 32-bit RISC processor for the operating system, a 64-bit media processor for audio decoding, post-processing, lip-synchronization and sound effects such as virtual surround and bass enhancement, a user-programmable 32-bit DSP for custom sound algorithms, a 6-channel patented HyperStreamTM Class D or D/A converter for driving digital or analog power stages, a 3-input HyperStreamTM stereo ADC for connection to line input sources, a 2-input SPDIF receiver for connection to coaxial, optical or HDMI input sources, an 8-channel I2S input for connection to HDMI repeater or Blu-ray processor, a flexible remote and GPIO module for connection to remote control, buttons and LEDs, and a USB host controller for firmware upgrade or music playback from thumb drives.
Jaeseong Shim, Vice President, R&D Group of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics, said, “The HW-D550 Soundbar is ideal for consumers yearning to upgrade their TV home entertainment audio experience without the need for satellite speakers and complicated wiring. The ESS Crescendo II SoC enables the HW-D550 to deliver superior sound stage and virtual 3D surround in a slim and stylish form factor.”
Robert Wong, vice-president of marketing and worldwide sales for ESS Technology, said, “We are excited that Samsung has selected the Crescendo II SoC as the audio engine for its new HW-D550 Soundbar. Audio enthusiasts now have a cost effective and award wining soundbar to enjoy TV programming and movies with magnificent 3D enhancement and clear dialog, as well as music with unrivalled sound stage and clarity.”
The Crescendo II SoC is sampling now in 128-LQFP package. Sample chips, reference design and volume price information are available from ESS or your local ESS distributor and representatives.
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2009 consolidated sales of US$116.8 billion. Employing approximately 174,000 people in 193 offices across 66 countries, the company consists of eight independently operated business units: Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, Digital Imaging, Semiconductor and LCD. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. Samsung is also the HDTV market leader in the U.S. Please visit www.samsung.com for more information.
About ESS Technology
ESS Technology, Inc. designs and markets high-performance audio/video products for the consumer market.
ESS’s products include the Phoenix-III series of HD-Enhanced DVD Home Theater SoC, Crescendo series of Sound Bar SoC, Radix CMOS TV tuners, 1080p Video Up-converter, DMPX Media Processor and SABRE/SABRE32 series of HyperstreamTM audio DAC and ADC.
ESS’s SABRE32 audio DAC series is the world’s highest performance 32-bit audio D/A converter solution, built upon the original SABRE audio DAC series first introduced in 2008. The SABRE32 and SABRE audio DACs have been designed into the world’s most prestigious consumer, audiophile and professional equipments, including Blu-ray players, CD/SACD players, A/V preamps and digital audio workstations.
ESS is headquartered in Fremont, California, and has R&D, sales, and technical support offices worldwide. ESS Technology's web site address is: http://www.esstech.com.