SigmaTel Announces the STAC9200 2-Channel High Definition Audio Codec

    Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

    AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 3, 2005--SigmaTel, Inc. (NASDAQ:SGTL), the leading supplier of PC Audio Codecs for notebook computers, today introduced the STAC9200 2-channel Codec for PC applications. The STAC9200 implements the new Intel(R) (NASDAQ:INTC) High Definition Audio (HD Audio) specification which enables a new class of audio performance for the PC.
    Targeted primarily for notebook and corporate desktop PCs, the STAC9200 sets the standard for high performance by providing true 24-bit audio and a 100dB SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio). The STAC9200 incorporates internal jack sense capabilities and SigmaTel's Universal Jacks(TM) technology to help eliminate connection mistakes. This is accomplished by the codec determining what device has been plugged into the audio connector and adjusting the internal configuration to match. Integrated headphone amplifiers and microphone pre-amp circuits result in lower implementation costs for the PC manufacturer.
    This performance level of the STAC9200 rivals the audio fidelity of consumer electronics and is targeted to support the Dolby(R) Sound Room(TM) specifications of the Dolby Laboratories PC Entertainment Experience program. PCs that carry the Dolby(R) Sound Room(TM) logo will provide Dolby(R) Headphone(TM), Dolby(R) Pro Logic(R) II, and Dolby(R) Virtual Speaker(TM) capabilities.
    The STAC9200 is supported with SigmaTel's advanced software capabilities including drivers for the Windows Operating System, Intel's EM64T extensions, and advanced signal processing plug-ins. A wide range of software plug-ins are available from SigmaTel and third party partners providing features such as bass response enhancement, spatial enhancement, and low latency filtering.
    "The STAC9200 sets the performance standard for audio in notebook PC applications," states Phil Pompa, SigmaTel's vice president of Integrated Components Group. "The high fidelity and innovative features, coupled with the advanced software and high degree of customer support, make the STAC9200 an obvious choice for high quality notebook applications."
    "High Definition Audio is designed to provide dramatic improvements to PC audio quality. With its new STAC9200 SigmaTel adds an important building block to enjoy HD audio on mobile computers," says Sunil Kumar, Director of Chipset and Software Marketing for Intel. "Chip-level support from SigmaTel will help enable the wider consumer adoption of the HD Audio specification."
    The STAC9200 is available in 3.3V and 5.0V analog supply voltages and is available for sampling now with volume shipments expected in 1Q05. The STAC9200 is pin compatible with previous products in the SigmaTel PC audio codecs family and is available in 48-pin LQFP and 32-pad QFN package options. The STAC9200 is priced at $0.95 for 10,000 unit quantities. Package options include environmentally friendly packages free of lead and other harmful compounds.
    For more information on SigmaTel products, as well as development information and sales support, please visit www.sigmatel.com.

    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, DVD players, digital televisions and set-top boxes. We provide our customers complete, system-level solutions that include highly-integrated ICs, customizable firmware and software, software development tools, reference designs and applications support. Our focus on providing system-level solutions enables our 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 424(b)(4) final prospectuses filed September 19, 2003 and February 19, 2004, the Form 10-Qs that were filed on October 29, 2003, April 20, 2004, July 20, 2004, and October 19, 2004, and the Form 10-K that was filed on February 17, 2004.

    SigmaTel is a registered trademark and Universal Jacks is a trademark of SigmaTel. Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation. Dolby and Pro Logic are registered trademarks and Dolby Sound Room, Dolby Headphone and Dolby Virtual Speaker are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. 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.

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CONTACT: SigmaTel, Inc., Austin Nate Long, 512-381-3913 nlong@sigmatel.com

KEYWORD: TEXAS INDUSTRY KEYWORD: HARDWARE COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS SOFTWARE NETWORKING PRODUCT SOURCE: SigmaTel, Inc.

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