Gibson Guitar Corp. and Audio Chip Maker Cirrus Logic Join Forces to Develop Cutting Edge Digital Networking Solutions

Press release
Source: Gibson Guitars

Two of the world's leading names in audio technology, instrument giant Gibson Guitar Corp. and chipmaker Cirrus Logic Inc. (Nasdaq:CRUS), have announced an agreement to develop and deliver a new generation of digital audio networking products beginning in 2006. Building upon Cirrus Logic's leading CobraNet(TM) technology and Gibson's popular MaGIC technology, the new products will provide high-channel count media transport solutions for professional markets, while enabling secure multiroom distribution of media content in consumer markets.

Gibson and Cirrus Logic will focus on the development of next-generation gigabit Ethernet-based products designed to provide high-bandwidth, ultra-low latency and secure audio and video transport. Such technologies will dramatically improve distribution and management of digital content for use in such fields as recording, live music distribution and network-based consumer content delivery, while providing the foundation for media content protection.

"The world has migrated to digital media formats, but many audio/video manufacturers continue to endorse old analog or proprietary connectivity methods," said Henry Juszkiewicz, chairman and CEO of Gibson. "Gibson is committed to leveraging existing networking infrastructure as the basis for the high-quality, secure and open method of transporting digital media."

"By working with Gibson, Cirrus Logic looks forward to extending our leadership position in networked digital audio markets through a new generation of products for Gigabit Ethernet networks," said David D. French, president and CEO, Cirrus Logic. "Through CobraNet technology, Cirrus Logic has established a leading position as an IC supplier for professional and commercial audio markets. By working with Gibson, our next-generation of products will further extend our opportunity into the home, where consumer networks demand high-bandwidth capacity for distributing audio, video and data traffic."

As part of the agreement, Cirrus Logic and Gibson will jointly develop specifications for the new software protocol that will form the basis for the new products, with Cirrus Logic's engineering teams driving the development of the resulting ICs. The new protocol will provide backward compatibility with CobraNet technology as well as Gibson's MaGIC technology. This will help ensure existing customers an easy migration path that can utilize the ultra-high bandwidth provided by Gigabit Ethernet networks.

In addition to the new products under development, Gibson will continue to offer MaGIC on a royalty-free basis, further increasing the opportunities for companies to develop network media offerings. Additionally, Cirrus Logic will continue to develop and market its CobraNet Silicon Series of ICs and modules.

Gibson

Gibson is known worldwide for producing classic models in every major style of fretted instrument, including acoustic and electric guitars, mandolins and banjos. Gibson's digital guitar represents the biggest advance in electric guitar design in more than 70 years. Founded in 1894 in Kalamazoo, Mich., and headquartered in Nashville, Tenn. since 1984, Gibson Guitar Corp.'s family of brands now includes Epiphone, Dobro, Valley Arts, Kramer, Steinberger, Tobias, Slingerland, Maestro, Baldwin, Hamilton and Wurlitzer.

Cirrus Logic Inc.

Cirrus Logic is a premier supplier of high-performance analog, mixed-signal and digital processing solutions for consumer entertainment electronics, automotive entertainment and industrial product applications. Building on its global market leadership in audio ICs and its rich mixed-signal patent portfolio, Cirrus Logic targets audio, video and precision mixed-signal applications in these growing markets. The company operates from headquarters in Austin, Texas, with offices in California, Colorado, Europe, Japan and Asia.

Cirrus Logic, Cirrus and CobraNet are trademarks of Cirrus Logic Inc. All other product names noted herein are trademarks of Gibson/Baldwin.