Trident Joins Forces With EmbracingSound to Deliver Realistic 3D/Surround Sound On Its DTV and Audio Solutions

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Jan. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Trident Microsystems, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRID), a leading provider of set-top box and TV semiconductor solutions, today announced that is has engaged with EmbracingSound to deliver 3D audio capabilities on televisions, sound bars and home theatre equipment.  As part of this collaboration, Trident has integrated EmbracingSound's patented Theatre, Theatre-HD and Select Technologies onto its DTV chipsets and MAP/MSP discrete audio solutions. The addition of multi-dimensional surround sound capabilities combined with Trident's spectacular picture quality will deliver an incredibly realistic, multimedia rich and immersive TV viewing experiences into the home.  This complete solution will be demonstrated during the International CES show this week in Las Vegas, Nevada in the Audio Innovation Section of the Trident Demo suite in the Wynn Hotel.

EmbracingSound has taken a unique approach by delivering cinematic multi-dimensional sound into the home providing width, depth and height of sound that enhances the 2D picture experience and matches 3D picture. EmbracingSound further eliminates the need for rear speakers, which are typically required for surround sound by providing a cinematic surround experience, all from a small array of two or more speakers. This means that the form factor of speakers integrated into a television, sound bar or home theater system fits perfectly to the EmbracingSound technology. Thus, by integrating this solution onto its DTV chipsets and audio solutions (which share the same DSP core), Trident can significantly enhance the overall TV viewing experience without requiring consumers to purchase an additional set of speakers.

"This is an important step in Trident's quest to deliver a complete ecosystem around the extended, connected TV that can deliver a superior immersive multimedia experience to consumers," said Dirk Wieberneit, senior vice president and general manager of the Trident TV Business unit. "EmbracingSound's unique approach to delivering multi-dimensional realistic surround sound from only two speakers is truly amazing. By incorporating its technology into our TV and Audio SoCs alongside Trident's own industry known meloD post-processing algorithms, we can offer unique audio solutions not found on competing products."

"By working with the world's number one DTV chipset manufacturer, EmbracingSound can, with total integration and cost efficiency, bring cinematic surround sound into millions of homes around the globe," said Fredrik Gunnarsson, CEO at EmbracingSound AB.  "Trident already offers the best picture quality in the industry and with the addition of 3D audio, will deliver a truly cinematic experience for both audio and video."

About the EmbracingSound Solution

EmbracingSound's patented technology leverages on either a 2.0 (stereo/Lt Rt) or a discrete 5.1/7.1 channel signal, providing multidimensional sound anchored around the picture and a cinematic surround sound without the need to install rear satellite speakers. EmbracingSound is a reproduction technology found in both CE products and professional studio monitor systems used in Hollywood as well as in music production studios in all over the world. www.embracingsound.com

About Trident Microsystems, Inc.

Trident Microsystems, Inc., with headquarters in Sunnyvale, California, is a leading force in the digital home entertainment market, delivering an extensive range of platform solutions that enhance the consumer experience in the Connected Home.  As one of the top-three semiconductor providers to both the TV and set-top box markets, Trident's solutions can be found in the products of leading OEMs and channel partners worldwide.  The company's extensive IP portfolio of more than 2,000 patents has been driving key innovations in image quality, 3D TV, low power consumption, and 45nm designs. For further information about Trident and its products, please consult the Company's web site: www.tridentmicro.com.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the safe harbor created by those sections. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about Trident's relationship with EmbracingSound and the impact of this relationship on Trident products. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and there are important factors that could cause Trident's actual results to differ materially from those in the forward looking statements. These risks include, without limitation, that not all viewers will perceive an increased viewing experience; that the integrated technology may not remove the need for rear speakers; and that competitive solutions may offer similar solutions. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this press release; Trident does not undertake any obligation to publicly revise or update any such forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the statement was made. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning factors that could cause results to differ can be found in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's most recently filed Reports on Form 8-K, Form 10-K and Form 10-Q, which are available at http://www.sec.gov.

NOTE: Trident and the Trident logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Trident Microsystems in the United States and /or other countries.  All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.

SOURCE Trident Microsystems, Inc.