3DsoundSurge Press Release: Altec Lansing Previews New Line of Speakers for Video Game Consoles

Altec Lansing Previews New Line of Speakers for Video Game Consoles

New XA Line Enhances the Video Gaming Experience By Dramatically Improving TV Audio

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 8, 2002--Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc., the leading designer and manufacturer of computer speaker systems, today announced its first foray into the video game market by previewing a new line of speakers at 2002 International CES.

Recognizing an untapped market in video game audio and the opportunity to improve television audio systems, the company has developed the new XA line of speaker systems specifically for video games enthusiasts and consumers who want to easily improve the sound of their TVs.

``The average television purchased in the U.S. offers only 3 watts of audio per speaker and only produces mid-range frequencies,'' said Mark Lucas, president and CEO, Altec Lansing. ``While this can be sufficient for typical television programming, it does not come close to meeting the high and low frequency demands of today's video game systems.''

Designed for use with the latest and hottest video game consoles, including the Xbox® GameCube(TM) and PlayStation® 2, the new XA line will fill a market void by enabling consumers to quickly and easily create a more robust video gaming environment at an affordable price. The XA line will also greatly improve the audio of TV shows and movies by reproducing frequencies that are often omitted from television speakers.

At prices ranging from approximately $50 - $200, the new XA line will debut later this year with the introduction of three different speaker systems to meet a range of needs and budgets:

XA3001, a one-speaker system wed with your existing TV speakers, offers a subwoofer designed to bring out the low frequencies of a video game's soundtrack and add ``rumble effects'' to gaming experience
XA3021, a three-speaker system, dramatically enhances stereo sound with two satellites and a subwoofer
XA3051, a six-speaker system, includes five satellites and a subwoofer and will produce surround sound for video games, movies and TV shows

``Video game consoles are currently a $4.5 billion industry and were among the hottest holiday gifts this year,'' added Lucas. ``Our move beyond the PC and into this market is founded on extensive research and we're confident these speakers will provide gaming enthusiasts and TV fans with an easy, affordable way to upgrade their TV audio for greater entertainment.''

Altec Lansing plans to deliver the XA3001 and XA3021 in May and the XA3051 in July. The systems will be available from major consumer electronics and toys retailers.

For additional information about Altec Lansing and its award-winning line of audio products, please visit the company's Web site at http://www.alteclansing.com or call toll-free at 1-800-258-3288.

Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc.

Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc., has a rich legacy of blending art and science to stir the soul with high quality consumer and professional speaker systems. The market leader in personal computer speakers, Altec Lansing designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of computer and home entertainment sound systems and a line of headsets, headphones and microphones for personal digital media. Headquartered in Milford, PA USA and privately held, Altec Lansing also has offices in Austin, TX, Cary, NC, Houston, TX, Hyrum, UT, Hong Kong and Tokyo. In addition, Altec Lansing has an ISO 9002 and SA8000 certified manufacturing facility in The People's Republic of China. The company employs about 1,500 people worldwide.

Contact:

     Weber Shandwick, New York
     Matthew Meyer, Brian Bank, Phone: 212/445-8000
     E-mail:  mmeyer@webershandwick.com
     bbank@webershandwick.com