THRUSTMASTER RELEASES NEW SOUND SYSTEM

Turn video game consoles and DVD players into real home theater solutions

Croydon, January 22nd, 2003 - Thrustmaster is thrilled to introduce a new sound system to its multi-platform range, bringing the thrills of games and DVDs to a whole new level. The 5.1 Sound System, is fully compatible with all video game consoles, DVD players, TV sets and VCRs.

"Surround sound offers amazing sensations which more and more people want to experience when playing games or watching DVDs," states Marc Koffi, Product Development Manager at Thrustmaster. "Two of the latest generation of consoles can be used as DVD players, an increasing number of games are making use of surround sound and Dolby Digital is fast becoming the standard for the world's most highly-anticipated games. Thrustmaster is responding to this development by launching the 5.1 Sound System, following the success of the 2.1 Sound System launched in 2002. Both systems turn consoles and DVD players into real home theater set-ups, generating fantastic cinematic sound effects to match the huge improvements in image quality brought about by recent games and DVDs."

5.1 Sound System: 100% compatible with all video game consoles and DVD players

Thrustmaster's 5.1 Sound System has been designed to provide the finest sound quality in games and DVDs, bringing to life every high and low in games such as Halo, Metal Gear Solid 2 and Crazy Taxi 3 and generating mind-blowing sound effects. With a total output power of 60 Watts RMS and up to 900 Watts P.M.P.O. (Peak Musical Power), 5.1 Sound System is a complete sound package, featuring a Dolby® Digital AC-3 decoder, five high quality satellite speakers, a wooden subwoofer for reproduction of Low Frequency Effects (LFEs), a full set of audio cables and an infrared remote control.

The Dolby Digital decoder automatically detects and identifies the sound signals it receives: stereo, Dolby Surround (PS oneTM or PlayStation®2), Pro Logic 1, Pro Logic 2 (GameCubeTM), or Dolby® Digital (XboxTM, some PS2 games, DVDs). Depending on the incoming signal, the decoder determines how the system will perform and which sound effects will be rendered.

5.1 Sound System's 300 Watt P.M.P.O. wooden subwoofer is perfect for enhancing low frequency effects such as explosions, while its five independent 8 Watt RMS satellite speakers boost 3D effects in games and movies, creating a totally realistic surround sound atmosphere where users can hear opponents walking up behind them or driving by on either side! Complete with removable stands, the speakers can either stand alone or be fixed to the wall.

The complete set of audio cables included renders the system compatible with all existing video game consoles, DVD players, TV sets (including satellite broadcasts) and VCRs: the digital optical cable allows for connection to DVD players, Xbox*, and PlayStation 2; the digital coaxial cable connects to DVD players and TV sets (for digital sound from satellite broadcasts); and the RCA analog stereo cable connects to stereo sources such as CD players, VCRs and TV sets.

Last, but not least, the remote control provides users with complete control over the entire system - including each speaker's volume - from the comfort of a couch or chair.

Thrustmaster's 5.1 Sound System is an absolute must for console gamers who crave a home theater experience and owners of DVD players looking to optimize their system with a high quality solution, which represents the best value for money, hands down.

*A special Xbox audio-video cable with optical output is required

Availability

5.1 Sound System will be available from February 2003, at a recommended retail price of £149.99.

2.1 Sound System is available now at a recommended retail price of £49.99