Wieder mal eine "einmalige" Chance für "spazy" mal wieder das NM-Board vollzumüllen...
Bin zwar nicht investiert, aber falls es noch niemand gemerkt hat, tue ich Euch von der OTCBB-Brigade auch mal etwas Gutes - außerdem könnte die Nachricht dem Kurs ja vielleicht auch noch ein bißchen mehr auf die Sprünge helfen - ich gönne es Euch!
Was mir übrigens aufgefallen ist - der IR-Mann heißt scheinbar auch Andy - was ein Zufall...
Monday January 8, 4:30 am Eastern Time
Press Release
SOURCE: Spatializer Audio Laboratories Inc.
Organization Profile: Spatializer Audio Laboratories Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: SPAZ)
Spatializer Dominates DVD Market With `Virtual Surround Sound` Software
Spatializer technology sets `de facto` virtual surround sound standard for digital audio industry applications through technology development and by focusing on strategic relationships in CY2000. Spatializer is now positioned to penetrate multiple digital audio markets in CY2001, while maintaining profitability.
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Spatializer Audio Laboratories Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: SPAZ - news) began its ninth year as a public company with expectations of growing profitability and declarations that it achieved its goal of securing a leading market share of the DVD player segment. The company says that it is now poised to expand its success into multiple digital audio markets. Spatializer is a leading developer, licenser, and marketer of next-generation audio processing technologies for the consumer electronics, computing and entertainment industries.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010108/LAM025-a http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010108/LAM025LOGO-b)
The company`s advanced audio technology is incorporated into consumer electronics audio, video and DVD products manufactured by global brand leaders including Toshiba, JVC, Panasonic, Hitachi, Samsung, Acer, Sharp, Sanyo, LG, Emerson, Zenith and Proton, in PC multimedia systems and peripherals from Apple, Dell, Gateway, Hewlett Packard, Sony, Fujitsu, Seiko-Epson, NEC, Micron and Labtec, in silicon from Matsushita, New Japan Radio Corporation, ESS, Zoran, Motorola, C-Cube, VM Labs, and Acer Laboratories Inc, and in software compatible with MP3 players such as WinAmp and embedded with RISC cores from MIPS Technologies.
``As we enter the first year of the New Millennium, we`re pleased to report that we`ve met our operating objectives while laying the foundation to penetrate multiple, fast developing markets such as portable MP3 players, Internet appliances, digital televisions, A/V receivers and set top boxes,`` says CEO Henry R. Mandell, who is also Spatializer`s chairman of the board. ``We believe that we enjoy the dominant market share for the DVD player segment. Our aggressive marketing efforts continue to forge new inroads into other audio product sectors as well. Our revenues and profits throughout CY2000 have been in line with our expectations.``
Mandell says that he expects Spatializer software to eventually dominate other audio industry segments just as the company now dominates the DVD segment. ``We`re very proud of the engineering team that we`ve put together,`` says Mandell. ``We`re confident that the innovations and new products that emerge from their research and development will give us the competitive edge that we need to expand our leadership with virtual audio software and to fully capitalize on the digital audio revolution. The groundwork has been completed. The relationships to penetrate multiple new markets have been developed. The infrastructure that we need is in place. Now we`re focused on growing this company to reach its optimum potential.``
Studio Surround Sound Possible In Small Audio Products
Stephen W. Desper, a renowned Hollywood recording engineer, filed his first US patent for a device that he called the Spatializer in 1982. While working in a recording studio with groups like the Beach Boys, Desper also experimented in his lab to find new ways to improve audio presentations outside the studio. It was Desper`s dream to find a way to project sound through speakers equal to the sound that he heard in the studio. To accomplish this, he needed to eliminate the spectral transmission losses then seemingly inevitable in even the most sophisticated of recording environments. Spatializer proved to be just such a device. It created a rich immersive sound field that seemed to envelop the listener without introducing any spectral or tonal distortion.
Realizing the potential of his invention, Desper further researched and refined the Spatializer. With the help of friends, he formed a company called Desper Products Inc. in 1986. Desper produced a prototype system in 1990 and began a series of successful trials on several animated productions with Warner Bros. Studios. In 1992, Spatializer was declared ``ready`` and the first Spatializer circuit was developed. Immediately following this, the company went public under the name Spatializer Audio Laboratories Inc. In October of that year, Spatializer Audio Labs` first product, the PRO Spatializer(TM), was released at the Audio Engineering Society conference in San Francisco. There it received global acclaim. PRO Spatializer(TM) enjoyed immediate success, becoming entrenched in many recording studios.
By 1993, Spatializer Audio Laboratories Inc. expanded Spatializer`s applications to the mass market. In 1993, Matsushita Electronics Corporation (MEC) of Japan agreed to develop and distribute the first commercial Spatializer IC under license from Desper Products. Royalties received from this IC became the cornerstone that supported Spatializer Audio Labs future growth and development. Buoyed by an array of products based on the initial Spatializer technology and supported by an impressive list of licensees, Spatializer Audio Labs began trading on the Nasdaq in 1995. This provided the capital that enabled Spatializer to develop a new line of digital based virtual surround sound products, including Spatializer N-2-2(TM), as well as additional analog circuit designs. This, in turn, led to new distribution licenses being signed with semiconductor companies such as ESS and C-Cube Technologies. Spatializer technology became incorporated into numerous consumer products from PC speakers and sound-cards to TV`s and VCR`s. Spatializer was well on the way to establishing an industry standard with its virtual surround sound software.
In mid-1996 Spatializer acquired its second subsidiary, MultiDisc Technologies Inc. MultiDisc created some compelling technology that promised to revolutionize the world of fast-access data storage. However, by 1998 the full fiscal impact of the required development costs became apparent and operations at MultiDisc were suspended.
Spatializer Today
Spatializer Audio Laboratories Inc. is now very different company. In September 1998, a new management team was appointed and a new corporate strategy developed. All efforts were re-focused on the development of Spatializer`s core competency -- audio enhancement software. Spatializer is once again an audio-only company dedicated to pushing the outer limits of the audio experience.
Spatializer`s Web site has been revamped to better inform and serve its strategic partners and their clientele. The company plans to expand its impact on the Internet. It`s now possible to download Spatializer`s unique software from the company`s online store, which will be expanded in the coming months. Soon, audiophiles will find easy-to-use plug-ins that enable them to upgrade the sound from their MP3 players and PCs. Links to all of Spatializer`s strategic partners make it easy to review and order systems that have been enhanced by Spatializer technology. Prospective customers may sample the Spatializer experience by downloading online audio demos.
Spatializer is exploiting opportunities presented by the increased capacity in DSP processing power and the advent of digital audio into the home. The company concentrates on developing new and improved algorithms to run its software. The original Spatializer technology is now marketed as Spatializer 3D-Stereo to differentiate it from the newer digital technology, such as Spatializer N-2-2, and Spatializer Digital FX. New licensees continue to incorporate Spatializer`s technology. The most notable of these are Apple Computer, Acer, Toshiba, LG Electronics, Zenith, and Samsung. MIPS Technologies, Hitachi, and 4Front Technologies joined them in CY2000. Spatializer`s sales and research staff is now located in Santa Clara, CA, with Spatializer`s Asian operations centralized out of its regional office in Tokyo, Japan. In addition, Spatializer recently announced the appointment of Internix, a leading publicly traded electronics rep firm, to expand Spatializer`s sales and marketing presence in Japan. (see contacts for more information). Spatializer also retains representative offices in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Korea. All these offices provide the company with a truly global presence.
After being appointed as Spatializer CEO in February 2000, Henry Mandell defined the firm`s past accomplishments thusly:
``We set out to aggressively exploit our existing technology to generate immediate new revenue streams. Technology licensing deals with Apple Computer Inc., which incorporated our suite of technologies across their hardware platforms; with Acer Labs Inc.; and several DVD player design wins with Samsung, LG Electronics, Zenith, Hitachi and Marantz, among others, were the result of these efforts. Indeed, based on our success in the DVD player market, we believe that Spatializer N-2-2(TM) is positioned as the leading virtual surround sound technology in that market with an estimated 40 percent market share, based on industry reported sales.
``We streamlined our overhead structure. In doing so, we were able to restore profitability and generate a 21 percent return on sales. At the same time, we transitioned from flat fee licenses, which limited revenue growth, to a running royalty business model that provides the company with upside in the fast growing DVD player and digital audio markets. We laid the ground work to capitalize on emerging market opportunities, by launching StreamFX(TM) -- our streaming audio enhancement product for the Internet, Vi.B.E(TM) -- our virtual bass enhancement technology, and by aligning ourselves with VM Labs and their revolutionary NUON(TM) digital signal processor, targeted at the computer gaming market. Lastly, we put the company`s liquidity crisis behind us by obtaining financing, with minimal dilution to the stockholders, to provide resources to vigorously pursue growth.``
Mandell explained to Spatializer stockholders last year that the company would have to make certain investments in people, research and infrastructure in order to grow business. He said that he would be willing to sacrifice a quarter or two of lower profitability in order to ensure the proper foundation for future growth. ``Now I`m pleased to report that we have laid this foundation. I see less need going forward for increased staffing to support our future initiatives, based on the new investments we have now made. This will enable us to further leverage future revenue growth into increased profitability.``
The Spatializer DigitalFX(TM) series is positioned to be a springboard to capturing a substantial share of new business opportunities being generated by the digital audio revolution. These include MP3 players, set-top boxes, Internet appliances and PDAs that are projected to be produced over the next few years. On the research side, Spatializer significantly expanded its engineering team with talented individuals who are passionate about audio.
CY2000 Milestones:
Mar. 21 -- Spatializer establishes four objectives to accomplish over the next 12 months of CY2000:
First, to establish Spatializer N-2-2(TM) as the ``de facto`` standard for virtual surround sound not only within the global DVD player market, but also within a wide range of other audio applications, including set top boxes, Internet appliances and gaming;
Second, to penetrate the market for audio enhancement in portable music devices, including MP3 players;
Third, to significantly expand the E-commerce opportunities for Spatializer StreamFX(TM) and to broaden the use and distribution of our technology over the Internet;
Fourth, to develop new applications and technology to comprehensively embrace audio and voice enhancement for emerging markets such as Internet telephony, satellite radio, voice over IP and cellular communications.
May 1 -- Randy Roscoe joins Spatializer as vice president of Sales and Marketing.
Jun. 1 -- Retains an IR firm, MDC Group Inc., to increase the visibility of Spatializer`s brand and technology and to heighten awareness of the firm`s accomplishments within the financial markets.
Aug. 16 -- Toshiba Corporation agrees to include Spatializer N-2-2(TM) virtual surround sound software in its SD2300 DVD player -- the first from Toshiba utilizing the powerful interactive capabilities of the NUON processor developed by VM Labs Inc.
Sep. 20 -- Hitachi Ltd. begins including Spatializer N-2-2(TM) virtual surround sound across its entire DVD player line-up.
Sep. 25 -- Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Digital Products Division incorporates Spatializer N-2-2(TM) audio enhancement technology into Samsung Extiva -- the industry`s first ``all-in-one`` entertainment station.
Oct. 5 -- LG Electronics includes Spatializer N-2-2(TM) in its new DVD-RW (read/write) recorder. Spatializer N-2-2(TM) reproduces the spatial realism of 5.1 channels of Dolby Digital® through just two standard speakers.
Oct. 26 -- C-Cube Microsystems Inc. begins offering Spatializer N-2-2(TM) as the audio enhancement technology option in its new ZiVA-5 DVD system processor -- the industry`s most highly integrated DVD-Audio solution.
Nov. 15 -- 4Front Technologies announces the launch of Spatializer StreamFX(TM) for Linux. This software plug-in for XMMS is a cross platform MP3 and Multimedia player that is the most popular audio application on Linux. Spatializer StreamFX(TM) is a plug-in for XMMS that provides rich 3D audio (that is stereo expansion), enhanced bass support and support for headphone/speaker audio adjustment. Spatializer StreamFX(TM) is available immediately and can be purchased directly from http://www.opensound.com and in the future from http://www.Spatializer.com for the special price of $10.00.
Dec. 12 -- Effects a strategic initiative with Internix Inc., Japan`s leading technical distributor to expand distribution of Spatializer audio enhancement software solutions in Japan. Under the agreement, Internix agreed to market Spatializer`s industry standard Spatializer N-2-2(TM) virtual surround sound technology, Spatializer 3-D Stereo, and the new Spatializer DigitalFX(TM) audio enhancement software products throughout Japan. Internix, which has nine sales offices and 200 employees, serves many of the leading consumer electronics manufacturers in Japan and is well known for the quality and reliability of the products it represents.
The Digital Audio Revolution
``We are in the midst of a digital audio revolution that is changing the way we acquire, listen to and appreciate music and audio in general,`` states Henry R. Mandell. He points out that one of the catalysts of this revolution is the advent of the Digital Signal Processor (DSP) and RISC cores that processes digital information very efficiently into more lifelike music and audio never before possible. Mandell explains that this triggered an explosion in the proliferation of new types of electronic entertainment devices. ``It`s our plan to be the dominant developer of audio software to meet the needs of these emerging products,`` Mandell asserts. For example:
DVD Players: According to CEMA, annual units sales increased from 4 million in 1999 to over 9 million in 2000. Units in 2001 are projected at 16 million, growing to 28 million annually by 2003.
Internet Appliances: According to IDC, the overall market for Internet appliances, including set-top boxes, handheld computers and gaming consoles, is set to grow from 11 million units shipped in 1999 to 89 million units in 2004. The market will grow from revenues of $2.4 billion last year to $17.8 billion in 2004.
Personal Digital Assistants: Cahners In-Stat Group predicts that PDAs will see a unit growth of more than 80 percent from 1999 to 2003.
MP3 Players: Worldwide shipments of portable music devices are expected to top 32 million units by 2003, according to Dataquest.
Digital Audio is Exploding -- Spatializer Well Positioned to Capitalize on the Opportunity
Spatializer N-2-2(TM) virtual surround sound technology provides a compelling value-added feature to DVD player manufacturers, enabling Spatializer to ride the crest of the surging DVD player market.
Spatializer is well positioned to maintain its position as the ``de facto`` virtual surround sound technology for the DVD market. No competing virtual surround sound technology has more brand adoptions than Spatializer N-2-2(TM).
Set top boxes, Internet streaming audio and High Definition TV benefit from Spatializer`s digital surround sound technology.
Technically Advanced Audio Solutions
Spatializer 3-D Stereo(TM) provides a dramatic, surround sound effect with just two speakers. A patented technology that accepts stereo or mono input, Spatializer 3-D Stereo compensates for the limitations of computer audio, by making small, inexpensive speakers produce more realistic and dramatic sound. Spatializer 3-D Stereo also makes two-speaker home systems sound like there are speakers all around, providing the end-user with the intensity and drama of surround sound.
Spatializer N-2-2(TM) enables multi-channel audio playback from two conventional speakers or headphones, instead of the standard 5 (or more) speakers normally required. Spatializer N-2-2 allows OEMs to provide realistic multi-channel audio in two-speaker computer and consumer electronics devices. The combination of cost, space requirements and a complex set-up process often make it difficult for consumers to justify full 5 (or more) speaker playback systems. With the advent of high-density media such as DVD, DSS and HDTV, more music, movies and software titles are being recorded with multi-channel audio such as Dolby Digital (AC-3), Logic or MPEG audio. The N-2-2 solution retains the spatial realism of the full home theater setups, while reducing the expense and expanse for multi-speaker playback, plus adds a headphone playback option. Since stereo source material is also widely available, Spatializer N-2-2 was designed to automatically detect and enhance stereo; a transparent solution to the end-user, N-2-2 provides a dramatic surround sound effect regardless of input.
Spatializer Vi.B.E.(TM) provides a dramatic bass enhancement experience through ordinary speakers. Spatializer Vi.B.E produces a dynamic bass response from even the most low end ``frequency response challenged`` speakers or headphones. Spatializer Vi.B.E is no mere bass boost. It uses proprietary psycho-acoustic technology to generate the impression of realistic bass frequencies that would ordinarily be difficult to discern in small PC, laptop or portable headphone devices.
The Spatializer DigitalFX(TM) series is a comprehensive audio enhancement software solution based on the company`s renowned Spatializer N-2-2(TM) virtual surround sound technology and Vi.B.E.(TM), the company`s virtual bass enhancement technology, combined with additional audio effects optimized for specific product applications. This powerful combination of technologies in a single product targeted for specific product applications provides a highly efficient and cost effective solution for the following markets:
Spatializer Digital TVFX(TM) is a customized application of Spatializer technology optimized for digital and analog televisions with an on board digital signal processor. Spatializer integrates its original, patented 3D Stereo and N-2-2 technologies with speaker-compensation and Vi.B.E. bass enhancement algorithms. The digital processing of the stereo signal provides a striking and immersive audio experience while the virtual bass enhancement creates apparently deeper bass response from the small speakers utilized by most televisions. Optional reverb and equalizer features further enhance the audio experience. The result is a dramatic improvement to the overall audio sound field provided by the television. Spatializer Digital TVFX(TM) is 100 percent digital, and applicable to any TV system with an embedded DSP.
Spatializer Digital OntheGoFX(TM) is targeted specifically for portable MP3 player devices, including Personal Data Assistants (PDAs). According to industry analysts, the portable MP3 player market is expected to grow to 32 million units sold by 2003. Spatializer Digital OntheGoFX shares the same core 3D stereo technology as other members of the Spatializer DigitalFX series, but sports a highly effective headphone algorithm that produces an ``out of head`` audio experience. In addition, the included Vi.B.E technology is particularly effective in improving the limited bass response of inexpensive lightweight stereo headphones often incorporated into these devices. The algorithms are highly efficient, utilizing a minimal amount of MIPS any standard embedded DSP.
Spatializer Digital PCFX(TM) combines the entire suite of respected Spatializer audio technologies into a single, comprehensive and cost effective software audio solution for the Wintel platform. Since the product runs on the host CPU, with minimal CPU utilization, no discrete chip is required. Spatializer Digital PCFX(TM) provides Spatializer 3-D Stereo(TM), Spatializer N-2-2(TM) virtual surround sound for DVD playback, Vi.B.E(TM) virtual bass enhancement and enCompass(TM), Spatializer`s positional audio technology for computer games utilizing the Microsoft DirectX(TM) API. Apple Computer has utilized Spatializer technology across their product platforms since October 1999.
Spatializer Digital AVFX(TM) is tailored for AV Receivers equipped with a Dolby Digital decoder. Spatializer Digital AVFX provides Spatializer 3-D Stereo(TM), Spatializer N-2-2(TM) virtual surround sound for DVD audio or video playback, Vi.B.E(TM) virtual bass enhancement and in the future, extensive room modeling and customized effects.
Spatializer Digital AutoFX(TM) enhances the audio performance of DSP-based car stereo systems by delivering Spatializer`s acclaimed 3-D Stereo, bass enhancement, equalizer and reverb technology in a single solution. Optional positional audio voice cues for on board GPS and navigation systems, virtual surround sound for on board DVD player systems and space modeling will be offered as per customer requirements.
Consumer Products
Spatializer StreamFX(TM) for Winamp is a plug-in providing greater control over the PC audio experience. StreamFX for Winamp uses the same highly acclaimed technology employed in the studio by numerous recording artists, in motion pictures, and by many famous audio products manufacturers. StreamFX creates an astonishing and enveloping sound experience out of any pair of regular speakers or headphones and produces a dynamic bass response from even the most low end ``frequency response challenged`` speakers or headphones.
Spatializer StreamFX(TM) for Linux is a plug-in for the XMMS media player providing greater control over the PC audio experience. StreamFX for Linux uses the same highly acclaimed technology employed in the studio by numerous recording artists, in motion pictures, and by many famous audio products manufacturers. StreamFX creates an astonishing and enveloping sound experience out of any pair of regular speakers or headphones and produces a dynamic bass response from even the most low end ``frequency response challenged`` speakers or headphones.
Spatializer Audio Laboratories Inc. is a leading developer, licensor and marketer of next-generation technologies for the consumer electronics, computing and entertainment industries. The company`s advanced audio technology is incorporated into consumer electronics audio, video and DVD products from global brand leaders including Toshiba, JVC, Panasonic, Hitachi, Samsung, Acer, Sharp, Sanyo, LG, Emerson, Zenith and Proton, in PC multimedia systems and peripherals from Apple, Dell, Gateway, Hewlett Packard, Sony, Fujitsu, Seiko-Epson, NEC, Micron and Labtec, in silicon from Matsushita, New Japan Radio Corporation, ESS, Zoran, Motorola, C-Cube, OnChip Systems, and Acer Laboratories Inc, and in software compatible with MP3 players such as WinAmp and embedded with RISC cores from MIPS Technologies.
Spatializer stock is traded on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol: SPAZ. The company is headquartered in Santa Clara, CA., with marketing offices in Tokyo, Japan. Further information may be obtained from Spatializer`s SEC filings, and by contacting the company`s Investor Relations Department toll-free at 888-825-0743 or by writing to spaz@mdcgroup.com. For media inquiries, please contact Marken Communications at 408-986-0100 or by writing to Andy@MarkenCom.com.
Safe Harbor Act Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Certain information in this background news release, including the comments by Mr. Mandell, are forward looking statements that are based on management`s belief, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to management. While the company believes that its expectations are based upon reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurances that the company`s financial goals will be realized. Numerous uncertainties and risk factors may affect the company`s actual results and may cause results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the company. These uncertainties and risk factors include, but are not limited to the continued need for additional capital, dependence on new technology and intellectual property, dependence on the PC and consumer electronics industries, dependence on product shipments of third-party licensees, competition and pricing pressures, and other risks detailed from time to time in the company`s periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
SOURCE: Spatializer Audio Laboratories Inc.
Quelle: http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/010108/ca_profile.html
Place yer bets and take yer chances!
P.S.: Hier nochmal das tolle Foto des CEO von SPAZ:
