Neural-THX 7.1 Surround Games

THX Ltd., Neural Audio Corp. and Sierra Entertainment, a division of Vivendi Games, today announced that Prototype, the first-person shooter (FPS) for next-gen gaming consoles and PCs, will be the world’s first video game to feature Neural-THX Surround. The Neural-THX Surround technology enabled Radical Entertainment, an internal development studio of Sierra Entertainment, to extend the surround sound experience from 5.1 to 7.1, allowing gamers with Neural-THX Surround capabilities on their audio-video receiver to play Prototype in 7.1 discrete surround sound. Prototype will go on sale in the U.S. in fall 2008.

Expanding the game audio experience to 7.1 allows gamers to add two speakers to the rear of their home theaters or living rooms, creating a 360-degree listening environment. When playing Prototype in Neural-THX Surround, sound elements will be placed in the front, side and behind the gamer, enabling them to react to audio cues all around them. The result is a more interactive and immersive game-play experience

A recent survey of U.S. gamers by Nielsen NRG revealed that more than 48 percent of Xbox 360 and 54 percent of PS3 consoles are connected to multi-channel, home theater systems. In fact, more gaming consoles are now connected to multi-channel audio systems than television speakers, indicating that surround sound has grown in importance among the gaming community.

For AV receiver and loudspeaker manufacturers, Neural-THX Surround, offers a valuable new feature to attract and grow the next generation of home theater enthusiasts. Neural-THX Surround is being integrated in an estimated 70 percent of new audio-video receivers, from companies such as Sony, Pioneer, Yamaha, Onkyo, Integra, Denon, Marantz, Inkel and Sherwood. Neural-THX Surround AV receivers are being shipped in more than 25 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.thx.com.

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