Intersil’s New Processor Helps Audio Manufacturers Satisfy #1 Consumer Demand

Designed specifically to bring high quality audio to price sensitive sound bars and Blu-ray home theater systems, the DAE-3HT accepts up to eight digital input channels and supports up to 12 PWM output signals for driving Class-D power stages. Packaged in a cost-effective 72-pin QFN, the SoC offers system interface flexibility with four I2S inputs, one I2S output, S/PDIF input/output, I2C port, and SPI port. In addition, the DAE-3HT is compatible with Audio Canvas™ III, Intersil’s design tool built specifically for developing custom audio path configurations, including support for D2Audio SoundSuite™ audio path enhancements and virtualizations. The 12 PWM outputs each provide overall exceptional audio performance driving both powered and line outputs.

DAE-3HT Delivers
The DAE-3HT arrives as new data from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) reports that “nine out of ten consumers say sound quality is the most important component of an audio experience.” The report states that the “appeal of high quality audio electronics extends beyond the audio enthusiast (34%) to consumers with a moderate interest in audio (39%) saying they are willing to pay more for high quality audio electronics devices.”

Delivering that great audio experience without the cost typically associated with high-end audio is what the DAE-3HT does best. For example, according to the CEA, “57% of sound bar owners and 58% of DVD owners said their products do not provide high quality audio.” But when using the DAE-3HT, audio quality of sound bars excels as exemplified in the recently published Sound & Vision’s 2011 Sound Bar Shootout where the only product that received a perfect 10 in performance was the D2Audio technology-based Boston Acoustics’ TVee Model 30.

History of Leadership
D2Audio’s high quality sound was originally found in high end home theater systems and products. For over a decade, its patented superior technology evolved and can now be found in many of the hottest consumer audio products, including docking station and one of the top two selling audio products in 2011 according to CEA. This year, several docking stations are expected to be launched using D2Audio solutions, providing another example of the trend for delivering premium sound in compact form factors.

Consumer electronics manufacturers are invited to test the quality of Intersil D2Audio’s first-class sound in a private demonstration suite during CES. Testers will be invited to compare the performance difference of speakers driven by an Intersil D2Audio amplifier enhanced with Mark Levinson MightyCatTM technology. The suite also includes the company’s highest end sound with industry legend Mark Levinson demonstrating Intersil D2Audio technology. The company also offers customers the option to have Mr. Levinson master tune their next product or the capability to tune their own product using the new Audio Canvas™ III audio path design tool. To request a personal demonstration, contact Scott Lewis at 1-408-717-0970.

Pricing and Availability
The DAE-3HT is available in a 72-pin QFN package, with 10,000-unit pricing at $3.75 each.