ESS Technology provides quality audio and docking support in new ...

For Immediate Release
ESS Technology provides quality audio and docking support in new
Armada 7700 series feature-rich notebooks
FREMONT, CALIFORNIA, June 3, 1997 - ESS Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq:ESST)
today announced that its AudioDrive sound solution is shipping in the new Armada
7700 series of advanced notebook computers recently announced by Compaq
Computer Corporation. The Armada 7700 family of notebooks delivers unprecedented
desktop functionality and unique expansion options, as well as an industry-leading
combination of performance and features. All models in the series include Compaq's
PremierSound audio, which is powered by the ESS ES1878 sound chip and the ES690
wavetable music synthesizer, to deliver excellent sound capabilities and hardware
wavetable support while maintaining Compaq's market goal of delivering unsurpassed
functionality for the corporate executive, power user, or enthusiast.
The Armada 7700 also features two expansion options for full desktop functionality. ESS'
ES978 Mixer Expansion Chip is used in the Compaq ArmadaStation and the MiniStation
E.
"The Armada 7700, Compaq's flagship notebook, offers a compelling array of features
for our customers, including superb audio performance enabled by the capabilities of the
ESS sound chips and wavetable synthesizer," said Chet Pribonic, vice president of
Compaq's Portable PC Division. "With the increasing proliferation of multimedia
capabilities needed by our customers, we're pleased to offer ESS' audio-enabling
technologies."
The ES1878 is a single-chip audio solution that addresses the special needs of notebook
computers. The device supports 16- bit, CD-quality, full duplex stereo sound, high
quality 20-voice FM music synthesis, an additional codec for integrated speakerphone
operation, and Advanced Power Management 1.2 on all models of the Armada 7700
family notebook. It also provides Zoom Video support through an I2S interface.
The ES690 is a high-performance wavetable music synthesizer that supports 32-voice
polyphony and a general MIDI instrument set with 128 melodic instruments and 47
rhythm instruments. It incorporates advance power management features and has a digital
serial interface to the ES1878 Chip.
The ES978 is a mixer expansion chip that provides 16-bit stereo with 6-channel playback
and record to the MiniStation E and ArmadaStation expansion units. The ES978 includes
an I2S Zoom Video port, and its small 100-pin PQFP package is specifically designed for
use in docking stations.
For additional information and customer support on the Compaq Armada 7700 Series,
contact Compaq Computer Corporation at http://www.compaq.com, or call 1-800-OK-
COMPAQ.

ESS Technology, Inc. is a leading supplier of PC audio and digital video semiconductor
solutions for the PC and consumer markets. ESS designs, develops, and markets highly
integrated mixed signal semiconductor and software solutions for multimedia
applications. ESS, headquartered in Fremont, California, has sales and technical support
offices in Beijing and Shenzhen, China; Tokyo, Japan; Taipei, Taiwan; Hong Kong;
Austin, Texas; and Irvine, California. ESS Technology is listed on the Nasdaq Market
System under the symbol ESST. World Wide Web site: http://www.esstech.com
The matters discussed in this news release include certain forward looking statements that
involve risks and uncertainties, including the timely availability and acceptance of new products,
the impact of competitive products and pricing, the dependence on continued growth in demand
for PC and consumer multimedia products, the management of growth of the company, and the
other risk detailed from time to time in the SEC reports of ESS, including the report on Form 10-
K for the year ended December 31, 1996. Actual results could differ materially from those
projected in the forward looking statements.