Content Summary : In 1997, Intel introduced the Audio Codec ’97 (AC’97) architecture to provide system developers with a standardized specification for integrated PC audio devices. AC'97 defined a high-quality audio architecture for the PC that is used in the majority of today's desktop platforms and is capable of delivering up to 96kHz/20-bit playback in stereo and 48kHz/20-bit in multichannel playback modes. As the digital consumer electronics (CE) revolution has gathered momentum, consumers have grown accustomed to multiple-channel surround sound listening experiences enabled by Dolby* Digital or DTS*-type audio technologies. To help the next generation of mainstream and entertainment PCs meet consumer expectations, Intel has worked with the industry to develop the evolutionary replacement for AC’97, Intel ® High Definition Audio (Intel ® HD Audio), which is capable of up to 192kHz/32-bit playback in multichannel mode. Intel worked with more than 80 companies, including leading PC and CE manufacturers and codec vendors, to develop the HD Audio v.1.0 specification, which was announced in April 2004 at the Intel Developer Forum in Beijing. Implemented in the new Intel ® 915G, 915P and 925X Express Chipsets, Intel HD Audio enables playback of more channels at higher quality than AC’97, and is designed to deliver the feature performance that previously required a high-end add-in audio card. By providing the technology needed to support the latest audio content and emerging usage models, Intel HD Audio brings CE quality audio to the PC, and will change the ways computer users experience sound.