Sonic Focus

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sonic Focus (part of Synopsys)
IndustryAudio technology
Audio engineering
FoundedUnited States (1995 (1995))
FounderTom Paddock
Jim Barber
Headquarters,
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Tom Paddock (CEO)

Sonic Focus Inc was a software development company located in South Lake Tahoe, California. It was founded in 1995 with the aim of improving the quality of live concerts broadcast over the Web. It later provided audio post processing technologies that recreate the original sound of digital recordings which have been reduced in quality by compression.[1] Their products can be used to enhance the sound in many electronic products, including mobile phones, car audio, PCs, laptops, MP3 players, TVs and home theatre systems.[2][3][4]

In early 2008, Sonic Focus was acquired by ARC International, a provider of consumer intellectual property to OEM and semiconductor companies.[5] In 2009 ARC International was acquired by Virage Logic Corporation.[6] In September, 2010, Virage Logic was acquired by Synopsys Inc.[7]

Products[edit]

  • Adaptive Dynamics - helps restore clarity and fidelity of compressed audio in music, movies and games.
  • X-Matrix - creates a surround-sound environment on stereo speakers or headphones.
  • Extrapolator - expands stereo audio to a multi-channel sound stage using physical modelling techniques.
  • Virtual Bass - significantly enhances bass response of speakers with limited ability to produce bass without compromising voice integrity or detail.

References[edit]

  1. ^ Smith, Tony (2005-03-04). "Intel updates Ent PC with audio 'reality amp'". The Register. Archived from the original on 2005-03-06. Retrieved 2017-10-30.
  2. ^ Motherboard: Intel D865PERL (Springdale) Review :: Sonic Focus 1.0 :: Motherboards.org
  3. ^ MBReview.com - Your Source For Motherboard News, Reviews and More Computer Technology Archived 2008-06-19 at the Wayback Machine
  4. ^ Technology News: Tech Buzz: The Evolution of Online Games and the Next iPod
  5. ^ ARC Acquires Sonic Focus | Reuters
  6. ^ Virage Logic completes acquisition of ARC International
  7. ^ Synopsys Completes Acquisition of Virage Logic Corporation

External links[edit]

  • Interview with CEO Tom Paddock at CES 2008 by Dave Graveline on Into Tomorrow.[1]
  • Review of P5E3 motherboard with reference to Sonic Focus audio [2]
  • Bel Canto and Sonic Focus awarded CES Innovations 2008 award in the Audio Components category [3]
  • Intel use of Sonic Focus Technology on motherboards [4] [5] [6]