Croydon, January 22nd, 2003 – Thrustmaster is thrilled to introduce a new sound system to its multi-platform range, bringing the thrills of games and DVDs to a whole new level. The 5.1 Sound System, is fully compatible with all video game consoles, DVD players, TV sets and VCRs.

“Surround sound offers amazing sensations which more and more people want to experience when playing games or watching DVDs,” states Marc Koffi, Product Development Manager at Thrustmaster. “Two of the latest generation of consoles can be used as DVD players, an increasing number of games are making use of surround sound and Dolby Digital is fast becoming the standard for the world’s most highly-anticipated games. Thrustmaster is responding to this development by launching the 5.1 Sound System, following the success of the 2.1 Sound System launched in 2002. Both systems turn consoles and DVD players into real home theater set-ups, generating fantastic cinematic sound effects to match the huge improvements in image quality brought about by recent games and DVDs.”

5.1 Sound System: 100% compatible with all video game consoles and DVD players

Thrustmaster’s 5.1 Sound System has been designed to provide the finest sound quality in games and DVDs, bringing to life every high and low in games such as Halo, Metal Gear Solid 2 and Crazy Taxi 3 and generating mind-blowing sound effects. With a total output power of 60 Watts RMS and up to 900 Watts P.M.P.O. (Peak Musical Power), 5.1 Sound System is a complete sound package, featuring a DolbyÒ Digital AC-3 decoder, five high quality satellite speakers, a wooden subwoofer for reproduction of Low Frequency Effects (LFEs), a full set of audio cables and an infrared remote control.

The Dolby Digital decoder automatically detects and identifies the sound signals it receives: stereo, Dolby Surround (PS oneÔ or PlayStationÒ2), Pro Logic 1, Pro Logic 2 (GameCubeÔ), or Dolby® Digital (XboxÔ, some PS2 games, DVDs). Depending on the incoming signal, the decoder determines how the system will perform and which sound effects will be rendered.

5.1 Sound System’s 300 Watt P.M.P.O. wooden subwoofer is perfect for enhancing low frequency effects such as explosions, while its five independent 8 Watt RMS satellite speakers boost 3D effects in games and movies, creating a totally realistic surround sound atmosphere where users can hear opponents walking up behind them or driving by on either side! Complete with removable stands, the speakers can either stand alone or be fixed to the wall.

The complete set of audio cables included renders the system compatible with all existing video game consoles, DVD players, TV sets (including satellite
broadcasts) and VCRs: the digital optical cable allows for connection to DVD players, Xbox*, and PlayStation 2; the digital coaxial cable connects to DVD players and TV sets (for digital sound from satellite broadcasts); and the RCA analog stereo cable connects to stereo sources such as CD players, VCRs and TV sets.

Last, but not least, the remote control provides users with complete control over the entire system – including each speaker’s volume – from the comfort of a couch or chair.

Thrustmaster’s 5.1 Sound System is an absolute must for console gamers who crave a home theater experience and owners of DVD players looking to optimize their system with a high quality solution, which represents the best value for money, hands down.

*A special Xbox audio-video cable with optical output is required

Availability
5.1 Sound System will be available from February 2003, at a recommended retail price of £149.99. 2.1 Sound System is available now at a recommended retail price of £49.99

About Thrustmaster
Founded in 1992, Thrustmaster has earned a strong reputation for designing and developing the ultimate in flight and motor-sports simulation accessories. Thrustmaster’s technological and marketing expertise provides PC and console gamers with a complete range of perfectly-adapted, innovative accessories, including peripheral devices developed under official Xbox™ license. Licensing agreements with prestigious brands such as Ferrari®, NASCAR®, Top Gun™, 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan™, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™ and a close collaboration with the US Air Force fortify Thrustmaster’s commitment to quality, excellence and industry-leading innovation; these qualities act as Thrustmaster’s guiding force in its quest to provide the very best to the international gaming community. Thrustmaster has been a division of Guillemot Corporation since 1999.

Guillemot Corporation designs and manufactures a complete range of PC hardware products and PC and gaming console accessories under the Hercules and Thrustmaster brand names. With an active presence in 17 countries, the group currently distributes its products throughout 45 countries, in total. The Group’s mission is to provide innovative, high-quality products which increase the sensations and pleasure that gamers derive from their games. Guillemot Corporation is listed on the Paris Stock Exchange, Sicovam code 6672. For further information, please visit our website at http://www.thrustmaster.com.

© Guillemot Corporation 2002. Thrustmaster® is a registered trademark of Guillemot Corporation SA. PlayStation®, PlayStation®2 and PSone are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Xbox is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. GameCube is a trademark of Nintendo Co. Ltd. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.