CyberLink Corp., a leading software developer of digital video entertainment applications and e-training solutions, today announced that PowerDVD XP 4.0, now fully supports 24 Bit/96 KHz LPCM audio output and Dolby Digital EX technology. New advancements in sound card technology, such as Creative's Sound Blaster Audigy 2 which supports 24 Bit/96 KHz and 6.1 speakers output, have paved the way for PowerDVD XP 4.0 to deliver the best possible audio experience, and allow customers to build home PC theaters that rival home TV theaters. In addition, with the inclusion of Dolby's latest surround sound technology, PowerDVD users can experience realistic and life-like audio.

"Through the development and inclusion of these state-of-the-art audio playback technologies in PowerDVD XP 4.0, CyberLink has yet again shown its continued devotion to staying on top of the latest industry developments and hardware advancements," says Alice H. Chang, CEO of CyberLink. "CyberLink works stringently to provide our customers with the best quality and most enriching DVD movie experience possible today and to deliver products of the highest standard."

Prior to the development of new 24 Bit/96 KHz LPCM sound cards PC listeners were only capable of receiving 16 Bit/48 KHz playback. Yet, with the release of these advanced new sound cards to the market and the development of PowerDVD XP 4.0 audio technology, PC users can enjoy full and direct 24/96 LPCM audio output with crisp and clear sound.

For PowerDVD XP 4.0 users with 6.1 or more channel audio support, they will now be able to enjoy an in-theater experience with Dolby's new Digital EX surround sound decoding technology. Dolby Digital EX adds a third surround channel, located behind the listener to provide realistic fly-over and fly-around effects, a more life-like viewing atmosphere, and consistent surround sound experience.

"We are very pleased to have Dolby Digital EX included as part of the PowerDVD XP 4.0 player from CyberLink," said Greg Rodehau, Director of PC and Gaming Technology Marketing, Dolby Laboratories. "Dolby Digital EX is a natural extension of the multi-channel sound format, giving the consumer a richer, fuller and more realistic entertainment experience, which is already found in cinemas worldwide. Dolby Digital EX makes front to back 'flyovers' sound more authentic, bringing greater spatial and directional excitement to a program."