Opcode Ships DATport USB Audio Interface

January 28, 1999 -- Opcode Systems has shipped the DATport™ audio interface, the first member in their family of affordable USB musical products that make setup and use of audio easier than ever before. DATport creates a high-quality two-channel digital link between any external digital coaxial S/PDIF audio device and any USB-compatible computer. These devices include DAT machines, digital multitrack recorders, MiniDisc systems and front-end A/D converters. The DATport is available at a street price of under $200 (suggested retail price is $249.95). Opcode plans to release several other USB products for audio and MIDI over the coming months.

Opcode's DATport eliminates all the installation nightmares of a traditional PCI or ISA card solution. No cards to install, no IRQs or DMAs to configure, no I/O addresses to set-the host computer doesn't even need to be turned off. Simply attach the DATport's six-foot cable to the USB connector of any Windows 98 PC, connect your digital audio source and transfer your data to the computer for editing or to burn a CD.

Macintosh OS support for audio over USB is expected in early Spring 1999. The DATport is Macintosh-ready and Opcode is working closely with Apple Computer, Inc. to help them add USB audio support to a future version of the Mac OS.

"Opcode has solved the computer connection problem musicians have been facing for more than a decade. Sound cards are notoriously difficult to install and often cause conflicts with other installed peripherals." states Tom Sherman, Vice President of Development, Opcode Systems. "DATport installs in seconds and provides a high resolution, 24-bit audio solution for both laptops and desktops."

The DATport features stereo input and output in the form of two Coaxial S/PDIF connectors. The DATport is compatible with 16 and 24-bit systems at 48Khz , and 44.1K.

Opcode has also announced the DATport™ +Analog which includes 20 bit analog A-to-D and D-to-A, and OPTICALport™ +Analog which has S/PDIF Toslink (optical) and 20 bit analog A-to-D and D-to-A. These are scheduled to ship over the next few months and are both priced at US SRP $299.95. Street price is expected at under $240.

For more information, visit Opcode's web site at www.opcode.com.

DATport and OPTICALPort are trade marks of Opcode Systems, Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective holders.