Rocket Network to Include the QDesign Music Codec

January 28, 1999 -- QDesign Corporation, a leading provider of audio compression technologies and Rocket Network, a division of Res Rocket, Inc., announces the integration of a version of the QDesign Music Codec into Rocket Network’s forthcoming RocketControl 2.0 client software. With RocketControl 2.0, end-users around the world will be able to collaborate to produce audio over the Internet. The QDesign Music Codec enables RocketControl to offer the highest quality audio to be delivered over a 28K modem connection.

Unlike any other compression scheme, the QDesign Music Codec offers full-bandwidth, 44.1kHz stereo sound to stream over 28K modem at unsurpassed quality. Since its introduction as the audio compression solution for Apple QuickTime 3 in the Spring of 1998, the QDesign Music Codec has developed worldwide industry recognition for being the best Web audio solution.

RocketControl 2.0 is a cross-platform (MAC and Windows OS) application that works in conjunction with the Rocket Network to enable public and private virtual studios to collaborate from any application that has "RocketPower." With the release of RocketControl 2.0, anyone who has a website will be able to purchase the Rocket Network Service for their site. The Rocket Network Service will host virtual studios and remote file storage for organizations seeking to build and/or serve a community of audio professionals or enthusiasts, enabling them to collaborate in audio production.

"The QDesign Music Codec offers far greater flexibility compared to MP3 for audio applications," states Willy Henshall, CEO of Res Rocket, Inc. "We want Rocket Network to be the best collaborative audio solution to professionals around the world and having the highest quality compression capability strengthens our ability to make this happen."

"The Rocket Network is an ideal application of the QDesign Music Codec technology," says Richard J. Beaton, president and CTO of QDesign. "It demands the highest compression quality at the lowest possible bit rates for efficiency storage and delivery. We are very excited that Rocket Network has chosen the QDesign Music Codec as the technology of choice for audio professionals working over the Internet."

A limited version of the QDesign Music Codec is integrated into RocketControl 2.0 that enables users to encode audio suitable for real-time Internet delivery over a 28K modem connection. An upgrade version of the Codec will be available to enable RocketControl users the ability to encode and deliver up to CD-quality audio at higher data rates.

About QDesign

QDesign Corporation develops and markets state-of-the art audio compression technologies to the broadcast and new media industries. QDesign's technologies appear in hardware processors, digital audio production systems, broadcast automation and distribution systems as well as consumer multimedia applications. The company's latest technology is the QDesign Music Codec -- incorporated as the audio compression solution for Apple QuickTime 3 for both MAC and Windows OS -- streams 44.1kHz stereo sound at unprecedented quality over a 28K modem. QDesign's technologies are used in Internet streaming, production, archive, broadcast, and new media applications by organizations including Apple Computer, Associated Press, BBC, Sony Worldwide Networks, and Iomega.

About Rocket Network

Rocket Network, a division of Res Rocket, Inc., is the worldwide leader in Internet audio collaboration. Its revolutionary software enables audio professionals to create, edit, play, and record music with other musicians anywhere in the world.

All company and/or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective manufacturers.

For more information on QDesign, visit their site n the Web at www.qdesign.com. For additional information on the Rocket Network API and RocketControl 2.0 please visit www.rocketnetwork.com.