CRLI Circuit Research Labs Inc (CE)

Circuit Research Labs, Inc. (OTCBB:CRLI): -- Groundbreaking Capability Enables Terrestrial FM Broadcasters to Use Opticodec to Encode Coding Technologies' MPEG4 aacPlus(R) Digital Radio Streams Directly to FMeXtra Receivers, from Anywhere in the World Digital Radio Express (DRE) and Circuit Research Labs, Inc. (OTCBB:CRLI) announce the immediate availability of the Orban Opticodec 1010 streaming module for the DRE FMeXtra(TM) Digital SCA Encoder. This breakthrough software module permits direct streaming of encoded aacPlus (MPEG4 HE AAC) audio from Orban Opticodec-compatible audio servers into the FMeXtra encoder and over-the-air to FMeXtra enabled receivers. The combined solution eliminates transcoding and provides the ultimate in low-cost, high-fidelity digital audio distribution. "The future of digital radio is streaming technology using world-standard audio codecs such as aacPlus from Coding Technologies," said Derek Kumar, VP of Engineering at DRE. "FMeXtra in combination with Orban's Opticodec fundamentally changes the distribution model for broadcasting digital audio. There is no longer any distinction between Internet streaming, cellular streaming, and broadcast streaming." DRE's FMeXtra technology makes it possible to have multiple digital audio channels on every FM station at very low cost. However, creating the infrastructure required to aggregate, condition, and encode digital content can be expensive and difficult to manage. The Orban Opticodec solves these problems and simplifies the entire digital encoding process. With the Opticodec software, DRE's FMeXtra encoder can receive industry standard RTP/RTSP aacPlus streams with Orban-optimized audio quality from any standard TCP connection and streaming server in the world. "Orban's Opticodec streaming software is MPEG4 standards-based and can already address multiple devices, like media players in computers and 3GPP mobile devices," stated Greg Ogonowski, Orban's VP of New Product Development. "Adding the ability to feed the FMeXtra transmission chain makes it easier for broadcasters, netcasters, and narrowcasters to make high-quality, aacPlus-encoded audio ubiquitous." The streaming capture software is now a standard feature of the DRE FMeXtra encoder. Existing FMeXtra encoder customers are entitled to the update at no charge. The Opticodec 1010 line of streaming AAC/aacPlus encoders is available directly from Orban. For details, see http://www.orban.com/products/streaming/opticodec-pc1010/ About Circuit Research Labs, Inc. Circuit Research Labs, Inc., the parent company of Orban, is a manufacturer of high-quality digital and analog audio processing, transmission encoding, and noise reduction equipment for the radio, TV and Internet audio industries. As technology evolves, Circuit Research Labs continues to innovate with state-of-the-art audio processing products for DAB, DTV and streaming media. Circuit Research Labs, Inc. purchased Orban(R) in May of 2000. Orban was founded in 1970 by Bob Orban, the world's foremost expert in transmission audio processing for broadcast. Orban leads the industry in the design and manufacture of audio processors for radio, television and Internet broadcasting. Recognized for its standard-setting Optimod(R) digital audio processors and the Opticodec(R) codecs, the Orban name has become synonymous with reliable, high-performance products. Today, its versatile audio processing equipment and codecs are the products of choice in fast-paced production environments worldwide. About Digital Radio Express Digital Radio Express, Inc. (DRE) is a privately held Silicon Valley-based company founded in 1997. DRE has made significant contributions to the development of digital radio broadcast and receiver technology. DRE has been granted numerous patents in wireless digital communications, particularly in the field of AM and FM digital radio broadcasting. DRE is currently focused on bringing its advanced digital communication knowledge to further expand the digitization of the FM spectrum, offering significant performance, economic and novel future application enhancements to FM radio broadcasters. DRE's FMeXtra digital subcarrier technology is a major milestone in expanding digital capabilities for FM radio worldwide. To learn more about DRE go to their web site www.dreinc.com About Orban/CRL Founded in 1970 by Bob Orban, the world's foremost expert in transmission audio processing for broadcast, Orban leads the industry in the design and manufacture of audio processors for radio, television and Internet broadcasting. Recognized for its standard-setting Optimod(R) digital audio processors and the Audicy digital audio workstation, the Orban name has become synonymous with reliable, high-performance products. Today, its versatile audio processing equipment, editing tools and codecs are the products of choice in fast-paced production environments worldwide. In 2000, Orban(R) was acquired by Circuit Research Labs -- a manufacturer of high-quality digital and analog audio processing, transmission encoding, and noise reduction equipment. Orban/CRL Systems now accounts for the majority of the global market for radio, TV and Internet audio processing. As technology evolves, Orban/CRL continues to innovate with state-of-the-art audio processing products for DAB, DTV and streaming media. Orban/CRL Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Management's anticipation of future events is based upon assumptions regarding levels of competition, research and development results, raw material markets, the markets in which the company operates, and stability of the regulatory environment. Any of these assumptions could prove inaccurate, and therefore there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. Orban/Circuit Research Labs, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets electronic audio processing, transmission encoding and noise reduction equipment for the worldwide radio, television, cable, Internet and professional audio markets. The Orban division manufactures and markets audio processing equipment, primarily using digital technology. Orban Europe is a worldwide leader in ISO/MPEG, audio, ISDN, satellite transmission, networking, and storage. More information is available at www.orban.com, www.orban-europe.com, and www.crlsystems.com.