M O D E L

I N F O R M A T I O N

DVD Audio/Video Player

DVD-9000

TENTATIVE

High-end DVD A/V Player with 14-bit, 108 MHz Video D/A Converter and PureProgressive Circuit
Denon engineers have pulled out all the stops in its development of the DVD-9000 to ensure that this DVD player reproduces sound and pictures at the highest possible level of quality. The DVD-9000 is packed with PureProgressive circuitry for superior Interlaced-to-Progressive video conversion; two 14-bit, 108-MHz video D/A converters, Noise Shaving Video and a Super Sub Alias Filter. For high-quality audio output, the DVD-9000 sports AL24 Processing Plus supporting a sampling frequency of 192 kHz; a 24-bit, 192-kHz audio D/A converters and other state-of-the-art audio technologies to extract the maximum potential of DVD-Audio. Along with Denon's critically acclaimed circuit design and chassis construction, the DVD-9000 is a truly remarkable new flagship DVD player from Denon.
Thorough Vibration-resistant Designs Since the high-density data recorded on DVD must be read with absolute accuracy, vibrations from outside or from internal sources such as the power unit will adversely affect sound and picture quality. A variety of designs have been incorporated in the DVD-9000 to suppress these unwanted vibrations. The bottom plate forming the foundation of the chassis is a 6-mm thick, 4-layer hybrid construction made up of a 1.2mm thick copper-plated metal sheet and three layers of 1.6-mm metal sheets. Large insulators of sintered alloy (the same type used in Denon's high-end S1 series) have been used for the DVD-9000's feet to absorb external vibrations. Reinforcing plates for the base, front, and rear and four 1.2-mm thick copper-plated sheets have been used in a 3-box construction to strengthen the chassis. The chassis also uses copper plating to bring the ground electric potential of the overall chassis close to equipotential in order to suppress electrical noise. The top cover uses three types of 1.2-mm thick metal sheets in different shapes, while 2.5mm thick aluminum panels have been used for the sides, giving rigidity to the entire chassis. The DVD mechanism is mounted on a cast-aluminum base between the mechanism and the chassis. Parts made of different materials effectively absorb vibrations caused by the unit itself as well as from outside to ensure stable operation. THX Ultra Certified The THX Ultra standards comprise three basic categories of tests; Audio Quality, Video Quality and User Interface. These tests ensure that the DVD Player is fully capable of bring out the best visual and sonic quality of your favorite DVD programs. The DVD-9000 has passed those stringent standards. Newly-Developed Loading Mechanism for Suppression of Vibrations The newly-developed mechanism unit uses a guide and tray painted with protein material that is highly resistant to vibrations in order to prevent unwanted vibrations to the tray.
PureProgressive Circuit The DVD-9000's interlace/progressive converter is the new Progressive Converter with PureProgressive circuitry from Silicon Image. The Progressive Converter features faster moving picture detection and improved mode recognition capability. High-speed processing: This Progressive Converter is capable of processing 6 billion operations per second, giving reality to the following high performance. Moving picture detection: Since PureProgressive is also adept at 2:3 pulldown detection, which converts Film recording mode to TV/Video playback mode, and detecting Video mode signals of DVD-Video and other moving picture formats, PureProgressive is capable of reproducing DVD-Video discs containing both Film mode and Video mode signals, as well as high picture quality Progressive video sources, while avoiding the flickering caused by detection delays. In detecting moving video signals, the conventional Progressive method performs detection in single frame units, while PureProgressive stores 4 fields of video signals in a 64-Mbit SDRAM buffer, enabling the detection of single-pixel units to achieve greater precision in discriminating between moving and still pictures. 2:3 pulldown detection: In 2:3 pulldown processing which converts 24-fps Film mode into 60-fps TV/Video mode, there are cases in which 2:3 pulldown sync signals are not in sync. The PureProgressive converter thus quickly detects the non-sequential points and performs appropriate corrective measures at high speed to minimize picture flickering.
s 14-bit, 108-MHz Video D/A Converter The DVD-9000 uses a 14-bit, 108-MHz video D/A converter to tap the maximum potential of the new PureProgressive circuit's performance. The DVD-9000 also uses two independent D/A converters for Progressive and Interlaced picture reproduction.
These converters provide a very high sampling frequency of 108 MHz, with 4x oversampling used for Progressive and 8x oversampling for Interlaced operation, resulting in more detailed D/A conversion. Since a filter with ample cutoff characteristics can also be used for the analog low-pass filter, the DVD-9000 reproduces the delicate nuances of video signals, allowing viewers to enjoy the original picture at a high level of fidelity.

s Noise Shaving Video (NSV) The NSV feature reduces noise in the video signal frequency band in order to enhance video signal linearity. s Super Sub Alias Filter The S/N ratio can be improved when unwanted signals of higher than 6.75 MHz following D/A conversion are cut. The DVD-9000 thus uses a Super Sub Alias Filter that produces flat characteristics, ensuring that adverse influences do not affect video signals inside the essential frequency band, and folding noise is eliminated. In the DVD-9000, the Super Sub Alias Filter is applied to the chroma signal as well as the luminance signal, improving color reproducibility. s A Wealth of Picture Quality Adjustment Functions Contrast, Brightness, Hue, Sharpness, and Gamma can be adjusted as desired by the user. s AL24 Processing Plus Denon has further developed its proprietary AL24 Processing analog waveform reproduction technology to support the 192-kHz sampling frequency. This new technology, AL24 Processing Plus, thoroughly suppresses quantization noise associated with D/A conversion of LPCM signals to reproduce the low-level signals with optimum clarity and bring out all the delicate nuances of a rich, musical sound. s 24-bit, 192-kHz Audio D/A Converters The DVD-9000 uses a high-performance 24-bit, 192-kHz D/A converter to faithfully convert high-quality 24-bit data generated by AL24 Processing Plus. s Pure Direct Mode The DVD-9000 includes a Pure Direct mode that further improves sound quality. During pure audio output, Pure Direct mode turns off digital signal output, video signal output, and displays that easily influence analog audio signals and allows only audio output. The user can define which operations are to be turned off and store those preferences in memory.
Layout for High Sound Quality The DVD-9000's audio, video, digital, and power supply circuit boards have been isolated into independent blocks to prevent mutual interference. Independent Power Supplies Independent power supplies have been provided for the audio signal processing block, the video signal block and other areas to eliminate mutual distortion with other blocks. Clean supplies of power to the various circuits contribute to high picture and sound quality. Parts for High Sound Quality

Bass Management When playing multi-channel Dolby Digital, LPCM or MLP sources, it is possible to preset speaker configurations and delay times.
DENON Link When the DVD-9000 is connected via a shielded twisted pair (STP) cable to a DENON Link compliant A/V receiver, the DENON Link interface enables high-grade LPCM 24-bit / 96-kHz / 6-channel or 24-bit / 192-kHz / 2-channel (*1) digital output. Since DENON Link uses low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS), transfer capabilities of greater than 1.2 Gbps at a differential voltage of approximately 0.3 Vpp are possible. And since signal transfer is balanced and voltage is lower than coaxial or unbalanced transfers, LVDS is less susceptible to noise such as radiation, ensuring high-grade signal transfer.

HDCD Decoder

MP3 / JPEG Playback (*2) Since the DVD-9000 supports the CD-R/RW format, it plays finalized CD-R/RW discs containing MP3 audio files.
RS-232C Port (Third-party system controls only)
Brilliant Black DVD-9000 can pass below black video via the video outputs for correct monitor setup and optimum picture quality. Self-illuminated GLO-KEY Remote Controller with Easy Recognition Layout The DVD-9000 comes equipped with a self-illuminating remote controller for easy operation in a dark room.
Specifications s Video Section Disc played. DVD Audio, DVD Video, Video CD, Music CD, CD-R/RW (audio/MP3/JPEG) Video outputs. 2 Sets Composite Video Output, 2 Sets S-Video Output, 1 Set Component Video Output s Audio Section Audio outputs. 2 Sets Analog Front Channel (L/R) Ouput, 1 Set Analog Surround Channel Output, 1 Set Optical Digital Output, 1 Set Coaxial Digital Output, 1 Set DENON Link Audio inputs. 1 Set Optical Digital Input, 1 Set Coaxial Digital Input s General Power supply. AC 120 V, 60 Hz Dimensions.. 434 (W) x 136 (H) x 395 (D) mm, 18.5 kg 17.1 (W) x 5.4 (H) x 15.6 (D), 40.8 lbs
(*1). If a 24-bit, 192-kHz sound source is copyright protected, the DVD player may convert the digital output to a 24-bit, 48-kHz signal. (*2) Discs that have been poorly finalized following recording may be only partially playable or not playable at all.
*Design and specifications are subject to change without notice. *THX is a registered trademark of Lucasfilm Ltd. *Dolby, Dolby Digital, Pro Logic, and the double-D device are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. *DTS is registered trademarks of DTS Technology. *HDCD, High Definition Compatible Digital and Pacific Microsonics TM are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Pacific Microsonics, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. *PureProgressiveTM Technology brought to you by Silicon Image, Inc. DENON ELECTRONICS (USA), INC. 19 CHAPIN ROAD, P.O. BOX 867, PINE BROOK, NJ 07058-9777 USA TEL: 973-396-0810 www.del.denon.com DENON CANADA INC. 505 APPLE CREEK BLVD. UNIT 5 MARKHAM, ONTARIO L3R 5B1 CANADA TEL: 905-475-4085 www.denon.ca

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Information: ESS Technology, Inc. Investor Relations (510) 492-1180
ESS Technology and Denon Ltd. Announce New DVD Players With DVD-Audio Feature Powered by ESS's Vibratto Chip
DVD-Audio Adds Another Dimension to Enjoying Digital Home Entertainment
FREMONT, Calif. and TOKYO, Japan, January 07, 2002ESS Technology (NASDAQ: ESST) a leading provider of silicon solutions for digital video, digital home systems, and home networking solutions and Denon, Ltd., a world leader in the manufacture of high quality audio and audio/video equipment and software products for the entertainment and information industries, jointly announced today, the new Denon DVD-9000 DVD player, powered by ESSs ES6038F DVD chip. Denon will be demonstrating their DVD-9000 at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas beginning on January 8, 2002. The ES6038F features the most advanced audio format, DVD-Audio, which offers high fidelity recordings with surround sound capability of up to 6 independent channels of 96-kHz/24 bit audio, with 2-channel resolution of 192 kHz/24 bits. It supports multi-channel Meridian Lossless Packing (MLP) audio decode, Linear Pulse Code Modulation (LPCM) audio decode, audio watermark detection, and Copy Protection for Prerecorded Media (CPPM). The quality far exceeds that of conventional CDs and audio on DVD-Video. In addition to audio, a DVD-Audio disc can contain a limited amount of video, and can be used to display text, such as lyrics or notes, or still images such as a photo album. Up to 16 graphic still images can be associated with

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ESS Technology and Denon Ltd. Announce New DVD Players With DVD-Audio Feature Powered by ESSs Vibratto DVD Chip Page 2 of 2
each track and on-screen displays can be used for lyrics and disc navigation. The DVD-9000 is Denons latest product addressing the needs of consumers who seek the very best digital home entertainment experience. The DVD-9000 includes Denons exclusive AL24 Processing Plus system that supports a sampling frequency of 192 kHz, a 24-bit 192-kHz audio D/A converter, and additional state-of-the art audio technologies that extract the maximum potential of DVD-Audio. For high-quality video output, the DVD-9000 is packed with PureProgressive Scan circuitry, by Silicon Image, for superior Interlace-to-Progressive video conversion, with six 14-bit, 108-MHz video D/A converters featuring Noise Shaped Video, and a super sub-alias filter. Ryo Okazeri, deputy manager of Denon Ltd. stated, Denons ultimate goal is to provide our customers with the highest quality products. ESSs feature-rich DVD video and audio solution and their superior support helps us to achieve our goal. Patrick Ang, executive vice president and COO at ESS Technology stated, This project represents an opportunity to illustrate the impressive capability of ESSs Vibratto chip family. As the digital video market leader, our products satisfy a wide range of customer requirements and provide the highest possible level of sound and picture quality. DVD-9000 is scheduled to launch worldwide in March 2002. About Denon, Ltd. From its beginning in 1910 as a manufacturer of single-side disc records and gramophones, Denon has become a world leader in the manufacture of high quality audio and audio/video equipment and software products for the entertainment and information industries. Our professional-use and consumer-use equipment and software products are recognized internationally for their originality and standards of quality, durability and innovation. Denon is recognized internationally as Japans leading manufacturer of high-quality audio and audiovisual products, and is the only company in the industry involved in the development and production of both hardware and software. Denons web site address is: http://www.denon.com. About ESS Technology ESS Technology, Inc., is a leading supplier of high-performance feature-packed chips for the

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ESS Technology and Denon Ltd. Announce New DVD Players With DVD-Audio Feature Powered by ESSs Vibratto DVD Chip Page 3 of 3
rapidly expanding DVD and digital entertainment markets. The company is also a leading provider of solutions for applications in the growing consumer entertainment market. ESS provides advanced products that enable the emergence of digital home systems that deliver and manage entertainment and information in the home. ESS, headquartered in Fremont, California, has R&D, sales, and technical support offices worldwide. ESS Technologys common stock is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol ESST. ESS Technologys web site address is: http://www.esstech.com.
The matters discussed in this news release include certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the possible reduction of consumer spending occasioned by terrorist activity and armed conflict, the timely availability and acceptance of the Companys new products, the impact of competitive products and pricing, the dependence on continued growth in demand for PC and consumer multimedia products, the fact that the initial determinations described herein are subject to further review and appeal, and the other risks detailed from time to time in the SEC reports of ESS, including the reports on Form 10-K and Form 10Q. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. # # #.