For Immediate Release   Graham-Patten Unveils Surround Sound Mixer for Video Editing Eight Bus D/ESAM 8000 is Targeted at DTV and DVD Applications GRASS VALLEY, CA (April 19, 1999)--Graham-Patten Systems, the world's leading manufacturer of digital edit suite audio mixers, introduced the D/ESAM 8000 eight bus surround sound mixer at the National Association of Broadcasters annual convention and equipment exhibition. The new mixer is designed to fulfill the needs of facilities that produce programs for release on DVD, DTV, and other digital delivery systems, which support multi channel surround sound. "One of the missing links in the DTV production chain is a digital edit suite audio mixer with the unique features required to mix and monitor material in 5.1 channel surround sound," said Jay Kuca, director of marketing at Graham-Patten Systems. "Working very closely with many of our key customers, we have designed a product which addresses these requirements, " he said. "We could have just tacked a few extra output buses on an existing product, but we knew that wouldn't be enough." The D/ESAM 8000 accepts up to 96 inputs, digital or analog, in groups of 16. In addition to standard two channel AES inputs, the system also accepts TDIF inputs for direct connection to multi track digital audio recorders such as the DA-88. The system has 18 motorized faders with 100mm throw. Multi channel sources may be assigned to a single fader or to multiple faders on a channel per fader basis. The motorized faders along with an 8 x 18 array of illuminated channel select pushbuttons give the operator full mixer status at a glance. The monitoring system of the D/ESAM 8000 has been designed with multi channel surround sound in mind. Eight analog monitor outputs are provided along with a sophisticated routing and signal processing system. In a typical edit suite or telecine room, six of the outputs would be used for the main 5.1 channel monitoring system. The additional two outputs may be used for prelisten, auxiliary monitoring, or for a separate set of stereo nearfield monitors. Monitor level may be calibrated, and provisions are made for monitoring a mono or stereo downmix from a 5.1 program. System menus are displayed on a 5.5" (14cm) diagonal color LCD touch screen. The menu screen is used to set the system configuration and to adjust equalization, delay, and other system parameters. A second color LCD is used to display program output levels. The D/ESAM 8000 will begin shipping in the fall of 1999. Graham-Patten is the world's leading manufacturer of digital audio products for the professional video industry. Located in Grass Valley, California, the company is best known for its Emmy award winning D/ESAM® digital edit suite audio mixers. D/ESAM® is a registered trademark of Graham-Patten Systems, Incorporated.