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Plantronics Teams with Dolby to Deliver Enhanced PC Game Play with Virtual 5.1 Surround Sound

SANTA CRUZ, Calif., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Plantronics (NYSE: PLT) today announced the new GameCom 777(R) Surround Sound Gaming Headset featuring Dolby(R) Headphone technology, which allows users to play PC games, listen to music and watch movies with dramatic virtual 5.1 surround sound effects.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080829/AQF011)

The Plantronics GameCom 777 features Dolby Headphone and Dolby Pro Logic(R) II technologies in a plug-and-play USB sound card that digitally processes sound for immersive audio. Similar to its application in high-performance home theater systems, Dolby Pro Logic II, processes high-quality stereo (two-channel) (redundant with above) audio into five channels of full-bandwidth surround sound.

In addition to its surround sound capabilities, the GameCom 777 was engineered with numerous functional and ergonomic wearing benefits. Features include a unique 'hide-away' boom designed to tuck into the headband and turn the headset into a pair of high-quality headphones for music and multimedia use. A telescoping, noise-canceling microphone provides more accurate positioning for voice clarity. And in-line volume and microphone mute controls provide gamers fingertip audio and voice direction.

"Over the past 18 months, we have immersed ourselves in the gaming community to understand their unique headset needs," said Renee Niemi, general manager and vice president, Mobile & Entertainment for Plantronics. "We observed that they want a rugged, comfortable headset with the best sound available to improve competitive game play. The GameCom 777 delivers on these requirements by uniting Dolby digital surround sound with a durable, unique headset design that has been tuned for gamers."

"Dolby surround sound is a great way to bring more excitement and realism to gaming sessions," said Matt Tullis, Senior Manager, Games Market Segment, Dolby Laboratories. "And for gamers who play into the night, Dolby Headphone technology is designed to relieve the discomfort and fatigue that comes with extended headphone use."

In additional to multi-directional Dolby virtual surround sound, the GameCom 777 delivers rich bass for a truly immersive gaming experience. A one-step USB 2.0/1.1 makes connection truly plug and play, versus competitive products requiring lengthy software downloads and bulky control boxes.

A Complete Lineup of PC Headsets

Alongside the GameCom 777, Plantronics is introducing two analog PC headsets -- the GameCom 367(R) and GameCom 377(R) PC headsets. All three GameCom headsets are built of lightweight materials and feature specialized earpods to redistribute pressure for maximum comfort. Each headset offers the 'hide-away' boom, a telescoping, noise-canceling microphone and in-line volume and microphone mute controls. Cables are made of durable reinforced materials to withstand frequent wear and tear and abuse by gamers.

The complete line of new Plantronics' PC gaming headsets includes the GameCom 777 Surround Sound Gaming Headset with Dolby technology (ESP $99.99), the GameCom 377 Open Ear Gaming Headset (ESP $49.99), and the GameCom 367 Closed-Ear Gaming Headset (ESP $39.99).

Each GameCom headset is compatible for VoIP internet programs such as Skype, Windows Live, and Yahoo! Messenger.

Gamers can check out the GameCom line of headsets at the Penny Arcade Expo inSeattle, WA on August 29 - 31. For more info on the Penny Arcade Expo visit http://www.pennyarcadeexpo.com

The GameCom 777, GameCom 367 and GameCom 377 headsets will be available in September at http://www.plantronics.com and at select retailers.

About Plantronics

In 1969, a Plantronics headset carried the historic first words from the moon: "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Since then, Plantronics has become the headset of choice for mission-critical applications such as air traffic control, 911 dispatch and the New York Stock Exchange. Today, this history of innovation is the basis for every audio product we build for the office, contact center, personal mobile, entertainment and residential markets. The Plantronics family of brands includes Plantronics, Altec Lansing and Clarity. For more information, go to http://www.plantronics.com or call (800) 544-4660.

Altec Lansing, Clarity, GameCom, Plantronics, and Sound Innovation are trademarks or registered trademarks of Plantronics, Inc. Dolby and Pro Logic are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

     Jennifer Shanks                              Carlos Mangandy
     Plantronics, Inc.                            The Hoffman Agency
     831-458-7084                                 408-975-3004
     Jennifer.shanks@plantronics.com              Cmangandy@hoffman.com

SOURCE Plantronics, Inc.

Tags: ,CPR,HRD,ECP,CSE,ENT,GAM,PDT,CA-Plantronics-Dolby

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