The eight-channel audio codec will enable higher-level audio applications and lead the PC industry into next-generation sound quality. The company launched its six-channel AC'97 audio codec last year.

Samples of the new chip are available now and mass production is scheduled for October. A number of Taiwan's motherboard manufacturers will showcase their products equipped with the Realtek ALC850 at Computex 2003, which will be held from September 22-26.

Read more: Digitimes.