Cirrus Bypasses Computer

Cirrus Logic Inc., the No. 1 maker of semiconductors used in audio devices, said it will unveil a chip for home-audio systems that will download, store and play music from the Internet without using a personal computer. The Maverick EP9312 chip will be the heart of a digital home jukebox system that links to the Internet. Cirrus, based in Austin, Texas, will unveil the Maverick semiconductor today at the Embedded Processor Forum in San Jose and expects to begin selling it in the fall. MP3 jukebox systems with the chip would probably start at less than $300. Cirrus shares closed off 50 cents at $19 on Nasdaq.