Diamond Multimedia has signed chipmaker ESS to supply the sound chips for its next range of PC sound cards. Diamond is ESS's only Western customer at present, and the relationship is being touted as exclusive. In 1998 ESS had the number one spot for PC Audio market share, according to Dataquest. The company's technology is designed to allow up to six speakers to be attached to a PC. Diamond is soon to be bought by graphics giant, S3. It is expected that the company will stay relatively intact, forming a new sound division at S3. The shareholders at Diamond are due to vote on Monday 20th. We will keep you informed. ®