The WAVE Report on Digital Media
3D --- Media Creation --- Shared Space
Published by 4th Wave, Inc.
Issue #730 11/12/97
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CONTENTS
Voodoo 2 Announcement Highlights Next
Generation 3D Accelerator from 3Dfx
(November 3)
3Dfx Interactive has introduced the Voodoo 2 Graphics chipset that will be available at the consumer level in Q1 1998 on a card for less than $300. Technical features include:
192-bit memory architecture;
2.2 Gigabytes per second of memory bandwidth;
Full floating-point hardware triangle setup;
AGP capable;
>50 BOPS (Billions of Operations per Second),
3 million triangles per second
API support for D3D, Glide and OpenGL and
90 million dual-textured, bilinear-filtered, per-pixel MIP-mapped,
alpha-blended, Z-buffered pixels per second.
The basic chipset for Voodoo2 contains two texture processing units that simultaneously apply two textures to a triangle for single-pass, single-cycle rendering of effects such as trilinear filtering, sophisticated lighting, spotlights and detail texturing. Dual texture units effectively double the texture fill rate and provide dramatic performance increases in games such as id Software's Quake and Quake 2, which will run upwards of 110 frames per second.
Customers will also be able to purchase a second board of the same type and connect the two for even faster game play. Voodoo 2 will automatically detect a second chipset and will begin operating in Scanline Interleave (SLI) mode. In this mode the first chipset draws the even scanlines of a frame while the second chipset draws the odd, reducing the amount of work per chipset by half and allowing each card to run at twice the speed. This high-end configuration expands to a 384-bit memory architecture with 4.3 Gigabytes per second memory bandwidth, achieving a fill rate of 180 million pixels per second.
Andy Keane, V.P. of Marketing, 3Dfx, provided the WAVE Report with additional information on the chip set and its positioning. The baseline configuration will be 2MB for each of the three chips: the one pixelfx chip and one each of the two texelfx chips. A full system would come with 4MB per chip for a full 12MB. 3Dfx expects that the avid gamers would want the fully loaded system to play at 60f/s at 1023 X 768.
The Voodoo II differs from the Voodoo in a major way in two areas: the floating point triangle set up engine which is new in Voodoo II and an improved internal interface with the Pentium II processor. In another area the clock rate has been upped to 90MHz. The SLI interface has been significantly improved so that to D3D and Glide the combination of the cards looks like one card.
When asked what 3Dfx hope to achieve with the Voodoo II Andy stated simply "To raise the bar in 3D for both developers and players."
Softimage Launches Nonlinear Production
System, SOFTIMAGE/DS with Intergraph
(November 6)
Softimage Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Microsoft Corp., announced SOFTIMAGE/DS (formerly code-named "Digital Studio"). Using the Microsoft Windows NT operating system platform, SOFTIMAGE/DS is a comprehensive nonlinear production system for creating, editing and finishing videos. SOFTIMAGE/DS is scheduled to ship to customers in December as a turnkey system with Intergraph Corp.'s StudioZ for SOFTIMAGE/DS. With support for real-time non-compressed D1 resolution video (ITU-R-601), the first release of SOFTIMAGE/DS will be sold as a turnkey solution with Intergraph Corp.'s new StudioZ for SOFTIMAGE/DS-based workstation.
SOFTIMAGE/DS is resolution-independent and is designed to handle video production. This includes media management, audio and video editing, 2-D and 3-D effects, paint, image treatment, character generation and compositing.
SOFTIMAGE/DS features an open API that enables third-party vendors and customers to develop feature plug-ins and entire tool sets to extend the functionality of the system. Plug-ins and tool sets will be available for SOFTIMAGE/DS from vendors including 5D, Digital Video s.r.l., The Foundry, Merging Technologies, P.E. PHOTRON Ltd. and Ultimatte Corp.
Initial pricing for a complete hardware and software turnkey system will be approximately $100,000 (U.S.), which includes software, an Intergraph StudioZ dual-Pentium II 300 MHz system for SOFTIMAGE/DS with 30 minutes of non-compressed storage, dual monitors, and, in initial configurations and for a limited time, training, maintenance and support.
StudioZ for SOFTIMAGE DS workstations are configured to handle the requirements needed for postproduction using SOFTIMAGE DS, including:
Dual 300 MHz Pentium II Processors with MMX(R) technology:
Optimization SOFTIMAGE DS's multithreaded and multimedia features,
and support for SOFTIMAGE DS color correction, image stabilization,
and other image processing functions.
36 GB video storage: Systems come standard with 30 minutes of
uncompressed serial digital (D1/SDI) video storage capacity, for
creating top-quality digital images in real time. An optional
RAID disk expansion subsystem increases that capacity to up to
90 minutes.
512 MB RAM: Maximum memory available for Pentium II technology,
which enables non-destructive editing and unlimited undo/redo.
Dual Ultra/Wide SCSI channels: Offers high-speed throughput required
for dealing with high-resolution, uncompressed video images in
real time.
Video-in-window display: Allows postproduction professionals to
view full-motion NTSC or PAL video in a window on the StudioZ
for SOFTIMAGE DS' editing screen.
Professional audio with 4 GB audio storage: Supports SOFTIMAGE
DS's real-time playback, mixing and effects on multiple audio
channels.
Dual 21" monitors: Optimizes workspace, allowing editors
to have the view space to see all aspects of the project at once.
12"x12" graphics tablet and pen: Facilitates paint operations,
garbage masking, and other functions.
Machine control and house reference synchronization: Enables seamless
integration into existing production environments.
Single units of the storage expansion option for the StudioZ for SOFTIMAGE DS are available in January, with a starting price of approximately $18,500 for one hour of storage. Additional add-on storage expansion units, which increase storage in 60 minute increments, are available mid first quarter of 1998 and are also priced at approximately $18,500 per unit.
Training for SOFTIMAGE/DS is available through a worldwide network of authorized training centers whose instructors have been certified by Softimage following an exhaustive series of exams and simulated classroom scenarios. The first training centers to offer SOFTIMAGE/DS training are Future Media Concepts (New York), Video Symphony (Los Angeles), the University of Valenciennes (France) and Digital Scape (Japan).
http://www.softimage.com/
http://www.microsoft.com/
http://www.intergraph.com/ics
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Compaq Announces Special Monitor Pricing
for Workstations
(November 5)
Compaq Computer Corp. announced a limited time promotion, in the U.S., on new 19-inch and 21-inch monitors, when purchased with select 2D or 3D Compaq Professional Workstations between Nov. 1, 1997, and Jan. 31, 1998. Combined prices for 2D Professional Workstations with the Compaq V90 19-inch monitor now start at $3,943, while 3D models with the Compaq P110--the world's first 21-inch Trinitron monitor--are available from only $6,799. These price reductions will allow users to purchase Compaq's new larger format monitors for enhanced productivity in visually demanding applications, such as financial trading, electronic design automation, computer-aided design and engineering, digital content creation and 2D/3D animation.
Customers who purchase any 2D Compaq Professional Workstation 5100, 6000 or 8000 model before Feb. 1, 1998, will save 50 percent on the price of the new Compaq V90 19-inch (18-inch viewable image size) color monitor. The V90 delivers 2.5 inches more viewing image than 17-inch monitors and include a .26mm dot pitch and 1600 X 1200 resolution at 85 Hz refresh rate.
For customers who purchase a 3D Compaq Professional Workstation 5100, 6000 or 8000 model before Feb. 1, 1998, Compaq is offering a 50-percent reduction on the price of the Compaq P110 21-inch (19.8-inch viewable image size) monitor. The P110 is the first 21-inch Trinitron monitor and features a .25-.27mm aperture grille for sharper focus, brighter picture and improved contrast. It also supports both 1600 X 1200 and 1280 X 1024 resolutions at 85 Hz for flicker-free images and less scrolling.
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Quantum3D Announces System for High
Performance Visual System
(October 24)
Quantum3D, Inc. announced at the Amusement and Music Operators Association (AMOA) conference a family of Intel Pentium II-based realtime 3D visual computing systems for the coin-op, visual simulation and location based entertainment markets named Quicksilver.
These systems use the Obsidian 100SB realtime 3D graphics accelerators and Game Control Interface (GCI) to interface coin-op I/O control devices to the PC. These platforms are among the first computer systems to be developed based on Intel Corporation's Open Arcade Architecture Forum (OAAF) specifications.
The Obsidian 50-4440 and 100-4440 models have been selected by Intel as the reference graphics subsystems for the Open Arcade Architecture Forum (OAAF) specification for PC-based coin-op systems Product is available now in volume quantities from Quantum3D for coin-op, LBE and visual simulation developers, VARs and system integrators.
Available in either commercial or industrial enclosures, the systems may be packaged for both single channel and multi-channel applications. The entry configuration, for PC-based coin-op applications, packaged in a commercial mid-tower chassis, includes a 266MHz Intel Pentium II processor with 32 Megabytes of EDO RAM, Microsoft Windows 95, a 2.1GB EIDE hard drive, 24x CD-ROM drive, 1.44MB floppy drive, Yamaha 3D audio subsystem, Intel Pro 10/100 PCI Ethernet network interface card (NIC), Quantum3D Obsidian 100SB-4400V realtime 3D graphics accelerator with companion 2D/VGA and a GCI at under $3,500. Other configurations, including 300MHz Pentium II processor, multiprocessor and rack-mount systems are also available.
The Obsidian customer list in visual simulation, training, PC-based coin-op/LBE OEMs, and game developers includes:
Advanced Rotorcraft Technology, Argonaut3D, Bentley Systems, Boeing, Criterion Studios, Disney, Datapath/RealiMation, Digital Equipment Corporation, Dreamality, Electronic Arts, ECC, Falcon Northwest, FAROS, FASA Interactive, Gemini Technology, HanaHo ArcadePC, HyperWare, Hybrid, ImmersiveVR, Immersion Australia, Interactive Light, LBE Technologies, MaK Technology, McFadden Entertainment Systems, MetaVR, Inc., QuantumWorks, Reality2, Reality by Design, Ritual, Renault, SAIC, Sense8, Streak Technology, Systems Technology, Inc. (STI), TriMap Systems, TSC, and Unreal.
http://www.quantum3d.com/
http://www.openarcade.com
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Intergraph Supports 3D Studio MAX
R2 with System
(October 22)
Intergraph Computer Systems and Kinetix announced that Intergraph TDZ 2000 3D Graphics Workstations with RealiZm II OpenGL 3D graphics is a platform tuned for Kinetix' 3D Studio MAX R2 with OpenGL.
Intergraph's TDZ 2000 3D Graphics Workstations, with new RealiZm II OpenGL 3D graphics with DirectBurst technology will achieve a Viewperf CDRS score of 100.. The Windows NT-based TDZ 2000 is powered by dual 300 MHz Pentium II processors and is capable of accommodating up to 63.2 GB of disk storage, 512K SDRAM, and 3D graphics enhancements including expandable texture memory and geometry acceleration.
Intergraph will also release ViZfx for 3D Studio MAX, a plug-in of over 50 high-quality OpenGL special effects which offers unique effects such as blasts, raindrops, and blurs, as well as compositing features that allow 3D Studio MAX users to layer 3D animations with video clips and other elements.
Intergraph's 3D graphics are claimed to be the only Windows NT-based graphics subsystems that support 28" monitors with the 16x9 aspect ratio used in feature film production. The TDZ 2000 product line is available immediately and starts at $10,495 with a 300MHz Pentium II processor, RealiZm II ZX13 graphics, 64 MB RAM, 4 GB 10Krpm hard disk, 24x CD-ROM drive, and a floppy drive. ViZfx for 3D Studio MAX will be available Oct. 23, with a list price of $499, and can be ordered through Digimation at (800)854-4496.
http://www.ktx.com/
http://www.ktx.com/worldsites/which
http://www.intergraph.com
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NetPower Supports 3D Studio MAX R2 with
MEDIApost
(October 22)
NeTpower has announced a plug-in for its MEDIApost video system which works with Kinetix's 3D Studio MAX R2. NeTpower's MEDIApost is a fully uncompressed capture and delivery system for video and post-production professionals. Based on the SYMETRA2 workstation, this solution starts at $32,695. With plug-in support for Kinetix 3D Studio MAX, the artist does not need to leave the design environment in order to capture, integrate or output audio and/or video elements.
http://www.ktx.com
http://www.netpower.com
.
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MetaVR Selects Quantum3D Obsidian Realtime
3D Graphics Accelerators
(November 3)
Quantum3D announced that MetaVR has selected its Obsidian family of realtime 3D graphics accelerators for their ChannelSurfer, a multi-channel, PC-based Virtual Reality Scene Generator (VRSG). The VRSG, when combined with the Obsidian boards, provides a high-quality realtime 3D image generator for visual multi-player simulation and training applications at less than $10,000 per channel.
The Quantum3D/MetaVR ChannelSurfer solution was recently chosen by the U.S. Army Soldier System Command to replace a Silicon Graphics (SGI) 4 processor Onyx/Reality Engine2 visualization system because of frame rate performance their Fort Benning database.
http://www.metavr.com
.
http://www.quantum3d.com
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E&S Lands Contract for U.K. Defence
Helicopter Flying School
(October 30)
Evans & Sutherland Computer Corp. announced that it has won the contract to supply the visual system for the flight simulator at the U.K. Defence Helicopter Flying School (DHFS) at RAF Shawbury. The value of the contract is approximately $2 million. The E&S visual system will be powered by the company's new Harmony image generator, which will be integrated into a Bell 412EP helicopter flight simulator. The image generator will be delivered with five channels, each driving an ESCP(TM)-2000 raster/calligraphic projector. The visual database will cover an area of 10,000 square kilometers. The system will be designed for both day and night operations, and will also provide complete simulation of night vision goggles. FSB Ltd. and Flight Safety International are building the simulator, and SEOS Ltd. is supplying a 60 by 220-degree Panorama display.
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E&S On Tap for British Midland A320
Simulator
(October 28)
Evans & Sutherland Computer, won a contract from British Midland Airways, Ltd., to supply the visual system for its flight simulator based on E&S's ESIG-3350GT image generator and ESCP-2000 calligraphic projectors. The visual system will be integrated into an A320 full flight simulator being built for British Midland by Thomson Training & Simulation of Crawley, West Sussex, U.K. Installation of the simulator is expected by April 1998
NetPower Announces Dual Processor
AGP Workstation
(November 3)
NeTpower has announced SYMETRA3 and SYMETRA3raq dual 300MHz Pentium II workstations using Windows NT. SYMETRA3 uses accelerated graphics port (AGP) technology in a multi-processor configuration using the Intel 440LX chip set. The SYMETRA3raq is a rack-mount counterpart. SYMETRA3 is available directly from NeTpower with prices starting at $5,375 for a single 300MHz Pentium II processor, 64MB SDRAM, GLyder MAX-2 graphics board, 2GB Ultra Wide SCSI-3 drive and a 17-inch high resolution display. SYMETRA3raq will be available in November with pricing starting at $8,870 for a single 300MHz Pentium II processor, 64MB SDRAM, NeTpower's TRUEfx Pro graphics card, a 2GB SCSI-3 hard drive and a 17-inch display.
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Intel Plans 266MHz Pentium II For Low-Price
PCs
Computer Reseller News reports that Intel is seeking to capture a larger slice of the sub-$1,000 PC market. Intel will begin initial shipments next June of a 266-MHz Pentium II processor without any Level 2 cache. The chip is designed to head off competition from Advanced Micro Devices and Cyrix's Socket 7 processors. Intel said it plans volume shipments of the 266-MHz Pentium II without L2 cache by the third quarter next year. Sources said the 266-MHz will be targeted in the third quarter at the sub-$1,000 PC market, and at the market for PCs ranging from $1,000 to $1,500. In the fourth quarter, Intel will unveil a Pentium II 300-MHz with integrated cache on the same die as the CPU core. That product will be targeted at the $1,000-to-$1,500 market, leaving the 266-MHz chip focused on the sub-$1,000 PC market, sources said.
Intel's plan is to have the Pentium II span from the sub-$1,000 market to that of sophisticated multiprocessing servers by the second half of next year. By mid-1998, Intel will begin to ship its Pentium II based on Slot 2, which will target high-end servers, multiprocessing systems, and workstations. In the first half of next year, Intel is also planning enhancements to the Slot 1 Pentium II with the addition of a 100-MHz system bus. That product will be targeted at desktops and entry-level servers. With the advent of the 266-MHz Pentium II without L2 cache, Intel said it plans to phase out its Pentium-with-MMX product line toward the end of next year.
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Dell Drops Workstation Prices by Up to 20
Percent
(October 27)
Dell Computer Corporation reduced prices in the United States up to 20 percent on selected models of its WorkStation 400 product line.
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Micron Announces Another Sub $2,000 Pentium
II
(October 20)
Micron Electronics has launched the Micron Millennia XKU 233 Special Edition (SE) based on the 233MHz Pentium II Processor, Accelerated Graphics Port, and 32MB SDRAM for just $1,999. The Diamond Viper V330 128-bit AGP video card with 4MB SGRAM and MPEG is included.
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AccelGraphics Wins Acer America
with AccelSTAR II
(October 22)
AccelGraphics AccelSTAR II will be used in Acer America's AcerPower 9678NN+ workstation. AccelSTAR II is based on the 3Dlabs' PERMEDIA 2 chip set and the GLINT Delta and 8MB of high-speed SGRAM memory. The estimated street price the board is $279 for an 8MB AGP or PCI version. The workstation is priced less than $4,000.
http://www.accelgraphics.com
http://www.acer.com/aac/index.html
ATI Ships Over One Million Graphics and
Multimedia Boards in October
(November 3)
ATI Technologies Inc. announced that October marks the first month in which it has shipped over one million graphics accelerator and multimedia boards to OEMs, System Integrators, Value Added Resellers and retail customers.
ATI's graphics accelerator boards, multimedia cards and TV tuner products are now featured in the systems of such major manufacturers as Compaq Computer in the Presario line, Sony in its new multimedia VAI0 systems, Toshiba in the Equium line of business computers, AST in its Bravo corporate systems, Gateway Computers in its business systems and Sun Microsystems in its corporate products.
In Europe and the Far East, ATI boards can be found in systems from Vobis, Viglen/Microsoft and Acer.
In addition, ATI's retail boards have had wide distribution through most major distributors worldwide and can be found in literally thousands of retail outlets throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Currently, ATI's multimedia phenomenon, the seven-products-in-one All-In-Wonder card, is the second-best selling retail product in the graphics accelerator category in North America.
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ELSA Announces GLoria Win in Tri-Star Workstations
(November 3)
ELSA announced that Tri-Star Computer Corp. is including GLoria Synergy in several custom-configured models of its Intel-based StarStation and StudioStation systems, as well as the Alpha-based PowerStation systems. ELSA GLoria Synergy is based on 3Dlabs PERMEDIA 2-chip. The chip integrates a GLINT Delta geometry processor, VGA and a 230 MHz RAMDAC.
http://www.elsa.com
http://www.tristar.com
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Diamond Multimedia Announces Monster
3D Accelerator
(November 3)
Diamond Multimedia Systems, Inc announced plans to extend the Monster 3D brand with the new Voodoo 2 graphics engine from 3Dfx Interactive. The Diamond Monster 3D is planned for mid-to-late first quarter of 1998. Demonstrations are planned for the Diamond Multimedia booth, No. L202 at Fall Comdex in Las Vegas
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VideoLogic Announces Apocalypse5D
Sonic
(October 27)
VideoLogic announced the first combination graphics card offering 2D/3D graphics acceleration and PCI-based audio acceleration on a single card. Apocalypse5D Sonic is a single slot, plug and play PCI card that combines 3D performance, from the PowerVR-based NEC PCX2 processor, Windows 95 2D performance using Tseng Labs' new ET 6100 graphics controller, and PCI-based audio acceleration with the Maestro-1 audio signal processor from ESS Technology Inc.
Apocalypse5D Sonic comes bundled with five 3D accelerated games, including Tomb Raider (OEM version), WipeOut 2097, Ultim@te Race (new three track), Terracide (OEM version) and MechWarrior 2(TM). In addition, the card also comes bundled with three new audio applications -- Midisoft Studio 4.0 Lite, ESS Audio Rack and Mix-Man's 3-Mix, trial versions of leading internet phone software, including CUSeeMe Enhanced, Vocaltec, InternetPhone, VDOPhone and a full version of NetMeeting 2.0 from Microsoft, as well as $150 worth of NewSoft (formerly known as Prolab) multimedia software.
Apocalypse5D Sonic has driver support for Direct X, Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0. Apocalypse5D Sonic is sampling now to PC OEMs and Systems Integrators and is available in December from VideoLogic's existing network of computer distributors, resellers and retailers. The complete Apocalypse5D Sonic pack will have an retail price of $315.00 for the 6MB version (4MB SDRAM texture memory and 2MB MDRAM frame buffer memory) with an expected street price of $299.00 and a retail price of $349.00 for the 8MB version (4MB SDRAM and 4MB MDRAM) with an expected street price of $329.00. Recommended system requirements for Apocalypse5D Sonic is a Pentium 166, with 32Mb of RAM.
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VideoLogic Launches Christmas Promotions
on Apocalypse Line of 3D Gaming Cards
(October 27)
VideoLogic has announced significant price cuts on its Apocalypse line of 3D gaming cards. As of November 1, reductions of up to 35% will be implemented across the Apocalypse 3D product line through VideoLogic's existing network of computer distributors, resellers and retailers. As a result of the price reductions, the second generation Apocalypse 3Dx will be available for just $129.00 retail with an expected street price of $119.00. Further, the Apocalypse 3Dx will still come bundled with five 3D accelerated games, including Tomb Raider (OEM version), WipeOut 2097, Ultim@te Race (new 3 track), MechWarrior 2 and Terracide (OEM version).
VideoLogic has also introduced a special low cost version of the Apocalypse 3Dx, called the "Apocalypse 3Dx Value Pack". The Apocalypse 3Dx Value Pack includes the card, software drivers and a 3D games sampler CD of 15 3D accelerated games for just $95.00 retail, with an expected street price of just $89.00.
For power gamers interested in a high-end 2D/3D combination card, VideoLogic is also reducing the cost of its award winning Apocalypse 5D product line by around 15%. From November, the Apocalypse 5D 6Mb version will have a new retail price of just $249.00, with an expected street price of $229.00, and the Apocalypse 8Mb version will have a new retail price of just $279.00, with an expected street price of $259.00.
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Quantum3D Rolls out Obsidian 100 for
$795
(October 21)
Quantum3D, Inc. has begun shipping the scaleable realtime 3D graphics accelerator, the Obsidian 100SB. A replacement for the company's dual-board Obsidian 100 series of products, the 100SB delivers equivalent performance in a single PCI slot along with lower price of $795. Based on a scan-line-interleaved, 4- or 6-chip implementation the Obsidian 100SB uses "texture streaming" architecture to produce up to 2.4 Gigabytes per second of graphics memory bandwidth.
The 100SB can deliver filtered texture fill rates of 90 Megapixels per second, with trilinear or bilinear texture filtering with per pixel LOD mip mapping, z-buffering, alpha blending, perspective correction and per pixel fog enabled. It is claimed that this performance exceeds the performance delivered by all other PC graphics accelerators, as well as most graphics workstations and image generators, irrespective of cost. The 100SB solution also has simultaneous TV-out and a unique on-board authentication feature designed to enhance the protection coin-op games, visualization applications and other proprietary software from software pirates.
Based on Gemini Technology's OpenGVS Real World Benchmark Release 2.0, the Obsidian 100SB-4440, when coupled with a 300 MHz Intel Pentium II PC, delivers an average frame rate of 97.1 frames per second--approximately four times the performance delivered by the graphics boards based on the new Evans & Sutherland/Mitsubishi/VSIS 3Dpro/2mp chipset (score of 26.2), five times the performance of the Silicon Graphics O2 (score of 15.4), and almost twice the performance of the Real3D Pro 1000 model 1400 (score of 59.9). Additional information on the OpenGVS Real World Benchmark Release 2.0 may be found at
The 100SB offers the option of adding an integrated 2D/VGA capability by means of "MGV"- a 2MB windows accelerator daughter card which eliminates the need for a second 2D/VGA graphics board. Another new integration feature on the 100SB is SyncLock-- which enables developers and integrators to synchronize video refresh across up to 13 displays for wide field of view 3D applications and totally immersive environments. The Obsidian 100SB also features simultaneous RGB and NTSC/PAL "TV-out" output capability with support for both S-Video and composite formats.
Quantum3D's Obsidian 100SB cards work with any Intel architecture PC equipped with a PCI 2.1 compliant slot running Microsoft DOS, Windows 95 OSR3.1 or Windows NT 4.0 SP3. Support for OpenGL, Linux and Digital Alpha AXP (for both Linux and Windows NT 4.0) will be available later this year. Pricing for the Obsidian 100SB starts at $795 for the 100SB-4400. The configuration best suited for game enthusiasts and cost-sensitive coin-op systems. The model 100-4440V, with four texture processors, companion MGV 2D/VGA daughtercard, and a total of 22MB has an MSRP of $1895. The products will available starting the first half of November from Quantum3D and its authorized distributors, VARs and integrators
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ELSA Announces Nvidia RIVA 128 Card
(October 20, 1997)
ELSA has announced the VICTORY Erazor with s4 MB of fast SGRAM, a 100 MHz chip and memory clock, and the Nvidia RIVA 128 graphics chip.
8X8 Ships 500,000 Video Conferencing Chip
(November 4)
8x8, Inc. announced that it has recently shipped its 500,000th video conferencing chip. These chips are based a proprietary Video Communications Processor (VCP) architecture. The VCP uses a dual-programmable architecture, combining both a RISC microprocessor and a digital signal processor (DSP) on a single piece of silicon.
The VCP is the processor of choice for video conferencing systems manufacturers worldwide, including PictureTel, Vtel, Tandberg, Sony, Siemens, Aethra, VCON, SAT, Canon, Matsushita, NEC, Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, Samsung, and LG Electronics. The VCP is suitable for digital telephone lines (ISDN), standard telephone lines (POTS) and computer networks (LAN/Internet).
The VCP supports all of the ITU standards for video communication, including the H.320, H.324 and H.323 standards. The VCP chip can deliver 30 frames-per-second ISDN telephone lines. The same VCP forms the core of 8x8's line of ViaTV videophones, which operate over POTS telephone lines. In POTS applications, a single VCP implements video and audio compression, full-duplex echo cancellation, communication protocols and the graphical user interface for a single-chip H.324 videophone solution.
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Oak Technology Gains Design Win from Metabyte
(October 31)
Oak Technology has announced that Metabyte, Inc. will use the WARP 5 3D graphics chip on the Metabyte Wicked 3D board. Metabyte this year entered the PC graphics and multimedia industry with graphics accelerator market. Metabyte's Wicked 3D will be on display at Oak's exhibit site at Comdex.
http://www.oaktech.com
http://www.metabyte.com
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RIVA 128 Into NEC Computers
(October 29)
SGS-THOMSON's has announced that the RIVA 128 3D has been selected by NEC Corporation for use in the Next Generation PC98-NX Series of Desk Top Personal Computers. NEC, the largest supplier of PCs to the Japanese Market announced the PC98-NX as a Next Generation PC for the Multimedia Network Age. The PC98-NX represents a new worldwide standard for PCs that fully supports Microsoft's PC97 Hardware Design Guide and Intel's Visual Computing Initiative. NEC has integrated RIVA 128 onto the motherboard and uses the RIVA 128 in Pentium II based PC98-NX Desktop Systems. The NEC design uses the Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) to give increased bandwidth between RIVA 128 and system memory, delivering leadership 3D graphics and 2D graphics combined with superior video.
http://www.nec.co.jp
http://www.st.com
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Trident Announces Low Cost Audio and
Graphics Chip
(October 27)
Trident Microsystems, Inc. announced an advanced single-chip integrated audio-graphics accelerator for the cost-sensitive sub-$1000 PC and add-in 3D audio/graphics board. The Trident 9753WAVE combines an advanced PCI-based 32-voice wavetable engine with the high-performance 3DImage 9753 graphics core. The resulting single-chip multimedia audio-graphics controller provides Microsoft DirectSound, DirectSound3D and DirectDraw acceleration while maintaining complete legacy DOS games compatibility.
Trident 9753WAVE is currently in engineering sampling and mass production is planned for end Q4, 97 timeframe. Trident 9753WAVE is fabricated in advanced 0.35um, packaged in a 208-PQFP package and is priced at $16.00 in 10K quantities.
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3Dlabs Secures Design Win from IBM
(October 22)
3Dlabs' PERMEDIA 2 Graphics Processor has been selected by IBM for new IntelliStation M Pro Windows NT Workstation based on the Symmetric GLyder MAX-2 board. The IntelliStation M Pro is shipping how with an Intel 266MHz Pentium II processor and an 8Mbyte PERMEDIA 2-based board for a starting price of $3,500.
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ATI Announces Mobile AGP 3D Chip
ATI has announced a mobile graphics accelerator chip called the 3D RAGE LT Pro. It features AGP and Tri-View triple display output, with hardware acceleration using motion compensation circuitry for software DVD playback & with integrated LVDS transmitters.
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3Dlabs Restates its PERMEDIA 2 Design
Wins
(October 22)
3Dlabs(R), Inc. has announced its design wins for PERMEDIA 2.
IBM Selects GLyder MAX-2 from Symmetric for Windows NT for its IntelliStation M Pro.
Creative Labs has the Blaster Exxtreme for $129.
Gateway 2000 is using a PERMEDIA 2-based AccelStar II 3D accelerator from AccelGraphics in the E-3000 and E-5000 Series
Acer American uses the AccelGraphics' AccelSTAR II for its AcerPower workstation.
ELSA has the GLoria Synergy card.
Diamond has the Fire GL 1000 Pro board
NetPower Shows TEAMview, A Windows
NT 3D Collaboration Solution
(November 4)
NeTpower demonstrated its TEAMview collaborative computing solution at Autofact '97. TEAMview uses standards-based real-time collaboration to create an environment where users can share ideas, manipulate 3D models and see and hear their colleagues' suggestions, and work together on a digital "whiteboard." TEAMview combines audio/video conferencing, a whiteboard, and text-based chat features with the ability to share OpenGL-based Windows NT 3D applications. The company also has a partnership with Cad.Lab Inc. to interface TEAMview with Cad.Lab's Eureka Gold 97. TEAMview will be available later this quarter in a software-only package for use on Intel-based Windows NT certified workstations for $495 per workstation, or bundled with a NeTpower workstation.
http://www.cadlab.com
http://www.netpower.com
Innovative Semiconductors Sells
VIP Cores
(November 3)
Innovative Semiconductors, Inc. announced that LSI Logic, S3, SGS-THOMSON, and Trident Microsystems are among the companies that have specified Innovative's VIP cores to develop video controller chips. Innovative develops and markets VIP cores, which enable semiconductor designers to dramatically cut development costs and time-to-market.
VIP is a Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) standard. VIP is an open standard that specifies the interface between graphics controllers and video devices such as DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) and Video Decoders. Microsoft endorsed VIP in its recently released PC98 Guidelines. VIP-based chips will be incorporated in products such as DVD systems in PCs.
Innovative offers two VIP Intellectual Property (IP) cores: the SL15, VIP Master, and the SL10, VIP Slave. As with any open standard, compatibility is crucial, and these synthesizable cores are fully compliant with the VESA VIP 1.1 Standard.
http://www.isi96.com
http://www.s3.com
http://www.lsilogic.com
http://www.st.com
http://www.trid.com
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Credence Systems Sells to ATI
(October 31)
Credence Systems Corp. a manufacturer of automatic test equipment (ATE) for the semiconductor industry, today announced a new engineering partnership with ATI Technologies Inc. Utilizing Credence's Duo SX test system, ATI will validate its flagship product: the 3D RAGE PRO graphics accelerator. Working together, Credence and ATI will reduce the test development time while ensuring the highest quality product. Offering 200 MHz I/O, the Duo SX is specifically designed for the production testing of sophisticated multimedia devices. High speed busses such as the AGP are increasingly used to address graphics memory required for full motion video and conventional ATE is simply not fast enough to meet the new challenges presented by these skyrocketing bus speeds. Credence's Duo SX provides the I/O speed required for multimedia testing and retains the exceptional throughput specifications as the entire Credence Duo family.
http://www.atitech.com
http://www.credence.com
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