___________________________________________
***DVB/DAVIC Interoperability Consortium Formed (October 20)
Alcatel, COCOM, DiviCom, Hughes Network Systems, Nokia, Sagem, Simac, Thomson Broadcast Systems and Thomson Multimedia have formed the DVB/DAVIC Interoperability Consortium.
In an effort to build the market for broadband interactivity over hybrid fibre coax (HFC) networks, these companies formed the consortium. The purpose of the Consortium is to support product interoperability which enables the deployment of interactive services over HFC and LMDS networks based on the DVB-RCCL and DAVIC international standards.
Members of the Consortium have agreed to develop and implement the necessary mechanisms to verify interoperability between products. Their efforts will allow cable operators to choose from a number of interoperable, multi-vendor products.
The Consortium members represent three areas of digital cable implementation:
- headend transmission systems, set-top boxes andcable modems.The DVB-RCCL specification has been formally adopted as a standard by ETSI as ETS 300-800 and ITU-T as J 112 Annex A in March 98. The standard describes the Out of Band and In Band options applicable to interactive set-top boxes and cable modems, respectively. Moreover, the ATM and mini-slot capabilities of the standard allow for the deployment of interactive TV, data and voice services over the same system. ETS 300-800 has been selected by DAVIC to be the DAVIC 1.5 specification for cable modem applications.
For more information contact Gregers Kronborg
e-mail: gk@cocom.dk
***Visio Announces Visio Technical 5.0 Plus (October 20)
Visio announced the availability of Visio Technical 5.0 Plus, an upgrade to Visio's technical diagramming software.
The specific new content for process engineers and facilities managers is as follows:
Process Engineering Solution.
Visio Technical 5.0 Plus's provides an method of creating process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) and datasheets than is improved over using traditional CAD applications. Important features in the Process Engineering Solution include customizable reporting (tags, datasheets and lists) and valves that automatically align.Facilities Management Solution.
The Facilities Management Solution is a tool developed for facility managers and others who track and manage the people and assets of a facility. The solution includes tools for creating space plans and tracking assets across the enterprise, as well as performing "what-if" space planning.Visio Technical 5.0 Plus also includes import capabilities for working with Bentley Microstation DGN files, providing an adjacent viewing and annotation tool to organizations with Microstation seats. Combined with Visio Technical's ability to import and export Autodesk AutoCAD and IntelliCAD by Visio DWG files, its CAD file format provides flexibility when working with drawings created in multiple CAD platform environments.
Vision Technical is compliant with Microsoft Windows 95, Windows NT 4.0 and the Office 97 Logo. Visio Technical 5.0 Plus represents supports ActiveX, COM and VBA. All aspects of Visio Technical 5.0 Plus are exposed to the Microsoft COM model, including the user interface, giving solution providers and enterprise developers maximum flexibility in creating custom graphical applications.
Visio Technical 5.0 Plus will be available for purchase in January 1999 for the price of $349 (U.S.). Registered customers who purchase Visio Technical 5.0 after Oct. 20, 1998, will receive the Visio Technical 5.0 Plus upgrade at no cost. Current Visio Technical 5.0 customers may purchase 5.0 Plus for $49 (U.S.) in January. Customers using other versions of Visio products can upgrade to Visio Technical 5.0 Plus for $149 (U.S.).
***STRiCOR Announces Status of Xtreme Powerboat Racing and Gameworks Deal (September 28)
Xtreme Powerboat Racing runs on the STRiCOR Prometheus motion platform which is based on a PC linked to a single seat, 3 degree of freedom electro-hydraulic motion platform with a 135? field of view displayed on three 27" VGA monitors. Prometheus also has a wrap-around sound system, an open back for spectator viewing, and all within a 9' x 9' footprint.
Xtreme Powerboat Racing is derived from Interplay's "VR Sports Powerboat Racing". Xtreme Powerboat was integrated onto the Prometheus platform in late 1997 and entered the market in the spring of 1998. Since then, STRiCOR has added several content upgrades to the platform along with two new racing courses.
STRiCOR also announced that it has signed an agreement with Sega GameWorks to install its units in the GameWorks locations which include: Seattle; Las Vegas; Tempe, Az.; Grapevine, Texas; Ontario and Orange Calif.; Detroit; and Miami; by the end of 1998.
***Visio Announces IntelliCAD 98 Competitive Upgrade (October 20)
Visio Corp. announced the availability of the IntelliCAD 98 by Visio Competitive Upgrade for users of Autodesk AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT and IMSI TurboCAD and TurboCAD Pro can upgrade to IntelliCAD 98 for only $149 US. The software would be normally priced at $349 US, The IntelliCAD 98 Competitive Upgrade will be available after October 20, 1998 through Visio distribution channels in the US including CompUSA, Fry's Electronics, Microcenter, Micro Warehouse, PC Connection, and Computer Discount Warehouse. This promotional upgrade price provides hundreds of thousands of AutoCAD LT and pre-R14 AutoCAD users with a low-cost drafting tool that works with DWG files created with AutoCAD R14 while retaining LISP, ADS and 3D drafting capabilities.
The IntelliCAD 98 Competitive Upgrade product is identical to the standard IntelliCAD 98 product, but incorporates a special installation routine. The installation program searches the user's hard disk for an installed copy of any version of AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT, TurboCAD or TurboCAD Pro. The installation program does not modify or disable other applications in any way, allowing IntelliCAD 98 to peacefully co-exist on the user's PC with other CAD products. This feature, coupled with the product's 60 day money-back guarantee, provides an ideal opportunity for CAD managers and users to evaluate IntelliCAD's compelling combination of features and value side-by-side with their existing CAD applications.
***ATI to Acquire Chromatic Research (October 21)
ATI Technologies announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Chromatic Research, Inc. for a total investment of US$67 million, comprised of 100% of the outstanding shares of Chromatic and assumption of Chromatic's net liabilities.
Chromatic is currently developing next-generation System-on-a-Chip (SOC) technology, a highly integrated product that encompasses graphics, system logic and processor blocks into a single chip. Chromatic's next-generation technology is a candidate for multimedia applications incorporated in sub-$500 computers, set-top boxes as well as other consumer electronic devices.
"This move is intended to extend our lead in the graphics and multimedia industry", said KY Ho, ATI's president and CEO. "Chromatic has a history of developing excellent technology. ATI has the infrastructure and economies of scale to enable success in this new product category."
"Chromatic's development to date adds significantly to our technology portfolio and allows us to extend our competencies into fast growing markets," said Adrian Hartog, ATI's vice-president, engineering. "This higher level of integration allows us to address fast growing segments in the sub $500 computer, set-top box and consumer electronics industries."
ATI will be acquiring all in-process research and development related to future products of Chromatic, equal to more than 300 man-years of both hardware and software engineering, all rights to their intellectual property including a significant patent portfolio relating to over 100 inventions and fixed assets.
Chromatic currently employs approximately 140 engineers. The purchase of Chromatic will be financed through cash. The transaction is expected to close, subject to Chromatic's shareholder and the necessary regulatory approvals, on or about November 13, 1998.
We are still puzzled on the value of Chromatic Research. They failed to execute in their original business model which in part included penetration into the low cost PC market. Yet, the announcement speaks glowingly of the prospects of the company in this same market. The technology was clearly the attractant to ATI. Given that it only costs $67m in cash maybe Chromatic Research was a bargain after all. Notice the announcement said nothing about the amount of the debt that ATI had to assume. At least ATI now has a strong presence in the San Francisco Bay Area - a major plus for any company doing business in these markets. ATI's task ahead is to show that it can execute using Chromatic's technology and translate their portfolio into profit making products. Given the lateness of the Rage 128 parts ATI is likely to be "engineering challenged" in the months ahead.
***Fujitsu to Introduce Handheld PCs for Windows CE (October 12)
Fujitsu announced that it is developing and plans to introduce next year several handheld PCs supporting the Microsoft Windows CE operating system. Featuring VGA resolution or better, pen as well as keyboard input, tablet and clamshell configurations, the handheld PCs will be based on Fujitsu's INTERTop, a half-notebook-sized PDA available in Japan since 1997. INTERTop is an affordable, compact and extremely lightweight mobile solution that boasts full network functionality and the largest screen (7.2 inch) of any PDA in the Japanese market.
Fujitsu is currently developing Windows CE-based Handheld PC solutions to meet a broad array of horizontal and vertical application needs and will market the systems worldwide, including in North America, Europe, Japan and Australia.
North American and European vertical sales and marketing will be carried out by California-based, wholly owned subsidiary Fujitsu Personal Systems.
***Cadence Advances Design of Third-Generation Personal Multimedia Communications Systems (September 14)
Cadence Design Systems announced the availability of a release of its Alta software portfolio and educational tools for designing multimedia and third-generation (3G) personal communications systems (PCS).
The release features high-level modeling and simulation technologies for image capture, image processing, and digital communications applications. The Alta SPW, EnVision and Visual Architect product lines have been enhanced for the design of products such as digital cameras, video cell phones, wireless PDAs, HDTV, DVD, and biometric applications such as fingerprinting. Capabilities include: polymorphic modeling to dramatically simplify the migration of abstract algorithms to implementation models; interactive visualization tools for monitoring image quality; and comprehensive library support covering both digital video and wide-band CDMA (Code-Division Multiple Access) elements.
The new Alta C++ polymorphic technology makes it possible to describe complex image processing algorithms. Systems designers create one algorithmic model that is later bound to particular image types and floating or fixed-point properties. A standalone C++ executable specification is automatically generated. This enables complex system exploration by changing parameters.
The Video Viewer and Image Quality Tester utilities allow designers to measure and manage the quality of compression or other image processing effects. Real-time results of model simulation are analyzed by direct viewing or by using functions that closely mimic human perception. This provides a new level of automation during algorithm optimization and the evaluation of fixed-point alternatives.
The release of the Visual Architect behavioral synthesis product supports loop handling techniques eliminating capacity constraints for recursive algorithms. As a result, register transfer level (RTL) code can be automatically generated for complex elements such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexers (OFDM), fast fourier transforms (FFT), equalizers, filters, and other complex memory structures used in 3G communication systems. The RTL code produced can be used directly by standard logic synthesis tools for implementation of application-specific integrated circuits or field programmable gate arrays.
The new EnVision multimedia design kit adds modeling of the light path including lenses, field of view, and the image sensor for accurate system simulation. The imaging library includes JPEG, the evolving JPEG2000 standard, and wavelet methods of video compression. The EnVision multimedia design kit, combined with the latest CDMA toolkit, enables designers to model complex 3G wide-band CDMA systems, before major commitments are made to implementation investments.
The CDMA toolkit now includes system testbenches for emerging WCDMA specifications such as (UMTS). Detailed models of digital camera and laser printing systems are also available for purchase and customization through the Cadence design services organization.
Concurrent with the new release of its Alta products, Cadence is offering a series of training courses and CD-ROM tutorials on digital communications system design. These programs, which feature design examples, are targeted at propagating the application expertise required for mainstream adoption of wide-band CDMA technologies. Designers may elect to complement their CDMA-based product development efforts with point tool, methodology/flow, and design process consulting services from Cadence.
The new releases of the Alta SPW, EnVision, and Visual Architect products are available immediately for UNIX-based workstations from Sun Microsystems and Hewlett-Packard. The U.S. list prices start at $30,000 for the SPW system, and $70,000 for the Visual Architect behavioral synthesis. The EnVision multimedia design kit and CDMA toolkit are options priced at $24,000 and $20,000, respectively.
***AVANT! launches library and tools integration initiative (Sept. 22)
Avant! announced its very deep submicron (VDSM) Library and Tools Integration Initiative. This software integration will support Avant!'s "SinglePass" solution.
The 0.25 micron Passport libraries are integrated into the Avant! suite of design tools, all based on the Milkyway VDSM common database and GUI. Avant! will ship to all Apollo customers a complimentary CD-ROM containing the Passport 0.25 micron libraries design kit. The CD-ROM will contain all functional, timing, processing rules, parasitic extraction models, and place and route frame views to make for customers to use the libraries in their IC design flows.
The 0.25 micron Passport libraries have been enhanced with a number of features to provide design results when used with Avant! design tools. Within Apollo, handling of end-of-line effects minimizes blockages and increases design density while maintaining reduced gridsize. Additionally, antenna-rule compliance has been achieved by tuning the libraries to satisfy Apollo antenna-rule algorithms.
The 0.25 micron Passport libraries are plug-n-play in both Star-RC (Avant!'s RC parasitic extraction tool) and Hercules (Avant!'s tool for hierarchical and flat design rule verification). The libraries provide efficient gate-level optimization using Avant!'s Saturn, as well as Synopsys' in-place optimization tool flows. The integration of libraries into the Avant! SinglePass design flow was achieved using Star-MTB and other Avant! timing and characterization tools.
Libra-Passport libraries (standard cells, I/Os, and memory compilers) are designed and characterized according to Avant!'s design rules and SPICE models. Working with foundries (such as Amkor, CSM, IBM, LG Semicon, Tower, TSMC, and UMC) through an extensive endorsement program, Avant! ensures that the Passport libraries can be manufactured in different foundries with similar performance, yield, and quality.
***Canon Launches Digital Image Editing On A TV (October 12)
Newsbytes reports that Canon has a digital photo editing unit, the Digital Photo Station PA-200, allows users to edit, store and print digital images using a conventional television set as a monitor. The new system eliminates the need for a personal computer and opens up the digital camera market to any consumer. The product supports Compact Flash and Smart Media memory cards and can also accept images from floppy disks and RS-232C compatible cameras. The CIFF and EXIF memory formats are also supported.
Users can create an album file and edit images taken with digital cameras and, once the images have been organized and manipulated, they can be stored on a 120 megabyte SuperDisk. Images can also be printed out when a compatible Canon ink-jet printer is connected.
Canon said functions include 90 degree image rotation, image enlargement and reduction, sepia and monochrome photo retouching, color adjustments, effects including oil paint and watercolor, illustrated photo-frame overlays and text input. The entire unit can also be operated by remote control and with an optional infrared wireless keyboard.
The PA-200 will be available in Japan from mid November and will be priced at 69,800 yen ($603).
***Seven Additional Video Game Publishers Pledge Support for Sega's Dreamcast (October 6)
Sega of America announced that seven additional video game publishers are supporting the Dreamcast platform. The companies include some of the industry's most prolific publishers-Accolade, Capcom, Hasbro Interactive, Konami, Mindscape, Take 2 and THQ.
The prior Dreamcast publishers include Acclaim, GT Interactive Software, Interplay, Microprose (a division of Hasbro Interactive) and Midway.
***Sega of America's First Dreamcast Title Debuts At Tokyo Game Show (October 12)
Sega Enterprises unveiled the first game developed by Sega of America's internal studio for Dreamcast. The game, called "Geist Force" in Japan, will be available December 1998. Sega selected Netter Digital Entertainment, Inc. to create cinematics for the game.
"Geist Force" is an 3D flying shooter set on an alien planet in the distant future. The game features hundreds of miles of 3D mountains, deep canyons, erupting volcanoes and rushing rivers in which to fly and fight. Players soar through detailed, hi-resolution 3D graphics . The game also offers the first-ever full-3D special effects with true-to-life physics. When an explosion occurs, a player's ship and the objects in the immediate area will be jolted by the blast, as would occur in the real world.
Sega of America is the arm of Tokyo, Japan-based Sega Enterprises, Ltd. responsible for the development, marketing and distribution of Sega videogame systems and videogames in the Americas.
***Sierra Attractions Rolls Out Hoyle Casino for The PC (October 12)
Sierra Attractions has launched Hoyle Casino. This version of Hoyle Casino includes 3D graphics that lets players surround themselves with the sights, sounds and games of Las Vegas (wedding at Elvis chapel not included) for an exciting and realistic gambling experience on the home PC.
From the No. 1-selling Hoyle series, Hoyle Casino offers players more than 100 Vegas-style game variations including Blackjack, Slots, Poker, Roulette, Pai Gow Poker, Craps, Keno and the popular Video Poker. Ten animated characters provide a range of different personalities and unique playing styles for entertaining and competitive gameplay. Users also have the option of playing with friends on the same PC or jumping on the Internet for real-time competition with fellow Casino players around the world.
Players will benefit from in-depth tutorials and winning strategies to increase their enjoyment of casino games and their chances of winning. With features like card counting capabilities for Blackjack players and on-line tips for every game, Hoyle Casino will excite the novice gambler to the high roller. Hoyle Casino even includes a special practice mode, which provides each player with "over-the-shoulder" advice until they get the hang of the game.
A casino's rules can differ depending on the location, which can be a confusing twist for travelers. With customizable settings, Hoyle Casino players can adjust the rules for better accuracy at their next gambling destination. As an added bonus, a complete strategy book is included based on Hoyle, the authority on games and gaming rules.
Hoyle Casino is available on CD-ROM for Windows at an estimated street price of $29.95.
***AutoCAD Map surpasses 50,000 units sold (October 7)
Autodesk announced that it has sold more than 50,000 units
of AutoCAD Map software in 18 months. AutoCAD Map is used for
creating, maintaining, and producing maps and geographic data
in private and governmental organizations.
AutoCAD Map software has attained-in less than two years -- an
installed base of more than half that reported by ESRI for its
flagship product, ARC/INFO, which has been on the market for 15
years.
***Avid Technology Third Quarter 1998 Results to be Lower than Planned (October 2)
Avid Technology announced that it expects revenues for the third quarter of 1998 to be below the Company's previously planned level. Revenues are expected to be in the range of $112.0 million to $114.0 million for the third quarter of 1998, compared to revenues of $116.5 million in the third quarter of 1997 and $112.9 million in the second quarter of 1998. While this revenue shortfall will have a negative impact on third quarter 1998 earnings, the Company expects to record a modest profit, excluding the previously announced non-recurring charge for the acquisition of Softimage Inc. The Company expects to report results for the third quarter on October 22, 1998.
William J. Miller, Avid's Chairman and CEO, commented, "We have recently announced several major new products. These include Avid Symphony, Digital Studio 2.1, Avid Xpress NT, Pro Tools|24 MIX and MIX NT and NewsCutter DV, all of which are scheduled for release in the fourth quarter. In addition, we are in the process of assimilating Softimage's product line and launching our alliance with Tektronix Inc. in the broadcast market. We believe that these factors have resulted in a transition quarter with some customers delaying buying decisions, which contributed to the revenue shortfall. We remain committed to growing Avid with innovative products that will allow us to maintain and expand our leadership position in the film, video and audio markets. We are targeting new opportunities for growth in such markets as television finishing, digital news production, corporate and industrial and audio mixing."
***ARM Holdings Reports 68% Growth in Third Quarter Revenues (October 12)
ARM Holdings announces its unaudited financial results, for the third quarter and nine months ended Sept. 30, 1998.
Third quarter revenues of (pound)11.2 million increased 68% compared to the same period last year and 13% from the second quarter of this year. Revenues for the nine months to Sept. 30, 1998 were (pound)29.8 million, an increase of 62% over the same period in 1997.
Third quarter pre-tax profit of (pound)2.5 million increased 75% compared to the same period last year and 10% from the second quarter. Pre-tax profit for the nine months to Sept. 30, 1998 was (pound)6.4 million, an increase of 98% over the same period in 1997.
Third quarter fully diluted earnings per share prepared under U.S. GAAP were 3.2 pence (16.1 cents per ADS(a)) compared to 2.2 pence per share (11.0 cents per ADS(a)) in the same period last year. Under U.S. GAAP, non-cash compensation costs relating to stock options granted from March 1997 to March 1998 were recognized in the amount of 0.4 pence per fully diluted share (1.8 cents per ADS(a)) in the third quarter of 1998 and 0.3 pence per fully diluted share (1.7 cents per ADS(a)) in the third quarter of 1997.
Fully diluted earnings for the nine months to Sept. 30, 1998 were 8.7 pence per share (44.4 cents per ADS(a)) compared to 5.2 pence per share (26.2 cents per ADS(a)) in the same period last year.
Commenting on the results, Robin Saxby, chairman and CEO said, "We are pleased with the continuing momentum of our business. During the third quarter, two new licenses were signed, bringing the total number of semiconductor licensees to 31. Of these, 28 are now public, with Hewlett Packard, National Semiconductor and Qualcomm all being recently announced. We were especially pleased with the sale of development systems which increased significantly during the quarter. We continue to invest in research and development and we will be publicly announcing details of the ARM10 high performance microprocessor family at the Embedded Processor Forum in San Jose, California on October 15."
Jonathan Brooks, chief financial officer, commented, "Operating margins for the nine months to Sept. 30, 1998 were 18% compared to 15% for the corresponding period last year. While the outlook for revenues in the fourth quarter is good, costs are expected to rise with our increased R+D expenditure and operating margins are expected to remain under pressure."
899.9 Deals
***Worlds Inc. Announces Internet Agreement
With Polygram Merchandising, Inc.
(October. 12)
Worlds and PolyGram Merchandising announced the signing of an agreement that will permit Worlds to develop, maintain and operate a 2D, or traditional HTML, as well as a 3D Internet website. Worlds will promote and sell the merchandise of PolyGram Merchandising's licensed artists, utilizing Worlds' proprietary Internet technology and content through this website. Worlds 3DCD Internet software and content permits animation and motion on the Internet, including a user's ability to experience moving into and out of various spaces via the selection of an avatar (one's alter ego character) for self-representation on the Internet.
Among the recording artists and others whose products are licensed by PolyGram Merchandising and whose products will be sold by Worlds in the online 'SuperStars SuperStore.com' are (in alphabetical order) All Saints, Billy Ray Cyrus, Hanson, Elton John, John Mellencamp, Shania Twain, The Spice Girls, Sting, U2, and Warren G, among others.
***AMD Purchases License for Quickturn's SpeedSim Cycle-Based Simulator (September 14)
Quickturn Design Systems announced receipt of an order approximating $1.0 million from AMD (Advanced Micro Devices) for its SpeedSim cycle-based simulation software.
AMD will use the industry-leading tool in development of microprocessors in its Austin, Texas operations, to reduce time-to-market and risk in the design of high-performance integrated circuits.
SpeedSim is a high-performance, cycle-based simulator that typically reduces simulation time of large electronic systems, microprocessors and ASICs over event-driven simulators. SpeedSim can deliver verification speeds of 10 to 1000 cycles per second on larger microprocessor models by employing a unique Boolean dataflow engine (BDE) approach. The use of the BDE allows up to 32 Simultaneous Tests running on one design on a single workstation.
-------------------------------------
Copyright 1998 4th WAVE, Inc.
To subscribe to WAVE go to
And Click on the Subscribe Button
Or
send an email message with SUBSCRIBE in the body of the text to
To unsubscribe also use the 4th Wave Home page or send a message
with UNSUBSCRIBE in the body of the text to
Previous issues of WAVE, as well as other info can be found at
http://www.fourthwave.com
http://www.3dlinks.com
Comments on or questions about WAVE may be sent to:
or any of the individuals below:
John N. Latta:---------jnl@fourthwave.com
Kamela Hutchins------khutchins@fourthwave.com
Amanda Rogos-------Arogos@fourthwave.com
The WAVE Report may be redistributed in full for individual
readership and posted to newsgroups, Web, and FTP sites. This
publication may not be reprinted or redistributed for profit.
Short quotes are permitted but must be attributed to the WAVE
Report. 4th Wave retains the copyright to the WAVE Report.