Wave Issue 9738 3/17/98 Article 3-01

***Multimedia

Diamond Adopts Mpact 2 Media Processor for New
Diamond DVD Kit
(February 10)

Diamond Multimedia Systems announced that they have
adopted Mpact 2 media processor technology for its
new Diamond DVD Kit, Model MC20. The Diamond DVD Kit,
Model MC20 delivers a new class of DVD upgrade kits
for PCs. The new product combining arcade-quality 3D
graphics; high- performance 2D graphics; hardware-
accelerated, home theater-quality DVD video; and DVD
surround-sound audio, all in a single, low-cost kit.

Diamond will offer a complete graphics and DVD
upgrade kit including a single Mpact 2-based board
with 4 MB RambusRDRAM memory, generation DVD-ROM
drive, and software titles-for an estimated retail
price of $299.95. The Diamond DVD Kit, Model MC20 is
expected to be shipping in the second quarter of
1998.

www.diamondmm.com

Pioneer Electronics Becomes Licensee of DIVX
Technology; (February 4)

Pioneer Electronic Corp. announced that it has become
a licensee of Divx-enhanced technology. The company
anticipates release of a Divx-enabled player by
summer 1999. The Divx capability, made available to
Pioneer by Digital Video Express LP, allows consumers
to buy a special, encrypted movie disc (for about
$4.50) that includes a two-day viewing period. Unlike
traditional video tape rentals, the 48-hour Divx
viewing window does not begin when the customer
leaves the store, but only when he or she inserts the
disc into the Divx player for the first time, either
on the day of purchase, the following week, or months
into future. Discs never have to be returned,
eliminating late fees and round-trips to a rental
outlet.

www.pioneerusa.com/