This is GREAT news Adam !! I am posting the whole article.
Some of you might want to jump to approximately the fifth paragraph from the bottom.
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Toshiba's DVD Developer's Platform designed to accelerate
Microsoft DirectShow 2.0 title development
IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 30, 1997--
The leader in DVD, drives title development with
platform package that includes access to a designated
Web site with the latest information about DVD
title development and a developers Q&A forum
Toshiba, the leading developer of DVD technology, Friday announced the industry's first DVD (Digital Versatile
Disc) Developer's Platform PC. The DVD Developer's Platform PC, available in mid-June from the Computer
Systems Division (CSD) of Toshiba America Information Systems Inc., is designed specifically to assist independent
software vendors in developing Microsoft(R) DirectShow 2.0(TM) (previously known as ActiveMovie 2.0(TM))
compatible DVD-ROM titles.
``Through our work with Microsoft, DVD now has a clear standard for title development in DirectShow,'' said
Jeffrey Friederichs, vice president of worldwide marketing for Toshiba. ``As an early pioneer in DVD development
we are committed to make DVD a reality for consumers. Our DVD Developer's Platform PC, optimized for
Microsoft's DirectShow 2.0 will be the path developers need to take to design successful DVD titles.''
Designed for Development
Purchasers of the Developer's Platform can sign up for Microsoft's Windows(R) ``Memphis'' Beta and DirectShow
SDK (software developer's kit) to assist them in their designs. In addition, as part of the Developer's Platform
package, purchasers will have access to a special developers' Web site, which will assist them in developing DVD
applications.
Utilizing this specialized site, software developers can access the most up-to-date information about DVD title
development and participate in an ongoing developer Question and Answer forum. The progressive Web site, which
is scheduled to go online when the developer's system is released, will also allow purchasers of the Developer's
Platform PC to download development drivers for Windows 95, Memphis, and Windows NT 5.0.
Toshiba Leads The Way In DVD
As the leader in DVD-ROM technology development, Toshiba holds many of the patents associated with DVD and
plans to ship its first DVD-equipped retail PC this summer. Toshiba leads the way in stabilizing DVD direction with
the endorsement and execution of Microsoft's DirectShow format. By creating a Developer's Platform PC, Toshiba
will assist a broader audience by bringing this new technology to market now.
Earlier this year, Toshiba released its first family of consumer electronic DVD players in partnership with Hollywood's
introduction of DVD feature length titles. This exciting new format brings additional functionality including subtitles,
multilanguage support, dynamic camera angles and rich Dolby Digital (AC-3) Audio. With the ability to store up to
17 times the capacity of a standard CD-ROM on one disc, DVD-ROM represents the ideal medium for the next
generation of interactive and immersive gaming, learning and entertainment.
``The introduction of this platform sends a strong message to developers that Toshiba is standing solidly behind
DVD,'' said Jack Dolan, vice president OEM Division, The Learning Company, a leading supplier of educational,
productivity and lifestyle software. ``The support Toshiba brings to the evolving DVD market will greatly accelerate
the development and release of DVD-ROM software, compatible with DirectShow support.''
DirectShow is supported by Microsoft Windows 95 and will be supported by future generations of Microsoft
Windows and Windows NT operating systems. DirectShow incorporates the most sophisticated cross-platform
digital video technology for the desktop PC. Utilizing DirectShow, users can enjoy state-of-the-art full-screen MPEG
playback, crisp synchronized audio and stunning 2D and 3D special effects.
``DVD-Video and DVD-ROM are important technologies for the PC industry to deliver on the SIPC (Simply
Interactive PC) vision,'' said Carl Stork, general manager in Microsoft's Windows Operating Systems Division.
``Microsoft is committed to providing great support for DVD-Video and DVD-ROM in the next releases of
Windows and Windows NT. With this DVD Developer's Platform, Toshiba is helping developers create DVD titles
using the DirectShow 2.0 API. This is yet another example of close cooperation and support between Toshiba and
Microsoft.''
Specifications, Pricing and Availability
The Developer's Platform PC comes standard with 32MB of EDO memory, 3.73GB hard drive, DVD-ROM (9X)
drive with MPEG-2 video decompression hardware and Dolby Digital Audio Playback (2 CH), S3 Inc.'s
ViRGE(TM) DX video processor with 2MB video RAM, standard wavetable audio, three full-length 12-bit ISA
slots, three PCI slots (one occupied by the MPEG-2 decoder card), and two USB ports. The DVD Developers
Platform PC will be available in limited quantities to qualified independent software developers direct from Toshiba
for $999 for the first unit and $2,499 for additional units. For more information, call Toshiba beginning Monday, June
2, at 888/DVD-TOSH (888/383-8674) or 888/299-8880.
About Toshiba America Information Systems Inc.
Toshiba continues to be the leading vendor in the U.S. market for portable computers, with a 24.4 percent market
share based on 1997 preliminary first quarter estimates from International Data Corp. (IDC). The company offers
portable and desktop computing solutions for consumer and business customers under the Toshiba brand name. For
dealer referral and product literature, call 800/457-7777, or visit the company's World Wide Web site at
computers.toshiba.com .
With headquarters in Irvine and annual sales of approximately $4 billion, Toshiba America Information Systems
(TAIS) is composed of nine divisions which manufacture and market a wide range of business and
information-oriented products in the United States.
Products include portable and desktop computers, disk drives, plain paper copiers, facsimile systems, voice mail
systems, digital key telephones, toner products, optical fiber modems and digital cameras.
TAIS is an independent operating company, owned by Toshiba America Inc., a subsidiary of the $53 billion Toshiba
Corp., the fifth-largest electronics and electrical equipment manufacturer, and the world's 32nd-largest corporation in
terms of sales. Toshiba Corp. is a world leader in high technology products with 207 major subsidiaries and affiliates
worldwide. |
