More MPact Impact...
Unigen Introduces New Series of Full-Featured Multimedia Cards Based On Toshiba's Mpact(TM) Media Processor
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11/17/97
PR Newswire
(Copyright (c) 1997, PR Newswire)
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Offers Complete Spectrum of Multimedia Functionality in a Single,
Cost Effective Card
LAS VEGAS, Nov. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- COMDEX Booth# L1214, South Hall -- Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. and Unigen Corporation today announced a new family of full-featured multimedia cards based on Toshiba's Mpact(TM) media processor for add-in PC applications. The new line-up includes three boards, Twister Pro, the Twister LX and the Twister DVD+, which offer a variety of price/performance options. The boards take advantage of the full processing power of the Mpact media processor to enable all or combinations of seven multimedia functions including 2D and 3D graphics acceleration, full-featured DVD decoding, video conferencing, fax/modem, video capture, and editing as well as TV output.
The cards are developed, manufactured and marketed by Unigen. Mpact media processors are architected by Chromatic Research and co-developed, manufactured and sold by Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. Chromatic Research also develops and sells the enabling Mpact mediaware software.
"Unigen is committed to developing multimedia solutions based on the Mpact media processor," said James Huang, executive vice president, Unigen Corporation. "The unique architecture enables us to build a scaleable, cost- effective solution without sacrificing performance. We plan to continue development of products based on the Mpact architecture including the next- generation Mpact 2."
"Toshiba continually strives to leverage its semiconductor expertise to develop products that shape the multimedia market," said Mark Nogaki, director of media processor marketing for Toshiba. "We are pleased to partner with Unigen to offer robust multimedia solutions that meet the needs of the price- sensitive PC market."
"Mpact continues to gain momentum, particularly in the affordable consumer PC segment where Mpact media processor technology brings down the cost of high-performance multimedia," said John Monti, vice president of marketing, Chromatic Research. "We look forward to a successful relationship with Unigen as they pursue this rapidly growing segment."
Family of Multimedia Boards:
Unigen currently offers three boards which vary according to price/performance. This new line-up is based on the Mpact R/3600 media processor which features performance levels up to 3.6 billions of operations (BOPs), support for 600MHz Rambus(TM) DRAM (RDRAM(R)) and an integrated RAMDAC for added performance and integration. The company plans to offer additional solutions based on the Mpact media processor including the Mpact 2/6000 architecture.
A complete all-in-one multimedia board, the Twister Pro is one of the industry's first solutions based on the Mpact R/3600 processor to offer all seven multimedia functions in a single board. These functions include 2D and 3D graphic's acceleration, full-featured DVD playback, fax/modem functionality, video capturing and editing, TV output (both NTSC and PAL), telephony and a MIDI/joystick interface.
Unigen also offers the Twister LX board which provides a cost-effective DVD and graphics solution with additional features including video editing, capturing and TV output. The Twister DVD+ is an ultra low-cost DVD and graphics solution.
The cards are ideal for system integrators and VARs as well as second-tier OEMs who are looking for a high-performance solution to handle a wide array of multimedia tasks to take advantage of the growing multimedia PC market.
About Mpact:
The Mpact media processor is a combination of hardware and firmware that provides a scaleable and upgradeable multimedia solution offering state-of- the-art capabilities for all seven multimedia functions -- video, 2D graphics acceleration, 3D graphics acceleration, audio, fax/modem, telephony and videophone -- in a single, software upgradeable processor. Mpact works in conjunction with the PC's own X86 or X86 MMX(TM) CPU. The Very Long Instruction Word (VLIW) architecture of the Mpact processor allows instructions for these functions to be issued and executed concurrently offering various combinations of functions to be performed simultaneously with no lag in performance.
Pricing and Availability:
The Twister Pro is currently available in sample, quantities while mass production is scheduled for December 1997. The Twister LX and Twister DVD+ will be available in the first quarter of 1998. Pricing for the boards starts at $129 depending on quantity and configuration.
About Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc.:
TAEC is the North American manufacturing, sales and marketing arm of one of the world's largest suppliers of semiconductors, integrated circuits and electronic components for industrial and consumer applications. The company is the recognized leader in CMOS technology and has one of the broadest IC product lines in the industry. In addition, Toshiba is a leading manufacturer of technologically advanced electron tubes and solid state devices, including color picture tubes, display monitor tubes, liquid crystal displays, medical tubes, rechargeable batteries, microwave components, laser diodes and optical transmission devices.
The Systems IC Division is located at 1060 Rincon Circle, San Jose, CA 95131. For more company information, please visit TAEC's Internet home, page at: toshiba.com.
About Unigen:
Unigen Corporation is a leader in the design and manufacture of memory modules and peripheral solutions for desktop and portable PC, workstation, server, and printer markets. Unigen is headquartered in Fremont, Calif., with its own state-of-the-art ISO 9001 certified SMT manufacturing facility and Design Center. Additional facilities include a Far East Design Center in Taiwan and Sales Offices worldwide. More, information on the company and product offering is available on the World Wide Web at unigen.com.
Mpact is a trademark of Chromatic Research. MMX is a trademark of Intel Corporation. Rambus and RDRAM are trademarks or registered trademarks of Rambus, Inc. All other brands, trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
/NOTE TO EDITORS: Reader inquiries please publish 800-879-4963
/CONTACT: Company Contact: Annette Birkett, Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc., 714-455-2298 (not for reader inquiries); For reader inquiries publish, 800-879-4963; Joe Barrett, Unigen Corporation, 510-668-2088; Agency Contact: Lisa Nemec or Michelle MacLean, Shafer Public Relations, 800-503-1177 or 714-553-1177/ 08:04 EST |
