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To: Ian deSouza who wrote (29923)	2/25/1998 3:05:00 PM
From: BillyG	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 50808

Kapok Computers (Taiwan) selects Sigma Designs to develop DVD decoder solution for its laptops. Do we know what chip Sigma is using for laptop decoders? I don't recall. I seem to remember that Sigma is using the IBM chip in some of its desktop boards, and it is using CUBE in an MPEG-1 board (see link below). Message 3386706 ZiVA makes the most sense for a laptop........... Kapok Computers Selects Sigma Designs' DVD Solution for Notebook PCs FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 25, 1998-- Sigma's DVD Solution for Laptop Computers Enables Kapok Computer for DVD Sigma Designs, Inc.(Nasdaq:SIGM), a recognized leader in digital video solutions for desktop and notebook computers, today announced that Kapok Computers, a leading manufacturer of notebooks, has chosen Sigma's DVD/MPEG-2 playback module for integration into its latest line of notebook computers. "We selected Sigma to develop the DVD/MPEG-2 decoder module because of its prior experience in zoomed video technology for notebook computers and its proven track record as a leading supplier of DVD/MPEG-2 decoders for the desktop market," stated Eva Wang, Manager of Product Planning at Kapok Computers. "We plan to aggressively promote DVD enabled notebooks." "We are delighted that Kapok Computers is buying our DVD modules for its notebooks," commented Prem Talreja, Vice President of Marketing at Sigma Designs. "Notebook PCs are ideal DVD players which can be used for training, distance learning and delivering compelling presentations." Kapok, ranked among Taiwan's top ten notebook computer makers, specializes in the research, development and manufacture of high-technology, niche-market notebook computers. Established in 1993, Kapok has grown rapidly and now sells its products to more than 70 countries. Sales in 1996 were over $250 million. Sigma Designs entered the multimedia market in 1993 with products based on the MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) standard for compressing and decompressing digital audio and video signals. Since then, Sigma has been a driving force behind advancement of the MPEG technology used in most multimedia PCs on the market today. Sigma Designs' products include affordable MPEG/DVD video and audio decoding hardware used in consumer and commercial PC based applications. All Sigma Designs' products are sold worldwide through a direct sales force, distributors, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). For additional information, call 800/845-8086, 510/770-0100, fax: 510/770-2640, or visit Sigma's web site at sigmadesigns.com. CONTACT: S&S Public Relations, Inc. Lauren Finkelman/Regan Davis, 800/287-2279 lauren@sspr.com/regan@sspr.com or Sigma Designs, Inc. Carol Kaplan, 510/770-2991 carol_kaplan@sdesigns.com

To: Ian deSouza who wrote (29923)	2/25/1998 7:22:00 PM
From: John Rieman	Respond to of 50808

My next few posts are not for the faint of heart. Skip them unless you want to learn about combo-cards............................................ Graphics/Accelerator cards Combo cards on verge of development leap <Picture> Graphics and video combo cards are on the brink of a new era in development. Several different technologies are being produced that will all influence the future of the combo card. Currently combo card volumes are still lower than single-function graphics cards. There are several reasons for this. One is that they are more highly priced than simple VGA cards. Another is that they take a long time to produce, a maker has to thoroughly test each function on a card for compatibility. Nevertheless the ease of installation that these cards facilitate does enhance their popularity, and with the enormous range of multimedia and communications functions on offer, a single card solution is looking more and more attractive. Makers agree that the cards are not difficult to produce. Many standard chipsets and components are available. Depreciation of combo card prices is tied closely to chipset and DRAM costs which are falling sharply. Decreasing chip costs and increasing demand for processing power from 3D applications will increase the amount of memory on combo cards from the current 2M or 4M to 6M, 8M or even 12M. Makers see the trend for the type of memory used moving to RAM-bus DRAM which is claimed to be 30 percent to 40 percent faster than SGRAM. Two technologies have emerged that will further enhance development of combo cards. One is AGP, claimed to be three to four times faster than the mainstream PCI standard. Resistance to adoption of the new standard comes in the form of price and insufficient supporting software. Some hope this will jack up depreciating combo card prices and help to level out competition. Another important technology to affect combo cards is DVD. This is almost a must-have feature for 3D applications and as DVD-ROM drive production increases, so too will the manufacture of DVD-interfaced combo cards. Some manufacturers foresee that these multiple advancements will help combo cards gain higher output volumes than single-function graphics cards.