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To: John Rieman who wrote (293)	8/24/1998 10:00:00 AM
From: Maya	Respond to of 324

dailynews.yahoo.com Motorola Plans Set-Top By Karen J. Bannan, ZDNet Motorola Inc. is preparing to enter the digital television business, with a set-top box capable of handling bit-by-bit transmissions over the air, from satellite and through cable, according to parties close to the company. The company is expected to announce Sept. 14 a new consumer set-top box that uses Spyglass Inc.'s Device Mosaic browser and MicroServer. The announcement will build on an agreement reached this week for Motorola to use Spyglass technology in a variety of electronic devices. The Motorola box also could prove to be challenger to Web devices attached to TV sets, such as devices sold by Sony Corp. and N.V. Philips. The box will have a built-in browser for retrieving information, ordering goods and exchanging e-mail on the Internet, the sources said. Motorola declined to provide specifics, but a spokesman confirmed the company is working with Spyglass on a "a revolutionary new consumer product." Paul Chappel, Spyglass' business development manager, also confirmed the company is working with Motorola, but would not comment specifically on the project. Although he had not been briefed on the Motorola product, Sean Kaldor, vice president of consumer device research at International Data Corp., said the move was consistent with the direction in which the digital TV industry is moving. "This [set-top] market has the possibility of being a major one. [Scientific-Atlanta Inc.] and [General Instrument Corp.] have never sold product into the retail market. Motorola already has shelf space and relationships with retailers. Why not take their modems and extend them into new markets?" he said. Although the Motorola box will be compatible with Personal Java and Microsoft Corp.'s Windows CE, it will use an unnamed operating system, the parties said. In addition, the box is expected to feature a cable modem. This is the second set-top product that will use Spyglass software. The company in April announced a similar deal with Nokia Corp. Motorola can be reached at www.mot.com Spyglass can be reached at www.spyglass.com See Also: Get help for your computer problems at the Help! Channel Read hot news at ZDNN Work from home? Get good advice from the Small Business Advisor

To: John Rieman who wrote (293)	8/26/1998 9:07:00 AM
From: Maya	Respond to of 324

European broadcasters endorse Sun's Java LONDON (CBS.MW) -- European broadcasters will endorse Java as the standard operating software for digital televisions and set-top boxes, the Financial Times reported Wednesday. The decision by the advisory Digital Video Broadcasting project has not been announced officially, but the choice of Sun Microsystems' (SUNW) Java language emerged as a compromise between competing systems backed by the broadcasters. The DVB endorsement could cement Java's position as the standard for the next-generation of television, a blow to Microsoft (MSFT), which is trying to make Windows CE the standard for all sorts of electronic devices. (The Financial Times) cbs.marketwatch.com

To: John Rieman who wrote (293)	8/27/1998 8:27:00 AM
From: Maya	Respond to of 324

ATI's New RAGE(TM) 128 VR Graphics Chip Delivers A New Level of 3D Graphics Performance On The Motherboard Best 2d, 3d and Video Performer Outperforms Other 128-Bit Accelerator Chips Currently On The Market Highest Quality DVD Playback With Integrated Subpicture DVD Decode TORONTO, Aug. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- ATI Technologies Inc. (Toronto: ATY - news) today announced its latest 3D, 2D and DVD accelerator chip aimed at mid-range PCs -- the RAGE(TM) 128 VR. A fully integrated 128-bit graphics and multimedia accelerator chip. The RAGE 128 VR offers support for 16MB of graphics memory and is available in a small footprint 256-pin BGA package, making it the most attractive graphics solution for motherboard implementations. ''The new RAGE 128 VR graphics accelerator chip represents a complete redesign from our previous RAGE graphics offerings,'' said Ed Grondahl, vice-president of product marketing, ATI. ''With the RAGE 128 VR bringing a new level of application performance to the motherboard, ATI is continuing its leadership position in 3D and DVD with this new innovative and powerful chipset.'' Advanced 3D architecture delivers real-world application benefits Leading the industry with an advanced 3D architecture, the visual quality of the RAGE 128 VR is maintained at unprecedented performance levels, even working at higher resolutions. The RAGE 128 VR's innovative 3D features include a dual rendering pipe, a Twin-Cache Architecture including on-chip texture and pixel caches, an 8-bit stencil buffer, a 32-bpp renderer for full accuracy 3D rendering, a deep 32-bit Z-buffer, and high-quality alpha and fog effects. Optimized for DirectX 6.0 and OpenGL for the ultimate user experience Supporting the advanced features available under DirectX 6.0 and a full OpenGL client driver, the RAGE 128 VR provides a powerful combination of quality and performance with features like single-pass multiple texturing, and bump mapping. The RAGE 128 VR's feature set will bring faster frame rates and a new level of multimedia functionality to the PC. ''By taking advantage of the new features and enhancements provided in Microsoft's DirectX 6.0 technology, ATI's new RAGE 128 VR chip will provide developers and consumers with a compelling solution for powerful 3D graphics and multimedia on the Windows platform,'' said Kevin Bachus, product manager of DirectX at Microsoft Corporation [Nasdaq:MSFT - news]. ''The RAGE 128 VR will enable more applications using high-quality 3D graphics to be developed for the Windows operating systems and to be used by a broader range of consumers.'' Most comprehensive AGP solution with Bi-directional DME Adding to the performance benefits of the full AGP 2X specification, the RAGE 128 VR enables Bi-directional Direct Memory Execution (DME) to store information in system memory instead of local graphics memory. Unlike other 3D AGP accelerators who realize only limited 3D performance benefits, the RAGE 128 VR exploits the read/write capabilities of Bi-directional DME to produce performance benefits for all 2D, 3D and DVD applications operations. Powerful multimedia features including an integrated DVD subpicture decoder The RAGE 128 VR's integrated DVD/MPEG-2 decoder produces full frame-rate DVD/MPEG2 playback even on lower-end systems such as those powered by the Celeron processor. By integrating a DVD decoder into the RAGE 128 VR chip, system manufacturers no longer require costly DVD-decoder hardware for DVD/MPEG2 playback. Best features for the commercial market Providing exceptional display quality at high refresh rates, the RAGE 128 VR's powerful 128-bit 2D and 3D engine includes a 250MHz DAC and supports resolutions up to 1920x1200. Other important features include comprehensive support for ACPI and OnNow power management, corporate manageability initiatives such as DMI and WMI, and enhanced driver sets for Windows 98 and Windows NT 5.0. Pricing and availability The RAGE 128 VR, part of ATI's family of RAGE graphics accelerator chips, is aimed at the mid-range PCs and for system manufacturers with motherboard implementations, while the RAGE 128 GL, also announced today, is a high-end solution for add-in boards and high-performance PCs. The RAGE 128 VR is sampling now and will ship in September 1998. Pricing is $30 for 10,000 unit quantities. ATI Corporate Profile ATI Technologies Inc., the world's largest supplier of 3D graphics and multimedia technology, designs, manufactures and markets innovative and award-winning multimedia solutions and graphics components for personal computers. An ISO 9002 company, ATI is the world's leading supplier of video and 2D/3D graphics accelerators to OEM and retail customers. Founded in l985, ATI employs more than 1,300 people at headquarters in Thornhill, Ontario, and offices in the United States, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, and Barbados. ATI is a public company whose shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange. For other ATI news releases visit our web site at atitech.com. Copyright (C) ATI Technologies Inc., 1998. All company and/or product names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective manufacturers. Features, pricing, availability and specifications are subject to change without notice. SOURCE: ATI Technologies Inc. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- biz.yahoo.com

To: John Rieman who wrote (293)	8/31/1998 8:20:00 AM
From: Maya	Respond to of 324

Mediamatics DVDExpress Has Been Designed Into Compaq's New Line of Presario PCs Latest Example of Growing Industry Support for Mediamatics' DVDExpress SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--August 31, 1998--National Semiconductor Corporation (NYSE:NSM - news) announced today that Compaq Computer Corporation [NYSE:CPQ - news] has incorporated Mediamatics(R) DVDExpress(TM) software into new Presario PCs featuring second generation DVD drives. Mediamatics is a subsidiary of National Semiconductor. Mediamatics' DVDExpress software delivers cost effective, high performance, consumer quality audio and video playback to Compaq's new DVD-enabled PCs. Mediamatics' integrated MPEG-2 video and Dolby(R) Digital AC-3 audio software decoder is the industry's first commercial software DVD implementation using the Microsoft DirectShow Application Programming Interface (API). The DirectShow API, a component of the DirectX multimedia services found in the Microsoft Windows operating system, is the industry standard that is used by designers to develop DVD titles and applications. ''Compaq is committed to delivering to our customers industry leading multimedia technology,'' said Alex Gruzen, director of product marketing, Consumer Products Group, Compaq Computer Corporation. ''Mediamatics' DVDExpress is the only solution that offers the benefits of DirectShow compatibility and uncompromised audio/video quality.'' With DirectShow compliance, Mediamatics' DVDExpress solution enables PCs to play the advanced features of today's DVD content and ensures compatibility with future DVD applications, creating full-featured entertainment PCs. Until now, the lack of industry standards created compatibility issues for system designers wishing to implement cost effective DVD on PCs. ''I am pleased to see the close efforts between Mediamatics and Microsoft bring to fruition a scalable DVD playback solution under DirectShow,'' said Eric Engstrom, general manager of DirectX multimedia at Microsoft Corporation [Nasdaq:MSFT - news]. ''This new technology will enable users to fully appreciate the interactive features of DVD on Windows today, and gain additional features on Windows releases in the future.'' ''Today's announcement with Compaq is further proof that Mediamatics is continuing to work with leading OEMs to develop solutions that address the issues facing PC system designers today,'' said Pier Del Frate, vice president of marketing at Mediamatics. ''We are enabling our customers to implement cost effective DVD functionality immediately,'' National Semiconductor Corporation National Semiconductor Corporation produces system-on-a-chip silicon solutions for the information highway, based on its leadership in analog and mixed signal technologies. National is headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., and focuses on the communications, personal systems and consumer markets. National has annual sales of approximately $2.5 billion and 13,000 employees worldwide. Additional company and product information is available on the World Wide Web at www.national.com. Mediamatics Mediamatics, a wholly owned subsidiary of National Semiconductor Corporation, delivers consumer quality digital video and audio hardware/software solutions for consumer, PC and convergence markets. Mediamatics software and system expertise are the starting points for further integration into the emerging home entertainment market comprised of entertainment PCs, set-top boxes and DVD players. Its products are licensed by Microsoft and major PC OEMs, making Mediamatics the world's largest supplier of MPEG products. To receive additional corporate and product information, visit the Mediamatics Web site at mediamatics.com. Note to Editors: Mediamatics and DVDExpress are registered trademarks of Mediamatics Corporation, a subsidiary of National Semiconductor Corporation. All trade names referenced are the service mark, trademark or registered trademark or trade name of their respective companies. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contact: The Hoffman Agency Mark Plungy, 408/975-3008 mplungy@hoffman.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- biz.yahoo.com

To: John Rieman who wrote (293)	9/2/1998 6:33:00 AM
From: Maya	Respond to of 324

Sigma Designs Announces Windows NT and DirectShow Support for DVD REALmagic EM8300 DVD/MPEG-2 Decoder is First to Provide Windows NT and DirectShow Support SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 2, 1998--Sigma Designs Inc. (NASDAQ:SIGM - news), a leader in MPEG decoder solutions for personal computers, today announced the planned release of support for Microsoft Corp.'s (NASDAQ:MSFT - news) Windows NT 4.0 and DirectShow software. The new software drivers, included in Sigma's EM8300 REALmagic DVD/MPEG-2 decoder chip, are being demonstrated at DVD-Day, an event sponsored by Panasonic Industrial Co. today. The drivers will be released to customers in October. Kilroy Hughes, Microsoft's DVD Evangelist, will demonstrate the technology during his presentation ''DirectShow, Windows Media Player, & DVD/MPEG-2-The Driving Forces.'' Sigma's customized navigational software, ''DVD Station,'' can play MPEG-2 content, including CSS-protected DVD titles, under Windows NT. DirectShow is Microsoft's standard for multimedia content under Windows 98, and is comparable to the MCI (Multimedia Content Interface) used under Windows 95. The DirectShow Applications Programming Interface (API) is the industry standard used by designers to develop DVD titles and applications. Today's announcement means that Sigma Designs now supports both DirectShow and MCI. ''Our EM8300 DVD/MPEG-2 decoder supports any DVD-RAM or DVD-ROM drive (IDE or SCSI),'' stated William Wong, Sigma's vice president of marketing. ''We are excited to announce our Windows NT and DirectShow support at DVD-Day, hosted by Panasonic. Panasonic is one of the first companies to produce an economical, high-performance rewritable, removable drive that is in full compliance with the DVD Forum's DVD-RAM specifications and standards. Combining Panasonic's drive with our low-cost REALmagic silicon for DVD decoding makes digital video archiving and playback more affordable to everyone,'' Wong concluded. In addition to being approved by the DVD Forum, which has grown to more than 160 members, the DVD-RAM format has been adopted by the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) and the European Computer Manufacturers' Association (ECMA). The standard has also been endorsed by the Hollywood DVD Advisory Group, more than 20 of the industry's leading PC manufacturers, and leading international content developers. Industry analysts project that by the year 2000, more than 70 million DVD drives and players will be installed and that more than 30 million of these units will be DVD-RAM drives. About Sigma Designs: Sigma Designs entered the multimedia market in 1993 with products based on the MPEG (Motion 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 products on the market today. Sigma Designs' products include affordable MPEG video and audio decoding hardware. All Sigma Designs' products are sold worldwide through a network of dealers, distributors, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). For additional information, call 800-845-8086 or 510-770-0100, fax 510-770-2640, or visit Sigma's web site at sigmadesigns.com This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the PC-DVD market and the features and potential growth prospects of certain DVD/MPEG-2 products offered by the Company in this market, that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results of Sigma Designs may vary materially due to a number of factors including, but not limited to, the levels of orders from and the risk of cancellation of orders by significant customers, the ability of the Company's REALmagic EM8300 DVD/MPEG-2 decoder to compete with other technologies in this emerging market, the risk that such product will not gain widespread acceptance or will be rendered obsolete by product offerings of competitors or by alternative technologies, and the risk that the Company will not meet price or time-to-market estimates due to production, manufacturing, or other delays. Editors and Analysts: For further information, photographs and interviews please contact Marken Communications. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contact: Marken Communications (Media Contact) Andy Marken, 408/986-0100 marken@cerf.net or Sigma Designs Inc. (Investor Relations Contact) Carol Kaplan, 510/770-2991 carol_kaplan@sdesigns.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- biz.yahoo.com

To: John Rieman who wrote (293)	9/12/1998 2:06:00 PM
From: Maya	Respond to of 324

Saturday 12th September Four play for global digital set-top market French pay-TV channel Canal+, Pioneer Electric Corporation, C-Cube Microsystems and its subsidiary DiviCom have formed a strategic partnership to create an end-to-end interoperable digital system solution for the global DTV market. The four parties have agreed to develop a solution from the interface with legacy billing systems, to the subscriber user interface on the digital set-top terminal. This will use a DVB-MHP (Multiple Home Platform) compliant set-top box in Europe and an OpenCable compliant solution in the North American market. The share of responsibilities within the alliance will see Canal+ and Pioneer handling system integration and software application development, while Pioneer takes on the the manufacturing of digital set-top boxes for the European, US and Japanese markets. C-Cube's contribution will be an evaluation board that includes an integrated MPEG-2 audio and video decoder, high performance graphics co-processor, and a host CPU for the development of an OpenCable compliant set-top box. Canal+, the senior partner of the three, will supply its Mediaguard conditional access system and its Mediahighway middleware technology, which can already be found in most set-top boxes installed in European homes, as well as the software applications for the new platform. These and device layer software can be downloaded for the acceptance of any upgrade. Jean Fran‡ois Jezequel (left), general manager of marketing and sales at Canal+ Technologies, says: "The idea is that Canal+ technologies like Mediaguard are already proven in the European market, but we want to expand and the natural market to do this in is the US." This is why it selected Pioneer, which will help Canal+ hit its new target market early next year. However, the company has gown impatient with the DVB Project over ratification of the MHP standard. "We want to get it quickly," adds Jezequel.