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Technology Stocks : ATI Technologies in 1997 (T.ATY) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: NTT who wrote (3313)	5/3/1999 3:50:00 PM
From: Marc	Respond to of 5927

Micron Introduces the TransPort NX High Performance Notebook Computer with 15-Inch Screen Micron Introduces the TransPort NX High Performance Notebook Computer with 15-Inch Screen NAMPA, IDAHO (May 3) BUSINESS WIRE -May 3, 1999--Micron Electronics, Inc. (Nasdaq:MUEI), a leading vendor of desktop PCs, servers and notebooks, announced the 15-Inch Micron(tm) TransPort(R) NX notebook computer, which is among the world's highest performance notebook computers. The new TransPort NX is designed for notebook users who need maximum performance in a desktop-replacement computer that can be conveniently transported from work to home, between offices at work, or from room to room at home. "With the Micron TransPort NX, we are able to offer a truly superior product for customers who want the industry's leading performance, flexibility, innovation and price in a notebook computer," said Shane Thomas, Micron's vice president of portable products. "In addition, TransPort NX customers can take advantage of Micron's unique portfolio of services, such as Micron University, flexible financing and trade-in options, and the MServices portfolio of service options." Largest Notebook Screen The TransPort NX notebook's 15-inch screen is the largest available for a notebook computer, providing a viewing area that is similar to a traditional 17-inch computer display. The larger screen makes it easier to view large spreadsheets, page layouts or DVD movies. Intelligent Expansion and Storage Options The TransPort NX notebook has expansion and storage options suited for a variety of user needs. It comes with an internal, easily removable hard drive with up to 14 GB of storage. It also comes with a choice of a CD-ROM drive or a DVD drive. In addition, the TransPort NX notebook has a multi-use bay, which can house an additional hard drive (up to 14 GB), a second battery, a Zip drive, an LS 120 drive or a floppy drive. With these expansion options, a user working without an AC power source may choose to configure the TransPort NX notebook with the internal hard drive, a CD-ROM or DVD drive and two batteries. Or, a user with numerous large data files may choose to configure the TransPort NX notebook with two 14 GB hard drives, a CD-ROM drive or a DVD drive and one battery. The breakthrough expansion capabilities of the TransPort NX notebook reach far beyond storage and batteries. The PC Card expansion slot is taller than most, enabling users to install a Type III (double-high) card at the same time as a Type II card. The TransPort NX also includes two USB ports for connecting to a wide range of USB devices, TV In and TV Out, and a MIDI/game port. A docking device is also available for the TransPort NX notebook. It uses Mini PCI technology to make it easier for a TransPort NX user to connect to a LAN. Breakthrough Usability With the TransPort NX notebook, Micron has made a variety of breakthroughs in usability. Two pointing devices are available on the new notebook, allowing customers to choose how they move the cursor. In addition, the touch pad can be set to turn off while the user is typing. And, the user can turn off the tapping capability of the touch pad. Another usability feature of the TransPort NX is that users or IS personnel can open the TransPort NX easily without the use of tools to remove or exchange the internal hard drive or upgrade memory. Performance Features The TransPort NX supports Intel's latest Pentium II processors for maximum performance. It is also powered by the 8 MB ATI Rage Pro LT graphics processor. In addition, the TransPort NX supports up to 384 MB of memory and up to 28 GB of hard disk storage. The TransPort NX also runs Microsoft Windows 98 or Windows NT Workstation 4.0. Because most users of the TransPort NX will be business or professional users, a high number are expected to select Windows NT Workstation 4.0 for its ease of use, performance and reliability. Micron Services Micron's notebook customers can take advantage of several value-packed services that aren't available from other notebook vendors. All notebook users receive a free one-year enrollment in Micron University, an online training resource with courses for every kind of user. In addition, Micron notebook customers can take advantage of Micron's MServices suite of service options, provided in partnership with Unisys (see separate announcement today titled Micron Electronics Introduces MServices -- Comprehensive I.T. Services and Resources for Mid-Size Businesses). In addition, Micron offers its notebook customers flexible financing options, including leasing, trade-in and environmentally safe disposal of older equipment. Pricing and Configurations A Micron TransPort NX notebook with the following components is available for $3699: Intel Pentium II processor running at 366 MHz 15-inch screen 128 MB RAM 14 GB hard drive 2X DVD drive LS 120 drive Windows 98 Microsoft Office Small Business Edition Micron University 3-year limited warranty A Micron TransPort NX notebook with the following components is available for $ 3099: Intel Pentium II processor running at 366 MHz 15.1-inch screen 64 MB RAM 6.4 GB hard drive 24x (var. speed) CD-ROM drive Floppy drive Windows 98 Microsoft Office Small Business Edition Micron University 3-year limited warranty A similarly configured TransPort NX notebook, with an Intel Pentium II processor running at 333 MHz is available for $2899.

To: NTT who wrote (3313)	5/3/1999 3:53:00 PM
From: DiViT	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 5927

NVIDIA and InterVideo Deliver WHQL Certified Software DVD Playback for RIVA TNT biz.yahoo.com WinDVD's Breakthrough User Interface Combined with Leading Graphics Technology Delivers Consumer-Quality Software DVD Solution to Mainstream SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 29, 1999-- NVIDIA(TM) Corporation (Nasdaq:NVDA - news) and InterVideo, Inc. announced today that InterVideo's WinDVD(TM) software DVD player, when combined with NVIDIA's RIVA TNT(TM) 3D processor, has received Windows® Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL) certification for high quality, full frame rate software enabled DVD playback. This new DVD software playback solution is the first to successfully pass Microsoft's rigorous test requirements and achieve the WHQL logo of certification for the RIVA TNT. The WHQL certification was run on a Micron(TM) Millennia® Pentium® II 450 MHz system. WinDVD's impressive list of features includes an advanced intuitive user interface, software video window scaling, software and hardware sub-picture alpha blending, software video signal de-interlacing, and software color and brightness control. WinDVD includes state-of-the-art support for VCD disc and MP3 audio file playback, DVD region control and the most powerful and responsive DVD navigator in the industry. ''We've proven that consumer-quality software DVD playback is possible on standard PCs equipped with our RIVA TNT family of processors,'' stated Dan Vivoli, vice president of product marketing at NVIDIA. ''Combined with WinDVD's outstanding user interface and navigation system, this new offering is the consummate DVD player for the mainstream PC market.'' ''The WHQL logo is the PC equivalent of the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval,'' noted Joe Monastiero, vice president of sales and marketing at InterVideo. ''The combination of InterVideo's and NVIDIA's technical expertise in software DVD and graphics processors is exemplified in being the first to achieve WHQL.'' WHQL Approval Required For Software DVD Products The WHQL logo has become a de-facto standard for software enabled DVD playback systems and many major U.S. system manufacturers now require the logo before shipping software DVD solutions. Microsoft's WHQL tests ensure software DVD players offer a compliant implementation of DirectShow(TM) APIs, support for a proper DVD navigation and a bug-free user experience. Unlike competitive solutions that require the usage of proprietary-based hardware implementations for DVD playback, the WinDVD and RIVA TNT combination is a standards-based solution that has been optimized to ensure high quality DVD playback. WinDVD supports all of the industry-standard DVD APIs, including DirectShow(TM), DirectDraw(TM) and DirectSound(TM), and is legacy compatible with the MCI interactive title standard. In addition, InterVideo has a unique application interface layer to allow WinDVD to quickly support any graphics adapter with DVD hardware-assist features, like motion compensation and IDCT. WinDVD's architecture is uniquely modular and tightly tailored to the DVD specification and the intricacies of the PC system environment, providing the most seamless navigation experience available. WinDVD is available for licensing to OEMs directly and distribution for system integrators. NVIDIA Processors The RIVA family of 3D/2D processors, the RIVA TNT2(TM), RIVA TNT(TM), RIVA 128 ZX(TM) and the RIVA 128(TM) is the first family of high-performance processors for the performance mainstream PC market. The RIVA processors utilize a 128-bit pipeline to support the computational throughput required for current and future graphically intense applications. The NVIDIA Vanta(TM)3D/2D processor is the first in a family of 3D processors designed for the enterprise PC market. Based on the award winning RIVA TNT architecture, the NVIDIA Vanta processor is designed for Windows 2000 and the burgeoning market for enterprise visualization applications. By leveraging its graphics technology and massive gate counts, all NVIDIA processors are able to deliver stunningly realistic, high frame rate 3D, along with benchmark winning 2D, VGA and video acceleration in single chip solutions. NVIDIA processors are optimized for both Direct3D and OpenGL. About InterVideo InterVideo's (IVI) executive team is comprised of PC DVD veterans instrumental in the formation of the PC DVD industry, coming from industry pioneering companies such as LuxSonor, Chromatic Research, Zoran and E4. IVI intends to release a series of products in 1999 to cover the full spectrum of advanced video and audio software in areas including DTV, streaming video and video encoding. InterVideo's headquarters is in Fremont, CA and has an office in Taipei to support the Asian markets. For more information about IVI, contact InterVideo at 510/651-0888 or visit the website at www.intervideoinc.com. About NVIDIA NVIDIA Corporation (Nasdaq:NVDA - news) designs, markets and sells a complete family of award winning 3D processors that deliver industry-leading performance and visual quality for a broad range of PC applications, including: enterprise visualization, e-commerce, e-business, entertainment and education. Corporate headquarters are located in California: 3535 Monroe Street, Santa Clara, California 95051. For more information visit the Company's web site at nvidia.com. Except for the historical information contained herein, this press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties and actual results may differ materially. Factors that may effect NVIDIA's actual results include the impact of competitive products and pricing, technological changes in products and components, the ability to timely and successfully develop and produce in volume new products and modifications to existing products, market acceptance of new products and modifications to existing products and conditions in the PC market. Further information on factors that could affect the financial results of NVIDIA is included in the Registration Statement on Form S-1, dated January 22, 1999, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Notes to Editors: Please note that the recommended way of writing NVIDIA, RIVA 128, RIVA 128ZX, RIVA TNT and RIVA TNT2 is all CAPITALS. NVIDIA, the NVIDIA logo, RIVA TNT, RIVA TNT2 and NVIDIA Vanta are trademarks of NVIDIA Corp. RIVA, RIVA 128 and RIVA 128 ZX are trademarks of NVIDIA Corp. and ST Microelectronics. Other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated WinDVD is a trademark of InterVideo, Inc. DirectShow, DirectDraw, and DirectSound are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

To: NTT who wrote (3313)	5/3/1999 4:05:00 PM
From: Carnac	Read Replies (3) \| Respond to of 5927

Uh, VLD??? Maybe $1M. We're not talking about a very complicated block. Integrating the MCP was probably more of a hassle. The memory bandwidth of the Rage Pro 128 probably already supports full HD if it could just be redirected to video decode. General Instruments balked at their earlier attempt to push a Celeron and the RAGE 128 as a high end settop. The settop box business demands that interlaced video be dealt with solidy (not just fluffy DVD movies which are much easier to decode on a PC). So, ATI went back to the drawing board and started a design that does integrate the full decoder. This took some considerable pushing. Thomson's SOC (no x86) decoder sells for roughly $15 and integrates NTSC out, Audio decode, system transport decoder, and video decode. In the 2M transistor range. I think quantity and fabs are the issue. DVD players, digital cable, and direct broadcast satellite drive these quantities. Nvidia has passed DVD WHQL recently. Do your homework. There are at least three types of SOC proponents approaching the same market from different angles: graphics controller companies trying to add CPU, CPU companies trying to add graphics, and media/communications companies adding both CPU and graphics. I think if any, the third category will win the target market (low end media PC) because they already do the part neither the CPU or grapics companies can manage well, and they have the money (with inflated stock) to buy the right pieces they don't already have. I'd laugh if either Intel or ATI could do a decent video decoder, video modulator, encoder, cable modem, home network modem, ADSL, firewire controller, etc. So SOC will make a wonderfully low-cost web surf'n box.