Diamond Multimedia Introduces Stealth 3D Accelerator With Fast 2D Graphics, 3D Animation and MPEG Video Playback; Diamond's Next Generation Stealth Provides Advanced Performance for Multimedia, Games and Business Applications on the PC.SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 1, 1996--Today at the Computer Game Developers' Conference, Diamond Multimedia Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ NASDAQ in full National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations U.S. market for over-the-counter securities. Established in 1971 by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), NASDAQ is an automated quotation system that reports on :DIMD DIMD Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary ) announced Diamond Stealth 3D 2000, the first product in a new line of next generation Stealth 3D multimedia accelerators that will deliver high-performance 2D graphics as well as 3D animation and MPEG-1 digital video playback acceleration for PCs running Microsoft's Windows 95, Windows 3.1x, Windows NT 3.51 and DOS operating systems. Designed for systems with a PCI bus, the new Stealth 3D 2000 accelerates a new realm of computer applications featuring realistic 3D animation and video such as multimedia applications and games. The modular design of the Stealth 3D 2000 will also allow for the affordable addition of a TV tuner option. An OEM/VAR version of Stealth 3D 2000 will be available in April to Diamond OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) The rebranding of equipment and selling it. The term initially referred to the company that made the products (the "original" manufacturer), but eventually became widely used to refer to the organization that buys the products and customers and through its authorized distributors. The retail version of the Stealth 3D 2000 will be available in June to consumers and dealers through Diamond's network of mass merchants, retailers and authorized distributors. "The new Diamond Stealth 3D provides ultra high-performance 2D capabilities as well as powerful 3D graphics and video acceleration," said Ken Wirt, vice president of marketing, Diamond Multimedia Systems, Inc. "Now PC users can take advantage of the latest in immersive 3D animation and continue to have improved Stealth performance and reliability for their Windows acceleration and business application needs." "The market for 3D graphics is ready to take off," said Jon Peddie, industry analyst and editor-in-chief of the PC Graphics Report, located in Tiburon, Calif. "With the Stealth 3D, Diamond is in a position to provide a solution that meets the growing demands of the mass market." The Diamond Stealth 3D 2000 utilizes S3 Inc.'s ViRGE 64-bit DRAM graphics and video accelerator chip, which is based on the company's new S3d architecture. The ViRGE engine is an advanced single-chip solution for interactive 3D rendering, 2D GUI (Graphical User Interface) A graphics-based user interface that incorporates movable windows, icons and a mouse. The ability to resize application windows and change style and size of fonts are the significant advantages of a GUI vs. a character-based interface. and video acceleration with an integrated RAMDAC (Random Access Memory Digital to Analog Converter) The VGA controller chip that maintains the color palette and converts data from memory into analog signals for the monitor. RAMDAC - Random Access Memory Digital-to-Analog Converter and clock synthesizer synthesizer Machine that electronically generates and modifies sounds, frequently with the use of a digital computer, for use in the composition of electronic music and in live performance. . "The S3d architecture's leading-edge 3D performance and feature set together with Diamond's ability to provide optimized end-user solutions will take computing to the next level of interactive gaming and powerful business applications," said Neal Margulis, vice president of home and advanced system products for S3. "Delivering the hot 3D performance and superior 2D graphics and video acceleration, Diamond's Stealth 3D 2000 is at the forefront of next-generation PC graphics." High-Performance 2D Graphics The Diamond Stealth 3D 2000 features ultra-fast 2D graphics acceleration. Using industry-standard benchmark tests, Diamond has shown that the Stealth 3D consistently performs above other DRAM solutions and competes with higher-priced WRAM (Window RAM) A type of RAM developed by Samsung Electronics that is optimized for display adapters. Although faster than VRAM, it uses the same type of dual-ported structure that simultaneously refreshes the screen while text and images are being drawn in the memory. accelerators, such as the Matrox Millenium. The Stealth 3D 2000, populated with 2MB of EDO DRAM, provides 256 colors at resolutions up to 1600 x 1200 as well as true color, 16.7 million colors, at resolutions as high as 800 x 600. The maximum supported refresh rate is 120 Hz. High resolution and high color-depths are extremely important for PC users running desktop publishing, document image processing See document imaging. Document Image Processing - (DIP) Storage, management and retrieval of images. and CAD applications on large monitors. The 2D acceleration also improves the performance of spreadsheet, presentation and other business application software. Powerful 3D Multimedia Acceleration Using S3's triangle-based polygon rendering engine, the Diamond Stealth 3D 2000 delivers numerous advanced 3D features. Those features include: complex perspective corrected texture mapping that adds significant realism and image quality to 3D objects; bi-linear filtering, MIP-mapping and tri-linear MIP-mapping that eliminate the "blockiness" and visual artifacts artifacts see specimen artifacts. such as "sparkle" and "jaggies" commonly seen in software-only 3D games, providing for a smoother look-and-feel of objects; and alpha blending, depth-cueing and fogging that deliver transparency effects for realistic smoke, steam, fog, glass, water, plastic, and other objects. Z-buffering capabilities are used to speed the removal of hidden surfaces so that objects appear life-like, without compromising 3D performance. The Stealth 3D 2000 is standard with 2MB of EDO DRAM. Memory that is not accessed for the display buffer is available for Z-buffer and texture mapping, which provides the ability to further accelerate 3D applications at higher resolutions. The combination of the above 3D elements when used in virtual reality applications, on-line 3D worlds, or games offers a captivating cap·ti·vate tr.v. cap·ti·vat·ed, cap·ti·vat·ing, cap·ti·vates 1. To attract and hold by charm, beauty, or excellence. See Synonyms at charm. 2. Archaic To capture. computer experience that can help make people feel as though they are immersed in a real-world environment. Software Development Support The Diamond Stealth 3D 2000 supports a wealth of today's existing DOS and Windows games and software applications. Currently Diamond is partnering with S3 to provide software companies with the tools they need to develop interactive 3D applications designed to take advantage of the special 3D features of the ViRGE technology on the Diamond Stealth 3D 2000. More than fifty developers are currently evaluating the technology and many have committed their support, including Asymetrix, Caligari Corporation, Domark Software, GTE GTE General Telephone & Electronics GTE Génie Thermique et Énergie (French) GTE Gas Turbine Engine GTE Global Tropospheric Experiment GTE Geothermal Energy GTE Gas Turbine Efficiency plc (Sweden & USA) Interactive, Gremlin gremlin, in American folklore, malicious, airborne supernatural being. Gremlins were first heard of during World War II as creatures responsible for unexplainable mechanical failures and disruptions in aircraft. , Interplay Productions, Looking Glass, New World Computing New World Computing, Inc. was an American computer game developer and publisher founded in 1984 by Jon Van Caneghem and Mark Caldwell. It was best known for its work on the Might and Magic RPG series and its spin-offs, especially Heroes of Might and Magic. , Reality Bytes, Terminal Reality, and Psygnosis. Once the Microsoft Direct3D APIs are completed for the Windows 95 operating system, the market can expect to see even more games and applications that take advantage of 3D acceleration features. Diamond plans to provide Direct3D drivers to Stealth 3D 2000 customers following the final release of Direct3D from Microsoft. Support for all other relevant Microsoft DirectX APIs are planned for the Stealth 3D 2000 as well. "The Diamond Stealth family of graphics subsystems has been known for its ability to get great performance from a PC running Windows," said Eric Engstrom, program manager for DirectX at Microsoft Corp. "By designing 3D into the Stealth line, Diamond will further enhance the rich multimedia capabilities of Windows 95 for increased interactivity in entertainment and business applications." "The graphics horsepower of the Stealth 3D really has the ability to pump up the performance of our games," said Brian Fargo, CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. of Interplay. "Interplay is known for designing cutting-edge games for the PC, while Diamond is known for its high-performance multimedia accelerators. The combination of Stealth 3D and Descent II will provide a totally awesome gaming experience." "Psygnosis is pleased to be partnering with a market leader like Diamond Multimedia to bring its popular Sony PlayStation titles to the PC," said Ian Heatherington, managing director of Psygnosis. "Titles such as the highly acclaimed Destruction Derby should be as action packed on the PC as their Sony PlayStation counterparts with the advanced graphics capabilities of the Stealth 3D." Digital Video Playback The Diamond Stealth 3D 2000 features smooth, full-motion digital video playback at 30 frames per second by off-loading several functions from the host CPU CPU in full central processing unit Principal component of a digital computer, composed of a control unit, an instruction-decoding unit, and an arithmetic-logic unit. . These functions include image scaling and color space conversion Changing one type of color-encoded signal into another. Converting from RGB to YUV and back to RGB are common color space conversions when working with video formats (see YUV). Converting from the display color space (RGB) to the printer color space (CMYK) is another common example. . Users can scale images up to full-screen without compromising image quality or playback speed. Drivers for Indeo, Cinepak and software MPEG-1 are provided. Optional TV Tuner The Diamond DTV (Digital TeleVision) Transmitting TV using digital signals. The major DTV standards are ATSC (North America), DVB (Europe) and ISDB (Japan). All three use MPEG-2 video compression and Dolby Digital audio compression. DVB and ISDB also include MPEG audio compression. 100 TV tuner, enabling business and home television applications including training, security, education and entertainment, will be available as an upgrade option for the Diamond Stealth 3D 2000 for $129. The DTV 1100 converts a broadcast video or cable signal into a live TV picture on the PC screen and uses an ISA (1) (Instruction Set Architecture) See instruction set. (2) (Interactive Services Association) See Internet Alliance. (3) (Internet Security and Acceleration) See .NET. slot (for power only). Other features include stereo audio in and out, closed captioning, video capture and an intuitive software TV control resembling a standard "remote control" for on-screen programming. Diamond Multimedia Diamond Multimedia designs, markets and supports high-performance PC and Macintosh multimedia solutions for the home, business and professional markets. Products include the Stealth, Diamond EDGEO 3D and Viper series of multimedia accelerators, the Fire GL series of professional 3D and CAD accelerators, and the Supra A relational DBMS from Cincom Systems, Inc., Cincinnati, OH (www.cincom.com) that runs on IBM mainframes and VAXs. It includes a query language and a program that automates the database design process. series of fax/modems. Diamond also markets ISDN adapters, sound cards, multimedia upgrade kits and digital video editors. Headquartered in San Jose, Calif., Diamond has sales, marketing and technical facilities in Vancouver (Wash.), Tokyo, Starnberg (Germany), Paris and Slough (U.K.) Diamond's products are sold through regional, national and international distributors as well as to major computer retailers, mass merchants and OEMs worldwide. Diamond's common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol DIMD. How to Contact Diamond Multimedia There are many ways to reach Diamond for sales support, technical assistance, driver updates and general information: Diamond Multimedia Main Phone Number: 408/325-7000; Fax: 408/325-7070 Diamond Supra Communications Division Main Phone Number: 360/604-1400; Fax: 360/604-1401 Diamond SPEA SPEA School of Public and Environmental Affairs SPEA Sociedade Portuguesa para o Estudo das Aves (Portugal) SPEA Streptococcal Pyrogenic Exotoxin A SPEA Suicide Prevention Education Alliance SPEA Sales Promotion Executives Association Division Main Phone Number (Germany): +49-8151-2660 Product Support Voice: 408/325-7100; Supra: 541/967-2490 Product Support Fax: 408/325-7171; Supra: 541/967-2401; SPEA: +49-8151-266150 Tech information line for Supra: 800/774-4965 For information on Diamond products: 800/468-5846; Supra: 800/727-8772 24-Hour Fax On Demand Service: 800/380-0030; Supra: 541/967-0072 America Online (Keyword: DIAMOND; Email: SUPRACORP2) CompuServe (GO DIAMOND); Supra: (GO SUPRA); SPEA (GO SPEA) The Microsoft Network: Find DIAMOND FTP site: ftp FTP in full file transfer protocol Internet protocol that allows a computer to send files to or receive files from another computer. Like many Internet resources, FTP works by means of a client-server architecture; the user runs client software to connect to .diamondmm.com, or Supra: ftp.supra.com Internet Web site: http://www.diamondmm.com or Supra: http://www.supra.com or SPEA: http://www.spea.com BBS (1) (Bulletin Board System) A computer system used as an information source and forum for a particular interest group. They were widely used in the U.S. numbers at 408-325-7080 (to 14.4 baud baud (bôd, bōd), measure of the rate at which signals are transmitted over a telecommunications link. It is equivalent to the number of elements or pulses transmitted in one second, e.g. ) or 408/325-7175 (to 28.8 baud) Supra BBS: 541/967-2444 SPEA BBS at +49-8151-266241 (to 14.4 Kbps) or +49-8151-12921 (to 28.8 Kbps) or +49-8151-78001 (ISDN ISDN in full Integrated Services Digital Network Digital telecommunications network that operates over standard copper telephone wires or other media. ) -0- Note to Editors: Diamond Stealth is a trademark of Diamond Multimedia Systems, Inc. ViRGE is a trademark of S3 Incorporated. EDGE is a registered trademark of EDGE Interactive Media, Inc. in the U.S., UK, France, and Germany and is a trademark elsewhere, used under license. All other trademarks referenced are the service mark, trademark or registered trademark of their respective manufacturers. The statements made herein regarding the Stealth 3D 2000 pricing, availability and configuration are forward looking statements that are subject to change. |
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