nVidia to Add PhysX to Geforce 8-Cards

During Nvidia’s fourth-quarter financial results conference call, Nvidia shed a little more light on its acquisition of Ageia and what it plans to do with the firm’s PhysX technology. CEO Jen-Hsun Huang revealed that Nvidia’s strategy is to take the PhysX engine and port it onto CUDA (Compute Unified Device Architecture), a C-like application programming interface Nvidia developed to let programmers write general-purpose applications that can run on GPUs. All of Nvidia’s existing GeForce 8 graphics processors already support CUDA, and Huang confirmed that the cards will be able to run PhysX.

“We’re working toward the physics-engine-to-CUDA port as we speak. And we intend to throw a lot of resources at it. You know, I wouldn’t be surprised if it helps our GPU sales even in advance of [the port's completion]. The reason is, [it's] just gonna be a software download. Every single GPU that is CUDA-enabled will be able to run the physics engine when it comes. . . . Every one of our GeForce 8-series GPUs runs CUDA.”

Nvidia’s Hybrid SLI May Not Be Suitable for Business Users, Serious Gamers.

Nvidia’s Hybrid SLI Graphics Core Cannot Drive High-Resolution Displays – Report

Despite of hype, Nvidia Corp.’s Hybrid SLI technology that can reduce power consumption of high-end multi-GPU systems as well as improve 3D graphics performance on entry-level computers with integrated graphics core (IGP) has several serious drawbacks that are likely to prevent the current implementation from going into systems of serious gamers or professionals.

Nvidia’s new Hybrid SLI technology has two modes that target different applications and usage models. The HybridPower mode switches off discrete graphics core or cores and uses only integrated graphics engine when high performance is not needed, thus, cutting power. The GeForce Boost mode make integrated graphics processor (IGP) assist discrete graphics processing unit (GPU) and boost performance when it is required. In both cases computer monitor has to be plugged to video output of mainboard’s IGP.

Apparently, the first implementation of Hybrid SLI technology not only does not support multi-monitor output capability, but also does not support dual-link DVI output, which means that such a system cannot support 30â€? high-end displays with resolution of 2560×1600.

Multi-monitor support is crucial for business and professional customers, who utilize two or sometimes even more displays to simultaneously access necessary information with their eyes without necessity to switch windows. In fact, multi-GPU SLI technology itself, designed strictly to boost graphics performance for gaming also does not feature multi-monitor capability, but since not many gamers require it, this was hardly a substantial disadvantage.

Perhaps, a more important drawback in the current implementation of Hybrid SLI technology is the lack of support of dual-link DVI output. The latter is needed to transfer data to monitors that have resolution of higher than 1920×1200 at 60Hz, which means that owners of high-end 30â€? monitors are not able to use native 2560×1600 at 60Hz resolution in case they use Nvidia Hybrid SLI system. Given that many gamers who utilize high-end graphics cards or 2-way or 3-way multi-GPU SLI systems also have 30â€? screens, despite of promises, will not be able to reduce power consumption of their systems by using Hybrid SLI technology.

When asked for a comment on the matter, Drew Henry, general manager of media and communication processor business at Nvidia Corp. said that didn’t “see the first generation of this product as an all encompassing solution�, but saw it “as an ongoing development process�, reports Bit-tech web-site. Mr. Henry confirmed that there was still “a hell of a lot of development work to be done on Hybrid SLI� and implied that it might be 24 months before Nvidia is truly happy with this technology. Launching the Hybrid SLI now will allow Nvidia to get additional feedback from end-users and design future implementations without the drawbacks.

Nvidia did not unveil any technology-related reasons that prevented it from implementing multi-monitor support as well as dual-link DVI output.

 

AMD unleashes the New Radeon Cards

 

AMD today announced the introduction and availability of the ATI Radeonâ„¢ HD 3400 and ATI Radeonâ„¢ HD 3600 series, the leading-edge entry-level and mainstream graphics processors (GPU) in the ATI Radeonâ„¢ HD 3000 series.

Ranging in price from USD $49-$65 suggested e-tail pricing for the ATI Radeon HD 3400 series and USD $79-$99 SEP for the ATI Radeon HD 3600 series, the new graphics solutions deliver unmatched value to the consumer.

Both series continue to advance AMD’s leadership by delivering display connectivity through DisplayPort™ integrated into the GPU, allowing AMD to exceed current manufacturing expectations in the industry. As part of the first family of graphics cards built using 55nm process technology, both series provide exceptional performance-per-watt for a quiet and power-efficient experience at unbelievable price points.
Blu-ray or HD DVD disc playback can be enjoyed in full HD glory (1080p)[iv] thanks to AMD’s proprietary unified video decoder (UVD) technology found on the ATI Radeon HD 3400 and ATI Radeon HD 3600 series, ensuring movies play back smoothly and with incredible detail. Immersive home theater environments can be created using the built-in support for six channel (5.1) Dolby Digital® surround audio transmission through HDMI. In addition, the ATI Radeon™ HD 3450 will support fully silent (passive) cooling, delivering the ideal solution for home theater PCs.

“With the ATI Radeon HD 3400 and ATI Radeon HD 3600 series, AMD is delivering outstanding graphics performance to the mainstream,� said Rick Bergman, senior vice president, AMD Graphics Products Group. “AMD is leading the industry by delivering top-to-bottom DirectX® 10.1 support with modular graphics capabilities for easy upgradeability. It’s part of our commitment to deliver The Ultimate Visual Experience™ to more users than ever before.�

AMD continues its display leadership with both series by offering the world’s first GPUs with integrated DisplayPort support. DisplayPort offers twice the bandwidth of DVI, and is poised to deliver low-cost high resolution and bit-depth panels.

“Dell and AMD have been leaders in driving the DisplayPort standard since its inception�, said Bruce Montag, office of the CTO, Dell. “AMD is demonstrating its technology leadership with the introduction of dual integrated DisplayPort capability in the ATI Radeon HD 3400 and ATI Radeon HD 3600 series graphics.�

Gamers looking for graphics processors that allow for further scalability will find that both series boast ATI CrossFireX™, which delivers the option of multi-GPU upgradability. ATI Hybrid Graphics will allow users to combine an ATI Radeon™ HD 3400 GPU with a compatible AMD 7-Series chipset to provide exceptional 3D performance as part of AMD’s upcoming mainstream high-definition desktop platform, adding further value to the gaming experience. With support for Microsoft® DirectX 10.1 support, gamers can play the top HD games with life-like 3D graphics, stunning realism, and great shading effects. Full support for PCI Express® 2.0 technology allows for twice the throughput of current PCI Express cards[v], which means gamers will be ready for demanding graphic applications.

The ATI Radeon HD 3400 and ATI Radeon HD 3600 series have already enjoyed broad customer adoption and are designed into a significant number of major OEM mainstream and entry-level PCs scheduled to be shipped in 2008. The official launch event, highlighting both series in depth, will be held in Beijing, China on Wednesday, January 23rd, 2008.

Source : AMD

MySpace, BBC Reach Global Video Deal

 

The online community MySpace is partnering with the BBC to bring some of the British broadcaster’s programs to a worldwide audience in the site’s first global content deal involving a major network. The move, to be announced Thursday, continues MySpace’s push to become a hub for video, music and other content and more similar to Internet portals like Yahoo Inc. By contrast, MySpace’s chief rival, Facebook, has largely focused on messaging, networking and other social tools.

MySpace, owned by media conglomerate News Corp., will present selected BBC programs through its video platform, MySpaceTV. The clips are to include interviews with celebrities, comedy sketches and classic series such as “Doctor Who” and “Robin Hood.” The BBC already has a deal with Google Inc.’s YouTube allowing the popular video-sharing site to show excerpts of news and entertainment programs. Visitors to MySpace will be able to share clips with friends through such means as embedding them into their personal profile pages. “With the global nature of the deal, this is a great opportunity to put the best shows from the BBC in front of new audiences,” Simon Danker, director of digital media for BBC Worldwide, said in a statement.
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ATI R680 Graphics Card is 100x Faster than a Cray-1 SuperComputer

Toshiba HD DVD sales hit 1 Million in North America

In 2007, Japan’s Toshiba Corporation sold 1 million HD DVD digital video recorders in North America, according to Toshiba executives speaking at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Only two days after Warner Bros studio announced the decision to exclusively support the rival Blu-ray format, the company’s spokespeople had a tough presentation to deliver. Jodi Sally, vice president of marketing for digital audio and video at Toshiba America Consumer Products, noted that HD DVD players represented 49.3% of the players for high definition discs sold as of December 22, quoting figures from market research firm NPD.

However, the figures don’t include sales of Sony Corporation’s PlayStation 3 game console, which plays Blu-ray discs. Like I said back in October, even though I don’t want it to believe it, the PS3 is the key to Blu-ray winning the HD format war. Blu-ray has consistently beaten HD DVD in the number of discs sold. Two major U.S. studios now support HD DVD, compared to the five supporting Sony’s Blu-ray disc. Warner is the last studio to put out movies in both formats, but will stop publishing HD DVDs in May. “It’s difficult for me to read the comments of the pundits that HD is dead. We’ve been declared dead before,” said Sally.

Posted by Emil Protalinski

Linksys Rolls Out Affordable Wireless-N Gear At CES

 

Linksys is out to prove that the high-speed wireless gear, especially based on the soon-to-be-standard Wireless-N protocol, doesn’t always come with the highest price tag. The San Jose, Calif.-based consumer and small business networking vendor, a division of Cisco (NSDQ:CSCO), announced Monday at the International Consumer Electronics Show 2008 that it’s adding new products to its roster of Ultra RangePlus Wireless-N products for the home network based on the forthcoming 802.11n wireless standard while also keeping prices on the gear low, ranging between roughly $80 and $130.

In a statement, Linksys Consumer Business Organization vice president and general manager Greg Memo said, “The Ultra RangePlus family represents a new focus on creating products with the consumer in mind, and it showcases how Linksys is taking Wireless-N to new levels of design, performance and ease of use.”

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Posted by Daniel Fleshbourne

More than 1bn PCs in use by 2008

More than 1bn PCs will be in use worldwide by the end of 2008, said analyst Forrester, with the number exceeding 2bn by 2015.

The growth is being driven in emerging markets and high-profile programmes to reach previously untapped markets, said the analyst.

While it took 27 years to reach 1bn PCs, Forrester says it will take only around five years to reach the next billion, due to advancing technology, lower prices, and global demand from a technology-aware population.

According to Forrester, emerging markets in Brazil , Russia , India and China will account for more than 775m new PCs by 2015.

Forrester analyst Simon Yates said, “The industry can probably survive selling incrementally better hardware and software to the people who already have technology in their lives, but the vast majority of growth in the PC and related industries will come from emerging markets.”

 

 

AMD has recently adjusted its triple-core CPU model numbers and launch dates, according to sources at motherboard makers.

AMD will launch two B2 stepping triple-core CPUs, Phenom 8600 and 8400 in March of next year, while in the second quarter, the company will launch three more models, Phenom 8700, 8650 and 8450.

The Phenom 8400 and 8600 will feature core frequencies of 2.1GHz and 2.3GHz, respectively, while the Phenom 8700 will clock at 2.4GHz. Phenom 8650 and 8450 will be based on B3 stepping cores, and will have frequencies of 2.3GHz and 2.1GHz, respectively. All five CPUs will have a 95W TDP.

The high price/performance ratio of the triple-core CPUs could force Intel to cut prices of its quad-core products which could cause higher-end models to cut into sales of lower-end CPUs, noted the sources. However, AMD could also face the same problem, they added.

AMD declined to comment on unannounced products, but noted that the triple-core CPUs provide consumers with more choices and will extend the market’s acceptance of multi-core technology.

It seems like every blog on the internet has one of these, so here’s my picks for the top 20 Linux applications. I’ll be covering programs from all different categories that I think stand out and shine as true wonders of Linux and will be presented in no particular order. I’ll even go over a few that I think could use some work but have potential to be something great.

Audio/Video

1. K3B
K3B is KDE’s cd burning application and it has nearly every feature you’d want. It has an interface similar to Nero and its capabilities are on par with Nero. I use this application for all my burning needs. It is a standard program and should be in all major distributions’ package managers.
2. Audacity
Audacity is an audio editing software that lets you edit audio tracks quickly and easily and gives you a nice selection of default effects to modify your tracks. This is an excellent program for beginners that need to edit some audio for a home movie. It is also excellent for bands with low budgets to get some experience mixing and mastering their own tracks, I’ve heard some excellent sounding cds come as a result of Audacity.

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