Intel's MMX: a new baseline for multimedia

Article Abstract:

Intel Corp continues to develop its MMX multimedia Pentium processor architecture, which will be integrated into all Pentium and Pentium Pro chips beginning in 1997. Intel claims that MMX will enhance multimedia performance by up to 400%. The chips will also construct a foundation of multimedia functionality for animation, 3D graphics, video and audio. MMX, dubbed p55C, will improve video and audio compression, conduct geometry processing and significantly enhance voice processing. MMX will produce 30fps software MPEG 1 decoding and enable inexpensive MPEG 2 decoders. MMX's 57 instructions accelerate computation-intensive loops, which represent 90% of multimedia execution time. Several vendors have announced support for MMX, including Microsoft, Adobe, Yamaha, IBM, Creative Labs, ATI and Macromedia.

Planning, Multimedia systems, Company product planning, Multimedia Technology

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Intel's P6: guessing games and multiprocessors

Article Abstract:

Intel announces its P6 microprocessor, as of Feb 1995, and the firm plans to make the microprocessor available for systems by the end of 1995. The P6, which is the successor to Pentium, meets Intel's goal to double performance, remain cheap and stay Intel compatible. The P6 utilizes .6u process technology and is 32-bit, but it also boasts a rating of 200 ISpec92 at a clock rate of 133MHz. In addition, the CPU is only a little larger than the Pentium, and Intel reports a 25% power increase with the P6. One notable difference is the P6 incorporates a 265KB L2 memory cache that is placed close to the P6 CPU itself and runs at the same frequency. The microprocessor is completely multiprocessor-capable. Intel has yet to release prices or the commercial name it will call the P6.

Design and construction, Product Description Specification, Product Information, Intel Pentium Pro (Microprocessor)

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Apple calls a FireDrill for TriMedia

Article Abstract:

Apple has incorporated Philips Semiconductor's TriMedia multimedia coprocessor into its latest PCI boards, code-named South-by-Southwest and FireDrill. The specialized audio/video boards will complement Apple's PowerExpress and Power Mac systems. FireDrill will decode MPEG 2 video and AC/3 audio for DVD replay and will ship with the high-end PowerExpress models. South-by-Southwest is an audio-only subset of FireDrill and will ship with mid- and high-end Power Macs. Philips' TriMedia is a powerful processor that is programmable through APIs and works with existing CPUs to accelerate audio, graphics, video, communications and 3D animation. Apple is positioning its TriMedia products against Intel's MMX multimedia instruction set.

Computer peripheral equipment, not elsewhere classified, Usage, Hardware product development, Computer hardware, Digital signal processors, Display adapters, Philips Semiconductors, Digital signal processor, Signal processing, Sound/graphics board, Sound cards, Apple FireDrill (Sound/graphics board), Apple South-by-Southwest (Sound/graphics board), Philips TriMedia (Digital signal processor)

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