VideoLogic Group Plc has earned a much-deserved feather in the cap with an agreement from Compaq Computer Corp to include the PowerVR processor on all Presario motherboards. Three-dimensional processing is the new grail for computing, primarily among games developers, but soon to be seen in businesses using 3D spreadsheets and databases, and in data visualization applications. Home users are the first to be rewarded as their demands for entertainment and games facilities are more pressing. The next stage is expected to be three- dimensional sound – and VideoLogic is already working on that. The deal – actually NEC Corp’s, being the supplier of the hardware designed by VideoLogic which gets undisclosed royalties – has long been rumored, but now that it’s official, the endorsements are ringing: We are confident that PowerVR technology provides the highest level of performance and functionality among three-dimensional graphics chip sets currently available or under development, enthused Presario Business Unit vice-president Rod Schrock, who faces a constant battle to differentiate the Presarios from a host of rival home computers and will put the chips in the next generation of the Presario home computer line due out later this year. Compaq also signed Harman International Industries Inc to do exclusive new JBL Pro audio loudspeakers for the new Presarios. PowerVR is a three-dimensional processor fabricated by NEC, which reckons that they bring arcade-level performance to games for the personal computer. And VideoLogic’s partnership with Compaq gives it a view into the world’s largest PC maker’s short term strategy. The two are already forming reference designs for the next batch of Presarios due out around the end of this year. Compaq’s use of on-board chips kicked off last June with the inclusion of S3 Inc’s 64-bit Scenic Highway video chip. According to one source, inclusion of PowerVR on the motherboard is a sign of the expected increase of use of DirectX – Microsoft’s multimedia programming interface which currently includes Direct3D, DirectDraw, DirectSound, DirectInput and DirectPlay. All games developers we have talked to have plans for support for Microsoft’s DirectX and 3D, the source said.
