In one of the most significant PC platform changes in a decade, Intel Corporation today
announced products that usher in a range of audio, video and other capabilities previously found only on specialty PCs. These technologies pave the way for such emerging capabilities as High Definition (HD) video, 7.1 surround sound and robust file protection for office and home users. Louis Burns, vice president and general manager, Intel Desktop Platforms Group says:
"These technologies are helping create a new kind of PC, an all-in-one "hi-fi" device with high-definition video, high-fidelity sound and wireless connectivity. Intel innovation is taking the PC through a significant evolution that opens up a broader set of new consumer uses," Burns said. "This evolution will help people to better enjoy digital music, photos, videos and games on PCs and other devices in and around the home. At the same time, the technologies we are introducing for the PC platform will help drive new uses that boost office productivity, such as simultaneously using multiple monitors with just one PC to work on and track several projects."
A trio of new Intel chipsets and several new Intel Pentium 4 processors supporting Hyper-Threading Technology are the foundation of these new platforms. PCs powered by Intel 915 */P and 925X Express Chipsets, formerly codenamed Grantsdale and Alderwood, became commercially available worldwide today. Here are some of the highlights:
High definition 7.1 audio support
Concurrent audio routing (imagine a user listening to MP3s on headphones while another simultaneously watches a 5.1 movie soundtrack - all from the same PC)
Native Raid 0/1 capability for storage redundancy and speed
Enhanced home wireless configuration and setup
Native support for widescreen LCD monitors
HDTV resolution support including 1080i (915*) including simultaneoud playback and recording of HD video content (with HDTV tuner software and card)
DDR2 Memory Support
PCI Express support (3.7x faster than PCI)
These are an impressive line-up of features and are sure to be a knockout combination for desktops as well as those looking to get into the home theater PC market or
build their own HTPC. As technologies improve and features get added, the PC appears to be sailing more and more into the living room as a natural extension of the home theater experience.
Read the Press Release
Technical Details on the Chipsets