Most Advanced Visualization Product Line Ever; Highlights Decade of Quadro Graphics Innovation

Whether designing the next aircraft or delivering seven-day weather forecasts, today’s professionals seek a reliable, robust visualization platform designed to address their unique challenges and needs. Highlighting a decade of innovation, driven by the needs of the most demanding professionals, NVIDIA today introduced its most powerful and advanced top-to-bottom line of Quadro(R) professional GPU solutions in the Company’s history.

“Our mission with Quadro is to help customers solve the world’s most challenging visual computing problems,” stated Dan Vivoli, executive vice president of marketing at NVIDIA. “We learn every day from them and are humbled by their brilliance. The new lineup, with the flagship Quadro FX 5800, sets the stage for the next ten years of innovation.”

Spanning from sub-$100 entry-level to standalone visual computing systems, this new series includes:

  • NVIDIA Quadro FX 5800 – the industry’s first and only 4GB, ultra high-end solution delivers the highest visualization performance and capabilities, enabling professionals to work with large-scale models and datasets.
  • NVIDIA Quadro FX 4800 – ultra high-end solution provides professionals with the most complete toolset to dramatically push the boundaries of realism, performance, and quality.
  • NVIDIA Quadro FX 3800 – single slot solution with a robust feature set and added capabilities such as SLI Multi-OS and SDI support to enable a no-compromise, high-performance, interactive visualization experience.
  • NVIDIA Quadro FX 1800 – mid-range solution offers the best price performance for workstation graphics and provides the optimal blend of quality, precision, performance, and programmability.
  • NVIDIA Quadro FX 580 – best-in-class entry-level solution boosts productivity for a variety of industry-leading volume CAD and digital content applications.
  • NVIDIA Quadro FX 380 – an affordable professional-class graphics solution extends energy efficiency while delivering 50-percent faster performance.
  • The Quadro NVS 295 – capable of supporting up to two 30-inch digital displays at maximum resolutions, taking business graphics to a new level visual perfection.

“Once again, NVIDIA has set new graphics performance standards for professionals in the product design and development community,” said Laurent Laloy, director, 3DVIA User Experience, Dassault Systemes. “This latest generation of Quadro professional solutions will allow our customers to drive innovation and design with unprecedented 3D visual quality.”

This new line-up also brings the introduction of NVIDIA(R) SLI(R) Multi-OS, a ground-breaking technology that enables, for the first time, 3D workstation virtualization on the Quadro GPU. With SLI Multi-OS, applications and users are able to optimize productivity and costs through the use of multiple Quadro GPU technologies from a single workstation in a virtualized environment. Users can also enable native SLI technology support on key partner platforms to accelerate application performance, scaling and higher image quality.

Availability

NVIDIA Quadro solutions are widely available through leading system manufacturers such as Dell, Fujistu-Siemens, HP and Lenovo; leading workstation system integrators; and NVIDIA channel partners PNY Technologies (US and EMEA), Leadtek (APAC) and Elsa (Japan). For additional information about the complete lineup of NVIDIA Quadro professional solutions, please visit: www.nvidia.com/quadro.

“The new family of powerful NVIDIA GPU solutions are an ideal match for the new HP Z Workstations, which have been totally reinvented from the core outward for breakthrough performance, value and serviceability,” said Jim Zafarana, Vice President and General Manager, HP Workstations. “This powerful combination can tackle the most challenging visual computing problems that exist for today’s demanding professionals.”

“As the worldwide leader in workstations, Dell looks to partner with only the best companies to deliver the solutions that workstation professionals demand,” said Greg Weir, senior manager, product group. “The power of Dell Precision and NVIDIA graphics represents a step-change in what customers can expect from a reliable, powerful and ISV-certified workstation with performance gains at levels beyond what customers could have imagined.”

Source: NVIDIA


STw5211 DAC Includes ST-Ericsson’s Unique Playback Time Extender (PTE) Technology in a Highly-Integrated, Single-Chip Solution and Ultra-Small, Wafer-Level Package

Building on its strengths in analog and mixed-signal process technology, ST-Ericsson announced its latest high-quality audio digital-to-analog converter (DAC) for the mobile music market. STw5211 combines ST-Ericsson’s innovative Playback Time Extender (PTE(TM)) processing technology with 102dB signal-to-noise ratio through the whole audio path, allowing OEMs to build music phones with the highest levels of audio quality and double today’s typical 10-hour playback time. Available as a single-chip solution in an ultra-small, wafer-level chip scale package (WLCSP), STw5211 is the market’s most integrated and cost-effective audio solution to boost playback time.

“STw5211 was developed to address increasing demand for mobile music handsets with both higher audio quality and longer playback time,” said Monica de Virgiliis, Vice President, Wireless Multimedia Group, ST-Ericsson. “Typically, power consumption increases as features are enhanced and quality improved; however, STw5211 with PTE technology allows music to be played autonomously while the rest of the platform is switched into a power-saving state. This results in a substantial increase in battery life without any compromise in audio quality for the consumer.”

STw5211 further extends ST-Ericsson’s wide portfolio of audio solutions with enhanced performance.

Volume production of STw5211 is planned for August 2009, with samples available in April.

STw5211′s high level of integration is achieved by using leading-edge 0.13-micron analog CMOS process. The only single-chip solution of its kind, STw5211 operates with a minimal bill of materials (BOM) in a tiny 2.6 x 2.6mm WLCSP package. By incorporating the power management circuitry, the device can be directly connected to the battery with no need for external voltage regulators. Additionally, the headset amplifier is of “true ground” type and does not need coupling capacitors.

Key features of STw5211 include:

  • 102dB SNR audio quality
  • Integrated PTE technology for extended playback
  • 66dB THD
  • 8 to 192kHz sample rate conversion
  • 32kHz RTC clock-only operation
  • System clock generator
  • Ultra-small 2.6 x 2.6mm footprint, requiring few external components

Source: ST-Ericsson


General Micro Systems, Inc. (GMS), designer and manufacturer of embedded computing products for defense, aerospace and compute-intensive applications, and the leader in high-end Pentium(R) processors since 1986, has introduced the “Maritime” (VS275) a new VMEbus CPU that defies obsolescence by enabling seamless upgrades and complete flexibility with the addition of five different expansion modules.

The supreme versatility offered by the “Maritime” enabled the U.S. Navy to use the VS275 as the common platform in three programs: DDG-1000, Aegis and DDG-M/MCS. Three independent contractors supplying systems to the Navy were able to share cost-saving test data and information with each other. Although each program had different systems needs, the ability to use the basic VS275 – or coupling it with the WSIO PMC/XMC workstation module (providing three PMC/XMC sites) or the WSIO SAM Video workstation – put all three programs on the same basic platform. This not only provides the Navy potential savings through common training and support but also making seamless upgrades possible through 2018.

“The use of a common GMS platform not only was a great benefit to the Navy, but the concept offers our company revenue potential in excess of $200 million through the life of these programs,” said Ben Sharfi, president of GMS.

In place of the onboard PMC site the “Maritime” can be configured with a 2.5″ SATA 500 GB HDD or 256 GB SSD with Secure Erase function which can be triggered via software or recessed front panel switch. The “Maritime” also supports one Micro SATA HDD/SDD up to 128 GB SSD and two-buffered SATA 2.0 ports for SATA 2.0 drives that can be located up to 8 meters away. Other features include two Gigabit Ethernet ports with TCP/IP offloading engine and dedicated interrupt, ten USB 2.0 ports; four serial ports with RS232/422/485 options; two PATA ports, one to the rear, one for onboard HDD/SSD/CF; 16 individually programmable buffered user I/O lines, and custom I/O functions such as FireWire or octal SIO via a SAM-III(TM) module.

The “Maritime” supports VME-64 and is available in a standard temperature 0C to +60C or extended temperature -40C to +85C version. Support for Linux(R), Windows(R) VISTA/XP, LynxOS, Solaris and VxWorks(R) operating systems is standard.

Source: General Micro Systems, Inc.


Largest Capacity Available in Single-drive External Hard Drives for Mac(R) and PC Users

WD(R), the world’s leader in external storage solutions, expanded its My Book(R) family of external hard drives to include a 2 TB capacity, the largest available capacity in a single-drive system. With its wide variety of models, WD offers a solution for every type of user, whether they’re a creative power user on a Mac(R) or a home user on a PC. The new 2 TB My Book family includes: My Book Studio Edition(TM), My Book Mac Edition, My Book Home Edition(TM) and My Book Essential Edition(TM) models.

Market research shows that consumer creation and acquisition of digital media is growing rapidly, driving demand for increasing storage capacities. According to market research firm IDC, the number of digital cameras and camera phones in the world surpassed 1 billion (Mar. 2008). Separately, market research firm GfK reports that HD (high definition) video camcorders are experiencing record growth and now account for 42 percent of total camcorder sales (Aug. 2008). HD video requires massive amounts of drive space: at least 8 GB per hour of video. Since 2006, when Apple(R) began offering movie downloads, the Apple store has already sold more than 250 million TV episodes and sold or rented more than 33 million movies (Apple, Mar. 2009).

“The popularity among consumers of high-definition video cameras, digital photography and digital music downloads means that users are filling up their computers with massive amounts of digital content as fast as they can click ‘save.’ As the volume and value of users digital content grows, backing up data on multiple CDs or DVDs becomes time consuming and inconvenient. At the same time, consumers are realizing the monetary and emotional value of content and need to back up their most important files. The My Book family, with its massive 2 TB capacity allows users to backup all their data in one easy step and keep it in one easily accessible place,” said Jim Welsh, senior vice president and general manager of WD’s branded products and consumer electronics groups.

My Book Studio Edition & My Book Mac Edition

Formatted(1) for Mac computers, these drives are an ideal solution for creative professionals and video editors. The My Book Studio Edition is equipped with high speed FireWire(R) 400/800 and eSATA interfaces as well as the popular USB 2.0 interface and a 5-year limited warranty. My Book Mac Edition external drives feature a USB 2.0 interface and a 1-year limited warranty.

My Book Home Edition

Equipped with continuous backup software and high-speed eSATA and FireWire 400 as well as USB 2.0 interfaces, My Book Home Edition carries a 3-year limited warranty. My Book Home Edition is designed for PC users that need an effortless way to preserve digital pictures.

My Book Essential Edition

My Book Essential Edition offers an easy way to add storage capacity to home or office computers. The drives are equipped with a USB 2.0 interface that provides convenience and compatibility among multiple computers.

The entire family of My Book external hard drives features:

  • New 2 TB capacities allowing users to store and backup all their data in one central location;
  • Elegant, small footprint design;
  • Capacity gauge to see at a glance how much capacity is available on the drive (not available on the My Book Essential Edition drive);
  • Environmentally friendly design that saves power by going into standby mode after 10 minutes of inactivity;
  • SmartPower(TM) features that turns the drive on and off with the computer and Safe Shutdown(TM) that prevents the drive from being powered down until all the data has been written(2);
  • Kensington(R) Security Slot that allows users to secure drive to their desk with the separate purchase of a Kensington lock kit; and,
  • 1-year limited warranty.

Availability and Pricing

The My Book Studio Edition, My Book Home Edition and My Book Essential Edition 2 TB external hard drives are available now at select retail stores and online retailers. My Book Mac Edition 2 TB external drives will be available next month. Estimated pricing ranges from $329.99 USD to $379.99 USD, depending on drive model and capacity.

Source: Western Digital Technologies


Answering the call of diving enthusiasts who demand an exacting timepiece that is robust as well as refined, TAG Heuer unveiled its new Aquaracer 500M series. Whether worn while swimming along the Great Barrier Reef or exploring the underwater caves of Turks & Caicos, these watches take serious sports-inspired functionality to a new extreme.

Water resistant to 500 meters, each model in the Aquaracer 500M collection is equipped with the definitive attributes of a high-performance diving watch, including a unidirectional turning bezel that ensures precise elapsed dive-time measurement. Highly luminescent markers on the hands and indexes, as well as an orange-tipped second hand, provide at-a-glance readability under water or in dim light. Additionally, the sapphire crystal and caseback are scratch-resistant and anti-reflection treated for optimum visibility.

To prevent damage to the watch and its movements, the Aquaracer 500M features an automatic helium valve that releases, upon decompression, any gases that infiltrate the watch during a deep dive. A fine-brushed, screw-in crown with double safety gaskets further protects the timepiece from water or dust penetration.

The Aquaracer 500M is offered on a choice of stainless steel bracelet or black rubber strap, both of which are equipped with safety push buttons and a solid-steel folding clasp designed to prevent accidental opening. The integrated extension system allows wearers to adjust the strap so that it fits comfortably over a wet suit.

The 43 mm model is available with a black, silver or blue dial with vertical streak effect for approximately $2,450. For even more sporty sophistication, the Aquaracer 500M will be available in late summer with a rose gold bezel and black dial.

The Aquaracer 500M series is certified with the Controle Officiel Suisse des Chronometres (COSC) Automatic Movement.

TAG Heuer

TAG Heuer, the leader in prestigious sports watches and chronographs since 1860, is one of the largest and fastest growing luxury Swiss watch Brands. The Swiss watch making legend draws upon its active engagement in the world of sports to create the most accurate measuring instruments and sports watches in the world. TAG Heuer is today the first watchmaker ever to master luxurious Chronographs with an unsurpassed precision of 1/10th, 1/100th and 1/1,000th of a second. From the Olympic Games in the 1920s to its role as official timekeeper to within 1/10,000th of a second for the legendary Indy 500, TAG Heuer, in a constant quest for innovation, excellence, performance and prestige, continues to aim ever higher, as reflected in its partnerships with Team Vodafone McLaren Mercedes in Formula 1 and its two aces: Fernando Alonso, youngest ever and already two times Formula 1 world champion and Lewis Hamilton, GP2 world Champion in 2006. With two times Formula 1 world vice-champion and Scuderia Ferrari F1 driver Kimi Raikkonen, with world number 1 golfer Tiger Woods and WTA number 1 tennis player Maria Sharapova, Champcar three times world champion Sebastien Bourdais, promising talent Bruno Senna as well as Hollywood and Bollywood icons Leonardo DiCaprio and Shah Rukh Khan, TAG Heuer more than ever epitomizes Sport and Glamour !


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