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IMAGINATION TECHNOLOGIES, Priming Itself For Another Run. (IMG)
goldfinger
- 18 Feb 2004 17:34
Theres a vast amount of research on this company so instead of my normal layout I will just copy the chairmans statement from the last results 30/09/2003, plus give a note on what it does.
About Imagination Technologies
Imagination Technologies Group plc - a leader in SoC IP - develops, licenses and
supplies market-leading graphics/video cores, real-time multi-threaded DSP/RISC
processors and communication and broadcast technologies for the consumer
entertainment and PC markets. It supplies both licensable IP (Intellectual
Property) and related advanced development tools to leading semiconductor and
consumer electronics companies worldwide. Imagination Technologies Group plc has
its corporate headquarters in the United Kingdom and is publicly traded on the
London Stock Exchange (FTSE:IMG). See:
www.imgtec.com
Chairman's Statement
During the first half the environment that we operated in has been tough but
improving steadily. The free fall in the semiconductor market that bottomed out
in 2002 has begun to reverse, although somewhat slowly. The total monthly chip
volume across the industry has increased by around 20% compared to the lows of
2002. However, price pressures have been a key feature with average selling
prices across the industry only stabilising in recent months. This has improved
sentiments in the industry but has resulted in a degree of cautiousness and slow
decision-making. Overall, the industry appears to have begun its upturn, which
will encourage R&D investment by the semiconductor companies.
Imagination has continued to make real progress implementing its strategy to
create and market a comprehensive portfolio of System-on-Chip (SoC) silicon
Intellectual Property (IP). We have said in the past that this IP is a vital
strategic investment for us, which we have made at a particularly difficult
period in the industry. It enables us to provide a complete spectrum of SoC
designs for applications including digital radio, digital television, mobile and
handheld devices. The pedigree of our designs is demonstrated best by the
quality of the partners which we recently brought on board including Intel, TI,
Sharp and Renesas and which have resulted in an increase of 37% in technology
revenues in the first half compared to the same period last year.
This year, we are aiming to achieve five major license deals. Since the end of
the first half, we have concluded a wide-ranging licensing deal with Frontier
Silicon. Alongside this licensing and development deal, Frontier Silicon, our
partner in DAB ICs and modules, also announced that Apax Partners and Alta
Berkeley have provided significant investment to reinforce its position in DAB
and build the resources needed to accelerate its continued growth into new
markets. Imagination holds a 17% equity stake in Frontier Silicon and under the
new deal will receive licence and development fee payments, in addition to loan
stock in Frontier Silicon up to a value of 1.25 million. We have many other
serious licensing negotiations in the areas of mobile, digital TV, in-car, PC
graphics, and amusement in progress and we expect a number of these to conclude
during the second half.
As expected, royalty revenues in the first half, while growing, have been modest
with only one major SoC, namely the Chorus digital radio device shipping in
volume. We expect around five devices in total to have reached the production
stage by the end of the current financial year.
Turning to our systems business we have enjoyed stunning success in the first
half year with our range of Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) products. As a
result the revenues from our systems business amounted to 7.6m in the six
months, an increase of over 300% compared with the same period last year. This
success has not only been instrumental for developing the DAB market but it has
also positioned our PURE brand as the market leader in this exciting new field.
Financial Results
In the six months ended 30 September 2003, group revenue was 13.1m, an increase
of 127% (2002: 5.8m). Gross margins were 51%, with gross profit at 6.6m
(2002: 3.9m). Our sales and administration expenses excluding goodwill
amortisation have increased by 13% on last year. We have increased our
expenditure in research and development by 26%. We continue to invest in
research and development as it creates future revenues and supports our growing
customer base. The loss before tax excluding goodwill amortisation has declined
from 4.1m for the first half last year to 3.1m for the current year. Our loss
before tax was 3.6m (2002: 4.6m) after goodwill amortisation. The tax charge
in the half has benefited by 0.4m from a Research and Development tax credit,
which netted off against withholding tax incurred on overseas earnings has
resulted in a net tax credit of 0.2m in the half year.
Our balance sheet is strengthened as a result of the placing of 8.5 million
shares in July, representing 5% of the issued share capital. This raised 4.4m
in cash to give additional working capital until the royalty stream starts to
accelerate in the middle of 2004. There was an operating cash outflow during the
half of 3.4m and, after allowing for a 1.4m capital spend mainly in
state-of-the-art design tools and computer equipment for our engineers, our cash
at the end of September was 6.4m (March 2003: 6.1m). We also have a 3m
overdraft facility in place.
We currently have in excess of 12m of committed business which we expect to
recognise as revenue in the second half, of which approximately 5.5m will be
technology revenues. This is significantly ahead of where we were at the same
time last year.
Summary and Outlook
In our IP business the first half has presented an improving, but still tough,
marketplace for our offerings. We continue to attract the interest of high
calibre licensees but a number of potential transactions have moved into our
second six months.
Our current success in the DAB market has been outstanding with a broadening
range of products now entering the market. We are very optimistic about our DAB
market share across all manufacturers in general and the prospects for PURE
products in particular during the upcoming Christmas season.
Overall, our financial performance in the second half will remain primarily
dependent on licensing revenues. In this respect we are encouraged by the
significant pipeline of prospects but, as always, accurately predicting the
timing of deal closures is difficult. As an increasing number of chips
encompassing our IP move into the production phase during the next twelve months
we look forward to earning significant royalty incomes and having a relatively
lesser dependency on licensing income.
During the past two years of deep recession in the semiconductor industry
Imagination's Board determined to pursue an investment led strategy. In the
process, we have significantly expanded our range of IP and our customer base.
With the marketplace now beginning to show real signs of recovery we believe
firmly that this strategy will be vindicated.
The commitment and hard work from our highly capable staff has been and will
continue to play a crucial part in our progress. I would like to use this
opportunity to thank them. I would also like to thank our shareholders for their
continued support.
cheers gf.
Please DYOR and you are responsible for your buying and selling timing actions.
About Imagination Technologies
Imagination Technologies Group plc - a leader in SoC IP - develops, licenses and
supplies market-leading graphics/video cores, real-time multi-threaded DSP/RISC
processors and communication and broadcast technologies for the consumer
entertainment and PC markets. It supplies both licensable IP (Intellectual
Property) and related advanced development tools to leading semiconductor and
consumer electronics companies worldwide. Imagination Technologies Group plc has
its corporate headquarters in the United Kingdom and is publicly traded on the
London Stock Exchange (FTSE:IMG). See:
www.imgtec.com
Chairman's Statement
During the first half the environment that we operated in has been tough but
improving steadily. The free fall in the semiconductor market that bottomed out
in 2002 has begun to reverse, although somewhat slowly. The total monthly chip
volume across the industry has increased by around 20% compared to the lows of
2002. However, price pressures have been a key feature with average selling
prices across the industry only stabilising in recent months. This has improved
sentiments in the industry but has resulted in a degree of cautiousness and slow
decision-making. Overall, the industry appears to have begun its upturn, which
will encourage R&D investment by the semiconductor companies.
Imagination has continued to make real progress implementing its strategy to
create and market a comprehensive portfolio of System-on-Chip (SoC) silicon
Intellectual Property (IP). We have said in the past that this IP is a vital
strategic investment for us, which we have made at a particularly difficult
period in the industry. It enables us to provide a complete spectrum of SoC
designs for applications including digital radio, digital television, mobile and
handheld devices. The pedigree of our designs is demonstrated best by the
quality of the partners which we recently brought on board including Intel, TI,
Sharp and Renesas and which have resulted in an increase of 37% in technology
revenues in the first half compared to the same period last year.
This year, we are aiming to achieve five major license deals. Since the end of
the first half, we have concluded a wide-ranging licensing deal with Frontier
Silicon. Alongside this licensing and development deal, Frontier Silicon, our
partner in DAB ICs and modules, also announced that Apax Partners and Alta
Berkeley have provided significant investment to reinforce its position in DAB
and build the resources needed to accelerate its continued growth into new
markets. Imagination holds a 17% equity stake in Frontier Silicon and under the
new deal will receive licence and development fee payments, in addition to loan
stock in Frontier Silicon up to a value of 1.25 million. We have many other
serious licensing negotiations in the areas of mobile, digital TV, in-car, PC
graphics, and amusement in progress and we expect a number of these to conclude
during the second half.
As expected, royalty revenues in the first half, while growing, have been modest
with only one major SoC, namely the Chorus digital radio device shipping in
volume. We expect around five devices in total to have reached the production
stage by the end of the current financial year.
Turning to our systems business we have enjoyed stunning success in the first
half year with our range of Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) products. As a
result the revenues from our systems business amounted to 7.6m in the six
months, an increase of over 300% compared with the same period last year. This
success has not only been instrumental for developing the DAB market but it has
also positioned our PURE brand as the market leader in this exciting new field.
Financial Results
In the six months ended 30 September 2003, group revenue was 13.1m, an increase
of 127% (2002: 5.8m). Gross margins were 51%, with gross profit at 6.6m
(2002: 3.9m). Our sales and administration expenses excluding goodwill
amortisation have increased by 13% on last year. We have increased our
expenditure in research and development by 26%. We continue to invest in
research and development as it creates future revenues and supports our growing
customer base. The loss before tax excluding goodwill amortisation has declined
from 4.1m for the first half last year to 3.1m for the current year. Our loss
before tax was 3.6m (2002: 4.6m) after goodwill amortisation. The tax charge
in the half has benefited by 0.4m from a Research and Development tax credit,
which netted off against withholding tax incurred on overseas earnings has
resulted in a net tax credit of 0.2m in the half year.
Our balance sheet is strengthened as a result of the placing of 8.5 million
shares in July, representing 5% of the issued share capital. This raised 4.4m
in cash to give additional working capital until the royalty stream starts to
accelerate in the middle of 2004. There was an operating cash outflow during the
half of 3.4m and, after allowing for a 1.4m capital spend mainly in
state-of-the-art design tools and computer equipment for our engineers, our cash
at the end of September was 6.4m (March 2003: 6.1m). We also have a 3m
overdraft facility in place.
We currently have in excess of 12m of committed business which we expect to
recognise as revenue in the second half, of which approximately 5.5m will be
technology revenues. This is significantly ahead of where we were at the same
time last year.
Summary and Outlook
In our IP business the first half has presented an improving, but still tough,
marketplace for our offerings. We continue to attract the interest of high
calibre licensees but a number of potential transactions have moved into our
second six months.
Our current success in the DAB market has been outstanding with a broadening
range of products now entering the market. We are very optimistic about our DAB
market share across all manufacturers in general and the prospects for PURE
products in particular during the upcoming Christmas season.
Overall, our financial performance in the second half will remain primarily
dependent on licensing revenues. In this respect we are encouraged by the
significant pipeline of prospects but, as always, accurately predicting the
timing of deal closures is difficult. As an increasing number of chips
encompassing our IP move into the production phase during the next twelve months
we look forward to earning significant royalty incomes and having a relatively
lesser dependency on licensing income.
During the past two years of deep recession in the semiconductor industry
Imagination's Board determined to pursue an investment led strategy. In the
process, we have significantly expanded our range of IP and our customer base.
With the marketplace now beginning to show real signs of recovery we believe
firmly that this strategy will be vindicated.
The commitment and hard work from our highly capable staff has been and will
continue to play a crucial part in our progress. I would like to use this
opportunity to thank them. I would also like to thank our shareholders for their
continued support.
cheers gf.
Please DYOR and you are responsible for your buying and selling timing actions.
goldfinger
- 18 Feb 2004 17:38
- 2 of 71
You can see from the chart we have a price breakout from Tuesday 17/02/2004.
cheers GF.
cheers GF.
goldfinger
- 18 Feb 2004 17:42
- 3 of 71
We got one ofthe many Licence deals lined up on the 29th of Jan, I hear another contract win is imminent.
Imagination Technologies Group PLC
29 January 2004
Imagination Technologies Group plc
('Imagination')
SAMSUNG LICENSES POWERVR MBXTM FROM ARM
Technology Facilitates Samsung's High-End 3D Graphics For Smart Phones And PDAs
London, UK, DATE 29 January 2004: Imagination Technologies (LSE:IMG), a leader
in system-on-chip intellectual property (SoC IP), reports that its strategic
partner ARM (LSE:ARM; Nasdaq:ARMHY) today announced that Samsung Electronics,
has licensed the PowerVR MBX 3D graphics solution from ARM for use in high-end
mobile APs (Application Processors) for smart phones and PDAs.
The PowerVR MBX solution from ARM will be used as a graphics accelerator in an
application processor for mobile applications such as wireless gaming,
delivering low-power reliance and high-memory efficiency.
'As the market demand develops for high-end technologies like 3D graphics on
mobile devices, we look forward to seeing an increase in the demand for ARM(R)
core-based 3D solutions through the expertise of Partners.' said Ed Plowman, 3D
Graphics product manager, ARM.
Imagination Technologies and ARM have a long-term joint development agreement
for the integration of PowerVR graphics cores alongside ARM microprocessor
cores. Under the terms of the agreement, ARM markets and licences the PowerVR
graphics and video cores to its customer base, for use with ARM microprocessor
families. Imagination will receive both licence fee and royalty revenue out of
this agreement.
Said Hossein Yassaie, CEO, Imagination Technologies: 'Our long term strategic
partnership with ARM is now bearing fruit and we are delighted that PowerVR MBX
is becoming the clear standard for performance graphics on mobile phones and
handhelds.'
PowerVR MBX graphics accelerators from Imagination Technologies enable PC and
games console-quality 3D graphics on embedded ARM core-based devices. Supporting
a full 2D and 3D feature-set and offering a performance level suited to mobile
and embedded devices, the PowerVR MBX solutions use a unique screen-tiling
technology to reduce the memory bandwidth and power consumption to levels suited
to mobile devices, providing excellent price-performance for embedded SoC
devices.
cheers GF.
Imagination Technologies Group PLC
29 January 2004
Imagination Technologies Group plc
('Imagination')
SAMSUNG LICENSES POWERVR MBXTM FROM ARM
Technology Facilitates Samsung's High-End 3D Graphics For Smart Phones And PDAs
London, UK, DATE 29 January 2004: Imagination Technologies (LSE:IMG), a leader
in system-on-chip intellectual property (SoC IP), reports that its strategic
partner ARM (LSE:ARM; Nasdaq:ARMHY) today announced that Samsung Electronics,
has licensed the PowerVR MBX 3D graphics solution from ARM for use in high-end
mobile APs (Application Processors) for smart phones and PDAs.
The PowerVR MBX solution from ARM will be used as a graphics accelerator in an
application processor for mobile applications such as wireless gaming,
delivering low-power reliance and high-memory efficiency.
'As the market demand develops for high-end technologies like 3D graphics on
mobile devices, we look forward to seeing an increase in the demand for ARM(R)
core-based 3D solutions through the expertise of Partners.' said Ed Plowman, 3D
Graphics product manager, ARM.
Imagination Technologies and ARM have a long-term joint development agreement
for the integration of PowerVR graphics cores alongside ARM microprocessor
cores. Under the terms of the agreement, ARM markets and licences the PowerVR
graphics and video cores to its customer base, for use with ARM microprocessor
families. Imagination will receive both licence fee and royalty revenue out of
this agreement.
Said Hossein Yassaie, CEO, Imagination Technologies: 'Our long term strategic
partnership with ARM is now bearing fruit and we are delighted that PowerVR MBX
is becoming the clear standard for performance graphics on mobile phones and
handhelds.'
PowerVR MBX graphics accelerators from Imagination Technologies enable PC and
games console-quality 3D graphics on embedded ARM core-based devices. Supporting
a full 2D and 3D feature-set and offering a performance level suited to mobile
and embedded devices, the PowerVR MBX solutions use a unique screen-tiling
technology to reduce the memory bandwidth and power consumption to levels suited
to mobile devices, providing excellent price-performance for embedded SoC
devices.
cheers GF.
davepyle - 18 Feb 2004 18:46 - 4 of 71
I have had a soft spot for these shares since making a good return on them in the tech boom yrs with the sega dreamcast chips they supplied. I bought in again on the samsung rns.....hope the chairman lives up to his statement!
goldfinger
- 19 Feb 2004 00:18
- 5 of 71
Im hoping he will dave. Been speaking to one of my brokers today Killik and CO they are very Bullish on this stock. Sounds like another deal is just around the corner.
I also note that there was some excelent chip news after the close in the US, here it is................
Applied Materials (AMAT: news, chart, profile) reported fiscal first-quarter net income of $82 million, or 5 cents a share, on revenue of $1.56 billion. During the same quarter last year, Applied reported a net loss of $66 million, or 4 cents a share, and revenue of $1.05 billion. Excluding $167 million for restructuring charges, Applied earned 12 cents a share, 4 cents better than analysts expected. New orders rose 32 percent sequentially. See full story.
Shares of Applied Materials rose $1.14, or 5.1 percent, to $23.45. The stock was the most active issue being traded on Inet ECN.
AND ALSO.....................
Elsewhere, OmniVision Technologies (OVTI: news, chart, profile), which makes chips for digital cameras, posted earnings of $17.4 million, or 28 cents a share, on sales of $94.5 million. In the same quarter a year earlier, the firm made $4.6 million, or 9 cents a share, on sales of $30.5 million. Analysts had been looking for a 21-cent per-share profit on sales of $77 million, according to First Call.
The company also said it expects to earn 30 cents to 31 cents a share on sales of $96 million to $100 million for its fourth quarter. Analysts are currently looking for a profit of 21 cents a share on sales of $77 million.ENDS
The chip industry looks to be now really on the up. Sentiment should be affected here in the UK.
cheers GF.
I also note that there was some excelent chip news after the close in the US, here it is................
Applied Materials (AMAT: news, chart, profile) reported fiscal first-quarter net income of $82 million, or 5 cents a share, on revenue of $1.56 billion. During the same quarter last year, Applied reported a net loss of $66 million, or 4 cents a share, and revenue of $1.05 billion. Excluding $167 million for restructuring charges, Applied earned 12 cents a share, 4 cents better than analysts expected. New orders rose 32 percent sequentially. See full story.
Shares of Applied Materials rose $1.14, or 5.1 percent, to $23.45. The stock was the most active issue being traded on Inet ECN.
AND ALSO.....................
Elsewhere, OmniVision Technologies (OVTI: news, chart, profile), which makes chips for digital cameras, posted earnings of $17.4 million, or 28 cents a share, on sales of $94.5 million. In the same quarter a year earlier, the firm made $4.6 million, or 9 cents a share, on sales of $30.5 million. Analysts had been looking for a 21-cent per-share profit on sales of $77 million, according to First Call.
The company also said it expects to earn 30 cents to 31 cents a share on sales of $96 million to $100 million for its fourth quarter. Analysts are currently looking for a profit of 21 cents a share on sales of $77 million.ENDS
The chip industry looks to be now really on the up. Sentiment should be affected here in the UK.
cheers GF.
bb123 - 19 Feb 2004 08:15 - 6 of 71
bb123 - 19 Feb 2004 08:22 - 7 of 71
Hi GF thanks for the update. You mention another deal, I wonder if their might be a bid for the company?
goldfinger
- 19 Feb 2004 10:22
- 8 of 71
One never knows bb123. I see we are up again 3% so far on what looks a quite morning so far.
cheers GF.
cheers GF.
goldfinger
- 19 Feb 2004 11:01
- 9 of 71
From today's Guardian:
"Imagination Technologies Group rose 5.5p to 86.5p on rumours that the company's strategic partner, ARM Holdings, up 2.75p at 130.25p, has signed a deal in Taiwan to place the company's technology in notebook computers. Last month ARM licensed the company's PowerVR MBX 3D graphics solution to Samsung Electronics for use in chips for high-end mobile phones."
cheers GF.
"Imagination Technologies Group rose 5.5p to 86.5p on rumours that the company's strategic partner, ARM Holdings, up 2.75p at 130.25p, has signed a deal in Taiwan to place the company's technology in notebook computers. Last month ARM licensed the company's PowerVR MBX 3D graphics solution to Samsung Electronics for use in chips for high-end mobile phones."
cheers GF.
goldfinger
- 19 Feb 2004 11:09
- 10 of 71
From the independent
Lower down the pecking order, Imagination Technology put on 5.5p to 86.5p amid whispers the group has secured yet another licensing deal for its technology.
cheers GF.
Lower down the pecking order, Imagination Technology put on 5.5p to 86.5p amid whispers the group has secured yet another licensing deal for its technology.
cheers GF.
goldfinger
- 19 Feb 2004 15:53
- 11 of 71
Blimey theres some big trades BUYS coming through on this one.
cheers GF.
cheers GF.
sweenio1 - 21 Feb 2004 09:02 - 12 of 71
3GSM kicks off in Cannes on Monday
Worlds BIGGEST wireless show
ALL the worlds largest companies in attendence including a number of IMG's licensees past present and future!! ;-)
IMG will be based on The WorldDAB stand and so will FRontier Silicon.IMG will also be presenting at The Khronos demonstration on Wednesday
IMG is an original member of Khronos which has developed the OpenGLES API for mobile wireless communication
We KNOW that there will be some announcements re DAB from WorldDAB and IMG will be sending a top team to Cannes with CEO and full business development team.
I expect the 3 day show to be a joyfest for wireless and contain some very good news/announcements for IMG
we shall see
regards
Dave
Worlds BIGGEST wireless show
ALL the worlds largest companies in attendence including a number of IMG's licensees past present and future!! ;-)
IMG will be based on The WorldDAB stand and so will FRontier Silicon.IMG will also be presenting at The Khronos demonstration on Wednesday
IMG is an original member of Khronos which has developed the OpenGLES API for mobile wireless communication
We KNOW that there will be some announcements re DAB from WorldDAB and IMG will be sending a top team to Cannes with CEO and full business development team.
I expect the 3 day show to be a joyfest for wireless and contain some very good news/announcements for IMG
we shall see
regards
Dave
sweenio1 - 21 Feb 2004 21:47 - 13 of 71
well its all pointers for news from IMG on Monday....sometime during the day
reliable source as its a web-site devoted to PowerVR technology from IMG
we shall see
could be BIG...very very BIG
http://www.pvrgenerations.co.uk/index.shtml
tara
Dave
reliable source as its a web-site devoted to PowerVR technology from IMG
we shall see
could be BIG...very very BIG
http://www.pvrgenerations.co.uk/index.shtml
tara
Dave
sweenio1 - 21 Feb 2004 21:48 - 14 of 71
sorry this should be easier! doh!http://www.pvrgenerations.co.uk/index.shtml
chartist2004
- 21 Feb 2004 22:51
- 15 of 71
Having a clear out of my 1999 contract notes, have one dated 07-12-99 IMG bought 14987 @ 3.87, seem to remember had one hell of a job selling that amount. Be good to see them at that level again, maybe in 12/18 months?
sweenio1 - 22 Feb 2004 12:12 - 16 of 71
would be delighted!!!!!!!! :-)
next 6 weeks which includes any license announcements AND the trading statement inMarch sometime should signal what is likely to happen.
IMG needs a strong technology sector as well as it's IP is at the bottom of the food chain in the semiconductor industry
With increased CAPEX and expansion in IMG's technology areas I believe we can be optimistic short/medium and long term-but I would say that!!
:-)
regards
Dave
next 6 weeks which includes any license announcements AND the trading statement inMarch sometime should signal what is likely to happen.
IMG needs a strong technology sector as well as it's IP is at the bottom of the food chain in the semiconductor industry
With increased CAPEX and expansion in IMG's technology areas I believe we can be optimistic short/medium and long term-but I would say that!!
:-)
regards
Dave
goldfinger
- 22 Feb 2004 20:37
- 17 of 71
Intel chief touts mobile 3D chip, ignores next-gen XScale
By Tony Smith
Posted: 19/02/2004 at 19:18 GMT
Stay up to date wherever you are, with The Register Mobile
Intel Developer Forum
Having once claimed that its next-generation XScale processor, codenamed 'Bulverde', was going to bring "mobile gaming into the 21st Century", Intel is now arguing that you'll really need a discrete mobile graphics chip too.
Announced at last autumn's IDF by the company's then head of wireless products, Ron Smith, Bulverde will sport Wireless MMX, an XScale implementation of the MMX extensions Intel added to the Pentium back in the mid-1990s.
Bulverde is due to ship sometime in the second half of 2004, after a formal unveiling sometime between now and July.
Today, however, Smith's successor, Sean Maloney, who heads Intel's Communications Group - which now encompasses the Smith's wireless chip operation, follwing regime change there - told IDF attendees that in order to obtain an "unusually real 3D feel" phone makers and PDA designers will need to implement 'Carbonado', the company's prototype mobile 3D graphics accelerator.
Carbonado first surfaced during Intel President and COO Paul Otellini's CES presentation last month. Developed for use alongside an ARM-based processor like XScale, the chip is believed to derive from Imagination Technologies' PowerVR MBX core, which Intel licensed in July 2002.
Maloney said that Carbonado will offer an "effective throughput of up to three million polygons per second" and will enable "much faster graphics performance into phones and PDA".
So much for the 'Xbox on a phone' claims made for Bulverde. Carbonado will go into production this quarter, he said - well ahead of Bulverde.
PowerVR MBX uses the screen-tiling technique long a feature of PowerVR graphics features. The core renders a screen as collection of independent tiles, which speeds the overall rendering process considerably. That allows the chip to be relatively simple, in turn keeping the power consumption down.
Maloney lauded Carbonado's low power design. Bulverde, however, didn't rate a mention - Maloney simply promised to continue scaling the XScale line up through future process technologies.
cheers Gf.
By Tony Smith
Posted: 19/02/2004 at 19:18 GMT
Stay up to date wherever you are, with The Register Mobile
Intel Developer Forum
Having once claimed that its next-generation XScale processor, codenamed 'Bulverde', was going to bring "mobile gaming into the 21st Century", Intel is now arguing that you'll really need a discrete mobile graphics chip too.
Announced at last autumn's IDF by the company's then head of wireless products, Ron Smith, Bulverde will sport Wireless MMX, an XScale implementation of the MMX extensions Intel added to the Pentium back in the mid-1990s.
Bulverde is due to ship sometime in the second half of 2004, after a formal unveiling sometime between now and July.
Today, however, Smith's successor, Sean Maloney, who heads Intel's Communications Group - which now encompasses the Smith's wireless chip operation, follwing regime change there - told IDF attendees that in order to obtain an "unusually real 3D feel" phone makers and PDA designers will need to implement 'Carbonado', the company's prototype mobile 3D graphics accelerator.
Carbonado first surfaced during Intel President and COO Paul Otellini's CES presentation last month. Developed for use alongside an ARM-based processor like XScale, the chip is believed to derive from Imagination Technologies' PowerVR MBX core, which Intel licensed in July 2002.
Maloney said that Carbonado will offer an "effective throughput of up to three million polygons per second" and will enable "much faster graphics performance into phones and PDA".
So much for the 'Xbox on a phone' claims made for Bulverde. Carbonado will go into production this quarter, he said - well ahead of Bulverde.
PowerVR MBX uses the screen-tiling technique long a feature of PowerVR graphics features. The core renders a screen as collection of independent tiles, which speeds the overall rendering process considerably. That allows the chip to be relatively simple, in turn keeping the power consumption down.
Maloney lauded Carbonado's low power design. Bulverde, however, didn't rate a mention - Maloney simply promised to continue scaling the XScale line up through future process technologies.
cheers Gf.
bb123 - 23 Feb 2004 07:35 - 18 of 71
Todays news note Renesas Technology is one of the largest semiconductor companies in the world and the number one
microcontroller supplier globally. Full details below.
Imagination Technologies Group PLC
23 February 2004
Imagination Technologies Group plc
('Imagination')
RENESAS LAUNCHES SOC UTILISING IMAGINATION TECHNOLOGIES'
POWERVR MBX GRAPHICS CORE TARGETING THE IN-CAR MARKET
London, UK, 23 February 2004: Imagination Technologies Group plc ('Imagination
Technologies'), the leading provider of multimedia and communication
intellectual property ('IP'), reports that Renesas Technology Corp. today
announced a high-performance system-on-chip ('SoC') featuring IP licensed from
Imagination Technologies. The Renesas SoC will enable powerful and sophisticated
next-generation car information systems.
Imagination's PowerVR MBX 3D graphics engine is incorporated alongside 2D
technology in the Renesas SH7770 SoC for high-performance car information
systems (CIS). SH7770 employs a newly developed SH-4A SuperHTM Family CPU core.
Renesas has announced that sample shipments will begin in May 2004 in Japan.
The PowerVR MBX graphics core enables the SH7770 to excel at the 3D requirements
of advanced navigation applications and other multimedia applications. PowerVR
MBX adopts a unique architecture, which keeps external memory accesses to a
minimum, reducing bandwidth requirements and boosting performance. Smooth,
high-quality 3D graphic display operations can thus be achieved without the use
of external dedicated graphics memory.
Under the terms of its licensing arrangements Imagination Technologies receives
royalty revenues on SoCs incorporating Imagination Technologies' IP shipped by
partners, in addition to license fees.
About Renesas Technology Corp
Renesas Technology Corp. designs and manufactures highly integrated
semiconductor system solutions for mobile, networking, automotive, industrial
and digital home electronics markets. Established on April 1, 2003 as a joint
venture between Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE:6501, NYSE:HIT) and Mitsubishi Electric
Corporation (TSE:6503) and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Renesas Technology is
one of the largest semiconductor companies in the world and the number one
microcontroller supplier globally. Besides microcontrollers, Renesas Technology
offers system-on chip devices, Smart Card ICs, mixed-signal products, flash
memories, SRAMs and more.
See:
www.renesas.com
.
About Imagination Technologies
Imagination Technologies Group plc - a leader in SoC IP (Intellectual Property)
- develops, licenses and supplies market-leading graphics/video cores, real-time
multi-threaded DSP/RISC processors and communication and broadcast technologies
for the consumer entertainment and PC markets. It supplies both licensable IP
and related advanced development tools to leading semiconductor and consumer
electronics companies worldwide. Imagination Technologies Group plc has its
corporate headquarters in the United Kingdom and is publicly traded on the
London Stock Exchange (FTSE:IMG). See:
microcontroller supplier globally. Full details below.
Imagination Technologies Group PLC
23 February 2004
Imagination Technologies Group plc
('Imagination')
RENESAS LAUNCHES SOC UTILISING IMAGINATION TECHNOLOGIES'
POWERVR MBX GRAPHICS CORE TARGETING THE IN-CAR MARKET
London, UK, 23 February 2004: Imagination Technologies Group plc ('Imagination
Technologies'), the leading provider of multimedia and communication
intellectual property ('IP'), reports that Renesas Technology Corp. today
announced a high-performance system-on-chip ('SoC') featuring IP licensed from
Imagination Technologies. The Renesas SoC will enable powerful and sophisticated
next-generation car information systems.
Imagination's PowerVR MBX 3D graphics engine is incorporated alongside 2D
technology in the Renesas SH7770 SoC for high-performance car information
systems (CIS). SH7770 employs a newly developed SH-4A SuperHTM Family CPU core.
Renesas has announced that sample shipments will begin in May 2004 in Japan.
The PowerVR MBX graphics core enables the SH7770 to excel at the 3D requirements
of advanced navigation applications and other multimedia applications. PowerVR
MBX adopts a unique architecture, which keeps external memory accesses to a
minimum, reducing bandwidth requirements and boosting performance. Smooth,
high-quality 3D graphic display operations can thus be achieved without the use
of external dedicated graphics memory.
Under the terms of its licensing arrangements Imagination Technologies receives
royalty revenues on SoCs incorporating Imagination Technologies' IP shipped by
partners, in addition to license fees.
About Renesas Technology Corp
Renesas Technology Corp. designs and manufactures highly integrated
semiconductor system solutions for mobile, networking, automotive, industrial
and digital home electronics markets. Established on April 1, 2003 as a joint
venture between Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE:6501, NYSE:HIT) and Mitsubishi Electric
Corporation (TSE:6503) and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Renesas Technology is
one of the largest semiconductor companies in the world and the number one
microcontroller supplier globally. Besides microcontrollers, Renesas Technology
offers system-on chip devices, Smart Card ICs, mixed-signal products, flash
memories, SRAMs and more.
See:
www.renesas.com
.
About Imagination Technologies
Imagination Technologies Group plc - a leader in SoC IP (Intellectual Property)
- develops, licenses and supplies market-leading graphics/video cores, real-time
multi-threaded DSP/RISC processors and communication and broadcast technologies
for the consumer entertainment and PC markets. It supplies both licensable IP
and related advanced development tools to leading semiconductor and consumer
electronics companies worldwide. Imagination Technologies Group plc has its
corporate headquarters in the United Kingdom and is publicly traded on the
London Stock Exchange (FTSE:IMG). See:
goldfinger
- 23 Feb 2004 08:56
- 19 of 71
News items from Dave on SC. All looks very well indeed. I understand we have a further announcement to come later today aswell.
1 RNS and 4 announcements from IMG this am!!
a long but pleasant read
enjoy
Stock Exchange Release:
ONE: RENESAS LAUNCHES SOC UTILISING POWERVR MBX GRAPHICS CORE TARGETING THE
IN-CAR MARKET
3GSM Releases :
TWO: IMAGINATION TECHNOLOGIES JOINS SH-MOBILE CONSORTIUM
THREE: LEADING DIGITAL RADIO TECHNOLOGY COMPANY SHOWS LATEST AT 3GSM
FOUR: POWERVR MBX TECHNOLOGY WIDESPREAD AT 3GSM
FIVE: ARM AND IMAGINATION TECHNOLOGIES SUPPORT OPENGL ES FOR ADVANCED MOBILE
3D GRAPHICS
HIGHLIGHTS BELOW
FULL RELEASES AT WWW.IMGTEC.COM
-----------------------------------------
ONE
RENESAS LAUNCHES SOC UTILISING IMAGINATION TECHNOLOGIES'
POWERVR MBX GRAPHICS CORE TARGETING THE IN-CAR MARKET
London, UK, 23 February 2004: Imagination Technologies Group plc
("Imagination Technologies"), the leading provider of multimedia and
communication intellectual property ("IP"), reports that Renesas Technology
Corp. today announced a high-performance system-on-chip ("SoC") featuring IP
licensed from Imagination Technologies. The Renesas SoC will enable powerful
and sophisticated next-generation car information systems.
Imagination's PowerVR MBX 3D graphics engine is incorporated alongside 2D
technology in the Renesas SH7770 SoC for high-performance car information
systems (CIS). SH7770 employs a newly developed SH-4A SuperH(tm) Family CPU
core. Renesas has announced that sample shipments will begin in May 2004 in
Japan.
The PowerVR MBX graphics core enables the SH7770 to excel at the 3D
requirements of advanced navigation applications and other multimedia
applications. PowerVR MBX adopts a unique architecture, which keeps
external memory accesses to a minimum, reducing bandwidth requirements and
boosting performance. Smooth, high-quality 3D graphic display operations
can thus be achieved without the use of external dedicated graphics memory.
Under the terms of its licensing arrangements Imagination Technologies
receives royalty revenues on SoCs incorporating Imagination Technologies' IP
shipped by partners, in addition to license fees.
--------------------------------------------------
TWO
IMAGINATION TECHNOLOGIES JOINS SH-MOBILE CONSORTIUM
London, UK - 23 February 2004 - Imagination Technologies [LSE:IMG], a leader
in system-on-chip (SoC) Intellectual Property (IP), today announced that it
has joined the SH-Mobile Consortium founded by Renesas Technology Corp. The
aim of the group is to provide support for developers of hardware, software
and handsets based on the SH-Mobile application processor for 2.5G and 3G
mobile phones.
Imagination Technologies, through its PowerVR division, provides leading
graphics, video and display IP components which are being integrated into
the next generation of mobile communications and in-car devices to provide
enhanced features and usability. SH-Mobile is an important architecture in
these markets and, as part of a partnership agreement with Renesas
Technology announced on 18 February 2003, Imagination Technologies has been
working to combine the benefits of its PowerVR technology and the SH-Mobile
processor.
Says John Metcalfe, VP Business Development (PowerVR): "The members of the
SH-Mobile Consortium include key players in the mobile market. Working
together we have the opportunity to accelerate both the pace and ease of
development of mobile devices."
Says Ikuya Kawasaki, department manager of SOC Design Dept.6, SOC Div.,
MCU&SOC Business Unit at Renesas Technology: "It is important that leading
IP providers in the industry such as Imagination Technologies, decide to
join the SH-Mobile Consortium and support its focus and direction. We look
forward to Imagination's input as the Consortium begins its work."
Members will have access to information such as the latest SH-Mobile product
data and road maps, as well as the Solution Engine application development
board and other development tools and technical support. The SH-Mobile
multimedia application processor was specifically developed to meet the
demands of next-generation mobile phones
PowerVR MBX graphics cores provide mobile communication devices with
stunning embedded graphic capabilities, thereby opening up a new world of
mobile phone and PDA content, including 3D gaming. The PowerVR approach to
3D graphics starts from the premise that taking a different algorithmic
approach to 3D processing can eliminate all redundant processing and memory
bottlenecks. This revolutionary approach keeps as much processing as
possible on-chip minimising costly accesses to off-chip memory and improving
performance. SH Inc. partners Renesas and ST Microelectronics have licensed
PowerVR technology.
------------------------------
THREE
Hall 3 Stand 24
LEADING DIGITAL RADIO TECHNOLOGY COMPANY SHOWS LATEST AT 3GSM
London, UK, 23 February 2004: Imagination Technologies - a leader in
system-on-chip intellectual property (SoC IP) - is demonstrating its latest
DAB digital radio solutions at 3GSM.
The vast majority of mobile DAB digital radios available today are powered
by technology from Imagination. The technology provides impressive battery
life and reception without requiring cumbersome aerials. It is used in
handheld DAB digital radios from Frontier Silicon customers including: Bush,
Grundig, Ministry of Sound, Philips, PURE Digital and Roberts.
"This year has seen an explosion in demand for DAB, following the
introduction of lower cost DAB products based on our META processor and
Ensigma broadcast technologies," said Hossein Yassaie, CEO, Imagination
Technologies. "Handheld radios are a very fast growing category with
impressive potential for growth as radios with MP3 capabilities and radios
integrated into other mobile devices start to appear."
Chips and modules from the fabless semiconductor company Frontier Silicon,
which are based on licensed technology from Imagination Technologies, have
enabled the growth in the DAB digital radio market. This technology has made
possible mobile DAB digital radios costing as little as 99.
Commented Yassaie: "PURE Digital's pioneering products have proven that the
IP developed by Imagination Technologies is the natural choice for DAB
digital radios. This has encouraged other leading consumer product
manufacturers to enter the market and we expect to see many more mobile
radio devices based on our IP in the coming year."
The advanced capabilities of DAB solutions based on Imagination's META and
UCC IP include recording and playback of MP3 and other digital audio
formats.
Imagination expects that DAB, which is already being broadcast or trialed in
much of Europe and other territories including Singapore, China, Korea,
Australia and Canada, will establish a stronger presence outside the UK in
2004. "The UK has lead the way in DAB," concluded Yassaie, "but we expect it
to become a worldwide success from here."
------------------------------
FOUR
POWERVR MBX TECHNOLOGY WIDESPREAD AT 3GSM
London, UK, 23 February 2004: Imagination Technologies - a leader in
system-on-chip intellectual property (SoC IP) - today announces that five of
its partners are demonstrating solutions based on the PowerVR MBX graphics
technology at 3GSM 2004 in Cannes including public demonstrations from ARM
in Hall 4 stand K16B, and Texas Instruments in Hall 2 stand E19.
PowerVR MBX, which is licensed from Imagination Technologies, has rapidly
become the leading graphics IP solution for next generation mobile
computing, in-car and communication devices and has attracted wide ranging
interest from developers based on its performance, features and support of
industry standard APIs including OpenGL ES.
PowerVR MBX features 3D, 2D and video graphics processing in a small area
with exceptionally low power consumption. It maintains all of PowerVR's
features and advanced capabilities, which will allow the development of
advanced graphic content for a new generation of mobile devices.
------------------------------
FIVE
ARM AND IMAGINATION TECHNOLOGIES COLLABORATE TO OFFER GREATER SUPPORT FOR
ADVANCED 3D GRAPHICS
PowerVR technology-based PowerVR MBX Embedded Graphics Accelerators to
support the OpenGL ES standard for embedded systems
CAMBRIDGE, UK AND LONDON, UK - Feb. 23, 2004 - Imagination Technologies, and
ARM [(LSE:ARM); (Nasdaq:ARMHY)], the industry's leading provider of
16/32-bit embedded RISC microprocessor solutions, announced today at the
3GSM World Congress, Cannes, France, compliance with the OpenGL ES standard
in PowerVR MBX graphics accelerator cores.
The OpenGL ES (OpenGL for Embedded Systems) standard is an open standard,
graphics application programmer interface (API) between software
applications and hardware or software graphics engines. It is derived from
the widely supported desktop OpenGL standard.
By adding OpenGL ES driver support to the PowerVR MBX product line,
Imagination Technologies and ARM have made it easier to access the enhanced
3D graphic performance, high-end feature set and enhanced rendering
capability offered by this unique architecture which is ideally suited to
embedded environments.
"With the OpenGL ES standard, a programmer can write a program that requires
graphics support completely independent of the underlying mechanism that
actually produces the graphics output - be it hardware or software," said Ed
Plowman, 3D Graphics program manager, ARM. "The OpenGL ES standard will
substantially simplify and improve the cost effectiveness of offering
advanced and graphically rich software for mobile and embedded systems.
This is particularly useful to developers producing mobile games, as they
now have a common method of access to a platform's graphics capability. This
significantly reduces the amount of time it takes to target and optimize for
new platforms."
John Metcalfe, VP Business Development (PowerVR), Imagination Technologies
said: "The next generation of mobile phones and PDAs will require PowerVR
MBX's advanced graphics performance and capabilities to enable the
applications needed to draw in new consumers and maintain the
phone-replacement market. PowerVR is committed to the development of open
standard APIs that allow manufacturers to incorporate these new graphics
capabilities into their products. The PowerVR MBX family with OpenGL ES
support lets manufacturers engage with software and application developers
now to enable this vital content."
"OpenGL ES is an important component of an overall strategy for rich
downloadable 3D gaming in the Java environment," said Dr Mike Grant, vice
president, Marketing at 3D Games and Technology specialists, Superscape.
"Superscape is working closely with Imagination and ARM to increase still
further the richness of 3D gaming on Java mobile handsets through the use of
our Mobile 3D Graphics engine, Swerve, running on top of OpenGL ES enabled
MBX."
Bill Pinnell, Multimedia and Games Product Strategist, Symbian said: "The
combination of PowerVR MBX, Symbian OS and OpenGL ES will allow handset
manufacturers to support the advanced multimedia content which will drive
the next market cycle. The provision of this open standard graphics API on
Symbian OS with underlying 3D hardware acceleration such as PowerVR MBX
provides developers and handset manufacturers with a dramatic increase in
multimedia capabilities and is an important step forward for the market."
MBX cores are based on Imagination Technologies' unique PowerVR tile-based
rendering architecture, which enables a very small die to deliver higher
performance and higher image quality at lower power consumption. The MBX
architecture has been specifically designed to reduce memory traffic making
it ideal for use with the unified memory architectures (UMA) found in
today's highly integrated systems. The unique MBX architecture also enables
complex features to be supported in a single rendering pass, improving
overall image quality through increased performance and the reduction of
wasted bandwidth.
Availability
PowerVR MBX 2D and 3D accelerators are available now and offer very high
quality, full-featured, high performance graphics acceleration for embedded
and mobile devices. They are suited to applications in wireless devices and
PDAs, as well as automotive and consumer applications. MBX cores are based
on the PowerVR 3D technology from Imagination Technologies.
OpenGL ES drivers for PowerVR MBX graphics cores will be available in March
2004.
------------------------------
Additionally today Frontier Silicon have released the following announcement
at 3GSM:
Samsung Electro-Mechanics and Frontier Silicon develop world's first DAB
solution for integration into mobile handsets - smallest, lowest power DAB
module to date makes debut at 3GSM in Cannes
See www.frontier-silicon.com for full release.
cheers GF
1 RNS and 4 announcements from IMG this am!!
a long but pleasant read
enjoy
Stock Exchange Release:
ONE: RENESAS LAUNCHES SOC UTILISING POWERVR MBX GRAPHICS CORE TARGETING THE
IN-CAR MARKET
3GSM Releases :
TWO: IMAGINATION TECHNOLOGIES JOINS SH-MOBILE CONSORTIUM
THREE: LEADING DIGITAL RADIO TECHNOLOGY COMPANY SHOWS LATEST AT 3GSM
FOUR: POWERVR MBX TECHNOLOGY WIDESPREAD AT 3GSM
FIVE: ARM AND IMAGINATION TECHNOLOGIES SUPPORT OPENGL ES FOR ADVANCED MOBILE
3D GRAPHICS
HIGHLIGHTS BELOW
FULL RELEASES AT WWW.IMGTEC.COM
-----------------------------------------
ONE
RENESAS LAUNCHES SOC UTILISING IMAGINATION TECHNOLOGIES'
POWERVR MBX GRAPHICS CORE TARGETING THE IN-CAR MARKET
London, UK, 23 February 2004: Imagination Technologies Group plc
("Imagination Technologies"), the leading provider of multimedia and
communication intellectual property ("IP"), reports that Renesas Technology
Corp. today announced a high-performance system-on-chip ("SoC") featuring IP
licensed from Imagination Technologies. The Renesas SoC will enable powerful
and sophisticated next-generation car information systems.
Imagination's PowerVR MBX 3D graphics engine is incorporated alongside 2D
technology in the Renesas SH7770 SoC for high-performance car information
systems (CIS). SH7770 employs a newly developed SH-4A SuperH(tm) Family CPU
core. Renesas has announced that sample shipments will begin in May 2004 in
Japan.
The PowerVR MBX graphics core enables the SH7770 to excel at the 3D
requirements of advanced navigation applications and other multimedia
applications. PowerVR MBX adopts a unique architecture, which keeps
external memory accesses to a minimum, reducing bandwidth requirements and
boosting performance. Smooth, high-quality 3D graphic display operations
can thus be achieved without the use of external dedicated graphics memory.
Under the terms of its licensing arrangements Imagination Technologies
receives royalty revenues on SoCs incorporating Imagination Technologies' IP
shipped by partners, in addition to license fees.
--------------------------------------------------
TWO
IMAGINATION TECHNOLOGIES JOINS SH-MOBILE CONSORTIUM
London, UK - 23 February 2004 - Imagination Technologies [LSE:IMG], a leader
in system-on-chip (SoC) Intellectual Property (IP), today announced that it
has joined the SH-Mobile Consortium founded by Renesas Technology Corp. The
aim of the group is to provide support for developers of hardware, software
and handsets based on the SH-Mobile application processor for 2.5G and 3G
mobile phones.
Imagination Technologies, through its PowerVR division, provides leading
graphics, video and display IP components which are being integrated into
the next generation of mobile communications and in-car devices to provide
enhanced features and usability. SH-Mobile is an important architecture in
these markets and, as part of a partnership agreement with Renesas
Technology announced on 18 February 2003, Imagination Technologies has been
working to combine the benefits of its PowerVR technology and the SH-Mobile
processor.
Says John Metcalfe, VP Business Development (PowerVR): "The members of the
SH-Mobile Consortium include key players in the mobile market. Working
together we have the opportunity to accelerate both the pace and ease of
development of mobile devices."
Says Ikuya Kawasaki, department manager of SOC Design Dept.6, SOC Div.,
MCU&SOC Business Unit at Renesas Technology: "It is important that leading
IP providers in the industry such as Imagination Technologies, decide to
join the SH-Mobile Consortium and support its focus and direction. We look
forward to Imagination's input as the Consortium begins its work."
Members will have access to information such as the latest SH-Mobile product
data and road maps, as well as the Solution Engine application development
board and other development tools and technical support. The SH-Mobile
multimedia application processor was specifically developed to meet the
demands of next-generation mobile phones
PowerVR MBX graphics cores provide mobile communication devices with
stunning embedded graphic capabilities, thereby opening up a new world of
mobile phone and PDA content, including 3D gaming. The PowerVR approach to
3D graphics starts from the premise that taking a different algorithmic
approach to 3D processing can eliminate all redundant processing and memory
bottlenecks. This revolutionary approach keeps as much processing as
possible on-chip minimising costly accesses to off-chip memory and improving
performance. SH Inc. partners Renesas and ST Microelectronics have licensed
PowerVR technology.
------------------------------
THREE
Hall 3 Stand 24
LEADING DIGITAL RADIO TECHNOLOGY COMPANY SHOWS LATEST AT 3GSM
London, UK, 23 February 2004: Imagination Technologies - a leader in
system-on-chip intellectual property (SoC IP) - is demonstrating its latest
DAB digital radio solutions at 3GSM.
The vast majority of mobile DAB digital radios available today are powered
by technology from Imagination. The technology provides impressive battery
life and reception without requiring cumbersome aerials. It is used in
handheld DAB digital radios from Frontier Silicon customers including: Bush,
Grundig, Ministry of Sound, Philips, PURE Digital and Roberts.
"This year has seen an explosion in demand for DAB, following the
introduction of lower cost DAB products based on our META processor and
Ensigma broadcast technologies," said Hossein Yassaie, CEO, Imagination
Technologies. "Handheld radios are a very fast growing category with
impressive potential for growth as radios with MP3 capabilities and radios
integrated into other mobile devices start to appear."
Chips and modules from the fabless semiconductor company Frontier Silicon,
which are based on licensed technology from Imagination Technologies, have
enabled the growth in the DAB digital radio market. This technology has made
possible mobile DAB digital radios costing as little as 99.
Commented Yassaie: "PURE Digital's pioneering products have proven that the
IP developed by Imagination Technologies is the natural choice for DAB
digital radios. This has encouraged other leading consumer product
manufacturers to enter the market and we expect to see many more mobile
radio devices based on our IP in the coming year."
The advanced capabilities of DAB solutions based on Imagination's META and
UCC IP include recording and playback of MP3 and other digital audio
formats.
Imagination expects that DAB, which is already being broadcast or trialed in
much of Europe and other territories including Singapore, China, Korea,
Australia and Canada, will establish a stronger presence outside the UK in
2004. "The UK has lead the way in DAB," concluded Yassaie, "but we expect it
to become a worldwide success from here."
------------------------------
FOUR
POWERVR MBX TECHNOLOGY WIDESPREAD AT 3GSM
London, UK, 23 February 2004: Imagination Technologies - a leader in
system-on-chip intellectual property (SoC IP) - today announces that five of
its partners are demonstrating solutions based on the PowerVR MBX graphics
technology at 3GSM 2004 in Cannes including public demonstrations from ARM
in Hall 4 stand K16B, and Texas Instruments in Hall 2 stand E19.
PowerVR MBX, which is licensed from Imagination Technologies, has rapidly
become the leading graphics IP solution for next generation mobile
computing, in-car and communication devices and has attracted wide ranging
interest from developers based on its performance, features and support of
industry standard APIs including OpenGL ES.
PowerVR MBX features 3D, 2D and video graphics processing in a small area
with exceptionally low power consumption. It maintains all of PowerVR's
features and advanced capabilities, which will allow the development of
advanced graphic content for a new generation of mobile devices.
------------------------------
FIVE
ARM AND IMAGINATION TECHNOLOGIES COLLABORATE TO OFFER GREATER SUPPORT FOR
ADVANCED 3D GRAPHICS
PowerVR technology-based PowerVR MBX Embedded Graphics Accelerators to
support the OpenGL ES standard for embedded systems
CAMBRIDGE, UK AND LONDON, UK - Feb. 23, 2004 - Imagination Technologies, and
ARM [(LSE:ARM); (Nasdaq:ARMHY)], the industry's leading provider of
16/32-bit embedded RISC microprocessor solutions, announced today at the
3GSM World Congress, Cannes, France, compliance with the OpenGL ES standard
in PowerVR MBX graphics accelerator cores.
The OpenGL ES (OpenGL for Embedded Systems) standard is an open standard,
graphics application programmer interface (API) between software
applications and hardware or software graphics engines. It is derived from
the widely supported desktop OpenGL standard.
By adding OpenGL ES driver support to the PowerVR MBX product line,
Imagination Technologies and ARM have made it easier to access the enhanced
3D graphic performance, high-end feature set and enhanced rendering
capability offered by this unique architecture which is ideally suited to
embedded environments.
"With the OpenGL ES standard, a programmer can write a program that requires
graphics support completely independent of the underlying mechanism that
actually produces the graphics output - be it hardware or software," said Ed
Plowman, 3D Graphics program manager, ARM. "The OpenGL ES standard will
substantially simplify and improve the cost effectiveness of offering
advanced and graphically rich software for mobile and embedded systems.
This is particularly useful to developers producing mobile games, as they
now have a common method of access to a platform's graphics capability. This
significantly reduces the amount of time it takes to target and optimize for
new platforms."
John Metcalfe, VP Business Development (PowerVR), Imagination Technologies
said: "The next generation of mobile phones and PDAs will require PowerVR
MBX's advanced graphics performance and capabilities to enable the
applications needed to draw in new consumers and maintain the
phone-replacement market. PowerVR is committed to the development of open
standard APIs that allow manufacturers to incorporate these new graphics
capabilities into their products. The PowerVR MBX family with OpenGL ES
support lets manufacturers engage with software and application developers
now to enable this vital content."
"OpenGL ES is an important component of an overall strategy for rich
downloadable 3D gaming in the Java environment," said Dr Mike Grant, vice
president, Marketing at 3D Games and Technology specialists, Superscape.
"Superscape is working closely with Imagination and ARM to increase still
further the richness of 3D gaming on Java mobile handsets through the use of
our Mobile 3D Graphics engine, Swerve, running on top of OpenGL ES enabled
MBX."
Bill Pinnell, Multimedia and Games Product Strategist, Symbian said: "The
combination of PowerVR MBX, Symbian OS and OpenGL ES will allow handset
manufacturers to support the advanced multimedia content which will drive
the next market cycle. The provision of this open standard graphics API on
Symbian OS with underlying 3D hardware acceleration such as PowerVR MBX
provides developers and handset manufacturers with a dramatic increase in
multimedia capabilities and is an important step forward for the market."
MBX cores are based on Imagination Technologies' unique PowerVR tile-based
rendering architecture, which enables a very small die to deliver higher
performance and higher image quality at lower power consumption. The MBX
architecture has been specifically designed to reduce memory traffic making
it ideal for use with the unified memory architectures (UMA) found in
today's highly integrated systems. The unique MBX architecture also enables
complex features to be supported in a single rendering pass, improving
overall image quality through increased performance and the reduction of
wasted bandwidth.
Availability
PowerVR MBX 2D and 3D accelerators are available now and offer very high
quality, full-featured, high performance graphics acceleration for embedded
and mobile devices. They are suited to applications in wireless devices and
PDAs, as well as automotive and consumer applications. MBX cores are based
on the PowerVR 3D technology from Imagination Technologies.
OpenGL ES drivers for PowerVR MBX graphics cores will be available in March
2004.
------------------------------
Additionally today Frontier Silicon have released the following announcement
at 3GSM:
Samsung Electro-Mechanics and Frontier Silicon develop world's first DAB
solution for integration into mobile handsets - smallest, lowest power DAB
module to date makes debut at 3GSM in Cannes
See www.frontier-silicon.com for full release.
cheers GF
goldfinger
- 23 Feb 2004 15:22
- 20 of 71
Brokers note just out from Killik and CO.....................
IMAGINATION TECHNOLOGIES ; New license agreement
Last week, we highlighted the technical position on Imagination Technology with its share price breaching the 80p barrier to the upside. No sooner had it broken through the stock rose by 20% to finish on Friday at 96p. Today, the company has delivered some news to support that move.
The company, which designs ‘system-on-chip’ property for the semi-conductor industry to drive higher quality 3D applications has announced that Renesas Technology (a joint venture between Hitachi and Mitsubishi and one of the largest semi-conductor companies in the world) has become a licensee.
Renesas will be using the designs for a ‘powerful and sophisticated; next generation car information system and the graphics component will drive the navigation system.
What is it worth to Imagination? Up front, there will be a license fee which is un-disclosed but typically, these are in the $1-2 million range for a full system on chip design. The real action comes in the royalties where Imagination receives a sum per unit sold. Initially,these products will be targeted at the top end of the range vehicles but over a five year period will become more of a standard feature. A royalty stream in the 50c to a dollar range can be assumed.
Overall, this is a long term application for Imagination and positions them strategically into an important large market with an industry leader. We remain positive.
cheers GF.
IMAGINATION TECHNOLOGIES ; New license agreement
Last week, we highlighted the technical position on Imagination Technology with its share price breaching the 80p barrier to the upside. No sooner had it broken through the stock rose by 20% to finish on Friday at 96p. Today, the company has delivered some news to support that move.
The company, which designs ‘system-on-chip’ property for the semi-conductor industry to drive higher quality 3D applications has announced that Renesas Technology (a joint venture between Hitachi and Mitsubishi and one of the largest semi-conductor companies in the world) has become a licensee.
Renesas will be using the designs for a ‘powerful and sophisticated; next generation car information system and the graphics component will drive the navigation system.
What is it worth to Imagination? Up front, there will be a license fee which is un-disclosed but typically, these are in the $1-2 million range for a full system on chip design. The real action comes in the royalties where Imagination receives a sum per unit sold. Initially,these products will be targeted at the top end of the range vehicles but over a five year period will become more of a standard feature. A royalty stream in the 50c to a dollar range can be assumed.
Overall, this is a long term application for Imagination and positions them strategically into an important large market with an industry leader. We remain positive.
cheers GF.
goldfinger
- 23 Feb 2004 21:26
- 21 of 71
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