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This is a collection of IBM Press releases on New Technology and
Ultimedia from October 17, 1991. These were obtained directly from
IBMLINK.
========================================================================
NEW TECHNOLOGY, APPLICATIONS AND DIRECTIONS ANNOUNCED BY IBM
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., October 17, 1991 . . . In one of the most compre-
hensive multimedia announcements ever, IBM today announced the
broadest array of flexible, cost-effective multimedia products and
solutions ever offered by any company in the field.
"The scope of our announcements today clearly establishes IBM as the
leader in offering enterprise-wide multimedia solutions for business,
education and government," said Michael A. Braun, vice president of
multimedia at IBM. "Our customers want innovative multimedia applica-
tions, integrated systems, high-performance subsystems, system soft-
ware and tools. Multimedia creators want a quality distribution
channel, open cross-platform standards and uncompromising support.
These announcements address all these needs, demonstrating IBM's
determination to provide complete multimedia solutions."
ULTIMEDIA BRAND
The powerful new multimedia offerings are united by a new brand --
"Ultimedia"*. Ultimedia expresses IBM's commitment to uncompromising
performance in breakthrough multimedia technologies and complete
customer support. It identifies all of IBM's multimedia products and
services.
ULTIMEDIA PRODUCTS
The new Ultimedia products include:
o IBM PS/2* Ultimedia Model M57 SLC -- IBM's first
Personal System/2* (PS/2) with built-in multimedia
features and the industry's fastest "386" processor;
o IBM PS/2 ActionMedia** II -- Adapters to capture and
playback digital video and audio;
o IBM PS/2 TV -- The industry's first fully integrated,
low-cost video solution. Video adapter, tuner, speaker
and software are all included for less than $500;
o IBM PS/2 TouchSelect -- Add-on touch screens for
existing monitors;
o Enhancements to existing IBM multimedia products.
ULTIMEDIA SOLUTIONS
IBM also announced the following innovative solutions:
o Video Monitoring -- The IBM PS/2 TV can monitor live
video broadcasts from 70 channels on the PS/2; and the
new F-Coupler, a device that can deliver video to the
desktop over existing Token Ring LANs;
o Person to Person/2 -- live conferencing on desktop
computers;
o Columbus: Encounter, Discovery and Beyond and the
Illuminated Books & Manuscripts -- state-of-the-art
interactive knowledge systems;
o Multimedia Integrated Kiosk -- the intention to provide
customized multimedia kiosks;
o Employability Skills Interactive Videodisk Series --
videodisk training series to assist the unemployed;
ULTIMEDIA DIRECTIONS
IBM restated its continued commitment to application creators, with
the announcement today of the intent to offer the Multimedia Tools
Series, a set of programming packages to assist developers. This
program builds upon IBM initiatives to serve the creative community in
multimedia, including: the establishment of Area Multimedia Centers
for marketing support; an advanced multimedia remarketer program, to
assure creators of a viable distribution channel; and alliances with
key companies in the industry. In a separate related announcement,
The Voyager Company, of Santa Monica, Calif., agreed to produce 10
multimedia CD-ROM titles in the area of entertainment and education.
Following such recent announcements as the new IBM/Apple multimedia
joint venture, Kaleida, and the cross-licensing agreement for extended
graphics array (XGA) technology with INMOS, a subsidiary of SGS
Thomson, today's announcements further demonstrate IBM's continuing
commitment to openness.
In addition, IBM today announced innovative directions that it plans
to take in multimedia, including: support for multimedia extensions in
Operating System/2* (OS/2*); support for extensions to CD-ROM tech-
nology; and plans to provide ActionMedia II support for its Audio
Visual Connection and Linkway products.
The multimedia products announced today by IBM will be shown at the
Multimedia Showcase at Bally's Resort next week as part of the COMDEX
trade show activities and, in general, are available from IBM
marketing representatives and IBM advanced multimedia remarketers.
(NOTE TO EDITORS: Please see separate Fact Sheet for specific infor-
mation on product availability and pricing.)
# # #
* Trademark or registered trademark of IBM Corporation.
** ActionMedia is a trademark of Intel Corporation and Windows
is a trademark of the Microsoft Corporation.
NEW MULTIMEDIA TECHNOLOGIES ANNOUNCED BY IBM INCLUDE FIRST MULTIMEDIA
PS/2 AND ENHANCED PRODUCTS
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., October 17, 1991 . . . IBM today announced several
powerful systems and products that deliver exciting multimedia capa-
bilities to desktop computers for all types of companies and organiza-
tions.
These new products offer an extensive array of options to meet the
diverse needs of business, government and education users. They
include:
o The first IBM Personal System/2* (PS/2*) with
integrated multimedia features -- IBM PS/2 Ultimedia*
Model M57 SLC.
o High-quality digital recording and playback of video
and sound -- ActionMedia** II.
o Reliable and flexible touch capability in add-on touch
screens -- IBM TouchSelect.
o Enhancements to existing IBM multimedia products --
M-Control Program, M-Audio and Video Capture adapters.
POWERFUL IBM "ULTIMEDIA" SYSTEM SIMPLIFIES MULTIMEDIA
IBM today unveiled the IBM Personal System/2 Ultimedia Model M57 SLC
-- the first PS/2 with built-in, integrated multimedia features.
The powerful Ultimedia M57 SLC can serve a range of users. For
example, corporations can build rich audio, video and image capabili-
ties into mission critical applications, deliver a sales message
directly to customers in stores and malls, offer desktop conferencing
in business offices, and generate effective training programs; govern-
ment agencies can improve public access to services; and schools can
deliver engaging multimedia courses.
All of the Ultimedia M57 SLC components are pre-packaged, fully inte-
grated, ready to use and can be expanded. Users have the flexibility
of working with IBM DOS 5.0, IBM Operating System/2* (0S/2*) Version
2.0, and Microsoft Windows** 3.0 with Multimedia Extensions -- all of
which come pre-loaded on a CD-ROM along with a sampler of multimedia
demos and tools. Included on the sampler CD are IBM's Audio Visual
Connection, as well as Storyboard Live!. Also from IBM are "Mammals"
and "Presidents," done in conjunction with National Geographic. Other
programs include: Authorware Professional for Windows (from
Authorware); Action! (from Macromind); Mediasource (from Applied
Optical Media); and Toolbook 1.5 (from Asymetrix).
This CD-ROM disk can be played on an integrated, high-performance
CD-ROM drive which is compatible with standards for audio CDs, DVI**
technology and CD-ROM Extended Architecture (XA). The new XA-enabled
CD-ROM offers fast access time (380 milliseconds) and improved reli-
ability for quick data access and consistent performance in multimedia
applications.
The Ultimedia M57 SLC comes standard with the exciting new
20-megahertz, cached IBM 386SLC microprocessor. The Ultimedia M57 SLC
processes instructions and data up to 88 percent faster than systems
using the standard 386SX, depending on the applications being run.
The Ultimedia M57 SLC is the first multimedia system to offer extended
graphics array (XGA*) graphics -- providing support for 640 X 480
resolution with 65,000 colors and 1024 X 768 with 256 colors. It is
also the first to integrate high-quality, 16-bit audio capture and
playback.
Users will appreciate having the stereo headphone jack, mono micro-
phone jack, and volume controls located on a specially designed front
panel of the machine.
"We've incorporated the latest in multimedia technology into a
powerful, convenient, easy-to-install system," said Michael A. Braun,
vice president of multimedia at IBM. "Customers can utilize this
system to create and play back many cost-effective and time-saving
multimedia applications. In addition, the M57 SLC is also a powerful
general-purpose system.
"For example, if an advertising account manager wants to keep a data-
base of the best radio-ad copywriters and musicians, he or she can
record their voice and music samples onto the system -- in stereo.
Later, the account manager can call up the names of the copywriter and
musician on the computer screen, press a key, and instantly hear the
radio ad."
Ultimedia M57 SLC users also have the option of adding to the system
IBM's state-of-the-art touch screen -- the IBM 8516 Touch Display --
as well as the popular IBM M-Motion* Video Adapter/A or the new IBM
PS/2 TV and ActionMedia II, products announced today.
IBM offers extensive support for Ultimedia M57 SLC customers: through
IBM authorized Industry Remarketers and IBM Authorized Personal
Computer Dealers certified to be Advanced Multimedia Remarketers; its
Area Multimedia Centers; or by calling toll-free 800-426-9402. New
ActionMedia II Cards Enable Digital Multimedia Applications
To enhance the development of all digital multimedia applications,
complete with high-quality graphics, motion video, sound and still
images, IBM today introduced PS/2 ActionMedia II. The ActionMedia II
adapter digitally records and plays back high-quality, full-motion
video, photographic images, animation and hi-fidelity sound,
converting standard PS/2 computers into dynamic information theaters.
Jointly developed by IBM and the Intel Corporation, PS/2 ActionMedia
II -- consisting of a display adapter for playback and an optional
snap-on card to capture images -- brings DVI (digital video interac-
tive) technology to the desktop computer at an attractive price. The
adapter offers twice the processing power, higher video quality and
costs about 40 percent less than the original ActionMedia 750
announced on a limited availability basis last year. It also requires
only one slot on the PS/2 and utilizes a minimum of PS/2 and operating
system resources.
The ActionMedia II subsystem allows PS/2 users to do the same things
with multimedia applications as they do with traditional data types
like text and graphics. They can now create, store, retrieve, edit,
update, network and manage audio and video objects and applications
just as they would data objects and applications.
ActionMedia II products digitally compress and decompress analog
video, audio and still images. Because compressed audio and video
data requires much less storage space, more PS/2 users now can afford
to implement exciting, new digital multimedia applications.
ActionMedia II enables digital video editing. This allows corporate
users to assemble and continuously update applications and presenta-
tions.
With the compression and decompression technology of ActionMedia II,
merchandisers and public agencies whose multimedia applications are
installed in shopping mall kiosks, can update these applications
remotely -- by transmitting the changes over a telecommunications
network. Using a Local Area Network (LAN), the ActionMedia II cards
can eliminate the time and expense of creating and distributing
videodisks.
An ActionMedia II Developer's Toolkit also is available to assist with
creating multimedia programs using the Audio Video Kernel interface
for the adapter card.
ActionMedia II can be used with Micro Channel* 386- and 486-based
PS/2s, as well as ISA-BUS PS/2s (Models 35SX and 40SX). DVI uses a
programmable architecture, and it supports the baseline, 9-bit still
image processing format established by the Joint Photographic Experts
Group (JPEG). IBM TouchSelect Upgrades Installed Displays With Touch
Capability
IBM today announced innovative, add-on touch screens that fit existing
PS/2 displays, allowing customers to cost-effectively upgrade their
systems.
The IBM TouchSelect incorporates an exclusive touch technology that
allows touch pressure sensitivity to 256 levels. This is the same,
unique strain gage technology used in the IBM 8516 Touch Display -- an
integrated 14-inch touch screen monitor -- announced in June. The IBM
TouchSelect snaps onto existing PS/2 screens, taking just minutes to
install. Its two models fit the 12" Model 8513 monitor and the 19"
Model 7554 Industrial Graphics Display.
IBM UPGRADES AUDIO AND VIDEO, SUPPORTS MULTIMEDIA WINDOWS
IBM meets the demand for more advanced multimedia applications by
announcing updates to three existing IBM products.
The IBM M-Control Program/2 Version 2 is software that allows users to
communicate with the M-Motion Video Adapter/A. The software controls
hardware devices such as videodisk players, the IBM 8516 Touch Display
and the IBM TouchSelect. IBM has extended M-Control's range of video
and audio capabilities by enhancing its programming interface to
support the audio features of M-Motion for additional videodisk
players.
M-Control Program 2 supports the Microsoft Windows Media Control
Interface (MCI) and the capabilities of the M-Motion Video Adapter/A
under Microsoft Multimedia Windows Extensions Version 1.0.
IBM today also offers new function and support for its very successful
M-Audio and Video Capture Adapters.
The M-Audio Capture and Playback Adapter is an all-purpose,
easy-to-use adapter that captures and plays back high-quality audio.
The enhanced M-Audio has new Application Program Interfaces (APIs)
that give program developers the freedom to write applications for
multiple operating systems -- OS/2, DOS and Microsoft Windows 3.0
Multimedia Extensions. This will help protect the developers' invest-
ment by ensuring hardware independence.
The Video Capture Adapter/A, meanwhile, allows users to capture still
images from a video camera, video cassette recorder, or laser disk,
convert them to a digital signal, and then display them in full color
in a variety of capture and display modes. Also popular among appli-
cation developers, this adapter now offers additional flexibility: the
updated card features new APIs allowing developers to write applica-
tions for OS/2, DOS and Microsoft Windows 3.0.
# # #
* Indicates a trademark or registered trademark of
IBM Corporation.
** Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation and DVI
is a trademark of the Intel Corporation.
NEW IBM SOLUTIONS HARNESS THE POWER OF MULTIMEDIA TECHNOLOGY
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., October 17, 1991 . . . IBM today announced a
number of powerful, integrated multimedia solutions -- including both
hardware and software -- that can transform the way corporations,
small businesses, schools and government agencies do their everyday
work.
These new solutions include:
o Ability to monitor video broadcasts from a desktop
computer -- the IBM PS/2* TV; plus a connection device
for the IBM PS/2 TV that lets computer, video and audio
signals share Local Area Network (LAN) facilities --
F-Coupler;
o Personal conferencing, including live full-motion video
-- Person to Person/2;
o A multimedia training series to give the chronically
unemployed a fresh start -- Employability Skills
Interactive Videodisk Series.
IBM also announced its intention to provide the following:
o Customized multimedia kiosks for public access and
merchandising solutions -- Multimedia Integrated Kiosk.
Today's announcements follow the recent introduction of two comprehen-
sive multimedia education resources that let students learn about
history, culture and literature in an interdisciplinary, intuitive,
free-flowing manner:
o "Columbus: Encounter, Discovery, and Beyond" --
Vast libraries of VTGA* (video, text, graphics and
audio) anchored by two central themes: the dreams and
accomplishments of Christopher Columbus and the concept
of "discovery" itself.
o "The Illuminated Books and Manuscripts*" VTGA
"illuminates" five different literary forms:
- a poem ("Ulysses");
- a novel ("Black Elk Speaks");
- a letter ("Letter From Birmingham Jail");
- a political document ("The Declaration of
Independence");
- a play ("Hamlet").
More than 90 other books are included, with tools that
enable students or teachers to do their own
"illuminating".
These new interactive, educational applications run on the newly
announced IBM PS/2 Ultimedia* Model M57 SLC, as well as other IBM
PS/2s.
Altogether, these solutions advance IBM's commitment to "Ultimedia" --
a comprehensive blend of cutting-edge, multimedia technology,
solutions and customer service.
"With these new multimedia solutions, IBM has launched a clear effort
to provide our PS/2 customers with the integration of color, full-
motion video, still images, stereo sound, graphics and text," said
Michael A. Braun, vice president of multimedia at IBM. "We have made
it easy and affordable for people to take advantage of these features
where it is most convenient -- whether that is at their desk, a shop-
ping mall, or in school."
NEW IBM VIDEO MONITORING SOLUTION
Now there is a low-cost way to view video at a desktop. The IBM PS/2
TV lets people working at PS/2 desktop computers watch or monitor
television and video broadcasts. It is the industry's first, fully-
integrated desktop computer and audio/video tuner.
IBM PS/2 TV is a compact, completely self-contained solution that can
be easily installed on PS/2 Models 30-286 and above, including the new
IBM PS/2 Ultimedia Model M57 SLC.
It is ideal for a variety of business applications, for example:
stockbrokers can monitor financial news; production managers can
monitor plant-floor operations; and business professionals can view
training and information networks -- all without leaving their
offices.
The PS/2 TV can receive broadcasts -- from cable companies, satellite
dishes and antennas -- and transmit them over LANs using the
F-Coupler. (NOTE TO EDITORS: Additional detail below on the
F-Coupler.)
PS/2 TV users can devote their entire computer screen to the video
picture, or watch the broadcasts in a small window -- a PIP (Picture
in Picture) display that uses approximately 1/9 of the screen. They
can place the PIP anywhere on the computer screen. In this way,
people can continue working on other applications while monitoring the
broadcasts for important information.
To control the PS/2 TV program, the user presses a special key on the
keyboard and the screen displays commands. The keyboard now can be
used to switch channels (70 are available), control volume and bright-
ness and adjust colors. The user also has the capability to turn off
the picture and just listen to the audio, or turn off the audio and
just view the picture. The self-contained PS/2 TV includes an inte-
grated speaker and headphone jack and can be used with any software
and operating system. It has its own software and is totally "invis-
ible" to the existing PS/2 system -- using no memory, requiring no
adapter slot or additional software support. The small box is easy to
set up and rests neatly under the computer monitor. PS/2 TV is priced
under $500.
IBM F-COUPLER SIMPLIFIES IBM PS/2 TV INSTALLATION
The F-Coupler announced today simplifies the installation of IBM PS/2
TV. The connection device allows for the transmission of video
signals and computer data on an existing IBM Token Ring Network
cabling system. Since no additional cables are needed, video can be
brought to the desktop with minimal additional cost.
Because audio and video signals are transmitted over different
frequencies from those used by data, the F-Coupler can merge all of
these signals onto a single cable without impacting data transmission
rates.
MULTIMEDIA CONFERENCING AT THE DESKTOP
For professionals who need to collaborate on a project without phys-
ically coming together, the new IBM Person to Person/2 provides state-
of-the-art multimedia conferencing on an IBM PS/2 using OS/2.
This flexible, efficient conferencing solution combines the resources
of video conferencing, teleconferencing, and the personal computer to
allow people -- whether they are across town or across the hall -- to
work together, share motion video and still pictures, charts and
files, and take notes on the computer.
A project manager can watch his colleague in a full-motion video
window and discuss revisions to a document or a project -- using
images, sound and text -- and get instant feedback. This eliminates
sending the revisions to everyone, waiting for their responses, and
then contacting them again.
Using the IBM Person to Person File Transfer feature, users can send
and receive files so they can have their own copy. With a special
Remote Pointer, one user can point out details anywhere on the video
window to the person at the other end.
Chalkboards let users scan images from other documents, and "mirror"
images of other application windows. They can then annotate them with
simple drawing tools or text. A tablet or touch screen makes the
markup very simple. Conferees, meanwhile, can take notes, using the
Person to Person Notepad.
People can use Person to Person with IBM ActionMedia** II, DVI**, or
an IBM M-Motion Adapter/A running on LANs, including IBM Token Ring,
Ethernet** or ISDN networks.
SKILLS TRAINING SERIES HELPS PEOPLE FIND AND KEEP JOBS
IBM also announced it has formed a cooperative software relationship
with Interactive Multimedia Group, Inc., of Tallahassee, Florida, to
offer training assistance to unskilled or hard-to-hire youths and
adults. The result of this partnership is the Employability Skills
Interactive Videodisk Series, a group of computer-based, interactive
videodisk programs designed to help the chronically unemployed or
underemployed.
Developed by Florida State University and the Florida Department of
Education, the Employability Skills Series has been used throughout
Florida with great success. With this announcement, it will be
marketed throughout the United States for the first time.
People who have had difficulty learning in a classroom setting can
interact at their own pace with this multimedia training program.
They will learn how to choose an occupation, search for a job,
successfully complete a job application, and prepare for and respond
to questions during job interviews. They will also learn how to
develop good work habits, build a foundation for future job success
and learn personal money management skills.
The lessons dramatize, tutor, review and offer practice sessions for
the students, who can answer questions on the touch screen and choose
which lessons to view next. The program also helps to build the
students' self-esteem by giving positive reinforcement when they
answer questions correctly.
The students see and hear real-life examples of people in working
environments, adding to their understanding of employers' needs and
appropriate workplace performance.
Vocational schools, employment and training offices, corrections
facilities, private industry councils and a variety of community-based
organizations, such as those that run night shelters, can take advan-
tage of this program to help people gain meaningful employment. Large
companies that are having difficulty finding reliable employees in
their vicinity can also use the program to train people for entry-
level positions.
Florida field tests on this multimedia program have shown that
students enjoy the interactive media as a learning environment and
that as a group, the students reached course objectives faster than
they would in a typical class setting. The students' retention of
information also appeared to improve. These positive findings are
consistent with research results on multimedia interactive learning in
general.
The Employability Skills Interactive Videodisk Series will run on two
platforms: currently installed IBM InfoWindow* systems or the new PS/2
Micro Channel* computers with M-Motion capability.
MULTIMEDIA KIOSK WILL REACH PEOPLE PERSONALLY, DIRECTLY
IBM today stated its intention to become a leader in the multimedia
merchandising and public access kiosk marketplace by offering standard
integrated kiosks and tools, custom kiosks and applications and
related kiosk support services.
IBM intends to offer the following:
o A series of standard kiosks with tailoring options;
o Custom services -- to provide "made-to-order" kiosks,
plus related marketing and support services, such as
market planning, research and telemarketing;
o Application and network management assistance;
o Comprehensive support services, including:
- integration and/or installation of hardware and
software,
- distribution of kiosks to customer's location,
- product warranty and ongoing maintenance,
- site services (i.e. site preparation, screen and
cabinet cleaning, paper refill and kiosk sign
installation).
Simply touching the screen activates the unit, allowing users to navi-
gate through visual programs and interact with various scenarios.
Visual programs can use analog or digital technology to deliver sound
and motion. A credit card reader and printer can enable users to
purchase goods and services and receive a printed receipt of their
transaction.
These kiosks are designed to be delivered as totally integrated
solutions that are expected to save time and make installations less
complex for the customer. State-of-the-art technology, including an
advanced touch display, can make it easy for customers to design
multimedia applications that will attract users to the kiosk.
# # #
* Indicates a trademark or registered trademark of IBM
Corporation.
** ActionMedia and DVI are trademarks of Intel Corporation and
Ethernet is a trademark of the Xerox Corporation.
IBM MULTIMEDIA DIRECTIONS BUILD THE NEW ERA OF "ULTIMEDIA"
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., October 17, 1991 . . . IBM today announced its
commitment to offer multimedia products and services in several new
directions.
Together, these directions are articulated in the term "Ultimedia"* --
the new brand that will identify all of IBM's multimedia products and
services. "Ultimedia" expresses IBM's dedication to deliver uncompro-
mising multimedia technology, customer solutions and support for
multimedia program creators.
IBM's Ultimedia directions include:
o Operating System/2* (OS/2*) 32-bit version Multimedia
Extensions;
o A comprehensive Multimedia Tools Series;
o CD-ROM II drive available as an option;
o Additional TouchSelect screen sizes;
o Audio Visual Connection* (AVC) and Linkway* Support for
ActionMedia** II.
"These Ultimedia directions are designed to allow our customers and
developers to preserve their investments in our products," said
Michael A. Braun, vice president of multimedia at IBM. "We will
continue to make multimedia technology and applications accessible,
affordable and versatile, so customers can obtain the best possible
solutions at the lowest possible cost."
MULTIMEDIA EXTENSIONS
IBM intends to make available multimedia extensions to the OS/2 32-bit
implementation, called IBM Multimedia Presentation Manager/2*, which
conform with the Multimedia Programming Interface and Data Specifica-
tions issued jointly by IBM and Microsoft in August 1991. The spec-
ification addresses the developers' needs for common multimedia
application programming interfaces (APIs) and common data file formats
across OS/2 and Windows**.
In addition, a multimedia developer's toolkit will be available with
sample programs, plus documentation, to assist multimedia application
developers.
These products will be generally available in the first half of 1992.
For those developing 32-bit multimedia applications, an early version
of these products will be available in the fourth quarter of 1991.
MULTIMEDIA TOOLS SERIES WILL ASSIST MULTIMEDIA CREATORS
With the Multimedia Tools Series, IBM intends to provide programming
packages developed by IBM and other industry leaders that will give
multimedia creators the ability to plan, create and produce multimedia
titles and applications. The software is intended for OS/2 2.0, DOS
with Windows 3.0 (and their respective multimedia extensions), and DOS
operating systems.
Tools in the Multimedia Tools Series will be available individually
and in groupings tailored to the needs of various industry segments.
Seven companies announced their support for the IBM Tools Series:
AimTech Corporation, of Nashua, N.H.; Asymetrix Corporation, of
Bellevue, Wash.; Authorware, Inc., of Foster City, Calif.; MacroMind
Paracomp, of San Francisco; Passport Design, Inc., of Half Moon Bay,
Calif.; Time Arts, Inc., of Santa Rosa, Calif.; and Turtle Beach
Systems, of York, Penn. CD-ROM II Available as an Option
IBM today announced that its CD-ROM II drive, with extended architec-
ture (CD-ROM/XA) capability, will be available as an option. This
drive is a standard feature of the new PS/2 Ultimedia Model M57 SLC.
CD-ROM/XA is an extension of the Digital Audio CD (CD-DA), which is
designed expressly for multimedia. Extended architecture intermixes
image and audio in the data stream. It also simplifies the process of
synchronizing image and sound.
The optionally available CD-ROM II drive will make it possible to
economically store large volumes of multimedia applications on remov-
able disks. The device will support industry-standard CD-ROM disk and
media formats and will provide a Small Computer System Interface
(SCSI) to the system. Also to Come From IBM Multimedia
o IBM intends to provide IBM TouchSelect support in a
variety of sizes for additional IBM PS/2 color
displays.
o In addition, IBM today announced its intention to offer
AVC and LinkWay support for ActionMedia II.
AVC currently provides the capability to digitize and store audio
information and still frames for high-quality graphics and combine it
with analog video. LinkWay allows educators to build multimedia
applications using previously created images, graphics and sound.
Both AVC and Linkway currently use analog video. With ActionMedia II
support, the benefits of all-digital multimedia will be available.
# # #
* Indicates trademark or registered trademark of IBM
Corporation.
** ActionMedia is a trademark of Intel Corporation and Windows
is a trademark of the Microsoft Corporation.