Cell-based Workstations to be Readied for Entertainment Applications
LOS ANGELES, May 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Corporation (Sony), Sony Computer
Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) and IBM today announced plans to develop a digital
content creation environment, the first computing application planned for the
Cell* processor. The companies expect to build the first prototype Cell-based
workstations in 4Q 2004.
Utilizing massive data bandwidth and vast floating point capabilities,
coupled with a parallel processing architecture, the Cell processor based
development environment is expected to deliver quantum-leap innovation to
entertainment applications. Cell-based workstations will be designed to
expand the platform for creating digital content across future movie and video
game entertainment industries.
IBM intends to develop the Cell-based workstations to power digital
content creation. Sony and SCEI plan to lead the development of the
Cell-based operating environment by providing the architecture, algorithms,
middleware and data structure for tools needed to create digital content for
movies and computer entertainment applications.
"Cell has enormous power for creating broadband content," said Ken
Kutaragi, executive deputy president and COO, Sony Corporation, and president
and Group CEO, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. "Today, movies and games are
sharing the same world and characters on a common database. Within a few
years, both forms of entertainment will be fused and become indistinguishable,
offering a seamless experience in the home. Together with IBM, the three
companies aim to offer technology that will accelerate the paradigm shift in
digital entertainment."
"The Cell-based workstations we are creating with Sony and SCEI will
deliver scalable, supercomputer-like performance to the media, entertainment
and video game industries," said Dr. John E. Kelly, senior vice president and
group executive, IBM Systems and Technology Group. "Our joint Cell processor
effort is right on track to bring tremendous impact to the entertainment
industry."
The requirements for massive computing power in digital content creation
in the entertainment industry have escalated with the use of photo-realistic
and ever more complex images and special effects now commonly found in today's
motion pictures. Dramatic improvements in processing performance and data
throughput are needed to generate these dynamic and realistic scenes.
Similarly, the creation of computer entertainment content demands high levels
of computational power. Within a couple of years, tremendous floating point
calculations will be necessary for complex physics simulation and control of
digital characters in digital content creation.
This movement will trigger a convergence of digital entertainment content
that can be enabled through the common Cell-based development environment
Sony, SCEI and IBM plan to create. The integration and availability of
content created using Cell-based environment will enable users to experience a
real-time "cyber world" anytime, anywhere through the broadband network. This
integration can expand future opportunities for exciting consumer experiences.
Note:
* "Cell" is the code-name for an advanced microprocessor under
development by Sony, IBM and Toshiba.
About Sony Corporation
Sony Corporation is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, game,
communications, key device and information technology products for the
consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, computer
entertainment and on-line businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the
leading personal broadband entertainment company in the world. Sony recorded
consolidated annual sales of approximately $72 billion for the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2004. Sony Global Web Site: http://www.sony.net/
About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the
progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer
Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufacturers, distributes and markets the
PlayStation(R) game console and PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system.
PlayStation has revolutionized home entertainment by introducing advanced 3D
graphic processing, and PlayStation 2 further enhances the PlayStation legacy
as the core of home networked entertainment. SCEI, along with its subsidiary
divisions Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Sony Computer
Entertainment Europe Ltd., and Sony Computer Entertainment Korea Inc.
develops, publishes, markets and distributes software, and manages the third
party licensing programs for these two platforms in the respective markets
worldwide. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. is
an independent business unit of the Sony Group.
About IBM
IBM is the world's largest information technology company, with 80 years
of leadership in helping businesses innovate. IBM is also a recognized
innovator in the semiconductor industry, having been first with advances like
more power-efficient copper wiring in place of aluminum and faster SOI and
silicon germanium transistors. These and other innovations have contributed to
IBM's standing as the number one U.S. patent holder for 11 consecutive years.
More information about IBM semiconductors can be found at:
http://www.ibm.com/chips.
SOURCE Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
 back to top
Related links:
http://www.sony.net
CONTACT:
in Japan, Sony Corporation Corporate
Communications, +81-03-5448-2200, or Sony Computer Entertainment
Corporate Communications Department, +81-03-6438-8686; or Carrie
Altieri of IBM, +1-845-892-5464, or Altieri@us.ibm.com
|
