No more Kyro?

[Monaco]

Check this out-

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/020208/72636_1.html

<snip>

STMicroelectronics To Withdraw From PC Graphics Market
GENEVA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 8, 2002\226-STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM - news) has announced that it is withdrawing from the PC Graphics Accelerator IC market and is currently seeking a buyer for the related assets and activities of its PC Graphics business, which accounted for approximately $15 million of ST's $6.36 billion revenues in 2001.

The potential sale is in line with ST's objective of focusing its R&D efforts on market areas that are strategically important to the Company, notably: communications, automotive, computer peripherals, smart cards and digital consumer. In the digital consumer market, ST will continue to emphasize set-top box, DVD and digital TV applications, in which the Company holds worldwide leadership positions.

About STMicroelectronics

STMicroelectronics, the world's third largest independent semiconductor company, is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, IP portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today's convergence markets. The Company shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2001, the Company's net revenues were $6.36 billion and net earnings were $257.1 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.
</snip>


:mad: NO more Kyro video cards???:mad: This SUCKS, I was really looking forward to the Kyro3. I guess it makes sense from a business standpoint, but I think we will miss the 3rd player in the vid card market.

[Silversinksam]

I agree competition is what keeps Nvidia from charging $8000 for the next Geforce released.

:eek:

[slim_lim]

Dammit! :( That's too bad. I was really looking toward their next chip that was going to be dx8 capable. I thought it would smoke both ATI and Nvidia with its selective renedring. Current chips are so inefficent, they render the whole environment instead of just what you see. I can't believe ATI and Nvidia are still not taking any steps in that direction.

[Racoon]

Are ATI & Nvidia the only ones left in the gaming graphics market? Haven't heard from Matrox in a long time, have they already left the market?

[Monaco]

Matrox is still around, but their 3D acceleration is almost nonexistant- they still rule for 2D and multiple monitors, tho.

SiS is actually in the vid card market, they had an entry-level card on par with a GF2MX, but costing even less- don't know if it is still around as I haven't heard about it for a while.

Kyro's tile-based rendering really seemd like the next logical step in vid card tech. The GF series pretty much wins on brute strength, the Kyros were all about finesse...I bet the K3 would've kicked some serious heiney.

[RainMaQer]

Originally posted by Silversinksam
I agree competition is what keeps Nvidia from charging $8000 for the next Geforce released.

:eek:


Looks like I'm gonna have to start saving NOW for my next vid card upgrade :p

That really stinks... From what I've read the Kyro II chips had REALLY good video quality... comparable to ATI :) Oh well... some one else will rise up now (hopefully ;) ) and take they're place. :D

[iggybaseball]

I don't know if it would smoke ati and nvida . didn't the last kyro2 chipset have many problems with glitches, especially in new video games. They also had slow service when upgrading drivers. although i do think the kyro2 cards were a good bang for the buck

[dolemitecomputer]

Hercules is still supporting the Kyro chipsets. They released a press statement a day or two ago:


"Firstly, I want to thank you for your support of, and contributions to making Hercules the success it has been and will continue to be. In response to STMicroelectronics' recent announcement to divest its graphics chipset manufacturing interests, we wanted to assure you that Hercules remains strong and committed to bringing you only the best in graphics technology.

Hercules 4000 and 4500 series cards will continue to be available to you and your customers as we have secured ample inventory to fulfill everyone's needs. For the future, we will work with selected vendors in developing and marketing advanced, quality Hercules branded products.

Our commitment to offering the very best support to our customers, and your customers remains a priority by providing updated drivers, installation, configuration and field application support, as well as phone and online support personnel.

Finally, in the coming months we will aggressively move to position our 4000 and 4500 series cards as industry leaders, and reinforce that with the addition of the much anticipated 3D Prophet 4800, thus ensuring the longevity of our '4' series products."

[slim_lim]

What's the Prophet 4800 is going to be based on? Is it the same chip shrunk down and clocked higher again or they're gonna add T&L to it?

[funnyperson1]

Originally posted by slim_lim
What's the Prophet 4800 is going to be based on? Is it the same chip shrunk down and clocked higher again or they're gonna add T&L to it?

yes to the first part its known as KyroII "Ultra"......also lets hope PowerVR can find another comapny to make their chips i agree that tile based rendering is the way of the future.......The KyroIII has T&L and is clocked much higher....lets hope it sees the light of day....

[proze]

Originally posted by funnyperson1
lets hope it sees the light of day....

amen to that! :D

[Ozzman]

ahh for crying out loud i was really look forward to the kyro 3 i have the kyro 2 its ok good for 100 bucks it is a bit jumpy on the FPS meter when it comes to Q3 and high graphics but still well playable.. o well looks like i need to start saving..