Gizmodo: Cell processor

Toshiba's Regza ZF HDTVs Do Their Own Cell-Processor Upscaling

Kit Eaton — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 07:46:00 EDT

Toshiba's new Regza ZF HDTVs don't upscale your DVDs to HD resolution with any old chipset or engine: they do it with a Cell-processor based system. Bonkers! It's the first TV to upscale with a Cell, and according to its European executive vice president, Toshiba's future "does not involve Blu-ray disc" but will use this sort of tech to deliver high-res imagery. The upscaling system uses the Cell for some advanced image-processing techniques, creating interpolated pixels to give the final image "near-HD" quality. The sets will also have Active Vision M100 100Hz HD picture processing, 178-degree viewing angle, 30,000:1 contrast ratio and 10-bit processing. The ZF TVs will be in 40- and 46-inch sizes, the 40-inch out now with pricing of around $2,390, the 46-pricing and availability is not announced yet. [Toshiba.co.uk and Toshiba.de-via Google translate.]

Toshiba Qosmio G55 is First Laptop With Cell Processor Aboard

Kit Eaton — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 04:24:00 EDT

Toshiba's Qosmio G55 has popped up on Giz over the last couple of months, talking about its advanced gesture controls which rely on its use of the PS3's Cell processor tech, and now it's official. Toshiba's calling it the "world's first laptop with cell processor tech inside," and concentrates on four functions it gives the machine. Upconvert/upconversion (basically 1080i upscaling,) transcoding of video formats, face-based video indexing and gesture control. The laptop will have a starting price of $1,299.99. Press release below.

Jul 15, 2008 00:01

Toshiba Qosmio World's First Laptop with Cell Processor Technology

¶ TOSHIBA Quad Core HD Cell Processor Provides Revolutionary Multimedia Experience Through Enhanced Speed and Control
IRVINE, Calif. —(Business Wire)— Jul. 15, 2008 Toshiba's Digital Products Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced the world's first laptop PC to feature Cell processor technology. This computing advancement, called the TOSHIBA Quad Core HD Processor(1), is available on Toshiba's Qosmio(R) G55-Q802 laptop PC and delivers a revolutionary high-definition, multimedia user experience.

"In terms of the Qosmio laptop brand, innovation is the key ingredient," said Jeff Barney, vice president and general manager, Digital Products Division, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. "The addition of the TOSHIBA Quad Core HD Processor marks a watershed moment in the multimedia and HD segments. Qosmio G55-Q802 laptop PC users now have the power and ability to control and manipulate their personal content with unmatched precision and speed while also enjoying their full DVD collections at resolutions up to 1080i."

The TOSHIBA Quad Core HD Processor was designed to better serve the creative process by alleviating the intense burden that's placed on the CPU while handling a wide range of multimedia tasks, such as video transcoding. The complex task of transcoding and encoding a personal video project monopolizes a majority of the processing power of today's advanced computer systems. Through the addition of the TOSHIBA Quad Core HD Processor, along with the combined strength of Intel's latest Core(TM) 2 Duo processor(1) technology and the NVIDIA GeForce(R) 9600M(2) GT graphics card, tasks that once took hours to complete now are accomplished in a fraction of the time with Toshiba's Qosmio(R) G55-Q802 laptop PC.

This revolutionary Cell processor technology was co-developed by Toshiba, Sony and IBM, and is best known for its use within the popular Sony PlayStation(R) 3 and various supercomputers. Branded the TOSHIBA Quad Core HD Processor, it currently consists of four cutting-edge, distinctive proprietary features:

— Upconvert/Upconversion - Through "Upconvert/Upconversion," standard-definition video files, such as home videos and DVDs, are upscaled in real time to 720p high-definition. Combined with the use of the Qosmio's HDMI-CEC port, users can output today's standard DVDs in stunning clarity up to 1080i on an HDTV.

— Transcoding - The included Ulead(R) DVD MovieFactory(R) 5 for TOSHIBA has been optimized to take advantage of the Toshiba Quad Core HD Processor to dramatically reduce the time needed in high-definition video editing. Transcoding video between high-definition formats or converting high-definition video into standard definition for burning to DVD can be completed up to 10 times(3) faster on the Qosmio(R) G55-Q802 laptop PC.

— Video Indexing - "Video Indexing" provides the power to catalog video clips based on an individual's face in a scene. This unique technology enables quick and easy scene access by eliminating the need to manually search through hours of video content.

— Gesture Control - Using a remote to control DVDs, CDs and PowerPoint is a thing of the past. Through the use of "Gesture Control" and the Qosmio's Webcam, physical motions, such as extending an arm and simple hand gestures, users can control the play, pause, rewind and fast-forward functions of their movies, music and slides.

The Qosmio G55 series laptop is also available without the TOSHIBA Quad Core HD Processor, but the series was collectively designed to enhance the digital lifestyle by providing cutting-edge innovations that are built upon the backbone of sharp picture quality and pristine sound reproduction. In addition to the technological advancement of the TOSHIBA Quad Core HD Processor, the Qosmio is built around an expansive 18.4-inch diagonal widescreen TruBrite(R) high-definition display that sports a true 16:9 aspect ratio. Users can take advantage of more of the display and enjoy their widescreen movies with less of the black bar letterboxing, which frames a picture on other displays. To further enhance the visual experience, the Qosmio G55 laptop PC sports two premium Harman Kardon(R) stereo speakers, a sub-woofer and Dolby Home Theater(TM) technology, which allows users to experience their content in surround sound. The Qosmio can be seamlessly integrated into a user's home theater system for a complete surround sound experience thanks to its REGZA LINK(TM) HDMI technology while empowering users with simultaneous instant device configuration and the ability to control REGZA LINK enabled devices, such as Toshiba's REGZA(TM) HDTVs and a Qosmio laptop, with a single remote.

The Qosmio G55 laptop PC has several design features that magnify its cutting edge nature, such as its striking Fusion(TM) finish with Vibe design, white-LED FeatherTouch multimedia buttons and a flush-mounted Touchpad. These external features do much to enhance the overall quality and premium feel of the new Qosmio, which has a starting price of $1,299.99(4).

For the first time, Toshiba will offer users the option of configuring their laptop to run either a 32-bit or 64-bit(5) version of Windows Vista, depending on a user's preference and intended computer use.

The Qosmio G55 laptop PC is available from a variety of major consumer electronic and computer stores nationwide or directly from Toshiba at http://www.toshibadirect.com. Detailed product information is available at http://www.explore.toshiba.com/G55.

The Qosmio G55 series is available in the following configurations: -0-

Qosmio G55-Q802 Unique Specifications (MSRP $1,549.99(4))
—OS selection at first boot:
- Genuine Windows Vista(R) Home Premium (SP1, 64-bit5
version)(default)
- Genuine Windows Vista(R) Home Premium (SP1, 32-bit version)
—Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo Processor T7350(1)
- 2.0 GHz, 3MB L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB
—TOSHIBA Quad Core HD Processor(1)
—4096MB PC2-6400 DDR2 800MHz SDRAM memory(6)
—500GB using two 5400 RPM Serial ATA hard disk drives(7)
—DVD SuperMulti (+/- double layer) drive with Labelflash(TM)
supporting 11 formats
—NVIDIA(R) GeForce(TM) 9600M GT with 512MB GDDR2 discrete graphics(2)
memory,
—Atheros(R) 802.11 b/g/n wireless-LAN(8)

-0-

Qosmio G55-Q801 Unique Specifications (MSRP $1,299.99(4))
—OS selection at first boot:
- Genuine Windows Vista(R) Home Premium (SP1, 64-bit(5)
version)(default)
- Genuine Windows Vista(R) Home Premium (SP1, 32-bit version)
—Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo Processor T7350(1)
- 2.0 GHz, 3MB L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB
—4096MB PC2-6400 DDR2 800MHz SDRAM memory(6)
—320GB (5400 RPM) Serial ATA hard disk drive(7)
—DVD SuperMulti (+/- double layer) drive with Labelflash(TM)
supporting 11 formats
—NVIDIA(R) GeForce(TM) 9200M GS with 256MB GDDR2 discrete graphics(2)
memory
—Atheros(R) 802.11 b/g/n wireless-LAN(8)

Multimedia: Qosmio G55 Series

Toshiba Bringing PS3 Innards to Notebooks, TVs

Adrian Covert — Fri, 09 May 2008 13:54:00 EDT

Its recently been revealed that Toshiba is planning to use Sony PS3 technology in its upcoming TVs and Notebooks. The OC Register's Gadgetress got her hands on the Toshiba's Qosmio notebook (shown above), which will use the SpursEngine chip, jointly developed between Toshiba and Sony around the Cell. The processor will handle much of the video and multimedia processing, taking the load off the main CPU.

According to Toshiba, HD processing that once took an hour now only takes 10 minutes. And though the SpursEngine chip can handle graphics processing for games, no PC games are currently optimized for the chip, rendering it useless. But game development built around the processor is in the works. Tentatively, the Qosmio will also feature gesture based controls via webcam, but will lack the usual Blu-ray drive, 1080p resolution and TV tuner. But it will only run for $1700, shaving about $1300 off the price.

As for the TV, it will make use of Sony's Cell microprocessor for realtime HD upscaling, recording of multiple channels, and "displaying video as if it is being viewed through opera glasses" (whatever that means). The Qosmio notebook is planned for a 2008 release while the TV will hit stores in Fall 2009. [Electronista and Gadgetress]

MIT Offers Cell Processor Class; Everyone Gets PS3s

Adam Frucci — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 17:15:00 EDT

If you're interested in doing programming for the PS3, there's no better way to learn the ins and outs of the system than by taking a course dedicated to the cell processor that's offered at MIT.

The course is funded by Sony, Toshiba, and IBM, which means every student gets a PS3. Yeah, that's right. That's a lot better than the used copy of Beloved you got with your last English class, eh? Anyhow, the course focused on programming for a parallel processor, and they ended up making a 3D pong game over the course of the four-week class.

No, seriously, they got free PS3s. Stupid, lucky nerds. –Adam Frucci

GamePro [via The Raw Feed]

Toshiba and Sony Get into Catfight Over Cell CPU

Louis Ramirez — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 21:26:37 EST

Sony and Toshiba may have been in cahoots when they worked on the Cell processor, but now that it's out, Toshiba is throwing its pants on and running out the door. Yoshihide Fujii, Toshiba's digital media network CEO, is claiming they'll be the first company to put the Cell processor in your living room. Nevermind that Sony's PS3 already beat them to it, Fujii is determined to beat his partner/rival to the punch. Meanwhile Sony's also rushing to put the Cell CPU in their own HDTVs and home theater equipment. This puts both Goliaths in a race to deliver Cell CPU-based gear. Maybe both companies should first check to see if people care enough about the Cell processor to put it in their living room in the first place. – Louis Ramirez

Toshiba: We'll Beat Sony to the Living Room [PC World]

IBM Uses Gaming Chip for Data Centers

tgrumet — Thu, 09 Feb 2006 09:18:32 EST

Sony won't be the only company using the power of the Cell processor this year. IBM has announced that it will be adapting the chip, which will also be used in Sony's PS3, for its new, high-end "BladeCenter" computer servers.

This is the first time that the Cell chip, which is known for its intense graphics engine—it can render whole cities and landscapes in seconds—will be used in a commercial application by Big Blue. The company will also be licensing it out to military equipment maker Mercury Computer Systems Inc. Talk about War Games.

IBM launches business computers based on game chip [Reuters]