Total multimedia: The next dimension

New opportunities on the horizon will enable silicon and system vendors to approach the design of next-generation multimedia PCs. For most end users, the focus will be on integrated multimedia solutions. Silicon vendors will play a greater role in providing systems-on-silicon designed to provide graphics, audio, video, and communications functions. Because the components included in systems-level silicon solutions are designed to work seamlessly with one another, OEMs will spend less time in the design cycle and get products to market faster. In addition to OEM benefits, end users will find that “total multimedia” encompassing audio, graphics, video, and fast network access time will be optimized by the integration of these functions in the PC. This paper shows why integration is the key to the total multimedia experience and what system designers need to consider when defining the next-generation multimedia PC. Along the way, though, it is important to remember that integration is not the key for all users