VISUALIZATION

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA -- SGI (NYSE: SGI) announced today that Philips Research in Eindhoven has installed a 32-processor SGI(R) Onyx(R) 3400 high-performance graphics system to accelerate its research of ways to combine standard-definition (SD) and high-definition (HD) video streams and graphics technology. The Onyx 3400 system is an essential component of the infrastructure used in the HomeLab. This is a simulated environment in which high-end graphics and media technology is being applied to consumer and residential settings. "For some time now, SGI systems have served as the core of our infrastructure for developing graphics and video technology," said Michael Geerings, cluster coordinator of audio and video graphics at Philips Research. "The SGI Onyx 3400 system provides us with a complete solution that fully meets our specific research requirements. Besides its advanced, high-quality digital video and visualization capabilities and enormous computing power, SGI solutions are easy to integrate and extremely scalable. These are crucial characteristics because research demands a large degree of flexibility-both from the researchers and the equipment. SGI gives us the flexibility we need." The 32-processor SGI Onyx 3400 system comprises 600 MHz MIPS® R14000(TM) processors and 32Gb of memory with two InfiniteReality3(TM) graphics pipes, each equipped with two Raster Managers. In the course of 2002, these will be extended to next-generation InfiniteReality® graphics. Furthermore, the Onyx 3400 system offers extensive partitioning capabilities, which means it can be used for numerous tasks with no loss of performance. Philips Research utilizes the SGI Onyx 3400 system for a variety of purposes. HomeLab uses the system for virtual reality applications as part of a study into ambient intelligence. Its research aims are to create an interactive interface that will help technological applications meet specific information requirements, whether in living or working environments. Visualization and audio technology plays a significant role in this, particularly where walls and mirrors serve as an interface. The Onyx 3400 system is also a part of the Philips Research revamped digital TV studio and is used to develop compression technology and for post-production. "We're proud of our long-standing relationship with this highly regarded research institute," said Marinus ter Laak, regional manager, SGI. "Very clearly, Philips Research's needs connect seamlessly to the SGI Onyx 3400 system's core competencies. Its formidable computing power offers advanced visualization options supported by extensive storage capacity." The SGI Onyx 3400 system is integrated into Philips Research's infrastructure, which consists of an SGI storage area network (SAN) that enables faster access to data and efficient file sharing across the facility. The SAN comprises four SGI® Origin® 200 systems for audio products and services and a 16-processor SGI® Origin® 2000 video server for real-time HD and SD video. It is expected that, in time, the SGI Onyx 3400 system will become part of the Philips High Tech Campus, allowing for the introduction of broad visualization options.