- HP Technology Powered by AMD64 Processors Help Cast of Furry Animals Achieve Stellar Performance -
SUNNYVALE, CALIF. - May 19, 2006 - AMD (NYSE: AMD) announced today that
HP servers and workstations powered by AMD64 processors contributed
significantly to the digital magic behind DreamWorks Animation's (NYSE:
DWA) comedy, "Over the Hedge," which opens today.
The use of AMD64 technology helped DreamWorks Animation enhance the
artistry of "Over the Hedge," arming digital artists with the processing
power necessary to create the film's breathtaking imagery.
"Over the Hedge" is about RJ, a traveling raccoon who encourages a group
of animals to venture over a large hedge in search of food. The
adventure unfolds when the animals interact with humans living nearby.
"Audiences have come to expect a more immersive experience in every
computer animated film," said Jeffrey Katzenberg, DreamWorks Animation
co-founder and CEO. "As a leader in this field, DreamWorks Animation
holds itself to the highest standards of innovation and excellence. And
that's why we partner with AMD. Their products and commitment to our
partnership result in better animation."
"AMD64 technology offers outstanding performance per watt, delivering
the power and performance that DreamWorks Animation's artists need to
continually raise the bar of computer-generated animation and achieve
greater on-screen detail while saving time," said Henri Richard,
executive vice president and chief sales and marketing officer, AMD.
"Consumers can enjoy the same level of computing performance at home or
practically anywhere with desktop and notebook media center PCs based on
AMD Athlon(tm) 64 X2 dual-core processors."
DreamWorks Animation digital artists created much of the lighting and
special effects for "Over the Hedge" using HP xw9300 workstations and HP
DL145G2 ProLiant servers powered by Dual-Core AMD Opteron(tm)
processors. These systems provided more than 30 percent additional
computing power over DreamWorks Animation's previous generation of
systems, helping artists work on multiple scenes simultaneously -
similar to how PCs based on AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual-core processors help
consumers improve multi-tasking capability. DreamWorks Animation
production management staff also used HP Compaq nx6125 notebooks based
on AMD Turion(tm) 64 mobile technology to help streamline a variety of
production activities.
In the largest and most powerful render farm ever used for a DreamWorks
Animation film, HP servers powered by Dual-Core AMD Opteron processors
delivered more than 15 million combined render hours to turn digital
information into full-fledged images of fur and foliage, not to mention
water, fire, an explosion of artificial nacho cheese flavoring... and
virtually everything else that can be seen on the screen.
"Today's computer-generated filmmaking demands ever increasing
performance of technology," said Jim Zafarana, vice president and
worldwide marketing manager, Workstation Global Business Unit, HP. "By
partnering once again with DreamWorks Animation and AMD, HP is helping
to enable filmmakers to create visually stunning films that fans can
enjoy in the theater or at home."
As the Preferred Processor Provider for DreamWorks Animation, AMD
provides AMD64 technology for desktop and notebook PCs, as well as
servers, workstations and render farm nodes used by DreamWorks
Animation's artists in their computer-generated filmmaking process.
Consumers have the ability to tap into similar technology used by
DreamWorks Animation's artists with PC systems powered by AMD Athlon 64
X2 dual-core processors and AMD Turion 64 mobile technology. With AMD's
dual-core technology, home users can usher in the next generation of
digital media software for fantastic high-definition video creation and
editing, downloading and retouching photos, as well as music recording
and mixing.
About AMD64
The AMD64 processor platform is the gold standard for 64-bit computing.
AMD64's Direct Connect Architecture evolves industry standards to
deliver break-through performance on single- and dual-core processors,
reducing bottlenecks inherent in traditional front-side bus
architectures. AMD64 technology is also designed to enhance the security
of computing environments by integrating Enhanced Virus Protection*
technology enabled by advanced anti-virus features in current versions
of Linux(r), Microsoft(r) Windows(r) and Solaris operating systems.
Today, 90 percent of the top 100 and more than 45 percent of the top 500
of the Forbes Global 2000 companies or their subsidiaries are using
AMD64 technology. Since their 2003 introduction, AMD64 processors have
earned more than 160 industry awards and the support of more than 2,000
OEMs, hardware and software developers, system builders and
distributors. For more information on the AMD64 processor platform, see
http://www.amd.com/amd64
About AMD
Advanced Micro Devices (NYSE: AMD) is a leading global provider of
innovative microprocessor solutions for computing, communications and
consumer electronics markets. Founded in 1969, AMD is dedicated to
delivering superior computing solutions based on customer needs that
empower users worldwide. For more information visit http://www.amd.com