PowerVR, a graphics subsidiary of Imagination Technologies, said it is “close to deliver” its next-generation graphics tech known under PowerVR 5 code-name. The firm, nevertheless, did not say whether the novelty will serve graphics cards for desktop computers.

“We are close to delivering our very high-end next generation graphics technology that targets arcade, PC and console. We have already licensed this technology to SEGA for use in arcade systems and intend to explore relevant partnerships for other markets,” the company said in its latest financial statements.

As a graphics processor developer, PowerVR has not released anything new since early 2001 and analysts of the industry rarely take this firm into the account when talking about prospects for the industry. However, PowerVR reminds the world about itself by releasing some pieces information leading to assume about its new products indirectly.

In mid-2003 we were told about a book covering some modern ways of programming real-time 3D graphics in general and using Pixel Shaders 3.0 and Vertex Shaders 3.0 in particular. The authors of the articles covering the Shaders 3.0 were from PowerVR, and web-media around the Web suggested that we would shortly see a new product coming from PowerVR. We have not really seen or heard anything real about PowerVR’s graphics chips so far, but in late 2003 the company released the demo software that did not work on DirectX 9.0 hardware, such as RADEON 9800 PRO or GeForce FX 5900, but requires some additional features to be supported.

In addition, Imagination Technologies also indicated that certain techniques from the new “high-end PowerVR chip” may be used in the next-generation of graphics cores for embedded applications.

“Also, our very important R&D programme, which brings our latest know-how from this area into the next generation of our scalable MBX family, is also at an advanced stage,” the company said.

Earlier this year PowerVR and SEGA inked an agreement to use the so-called PowerVR 5 technology in SEGA’s arcade machines that are due in the second half of this year or in the beginning of 2005.

At this point it is not clear whether PowerVR is targeting to bring a new graphics processor into the highly-competitive desktop market, or plans to license its new core to other companies, such as Intel. It is also unknown which console will make use of the PowerVR 5 tech.