Today on March 9, S3 Graphics announced the availability of GammaChromeS18, the first in the GammaChrome line of GPUs targeted at the mainstream graphics market, featuring full DirectX 9.0 hardware, a native PCI Express interface and S3G's signature Hi-Def(TM) native HDTV display capability for the ultimate visual experience.

Maintaining S3 Graphics' emphasis on video performance and quality, GammaChrome comes equipped with the second generation programmable video engine, Chromotion 2.0 that offers an extensive range of video rendering, manipulation and display tools. In addition to the native HDTV encoder, GammaChrome integrates hardware digital video accelerators, and supports all the latest displays, including rotating monitors and multiple screen configurations.

At the same time, GammaChrome's new DirectX 9.0 compliant 3D engine with full precision pixel pipelines delivers the highest geometry-to-pixel ratio processing in the industry for incredible 3D performance across the full spectrum of PC games, reflecting the current movement towards more refined 3D and richer visual detail.

"GammaChrome represents the next generation of GPUs, combining superlative video features and amazing 3D performance with native PCI Express, exceeding the expectations of even the most discerning mainstream users," said Gerry Liu, Vice President of Marketing at S3 Graphics. "Pound for pound, GammaChromeS18 outpaces its competitors for performance and real features in this highly contested market."

The GammaChrome family of native PCI Express graphics sub-systems comprises highly-targeted GPUs for specific mainstream market segments; the mid-range GammaChromeS18 Pro is the first to market, aimed at the high volume mainstream, while subsequent products will address the high performance mainstream and the ultra low power sectors.

We will be glad to offer you our S3 GammaChrome S18 Technology Preview at this time tomorrow, so stay tuned for more details about the new player in the video market!