Toshiba's DVD Developer's Platform designed to accelerate Microsoft DirectShow 2.0 title development

Business Wire, May 30, 1997

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 30, 1997--

The leader in DVD, drives title development with

platform package that includes access to a designated

Web site with the latest information about DVD

title development and a developers Q&A forum

Toshiba, the leading developer of DVD technology, Friday announced the industry's first DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) Developer's Platform PC. The DVD Developer's Platform PC, available in mid-June from the Computer Systems Division (CSD) of Toshiba America Information Systems Inc., is designed specifically to assist independent software vendors in developing Microsoft(R) DirectShow 2.0(TM) (previously known as ActiveMovie 2.0(TM)) compatible DVD-ROM titles.

"Through our work with Microsoft, DVD now has a clear standard for title development in DirectShow," said Jeffrey Friederichs, vice president of worldwide marketing for Toshiba. "As an early pioneer in DVD development we are committed to make DVD a reality for consumers. Our DVD Developer's Platform PC, optimized for Microsoft's DirectShow 2.0 will be the path developers need to take to design successful DVD titles."

Designed for Development

Purchasers of the Developer's Platform can sign up for Microsoft's Windows(R) "Memphis" Beta and DirectShow SDK (software developer's kit) to assist them in their designs. In addition, as part of the Developer's Platform package, purchasers will have access to a special developers' Web site, which will assist them in developing DVD applications.

Utilizing this specialized site, software developers can access the most up-to-date information about DVD title development and participate in an ongoing developer Question and Answer forum. The progressive Web site, which is scheduled to go online when the developer's system is released, will also allow purchasers of the Developer's Platform PC to download development drivers for Windows 95, Memphis, and Windows NT 5.0.

Toshiba Leads The Way In DVD

As the leader in DVD-ROM technology development, Toshiba holds many of the patents associated with DVD and plans to ship its first DVD-equipped retail PC this summer. Toshiba leads the way in stabilizing DVD direction with the endorsement and execution of Microsoft's DirectShow format. By creating a Developer's Platform PC, Toshiba will assist a broader audience by bringing this new technology to market now.

Earlier this year, Toshiba released its first family of consumer electronic DVD players in partnership with Hollywood's introduction of DVD feature length titles. This exciting new format brings additional functionality including subtitles, multilanguage support, dynamic camera angles and rich Dolby Digital (AC-3) Audio. With the ability to store up to 17 times the capacity of a standard CD-ROM on one disc, DVD-ROM represents the ideal medium for the next generation of interactive and immersive gaming, learning and entertainment.

"The introduction of this platform sends a strong message to developers that Toshiba is standing solidly behind DVD," said Jack Dolan, vice president OEM Division, The Learning Company, a leading supplier of educational, productivity and lifestyle software. "The support Toshiba brings to the evolving DVD market will greatly accelerate the development and release of DVD-ROM software, compatible with DirectShow support."

DirectShow is supported by Microsoft Windows 95 and will be supported by future generations of Microsoft Windows and Windows NT operating systems. DirectShow incorporates the most sophisticated cross-platform digital video technology for the desktop PC. Utilizing DirectShow, users can enjoy state-of-the-art full-screen MPEG playback, crisp synchronized audio and stunning 2D and 3D special effects.

"DVD-Video and DVD-ROM are important technologies for the PC industry to deliver on the SIPC (Simply Interactive PC) vision," said Carl Stork, general manager in Microsoft's Windows Operating Systems Division. "Microsoft is committed to providing great support for DVD-Video and DVD-ROM in the next releases of Windows and Windows NT. With this DVD Developer's Platform, Toshiba is helping developers create DVD titles using the DirectShow 2.0 API. This is yet another example of close cooperation and support between Toshiba and Microsoft."

Specifications, Pricing and Availability

The Developer's Platform PC comes standard with 32MB of EDO memory, 3.73GB hard drive, DVD-ROM (9X) drive with MPEG-2 video decompression hardware and Dolby Digital Audio Playback (2 CH), S3 Inc.'s ViRGE(TM) DX video processor with 2MB video RAM, standard wavetable audio, three full-length 12-bit ISA slots, three PCI slots (one occupied by the MPEG-2 decoder card), and two USB ports. The DVD Developers Platform PC will be available in limited quantities to qualified independent software developers direct from Toshiba for $999 for the first unit and $2,499 for additional units. For more information, call Toshiba beginning Monday, June 2, at 888/DVD-TOSH (888/383-8674) or 888/299-8880.

About Toshiba America Information Systems Inc.