Graphics Processors May Control the Sound Effects

[webmaster]

ATI Technologies revealed a new ground-breaking technology that will revolutionize computing, as a new graphics processing units (GPUs) will control also the audio effects, informs Xbit Labs.


During an event which took place in London, ATI representatives demonstrated how a Radeon X1300-series graphics processor can compute audio data.

The participants said that the demo didn’t reveal much of the GPU’s power, as it demonstrated only how an unsophisticated equalizer functions, one that does not require a lot of power or specific features from a processor.

However, this is a big step forward for ATI and mainly for technology, as audio capabilities on the GPU could allow graphics cards makers to multiplex audio signals into HDMI or DisplayPort outputs.

Anyhow, we might be surprised by what ATI can take out of its “mature magician” hat, as it just might turn out to be a great thing for the user, to benefit from combined graphics, sound effects and physics.

The manufacturer did not reveal when it should launch its novel multifunctional GPU, but, from the point of view of most experts, it might take years, even if Radeon X1300 graphics processor may be as powerful as it is now.

Other manufacturers tried to create such an advanced GPU. Take Havok for example. The company recently launched on the market its Havok FX engine, which was later used by game developers to create games featuring special physics effects produced by a dedicated Ageia PhysX processor or traditional central processing units.