Intergraph Introduces New Zx Workstation Line

 

 

 

 

by Charlie White
Siggraph, Aug. 10, 7pm, PDT -- In a press conference, Intergraph Computer Systems showed a line of high performance workstations that should prove to extend the power of the NT platform. Called the Zx series, the first example will be known as the Zx1. Powered by single or dual Pentium III 600MHz processors, the Zx1 showcases many of the new features of the Zx family, including dual flat-panel displays, support for Intense3D's Wildcat 4110 graphics and a new chassis design. The Zx1's new design includes a sleek black chassis with matching monitor, keyboard, speakers and mouse. Included in the redesign are such niceties as a case that's much easier to open, aerodynamic cooling and anti-vibration components.

In an impressive demo, Intergraph showed the new workstations playing back high definition video files in real time, rendering sophisticated graphics on the fly and running a variety of applications. Also on display was a new class of workstations for Intergraph, called Rax. On this rack-mounted system, Intergraph demonstrated a 3D scene rendering in real time while interacting with a high definition video clip included as part of the animated scene. As glass tubes moved through the foreground, the HD video was visible behind it, with the glass tubes bending the image of the HD footage as it shone through. These rack-mounted systems are designed for TV studios to use with high definition video, and are easily fit into a current rack-style setup prevalent in TV stations.

Perhaps the most appealing of the demonstrations was a variety of new monitors on display. One was a 19" flat screen digital model that displayed video that was super sharp and clear. But the stars of the show were definitely the twin 18 inch monitors driven by two Wildcat graphics cards. The monitors were capable of both running the same video, acting as a team of two monitors, or as one showing computer video while the other displayed NTSC video.Of course, these monitors don't come cheap -- if you want a dual 18" setup, it'll set you back about $9,000. But, according to Intergraph, the new workstations represent a good value, selling at ten percent less than competing workstations. The lowest-priced units will start at $3300.

"If you want to see the shape of things to come in professional 3D, it's already here at SIGGRAPH '99 with Intergraph's new Zx1 ViZual Workstation," said Jeff Edson, president of the Visual Computing Division, Intergraph Computer Systems. "The Zx1's entry-level performance of tomorrow matches the high-end standard of today, making the Zx1 an outstanding value for professionals who want exceptional 3D performance at exceptional prices."

Affordable Professional 3D Performance

The Zx1 ViZual Workstation offers single or dual Intel Pentium III processors at 600 MHz, high-speed SDRAM memory, and high-throughput disk subsystems. The Zx1 also offers a variety of graphics options, from the industry's fastest graphics - Intense3D's Wildcat 4110 - tothe value-priced Intense3D Pro 2200S. The range of graphics options includes:

  • Intense3D Wildcat 4110: The industry's fastest 3D graphics, with a 3,200 MFLOPS geometry engine, 64 MB frame buffer and 64 MB texture memory. The 4110 also supports SuperScene antialiasing, 3D volumetric textures, and DirectBurst(TM) technology that optimizes the 3D graphics pipeline.
  • Intense3D Wildcat 4105: Highly tuned 3,000 MFLOPS geometry engine with 16 MB frame buffer and 64 MB texture memory sustains the highest level of real-time on-screen performance. Advanced 2D and 3D rendering functionality guarantees maximum acceleration of the most advanced professional 3D applications.
  • Intense3D Wildcat 4000: The Zx1 ViZual Workstation supports dual Wildcat 4000 graphics accelerators for powering Intergraph's unique Twin 18" Flat-Panel Displays.
  • Intense3D Wildcat 3510: Supports double-buffered 24-bit color at resolutions up to 1,280 x 1,024 pixels, optimized to support Intel's new Streaming SIMD extensions. Includes 16 MB frame buffer memory, 16 MB texture memory and AGP 2x support.
  • Intense 3D Pro 2200S: Delivers true 3D rendering for the budget-minded user. One-of-a-Kind Twin Flat-Panel Display

Intergraph's Zx1 is the only professional workstation available with Intergraph's unique Twin Flat-Panel Display. The innovative display mounts two 18" flat-panel monitors on a single small-footprint pedestal, providing maximum screen real estate while consuming minimum desk space. The ultra-cool design of the dual display wraps around the animator, totally immersing the artist in his work. Each display can be individually rotated to virtually any position, giving artists unprecedented freedom in configuring their workspaces. Powered by dual Intense3D Wildcat 4000 3D graphics accelerators, the twin-monitor system delivers crystal-clear graphics display and exceptional real-time response.

Price and Availability

Intergraph Computer Systems' new Zx1 ViZual Workstation is available September 6 from authorized Intergraph value-added resellers. Pricing for a Zx1 with Intense3D's Pro 2200S 3D graphics, a single Pentium III processor at 600 MHz, 128 MB RAM, 9 GB hard disk, Ultra-2 LVD SCSI, and 40X CD-ROM drive starts at $3,299 (U.S.). For more information about Intergraph Computer Systems' Zx1 ViZual Workstations, customers can call 800/763-0242 or visit the company's website at www.intergraph.com/ics.

About Intergraph Computer Systems

Intergraph Computer Systems' (Huntsville, AL) businesses - Visual Computing and Intense3D - reflect its core competencies of Windows NT expertise, systems engineering, systems integration, world-class service and support, and 3D graphics technology.

The company develops, sells, and supports affordable, high-performance Windows NT-based graphics workstations and servers using the latest Intel processors, and advanced 3D graphics accelerators for the creative and technical desktop in markets such as digital media, animation, content creation, publishing and prepress, visual simulation, graphics arts, and traditional CAD, MCAD.

Intergraph Computer Systems is a wholly owned subsidiary of Intergraph Corporation (Nasdaq:INGR). For more information about Intergraph Computer Systems, call 800/763-0242, or visit the company's Web site at www.intergraph.com/ics/.