ATI Stream technology is a set of advanced hardware and software technologies that enable AMD graphics processors (GPU), working in concert with the system's central processor (CPU), to accelerate many applications beyond just graphics. This enables better balanced platforms capable of running demanding computing tasks faster than ever.

Along with leading third party industry partners and academic institutions worldwide, AMD is building a complete ATI Stream computing ecosystem, one that delivers the performance, applications, software and tools necessary to turn AMD's low-cost application acceleration vision into reality.

Major Benfit:

1. Accelerate the conversion of standard and HD video into multiple formats
2. Enable advanced video processing that takes standard definition content to near-HD quality.

1. Accelerate the conversion of standard and HD video into multiple formats

For more advanced transcoding functionality CyberLink’s MediaShow Espresso video converter application leverages AMD’s unique Unified Video Decoder 2 (UVD 2) through its ATI Stream technology to quickly convert digital video files for use on portable devices like Apple iPhone and Sony PSP.

 

Cyberlink MediaShow Espresso using ATI Stream technology converted a 94 second long MPEG-4 AVC HD (H.264) video at 1920x1080 resolution to an MPEG-4 video at 480x360 in 47 seconds, while MediaShow Espresso without ATI Stream acceleration converted the same source video to the same output specifications in 168 seconds, up to 3.57x faster.

2. Enable advanced video processing that takes standard definition content to near-HD quality.

ArcSoft’s TotalMedia Theatre application will include ArcSoft SimHD™, a new type of post-processing technology that allows consumers to experience close-to-HD viewing of standard definition content using ATI Stream technology. (HD monitor required for full HD enjoyment)

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Characteristics of GPU acceleration:

* Enable new applications on new architectures
* Parallel problems other than graphics that map well on GPU architecture
* Transition from fixed function to programmable pipelines
* Various proof points in research and industry under the name GPGPU

Performance of MediaShowEspressowith ATI Stream -H.264 | Time

H.264 HD Transcoding Time
Source: H.264 1920x1080 @24fps | 94 sec (Lower is Better)

For more information, please visit AMD Stream Computing