The 21164PC Does Video

Intel has its multimedia extensions (MMX) instructions that support 16-bit multimedia operations. The Alpha 21164PC has Motion Video Instructions (MVIs) that dramatically boost processing for digital-video applications. The new MVIs -- PERR, MAX/MIN , and PACK/UNPACK -- are implemented in the integer unit, saving die space and reducing cost. At a cost of only 0.6 percent of the 21164PC's die area, the MVI boosts digital-video operations such as MPEG-2 compression by four times. Because MVIs are an enhancement to the integer unit, there's no penalty for usin g them alo ng with floating-point operations. The 21164PC's MVI capabilities can support compute-intensive applications such as full-frame-rate digital videodisc (DVD) playback and high-quality videoconferencing in software. This eliminates the need for dedicated multimedia hardware in systems design.