9 December 2002 - Imagination Technologies [LSE:IMG], a leader in system on chip IP, reports that leading gaming manufacturer Aristocrat Technologies, Inc., has announced that it has received approval from Nevada gaming regulators for its revolutionary new slot platform - MKVI (pronounced ‘Mark Six'). MKVI exclusively features PowerVR technology, developed by Imagination's PowerVR division and manufactured by NEC.
MKVI presents the most advanced visual and audio technology in the slot market. PowerVR enables the line to feature more than 16.7 million colours and state-of-the-art 3D graphics. This new technology allows for advanced bonus and graphical displays such as sprites, overlays, and animations. Additionally MKVI features advanced audio clarity, a synchronized 8-track sound/graphics capability and high-resolution screens. Driving the spectacle is a system with increased processing power and 24 times more program memory than previous models.
MKVI was launched in GLI (Gaming Laboratories International) jurisdictions in August 2002, and was on display at this year's Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas.
Robert DelRossi, Chief Technology Officer, Aristocrat, said: "MKVI is a world-class gaming solution and truly the most advanced gaming platform Aristocrat has developed. PowerVR technology helps enable MKVI to provide eye-catching and cutting-edge gaming solutions to Aristocrat customers worldwide."
Said Hossein Yassaie, CEO, Imagination Technologies: "The replacement of mechanical gaming machines with 3D technology is a significant step in the evolution of the gaming market and Aristocrat has pioneered this. MKVI is sure to strengthen Aristocrat's position even further and advance the penetration of video-enabled gaming machines into significant markets, including Nevada. Imagination Technologies is delighted to be working with Aristocrat to bring our PowerVR technology into this exciting new market."
Kent Young, Vice President of Marketing for Aristocrat added, "The MKVI platform offers tremendous graphic and bonus capabilities. Many of Aristocrat's most innovative games, such as Mr. Cashman™ and Reel Power®, take full advantage of the PowerVR enabled MKVI. MKVI is enjoying tremendous performance in GLI jurisdictions and after the extremely successful Nevada field trial of our Double Dolphins games we are looking forward to equally successful performance for MKVI in casinos throughout Nevada."
The PowerVR approach to 3D graphics starts from the premise that taking a different algorithmic approach to 3D processing can eliminate all redundant processing and memory bottlenecks. This keeps as much processing as possible on-chip, minimising costly accesses to off-chip memory and improving performance. This unique technique of tile-based deferred texturing has been successfully patented worldwide.
About Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.
Aristocrat Technologies, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of global gaming leader Aristocrat Leisure Limited, is responsible for all North and South American operations from its headquarters in Las Vegas, Nevada. Aristocrat offers a diversified product line that reaches into virtually all facets of the casino floor. In addition to both video and stepper slots, the company provides casino management systems, multi-site progressive (MSP) systems, progressive jackpot meters and casino signage. For further information, visit www.aristocrattechnologies.com.
