"VIA Technologies company S3 Graphics has announced its next generation Chrome 500 graphics graphics processors, which can support Blu-ray playback, streaming HD video, DirectX 10.1, and OpenGL 3.0 applications on Microsoft Windows and Linux platforms.

In addition to supporting Hi-Def Blu-ray, the 500 Series supports features such as Picture-in-Picture and 8 channels of high fidelity audio with the S3 Graphics' built-in Dolby 7.1 digital surround sound processor. DirectX, OpenGL, and GPGPU applications can also be efficiently processed with programmable shader cores to speed-up 3D and non-gaming functions, VIA stated.

The S3 Graphics Chrome 500 Series also features advanced display and audio integration, incorporating DisplayPort with HDCP, HDMI with HDCP, dual-link DVI with HDCP, and dual-channel LVDS transmitters for complete connectivity to a full range of digital monitors and panels.

S3 has also incorporated its PowerWise Technology, a power control mechanism that allows Chrome 500 Series GPUs to deliver balance between performance and power."