TRIDENT EMBEDDED MEMORY CHIP TAKES OVER GRAPHICS FUNCTION OF NEC'S THIN AND LIGHT NOTEBOOK NEC CORPORATION AIMS TO PROVIDE THE MOST FULL-FEATURED NOTEBOOK IN A LIGHTWEIGHT FORM FACTOR MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., June 10 /PRNewswire/AsiaNet -- Trident Microsystems, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRID) today announced that NEC Corporation in Japan (NEC) has introduced LaVie NX and VersaPro NX, the thinnest, lightest Pentium II-powered notebook computers, using Trident's Cyber9388(TM), industry's first multimedia flat panel graphics accelerator with embedded SDRAM for notebook systems. NEC selected the Cyber9388 because it combines a small footprint, low power consumption and a powerful graphics engine in a low-cost, feature-rich package. The embedded 2MB of SDRAM is based on Samsung's .35 micron Merged Memory Logic technology, and is closely integrated on the same die with a new high-performance graphics chip in a four-metal layer process. In addition to the on-chip high-performance single-cycle graphics engine, the Cyber9388 also incorporates Trident's proprietary ClearTV (TM) for flicker-free TV-Out. The TrueVideo(R) processor provides high-quality video capture/playback, as well as supporting two independent video windows, and dual display support for presenting on various display devices including TFT/DSTN, CRT, and TV. "Trident's embedded memory products are just now hitting mainstream notebook PC manufacturers. Selecting the graphics controller is a major design effort since notebooks live and die by their on-screen presentation. Because the Cyber9388 is the fastest embedded memory controller on the market today, it makes games come alive, watching DVD movies a pleasure and presentations easy to follow on a big screen or on the CRT," said Mr. Hiroyuki Masuda, senior manager of 2nd PC division, NEC. Trident, which recently introduced the Cyber9525DVD(TM) 3D/AGP 2.5MB embedded memory DVD graphics chip, has a successful track record in the notebook market, with a full line of discrete and embedded memory products. The company derives a substantial portion of its revenue from the sale of portable graphics devices. "Trident is present on a number of higher-end notebooks, while our embedded memory chip line is aggressively moving onto the mid- to low-end notebooks. NEC's new line is a perfect example of the high-quality, multi-featured machines that the modern executive requires. Available with a broad range of prices and features, NEC's new thin and light notebook line is sure to be successful," said Mr. Frank Lin, Trident's president and CEO. Trident Microsystems, Inc., with headquarters in Mountain View, California, designs, develops and markets graphics controllers and multimedia integrated circuits for PCs. Trident's products are sold through a network of OEMs, original design manufacturers and system integrators worldwide. For further information about Trident and its products please consult its Web site: http://www.tridentmicro.com . NOTE: Trident and TrueVideo are registered trademarks of Trident Microsystems, Inc. Cyber9388 and Cyber9525DVD are trademarks of Trident Microsystems, Inc. Other trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners. SOURCE : Trident Microsystems, Inc. 06/10/98 CONTACT: Peter Brown, 650-943-3761, or fax, 650-938 3772, or [email protected] Web site: http://www.tridentmicro.com (TRID) —