More Vpod rumours surface Published: 11th Apr 2009, 14:33:54 | Permalink | PrintableFollowing on from our earlier exclusive on the cryptically pre-announced Vpod from Stuart Tyrrell Developments, a few more titbits are doing the rounds. Earlier today, chinese whispers reaching the ears of the Drobe newsdesk suggested that the Vpod, which is believed to be a RiscPC-compatible podule with an embedded video processor and networking, USB and IDE hard disc interfaces, will feature 8MB of on-board video RAM and Simtec's IDEFS on a Flash ROM. The Vpod is believed to be the successor to STD's Unipod, which brought ethernet networking, USB and faster IDE to RiscPC-class machines all on one card.
However, a more authoritative source has since told us the Vpod will have 8MB of Flash ROM, rather than 8MB of VRAM, which will include an IDE filing system that may or may not be Simtec's IDEFS, as well as any other support software and drivers for the podule's hardware. The insider added that the Vpod is likely to also use a couple of CPLDs - which are chips that can be reprogrammed and updated as required - to achieve its on-board functionality. Drobe is also reminded of an engineer involved in the development of the Unipod who was able to recreate the RiscPC's VIDC20 chipset on a programmable logic chip.
It is hoped the Vpod will supersede or enhance the creaking 1990s-era VIDC20 chipset in RiscPCs or possibly provide a second video output so that two monitors can be used side-by-side. There was previous speculation that the V in Vpod stood for voice, suggesting a VoIP or sound-related product - although we'd have preferred the name Spod if that was the case.
It is also believed STD engineers were still deliberating on various details of the Vpod's design at the time the original pre-announcement was made.
No one from STD nor its partner Advantage Six responded to requests for comment. In fact, it's said the printed circuit board for the Vpod has Advantage Six stamped all over it, confusingly. The Vpod is expected to be showcased at the Wakefield 2009 show on Saturday, April 25 - just a fortnight away at time of publication.
Links
The original Vpod announcement from STD
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