TOAD COMPUTERS ATARI BLITZ CONTINUES! ---- FEBRUARY 19, 1996!! =============================================================== Toad Computers is happy to bring you even more news about exciting new products and developments that will affect YOU as an Atari owner!! Hot new news like the arrival of the BlowUp F/X Boards and more!!! ==================================================================== ToadNet! http://www.toad.net/ info@toad.net ftp://ftp.toad.net/ ==================================================================== BLOWUP F/X BOARDS ------------------ The BlowUp F/X Boards arrived from Germany today --- if you have an order in already, expect it to be filled in the next day or two. If you have questions about the board, please contact us. The board includes: - RAM Expansion (up to 16MB onboard) - CPU Accelerator (up to 20MHz) - FPU Accelerator (up to 20MHz) - DSP Accelerator (up to 50MHz) - Screen Expansion (resolutions like 1024 x 768) BlowUp F/X plugs into the Falcon PDS slot and includes flash ROM for easy hardware updates through software. It is $249 and in stock now! BlowUp Falcon FX Board......................................$249.00 4MB 30 Pin SIMMS............................................$149.00 1MB 30 Pin SIMMS............................................$ 39.00 Installation (of CPU Accelerator or Hard-I Sections)........$ 79.00 Also available are BlowUp's Falcon Screen Expanders, and BlowUp's NEW PSI Pocket SPDIF DAT Interface. BlowUp Software.............................................$ 19.95 BlowUp HARD-I...............................................$ 69.00 BlowUp HARD-II..............................................$ 99.00 BlowUp PSI SPDIF INTERFACE..................................$299.00 Here is a chart showing some common resolutions, colors, and refresh rates. Bear in mind that the BlowUp F/X board for the Falcon includes the BlowUp HARD I unit -- the most popular of the expanders. BLOWUP Software Version ---------------------------------------------------------------- 2,4,16,256 Colors Up to 1280x960 (23Hz or 45 I) Up to 1024x768 (36Hz or 72 I) Up to 896x544 (53.4Hz NI or 102 I) Up to 680x480 (86Hz NI)* Up to 480x480 (110Hz NI) 16-Bit True Color Up to 680x480 (45Hz NI or 89 I) Up to 480x480 (58Hz NI or 113 I)* BLOWUP Hard-I Version ---------------------------------------------------------------- 2,4,16 Colors Up to 1280x1024 (67-69Hz I) Up to 1280x960 (36Hz NI or 70 I) Up to 1024x768 (53Hz NI or 104 I) Up to 880x608 (76 NI)* Up to 680x480 (124 NI) Up to 480x480 (154 NI) 256 Colors Up to 1280x960 (23Hz NI or 45 I) Up to 1024x768 (36Hz NI or 72 I) Up to 880x608 (52Hz NI or 102 I)* Up to 680x480 (86Hz NI)* Up to 480x480 (107Hz NI) 16-Bit True Color Up to 680x480 (45Hz NI or 89 I) Up to 480x480 (58Hz NI or 113 I)* BLOWUP Hard-II Version ----------------------------------------------------------------- 2,4,16 Colors Up to 1280x1024 (67-69Hz I) Up to 1280x960 (36Hz NI or 70 I) Up to 1024x768 (53Hz NI or 104 I) Up to 880x608 (76 NI)* Up to 680x480 (124 NI) Up to 480x480 (154 NI) 256 Colors Up to 1280x960 (22Hz NI or 50 I) Up to 1024x768 (37Hz NI or 75 I) Up to 880x608 (54Hz NI or 106 I)* Up to 680x480 (89Hz NI)* Up to 480x480 (112Hz NI) 16-Bit True Color Up to 680x480 (47Hz NI or 92 I) Up to 480x480 (60Hz NI or 118 I)* === Legend =============== NI = Non Interlaced I = Interlaced * = Max. Recommended Mode ========================== For most people, a 50-60Hz refresh rate will be acceptable for viewing. NTSC televisions operate at 60Hz refresh and PAL televisions operate at 50Hz refresh. The Atari SC1224 operates at 60Hz (non interlaced) and the SM124 operates at 70Hz (non-interlaced). Screen modes with refresh of 70Hz or greater provide greater stability and are easier on the eyes -- especially if you're looking at it for an extended period of time. The 86Hz (NI) refresh rate that the BLOWUP Hard I provides at 680x480 will provide excellent results and resolution, and the 76Hz (NI) 880x608 mode is also very, very nice to look at!! The resolutions listed above are _possible_ resolutions of the BlowUp, but the included Video Mode Generator lets you create video modes that are limited only by your imagination, your monitor, and your ability to keep down your lunch when looking at a 23Hz non-interlaced refresh... But hey -- everyone has different tastes and needs. Here are some more features: - Create up to 5000 x 5000 pixels - Supports Virtual Resolutions - Includes Video Mode Generator for making your own resolutions - User friendly interface - Highly Compatible - Turn on and off via software only - Change Physical Screen without Rebooting - Built in Screen Accelerator with up to 70% more speed - Compatible with NVDI, etc. BLOWUP Soft --- a disk based program..........................$19.95 BLOWUP Hard I --- plugs in monitor port and joypad port #1.....$69.00 BLOWUP Hard II --- plugs in monitor port and joypad port #2....$99.00 BlowUp Hard I and Hard II are very similar in capabilities, but Hard II is better suited for older monitors (ala the Atari PTC1426) that may not be as flexible in their sync rates. Hard I/Hard II use a 48MHz pixel clock rather than the built-in 25/32MHz clock to achieve much higher resolutions. And again, Hard I is included on the BlowUp F/X Board -- now in stock. If more than 10MB is inserted into the FX, the upper part is switched by the MMU and the FX-logic chips. The management of the extended memory is done fully invisibly for all applications by using the PMMU built-in to the 68030 CPU. To achieve the full 32MB of the board, you will need a second RAM daughterboard (coming soon). This board has an additional four 30-pin SIMM sockets and can accommodate 16 more megabytes of RAM. This daughterboard will not fit in a standard Atari/MK-I/II case and would require something like the C-Lab Falcon MK-X case. CPU & SYSTEM CLOCK ACCELERATOR Take your Falcon to new speeds with the clock accelerator included on the BlowUP FX board. Choose between a 32MHz, 36MHz, or 40MHz system clock. This results in CPU speeds of 16MHz (normal), 18MHz, or 20MHz. With the special logic chips included on the FX, nearly all Falcons can use a 40MHz system clock. The clock may be switched on booting or during operation using a CPX module. Soldering is required for installation, and we recommend you have us do it for you. DSP ACCELERATOR Increase the speed of your Motorola 56001 Digital Signal Processor chip from 32MHz to 50MHz! Superb for MPEG decoder software and other DSP-intensive applications! Installation requires soldering. BLOWUP HARD-I The well known and time-tested resolution expansion also found a place on the FX card! With great control software and super resolutions of 800 x 608 @ 84 Hz, 1024 x 768 @ 104Hz. Installation requires soldering. That's right -- all of these great new features are incorporated right into the FX Board -- everything from FASTRAM to the CPU ACCELERATOR, the DSP ACCELERATOR and HARD-I RESOLUTION EXPANDER, all on one handy board!!! TECHNICAL DATA: * SIZE 160MM X 65 MM -- plugs into expansion slot * 4 SIMM sockets for 1MB x 8/9 or 4MB x 8/9 SIMMS (min 70ns) (with FIRMWARE UPDATES, 16MB 30 pin SIMMS can be used too!) * 4 additional SIMM sockets on optional daughter board (soon!) * 200mA power consumption when loaded with 4 SIMMS * Flash-ROM updatable through software, so new features and enhancements will not require a new ROM or hardware changes * Expansion Port is Daisychained: Compatible with Falcon Speed!! BLOWUP FX FAST FACTS: * Imported by Toad Computers * Available 12/31/95 * Works in Atari & C-Lab Falcons * CPU Acceleration Also Accelerates 68881/2 FPU Chip * Includes FASTRAM, CPU & DSP Acceleration, Resolution Enhancement BlowUp Falcon FX Board......................................$249.00 4MB 30 Pin SIMMS............................................$149.00 1MB 30 Pin SIMMS............................................$ 39.00 Installation (of CPU Accelerator or Hard-I Sections)........$ 79.00 Also In Stock are BlowUp's Falcon Screen Expanders, and BlowUp's NEW PSI Pocket SPDIF DAT Interface. BlowUp Software.............................................$ 19.95 BlowUp HARD-I...............................................$ 69.00 BlowUp HARD-II..............................................$ 99.00 BlowUp PSI SPDIF INTERFACE..................................$299.00 ==================================================================== ToadNet! http://www.toad.net/ info@toad.net ftp://ftp.toad.net/ ==================================================================== THE ATARI COMPENDIUM CD IS NOW AVAILABLE! ----------------------------------------- Toad Computers is pleased to announce that the Atari Compendium CD arrived back from duplication today -- and it looks great! Here is a little background on the Atari Compendium CD, if you have not already heard about it. The book, "The Atari Compendium" was released in September 1993 and as such was the first comprehensive guide to programming the Atari ST series computers. The Compendium came at a critical time, when documentation for emerging standards like MiNT, Speedo GDOS, and TOS 4 was sorely lacking. As such, the Compendium has been an indispensible resource for Atari programmers everywhere. When the Compendiums finally ran out (after two substantial print runs), Scott Sanders and Toad Computers got together to produce the Compendium on CD ROM. This disc contains the entire Atari Compendium book (800+ pages), in an easy-to-browse HTML format. What's On Here? - "The Atari Compendium" in HTML and Adobe Acrobat PDF Formats, plus: - Complete Web Browser Package - NetBSD OS files - Jaguar Game AVI Demos - Linux 68/K OS files - MiNT Multitasking OS - Programming Languages - Editors - ST, STe, TT, and Falcon Demos - MagiCMac Demo - Most of the UMICH Atari Archive - GhostScript 3.33 - Commercial Software Demos - Portfolio Files - Atari's Tempest 2000 (PC) Demo The Atari Compendium is the complete guide to programming the Atari ST. The rest of the disc is filled with PD software, shareware, demos, and pictures! Possibly the FULLEST ST CD-ROM available! Contains 649MB in 7000+ files! This is the only Atari CD that contains the WWWxxx.ZIP web browser package (requires SLIP Internet connection). The Atari Compendium CD is just $29.95. Dealer and distributor discounts are available for higher quantities. If you have preordered the CD, it will be shipped today. For a complete listing of what is on the CD or more information, see: - ftp://ftp.toad.net/pub/atarist/cdrom/compend.zip - http://www.toad.net/atari/st/acompend.html You can actually order a copy online at the web page address above!! The CD comes with full four-color packaging in a standard, poly-wrapped jewel case. We believe that professional products deserve professional packaging, and the Compendium CD looks as good as it is!! ==================================================================== ToadNet! http://www.toad.net/ info@toad.net ftp://ftp.toad.net/ ==================================================================== DEFENDER 2000 IS SHIPPING!! ---------------------------- We have received word from Atari that Defender 2000 is shipping to us today. We should have it by the end of the week. Place your orders now for Jeff Minter's wildest arcade revival yet!! Defender 2000 is on cartridge with and is expected to be priced at $59.00. Here is the official press release from Atari: Defender(r) 2000(tm) Hits Store Shelves with Explosive Fury SUNNYVALE, CA (February 14) -- Atari announced today that the long awaited 64-bit Jaguar title, "Defender 2000", is now shipping to better video game retailers across the country. The title is the newest addition to Atari's classic collection of renowned hits from the golden age of video games. As one of the most popular video games of all time, "Defender", helped set the standard of video game evolution with fast-paced simultaneous action aided by smart bombs and an integrated real-time radar. Developed by Jeff Minter, the ingenious mastermind behind "Tempest(r) 2000(tm)", "Defender 2000" is a complete software package for the "Defender" aficionado. "Defender 2000" updates the game play and visual thrill with a nineties flare. "Defender Plus" transports the player through worlds of cosmic rainbows and mystic clouds. "Classic Defender" takes the player right back to his favorite arcade of yesteryear with impeccable attention to detail. All three games sizzle with fun and explode with excitement like no other game of its kind. "'Defender 2000'not only exploits the raw 64-bit power of the Jaguar, but it transcends the new standard of mediocrity that gamers often settle for in software these days," stated Don Thomas, Marketing Director of Atari Corporation. "'Defender 2000' is considered a system seller because new gamers will gladly pay the low $99 console price to play 'Defender 2000' once they've seen what it can do." "Defender 2000" features upgradeable weapons, human helpers, AI droids and spectacular Algo-Vision(tm) effects for one or two players. It also features an intense CD-quality techno-rave soundtrack by the award-winning team from "Tempest 2000". The Atari Jaguar is the world's first 64-bit multimedia gaming system and the only game system manufactured in the United States. Over 50 powerful game titles are already available for the Jaguar including hits like "Alien vs. Predator", "Doom", "Tempest 2000", "NBA Jam Tournament Edition", "Myst", "Zoop", "Highlander", "Ruiner Pinball", "Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure!" and Time Warner Interactive's "Power Drive Rally" and "Primal Rage". For more than twenty years, Atari Corporation has provided consumers with high quality, value-priced entertainment. Atari Corporation markets Jaguar the only American-made, advanced 64-bit entertainment system and is located in Sunnyvale, California ==================================================================== ToadNet! http://www.toad.net/ info@toad.net ftp://ftp.toad.net/ ==================================================================== ATARI MERGES WITH JTS CORPORATION! ---------------------------------- Copyright 1996 Business Wire, Inc. Business Wire Feb. 13, 1996--Atari Corporation (AMEX: ATC) and JTS Corporation today agreed to merge the two companies. Atari is the pioneer in multimedia video entertainment and JTS is a manufacturer of computer disk drives. "This merger puts us in a great position to capitalize on a very experienced management team and a rapidly growing disk drive market. JTS is using innovative technology, particularly in the 3" disk drive market, and we are excited about its prospects," said Jack Tramiel, chairman of Atari. "Our partnership gives us the ability to expand our capabilities and pursue new opportunities," said Tom Mitchell, president and chief executive officer of JTS. "Dataquest has predicted that 115 million disk drive units will be shipped worldwide in 1996, and it is a great time for us to be participating in this market," said Mitchell. Terms of the Agreement Under the terms of the agreement, the new corporation will operate under the name of JTS Corporation and the officers of JTS will become the officers of the merged company. The Atari entertainment business and the JTS disk drive business will operate as separate divisions of the new merged company. Atari has extended a bridge loan to JTS in the amount of $ 25,000,000. In the event that the merger is not consummated, the bridge loan will be convertible into shares of JTS Series A Preferred Stock at the option of Atari or JTS and subject to certain conditions. As a result of the transaction, Atari stockholders will hold approximately 60% of the outstanding shares of the new company following the merger. The transaction is structured to qualify as a tax-free reorganization and will be accounted for as a purchase. The board of directors of Atari and JTS have approved the definitive agreement. The merger is subject to certain shareholder and regulatory approvals and other conditions to closing. The parties anticipate the transaction will close toward the end of the second calendar quarter of 1996. JTS Management Team JTS was formed in 1994 by Jugi Tandon, the company's current chairman of the board. Tandon is well-known in the computer storage industry for his ability to develop innovative products for the marketplace. Tandon will remain chairman of the board of the new company. Tom Mitchell was a cofounder of Seagate Technology and president and chief operations officer of both Seagate and Conner Peripherals. Mitchell brings unparalleled industry and operational experience in the high-volume disk drive market. He is a pioneer in disk drive manufacturing in Singapore, Thailand, China and India. About Atari Corporation For more than twenty years, Atari has provided consumers with high-quality, value-priced entertainment. Atari markets Jaguar, the only American-made, advanced 64-bit entertainment system and licenses and markets software in the multi-platform, multimedia market. Atari is located in Sunnyvale, California. About JTS Corporation Founded in 1994, JTS Corporation develops and manufactures hard disk drives for the computer industry. JTS has recently introduced its new 3" Nordic product for the portable computer market. Headquartered in San Jose, California, with manufacturing facilities in Madras, India, JTS employes 1,300 people worldwide. The above statements regarding the disk drive industry and JTS' prospects are forward looking statements and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Among the factors that would cause actual results to differ materially are the following: business conditions and growth in the portable computer industry and in the general economy; competitive factors, including pricing pressures; availability of components from third parties; risks associated with manufacturing of products in India or other overseas jurisdictions and risks associated with JTS' ability to ramp its manufacturing operations, including cost and yield issues. CONTACT: Atari Corporation Jack Tramiel, 408/745-2000 August Liguori, 408/745-2000 or JTS Corporation Tom Mitchell/Virginia Walker, 408/468-1800 ==================================================================== ToadNet! http://www.toad.net/ info@toad.net ftp://ftp.toad.net/ ==================================================================== Contact us! Is there a product or service you're looking for? We want to know! We are: Toad Computers 570 Ritchie Highway Severna Park, MD 21146-2925 USA Info / International Orders: (410) 544-6943 FAX: (410) 544-1329 USA & Canada Orders: (800) 448-8623 (448-TOAD) Email: info@toad.net or info@toad.net@INET# (GEnie Mail) Also TOAD on Genie Check out our web site! With more than ever before!! http://www.toad.net/ Get the latest WEB BROWSER for the Atari, too! It's available via ftp at ftp://ftp.toad.net/pub/atarist/internet -- check there for the latest version!! Thanks from ALL OF US here at Toad -- Dave, Jennifer, Ray, Tanya, Jo Ann, Jaimie, Dale, Justin, Kathy, Todd, Mark, Stefan, and Zoe the dog! We appreciate your support!!! ==================================================================== ToadNet! http://www.toad.net/ info@toad.net ftp://ftp.toad.net/ ==================================================================== ===================================== (C) 1996 Toad Computers ======