-Grammy Award-winning and nominated audio pros and film pre-visualization expert finding exceptional artistic freedom and control with AMD Opteron(tm) processor-based creative tools-

NAB, LAS VEGAS, NV-APRIL 20, 2004-AMD (NYSE:AMD) today announced the formation of the AMD64 Masters Group comprised of digital production masters from the entertainment industry. Members include Grammy Award-winning and nominated audio professionals Phil Ramone, Elliott Scheiner, Frank Filipetti, George Massenburg, Rory Kaplan, Chuck Ainlay, Fred Maher, and Robert Hill and Dan Gregoire of JAK Films, pre-visualization supervisor for Star Wars: Episode III.

The AMD64 Masters Group members are realizing significant performance benefits and exceptional creative freedom using dual AMD Opteron(tm) processor-based digital audio workstations (DAWs), non-linear video editing, special-effects compositing and 3-D rendering systems. Running off-the-shelf software, these systems are taking host-based digital content creation to new levels. Host-based software applications are replacing costly digital signal processing (DSP) hardware in professional digital audio and film content creation.

Key attributes of dual AMD Opteron processor-based workstations and servers for digital content creation include a balanced architecture, leading-edge 32-bit performance, 64-bit capability for tomorrow's software, outstanding reliability, and optimal 4- and 8-way scalability. True double-precision floating-point arithmetic enables high audio sample and rendering rates under heavy loads. Easy and relatively inexpensive software upgrades can replace the need for costly new hardware purchases typical of DSP hardware.

Technology-savvy AMD64 Masters Group members desire a balanced architecture that scales to meet their performance demands. AMD64 technology supports emerging technologies like pervasive 64-bit computing, I/O-taxing high-definition (HD) content, and software-based plug-ins and virtual instruments that require low system latency.

"Our AMD Opteron processor-based systems provide incredible speed in a professional environment," said Phil Ramone, 9-time Grammy Award winning producer whose credits include Frank Sinatra, Barbara Streisand, Elton John, Paul Simon and Billy Joel. "Dependability is always the hope of uninterrupted work. The AMD Opteron processor has met the new standards we dream of."

"I've found my AMD Opteron processor-based DAW to be extremely reliable and quick, and the most versatile box I've ever worked with," said Elliot Scheiner, a 5-time Grammy Award-winning engineer whose credits include Steely Dan, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, and Beck.

"The AMD64-based workstations we use for pre-visualization make it possible for George to see more details about his film earlier and faster than he's ever seen them before," said Daniel Gregoire, pre-visualization effects supervisor for Star Wars: Episode III. "The added power of the AMD Opteron processor allows him to direct digital resources real-time with the pre-viz artists on the team. It's changing the way he makes his films."

"AMD64 technology and customer-centric leadership is enabling a revolution in content creation simply because it removes limitations, providing the artist with extraordinary power to create," said Charlie Boswell, marketing director of AMD's Digital Media & Entertainment group. "What was once only accessible to the largest studios with the largest budgets is now available to everyone. AMD64 technology-based platforms offer talented up-and-comers in the entertainment industry and average consumers access to the same technology used by the best of the industry icons. Dads who want to record Junior's garage band, or want to edit and add music and effects to the family highlight video, can purchase an AMD64-based desktop PC running the same type of software."

"With ubiquitous 64-bit computing around the corner and the weight of the open PC architecture and investment R&D dollars rolling behind it, the fun is only beginning."

To see what other AMD64 Masters Group members are saying about AMD64 technology, please logon to: http://www.amd.com/amdopterondmepr.