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You must have been pleased with the demand of the Spectra 2500. How many units were sold?
Yes, we sold a boat load. It was a popular product in the US, Europe and Japan. We are a private company so I can't tell you our shipment numbers, but we are happy with them. In retrospect, three months is a very short product life cycle. But, in reality, it's getting to be about that for the graphics business.
Where does this leave the VideoPort 600, the video editing utility designed specifically for the Spectra 2500? Is it dead in the water? If not, will they be produced in limited numbers and if so, how much will that raise the price?
I am afraid that the US/Europe introduction of the VideoPort 600 may be indefinitely delayed. We had technical delays in this product which delayed introduction to the point where it is less feasible from a business standpoint. This product will be shipped in Japan. We are exploring ways we may be able to make this unit available elsewhere.
Where does this leave the Spectra 3200?
We have no plans to introduce this into the US retail channel. We may offer it to a select few OEM customers for use in systems.
Will buyers eager to own a Spectra 2500 be able to import a Japanese model and expect full compatibility?
The Japanese SPECTRA 2500 is identical to the US version. It even uses the same CD with English language drivers.
Canopus has stated time and again that they're not leaving the graphics accelerator industry, despite numerous rumors. Obviously, this announcement adds fuel to those fires. What's Canopus's stance today? Is it safe to say that this industry is by no means the same one conquered by the Pure3D? Have the dynamics of the video card market really changed that much?
Oh boy. Never say never. We are not planning to leave the graphics accelerator business entirely. Our market position remains very strong in Japan where quality, stability and performance are still very important to the customer. The current consolidation in this business, the rapid price erosion and high costs of getting retail shelf space leaves smaller players like Canopus with little choice. Are we leaving the graphics business? No. Are we taking a hiatus? Yes. Let's face it. It's more and more difficult to differentiate products as the performance characteristics of the chips are already over stated by the chip vendors. The devices are more complex and some chip vendors are shutting out innovation by not releasing source code required to provide added features or performance. What you are left with are reference boards and reference drivers as the only thing you can bring to market in a timely fashion. Boring!!! Miss the introduction cycle and the prices drop before you have a chance to make any margin. The current graphics landscape resembles a raging forest fire roaring through a canyon. When it is over, most of the landscape will be consumed…some strong oaks will remain. And, in time, there will be new growth, interesting chips and new businesses will flourish. Canopus is stepping aside to allow the fire to burn. We are constantly looking for interesting new silicon. When we find something we think will set us apart again, we will be back.
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