"This is the first broad-based effort to provide standardized multimedia performance benchmarks that will be accepted by broad consensus," says Ahmad Zandi of Sun Microsystems, the group's chair. "The MBC's benchmarks will measure both performance and quality, they will run across a wide range of platforms and architectures, and they will be repeatable, scalable, open, and fair to everyone."

Current members of the MBC include Advanced Micro Devices, Apple Computer, Chromatic Research, Digital Equipment Corp., IBM, Intel, Motorola, Philips Semiconductor, SGS-Thomson Microelectronics, and Sun Microsystems. The group's initial MPEG-2 benchmark will test processor, memory system, and graphics performance at the systems level. It will specify acceptable quality levels and provide guidelines for MPEG-2 ISO compliance. Members of the MBC will develop standardized procedures and formats that ensure uniform reporting of results.

For more information on MBC membership, send e-mail to Ahmad Zandi, ahmad.zandi@eng.sun.com, and list name, title, company name, address, e-mail address and phone number. Questions should be in English.

For more detailed information on the MBC, go to the MBC FAQ document.