First HDMI graphics card coming soon

The first graphics card to offer the new HDMI port to users will be available next week, according to manufacturer Sapphire.

The Radeon X1600 Pro HDMI uses an ATI Radeon X1600 graphics processor, and includes an HDMI port as well as the standard VGA socket for connecting a computer monitor.

HDMI is already widely used in high-definition televisions and DVD players. It has become the standard for connecting high-definition devices, as it allows transmission of sound and video along a single small cable.

The Sapphire Radeon X1600 HDMI has 256Mb of graphics memory and makes use of ATI's picture enhancement technology, known as Avivo. The card includes support for HDCP – the high-definition copy protection mechanism which will allow users to play back content that has been copy-protected.

The card is expected to go on sale next week, costing around £100.

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