Consortium focuses on pooling resources and developing new materials and technologies. The Intel Pentium 4 may have similar data throughput performance as slightly lower Athlon clock speed processors.
Top players meet expectations, but analysts still warn of declines.
OEMs are rushing to build intermediate systems that relieve bottlenecks. Market is strong now, but some worry that the global tech slowdown will reduce the potential for growth. Content providers take cue and turn to new types of digital rights management technology.