ATI announced today that they are delivering a new chipset including a technologically unmatched integrated graphics processor for Intel mobile processors including the Core Duo. The new Radeon Xpress 1250 is the first Intel chipset utilizing ATI’s revolutionary AVIVO graphics architecture allowing for vibrant images and smooth video playback, for all types of multimedia, including high-definition content. This AVIVO engine includes hardware acceleration for MPEG-2, MPEG-4, H.264 and WMV9. The IGP also includes an integrated TV encoder providing advanced TV-out capabilities. The internal TV encoder is based on ATI’s Xilleon set top box solution and delivers Macrovision 7.1 copy protection with YPbPr component video output. Resolutions of 480i, 480p, 576i, 576p, 720p and 1080i are supported via component outputs. DVI and HDMI are also supported with an external TMDS transmitter.

But let’s not forget that this isn’t just a mobile video chip, this is a north bridge solution for Intel’s newest processors. The memory controller allows up to 16GB of 400MHz-800MHz DDR2 memory, 512MB of which can be dedicated to the IGP video buffer. And if the IGP doesn’t have quite enough punch for you, one PCI Express x16 slot is available for an external video adapter. The Radeon Xpress 1250 will likely be paired with the SB600 south bridge for 10 USB 2.0, four SATA II, one ATA133 ports, high definition audio and PCI.

NEC will be the first to use the Radeon Xpress 1250 in its notebooks, but expect others to follow closely behind. Also, expect to see desktop variants of this product for both AMD and Intel desktops in the not too distant future.