DreamWorks goes Intel for animation rendering

DreamWorks Animation SKG, the movie studio that specialises in animated films, is planning a major technology shift from AMD-based computers to Intel-powered ones as part of its technology renewal cycle.

According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, a deal has been signed to replace the studio's computing hardware, including 1,500 HP server systems and 1,000 workstations all currently using AMD chips - with new HP hardware using Intel processors.

AMD, which has heavily courted tech-savvy animation houses as customers, had announced a three-year pact with the studio in April 2005.

The move to Intel was based on the capabilities of two forthcoming Intel chips, which would speed up many computing operations and help the studio's planned shift next year to 3D animation, DreamWorks Animation said.

DreamWorks' 3D initiative, using proprietary technology and processes, will make its debut on 27 March 27 2009, with the film Monsters vs. Aliens.

DreamWorks, Intel and AMD could not be immediately reached for comment. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.