The tiny GameCube dics have advantages and disadvantages, and the small memory compared to a normal DVD-ROM is one of the disadvantages. FMV is a very hard format to compress without significant memory loss, so developers have to choose, bad video, or less memory. This problem however has been solved.

DivX is a video format used by many PC owners. It allows for the best image quality and smallest file sizes. Now Factor 5, the company behind the MusyX and AX sound libraries inside the GameCube, has teamed up with DivX Networks to bring tools to developers allowing them to compress FMV so the quality is still good but the file size is low.

The file size reduction depends on the source and type of compression, but DivX Networks are boasting that DVD quality movies can be created that take up 7-10 less space than the current MPEG2 files.

The tools work with the Gekko and Flipper processors to decode and work well with the MusyX and AX sound libraries inside the GameCube, also built by Factor5.

More information about the features and specifications can be found at the official site. Below is the official press release:

SAN DIEGO, CA and SAN RAFAEL, CA--(INTERNET WIRE)--Oct 1, 2002 -- With today's release of the DivX for GameCube Software Development Kit (SDK), Nintendo GameCube developers can now easily create highly compressed DVD-quality DivX video cinematics and seamlessly integrate high performance playback into GameCube games. For more information on DivX for GameCube, visit www.divx.com/GameCube. ADVERTISEMENT DivX for GameCube was developed by Factor 5, the software development house and Nintendo technology partner behind the multimillion selling "Star Wars�: Rogue Squadron�" game franchise and the MusyX� sound tools for multiple game platforms, and DivXNetworks, Inc., the company that created the revolutionary patent-pending DivX video compression technology.

The superior compression and visual quality of DivX video, most recently used in Blizzard Entertainment's best-selling "Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos" provides game developers with an ideal solution for high-quality cinematics in GameCube titles. DivX for GameCube offers a number of advanced features specifically optimized for GameCube developers, including:

- DVD-like quality at file sizes 7-10 times smaller than MPEG-2

- Support for the advanced features of the cutting-edge DivX 5.02 Pro video technology including pyschovisual modeling, bi-directional encoding, and global motion compensation.

- Encoding speeds 2-3X faster than real-time

- Hand-optimized assembler-code for maximum usage of all GameCube CPU ("Gekko") extensions and minimal cache misses

- Uses both CPU and graphics chip ("Flipper") in parallel for extremely fast performance

- Maximum flexibility and ease of use, with the ability to map video on any surface and run in parallel with other applications

- Tight integration with the MusyX� and AX sound libraries for audio streaming

"We are pleased to work closely with the talented team at Factor 5 to develop the DivX for GameCube product. DivX is the perfect video compression technology for game developers and publishers seeking the highest visual quality, best compression and fastest encoding and decoding speed," said Darrius Thompson, director of research and development at DivXNetworks, Inc. (www.divxnetworks.com).

"The DivX for GameCube SDK was designed to provide developers with a complete, easy-to-use solution based on the world's most powerful video compression technology," said Thomas Engel, Director of Technology at Factor 5, LLC. "By partnering with DivXNetworks, we are able to offer game developers a toolset of cutting-edge video technology specifically optimized for creating the highest quality cinematics in Nintendo GameCube titles."

Hailed as a "revolutionary product" by Tom's Hardware Guide, DivX MPEG-4-compatible video compression technology has been downloaded over 65 million times. The newest version of the technology, DivX 5.02, is capable of data compression ratios that exceed virtually any technology available today and offers up to 41% better compression than previous versions of the technology, at over twice the encoding speed of competing technologies. For more information, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.divxnetworks.com/products

About DivXNetworks

DivXNetworks is a leading technology company that enables the rapid proliferation of video content over Internet Protocol (IP) networks by combining the lightweight, ubiquitous access of the Internet with DVD-quality video performance. The company's approach is built upon the success of the DivX� codec, a leading standard for MPEG-4 compatible video distribution with over 65 million users worldwide, and the DivX Open Video System�, a next-generation content delivery system that provides unsurpassed aggregation, promotion, and distribution of video content for mass markets. DivXNetworks is headquartered in San Diego, California, with a satellite office in Los Angeles. For more information about DivXNetworks, visit www.divxnetworks.com.

About Factor 5

Based in San Rafael, California, Factor 5 LLC is a leading developer of interactive entertainment software and technology for a variety of console and computer platforms. Among the company�s many successful titles is the multimillion selling "Star Wars�: Rogue Squadron�" line of games for LucasArts Entertainment Company and the classic Turrican� series. Factor 5 has also created the multiplatform MusyX� sound tool technology which pioneered 5-channel sound for games in close collaboration with Dolby and, as a Nintendo technology partner, was involved in the creation of the Nintendo GameCube hardware.