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DirectX and Shader Models; if you have been following PC gaming in the last few years you have been exposed to a lot of hoopla over both of these. There have been promises of "cinematic" gaming consisting of graphics like those seen in CG (Computer Generated) movies such as Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within. Here we are in 2006, four years since DirectX 9 has been released and two years the introduction of Shader Model 3.0 hardware. Yet, we haven't even scratched the surface of the full ability of DirectX 9 and "cinematic" gaming. Even with that being so the industry is gearing up for another major DirectX release. The release of DirectX 10 has huge potential for gamers, but carries with it a hefty price in order to achieve the total graphical experience that will be possible.

Brief DirectX History

Way back in the "dark ages" of computer gaming there were few choices to achieve hardware acceleration for 3D. The two most notable methods were OpenGL and 3dfx' proprietary......

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Approximate Word Count: 3115
Approximate Pages: 13 (250 words per double-spaced page)

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