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Matrox Founded in 1976, Launched First Video RAM Product
Key points
- Matrox was founded in 1976 by Lorne Trottier and Branko Matić.
- Their first product, MTX-1632 Video RAM, launched in 1976.
- The MTX-1632 generated $20,000 in orders, making Matrox profitable.
- The MTX-256**2 followed, offering 256x256 dot raster resolution.
Founding and Early Vision
Lorne Trottier, with a background in engineering and a passion for electronics, identified a market need for interfacing CPUs and video output. In 1976, he co-founded Matrox with Branko Matić in Dorval, Quebec. The company's name, Matrox, is derived from their surnames.
First Product Launch and Initial Success
Matrox launched its first product, the MTX-1632 Video RAM, in 1976. This product provided 512 bytes of 650ns video memory and generated 32x16 ASCII display output. Priced at $198, the MTX-1632 secured $20,000 in orders through free placement in the 'Electronics' magazine's new products section, making the company profitable from its inception.
Subsequent Product Development
Following the MTX-1632, Matrox quickly released the MTX-256**2. This product offered a 256 by 256 dot raster resolution and was constructed from at least two separate units: a central timing unit (CTU) and image memory (IM). Although not initially designed for the home microcomputer market, it was noted as a cost-effective display adapter solution for its time, priced at $630.
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Reporting from
Lorne Trottier and Branko Matić founded Matrox in 1976, launching their first product, the MTX-1632 Video RAM, the same year. This initial product, which provided 32x16 ASCII display output, generated $20,000 in orders and made the company profitable immediately, enabling rapid product development.