Stern’s Spike 3 Features
Stern announces their next, great platform improvement. Stern is making and has promised to continue to invest in quality improvements to their gaming platforms. Stern already upgraded a quieter power supply system for their new games coming off the line. In addition, Stern upgraded a new menu system doing away with the long-used dots.
Stern has already launched an electronics package powered by a new CPU as part of an overall transition to a new Spike 3 platform. The Spike 3 platform debuts in the newest Stern game – Star Wars: Fall of the Empire. GAD has both Pro and Premium available for pre-order.
Take a look at some of what Spike 3 will bring to you as a pinball enthusiast.
● Increased processing power
○ Powered by a custom programmed Raspberry Pi Compute Module
○ 4X performance for compute and video processing power
○ 2X the memory
○ 3X Faster, higher quality, larger storage MicroSD memory
○ Better hardware video decoding and playback
● Improved HD graphics on a larger display
○ 18.5” Display is 35% larger
○ New Full HD resolution has 125% more pixels than a Spike 2 screen
○ True color depth enables 256 times as many colors as the last generation
○ Increased brightness with ~50% increase in nits
● Better audio experience
○ Upgraded amplifier with 2X wattage and integrated equalization and crossover filter
○ Improved Mid-range speaker with 50% higher power handling
○ Additional separate tweeter on the Limited Edition
○ Wireless headphone support
● Stronger Network Connections
○ Supports dual band 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi
○ New integrated antenna for improved range
○ Support for an external antenna for those who need even more range
○ Still supports direct ethernet connections
● Advanced power handling updates
○ Fast wake will allow you to get into the game more quickly than a full boot
○ Sleep modes will allow you to get updates while saving money on energy usage
○ Traditional on/off is an option for those who prefer it
● Includes recent platform updates
○ Upgraded power supply with quieter fan
○ Newer menu system with quick adjustments and interactive playfield diagrams
● Additional Features & Changes
○ One cable HDMI monitor output
○ Updated backbox architecture to support new electronics
○ New speaker lights format to support upgraded speakers
○ Operating system and rendering systems have been upgraded
○ Redesigned board and chip architecture to enable long-term support
