113-524: KITT or K.I.T.T. is the common name of two fictional characters from the action franchise Knight Rider . In both instances, KITT is an artificially intelligent electronic computer module in the body of a highly advanced, very mobile, robotic automobile. The original KITT is known as the Knight Industries Two Thousand , which appeared in the original TV series Knight Rider as a 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am . The second KITT
226-462: A Vietnam veteran -turned- drifter , travels across the United States in a camper van, with only his dog for company. Dalton involves himself in the personal lives of people he meets. In a similar fashion to Knight Rider , he uses his fighting skills to help them gain justice over their enemies. The Dalton character was retooled for the planned spin-off series, whose pilot, Code of Vengeance ,
339-531: A main frame , that housed the central processing unit and main memory of early computers. Later, the term mainframe was used to distinguish high-end commercial computers from less powerful machines. Modern mainframe design is characterized less by raw computational speed and more by: The high stability and reliability of mainframes enable these machines to run uninterrupted for very long periods of time, with mean time between failures (MTBF) measured in decades. Mainframes have high availability , one of
452-467: A CO 2 sprayer in his bumpers. During the first episode of the fourth season, "Knight of the Juggernaut, Part I", KITT's Molecular Bonded Shell is intentionally neutralized by a sprayed combination of chemicals, and KITT is nearly destroyed by the Juggernaut, a custom-designed armored vehicle. KITT is redesigned and is repaired and rebuilt in "Knight of the Juggernaut, Part II". One main feature of
565-571: A Nose"). KITT has two front ejection seats , mostly used when Michael needed a boost to fire escapes or rooftops. First used in Episode 1, "Knight of the Phoenix (Pt. 1)". KITT can release oxygen into his driver compartment and provide air to passengers if he was ever submerged in water or buried in earth. This is also used to overcome the effects of certain drugs (First used in Episode 5, "Slammin' Sammy's Stunt Show Spectacular".) KITT could spray
678-593: A detailed Knight 2000 turbine engine which is exclusive to the model and was never shown in the TV series. Additional features include pop up headlights, revolving license plates, ejector seats, removable t-tops and a foldable rear seat. A "Fun Pack" based on Knight Rider for the toys-to-life video game Lego Dimensions was released in February 2017. The pack includes a Michael Knight minifigure and constructible KITT, and unlocks additional Knight Rider -themed content in
791-437: A few yards of the vehicle (First used in Episode 25, "Brother's Keeper"); KITT has a microwave jamming system that plays havoc on electrical systems. This lets him take control of electronic machines, allowing things like cheating at slot machines, breaking electronic locks , fouling security cameras, and withdrawing money from ATMs. KITT can also use microwaves to heat a vehicle's brake fluid, causing it to expand and thus apply
904-543: A fictitious one reading "KNI 667". Michael used this to evade police when an APB was placed on him. First used in Episode 25, "Brother's Keeper". KITT's headlights can flash red and blue as police lights and he has a siren. First used in Episode 38, "Race for Life". KITT is equipped with a parachute. First used in Episode 23, "Goliath Returns (Pt. 1)". KITT can launch magnesium flares, which can also be used to divert heat-seeking missiles fired at him. First used in Episode 26, "Merchants of Death". KITT has twice had installed
1017-565: A forward braking booster and air panels that pop out to create air friction. While KITT's initial roof was a T-top , the redesigned KITT has a convertible roof. Michael can bring the top down by pressing the "C" button on KITT's dash. KITT has access to a mobile "garage" called the F.L.A.G. Mobile Command Center, a semi-trailer truck owned by the Foundation. In most episodes, it is a GMC General . The trailer has an extendable ramp that drops down and allows KITT to drive inside even when
1130-452: A fraction of the acquisition price and offer local users much greater control over their own systems given the IT policies and practices at that time. Terminals used for interacting with mainframe systems were gradually replaced by personal computers . Consequently, demand plummeted and new mainframe installations were restricted mainly to financial services and government. In the early 1990s, there
1243-552: A gas into the driver compartment that could render an unwanted occupant unconscious. KITT could also expel all breathable air from the driver compartment; however, only KARR ever threatened to use it to harm someone. KITT used this to rid the compartment of smoke after bombs were detonated in his trunk. KITT is equipped with "Tri-Helical Plasteel 1000 MBS" (Molecular Bonded Shell) plating which protects him from almost all forms of conventional firearms and explosive devices. He can only be harmed by heavy artillery and rockets, and even then,
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#17327904833301356-401: A high-powered ultra-frequency modulated resonating laser, capable of burning through steel plating. First used in Episode 9, "Trust Doesn't Rust" and was used to try and destroy KARR by hitting KARR's only weak spot. Until the laser was calibrated, KITT could not fire it himself and it could only be fired by KITT's technician Bonnie. Also as pointed out in "Trust Doesn't Rust", if at that time, it
1469-403: A jet of oil, creating an oil slick; or emit a plume of smoke, creating a smoke screen (both were first used in Episode 1, "Knight of the Phoenix"). KITT can also dispense a cloud of tear gas along with his smoke screen (First used in Episode 13, "Hearts of Stone"). There are flame throwers mounted under the bumpers. First used in Episode 2, "Deadly Maneuvers". KITT could put out small fires from
1582-546: A level of sophistication not usually available with most server solutions. Modern mainframes, notably the IBM Z servers, offer two levels of virtualization : logical partitions ( LPARs , via the PR/SM facility) and virtual machines (via the z/VM operating system). Many mainframe customers run two machines: one in their primary data center and one in their backup data center —fully active, partially active, or on standby—in case there
1695-574: A low price. The contract stipulated that the cars could not be sold again for private use because of the train damage, so they had to be crushed when Universal Studios no longer needed them. Of the five that escaped that fate: one stunt car (originally at the Universal theme park) was shipped to a theme park in Australia, for World Expo '88, in Brisbane, Queensland, but is now believed to be back in
1808-505: A pilot for the 2008 television series Knight Rider . In 1985, a spin-off series, Code of Vengeance , also premiered. Three television series make up the bulk of the Knight Rider mythos: Knight Rider (1982–1986), Team Knight Rider (1997–1998), and Knight Rider (2008–2009). There also was a spin-off series, Code of Vengeance , that ran for one season (1985–1986). In total, 133 Knight Rider episodes have been produced across
1921-434: A reference to the anticipated Year 2000 problem (Y2K). That trend started to turn around in the late 1990s as corporations found new uses for their existing mainframes and as the price of data networking collapsed in most parts of the world, encouraging trends toward more centralized computing. The growth of e-business also dramatically increased the number of back-end transactions processed by mainframe software as well as
2034-423: A short-lived spinoff series, computer and video games, and novels, as well as KnightCon, a Knight Rider convention. Beginning with the original television series and continuing with the subsequent films and series, the franchise has developed a cult following and spawned many pop culture references. The original Knight Rider series followed the adventures of Michael Knight , a modern-day crime fighter who uses
2147-407: A single mainframe can replace higher-functioning hardware services available to conventional servers . While mainframes pioneered this capability, virtualization is now available on most families of computer systems, though not always to the same degree or level of sophistication. Mainframes can add or hot swap system capacity without disrupting system function, with specificity and granularity to
2260-447: A sort of action-comedy hybrid in the same vein as 21 Jump Street . In December 2015, a media report indicated that a new web series named Knight Rider Heroes was in the works and would include David Hasselhoff. This concept was never completed or released. The project is believed to be abandoned. In August 2020, Deadline reported that Spyglass Media Group has teamed with Atomic Monster ’s James Wan and Michael Clear to develop
2373-405: A technologically advanced, artificially intelligent automobile. This car, named KITT , is virtually indestructible, due to a high-tech coating applied to it. Knight Rider stories usually depict either average citizens, or ethical heads of corporations, being bullied into subservience to an overbearing or ruthless criminal organization. The protagonist(s) of each particular series is instructed by
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#17327904833302486-504: A telephone comlink using KITT's video display. The video display is also used for the Graphic Translator system (which sketches likenesses from verbal input to create a Facial composite ), as well as for scanning or analysis results. KITT can also print hard copies of data on a dashboard-mounted printer (First used in Episode 15, "The Topaz Connection"). KITT has an Ultraphonic Chemical Analyzer scanning tray which can analyze
2599-797: Is a 2008 television film which was created to serve as a backdoor pilot for the new Knight Rider television series, and aired on February 17, 2008. The serves as a direct sequel to the original series and ignores the Knight Rider 2000 film and the Team Knight Rider television series. It was directed by Steve Shill and written by David Andron and Glen A. Larson. The movie sees Mike Traceur ( Justin Bruening ) teaming up his childhood friend, Sarah Graiman ( Deanna Russo ), her father Charles Graiman ( Bruce Davison ), and Special Agent Carrie Rivai ( Sydney Tamiia Poitier ) to fight evil, he
2712-735: Is a catastrophe affecting the first building. Test, development, training, and production workload for applications and databases can run on a single machine, except for extremely large demands where the capacity of one machine might be limiting. Such a two-mainframe installation can support continuous business service, avoiding both planned and unplanned outages. In practice, many customers use multiple mainframes linked either by Parallel Sysplex and shared DASD (in IBM's case), or with shared, geographically dispersed storage provided by EMC or Hitachi. Mainframes are designed to handle very high volume input and output (I/O) and emphasize throughput computing. Since
2825-469: Is a combination of three secret substances together referred to as the Knight Compound, developed by Wilton Knight, who entrusted parts of the formula to three separate people, who each know only two pieces of the formula. The shell provided a frame tolerance of 223,000 lb (111.5 tons) and a front and rear axle suspension load of 57,000 lb (28.5 tons). In the pilot, "Knight of the Phoenix",
2938-476: Is a smuggler who is contacted by Hannah Tyree ( Hudson Leick ), an employee of the Chrysalis Corporation, who want him to work for them as part of their video games division. Jake fights the evil Jared ( Brion James ). Hannah's consciousness is uploaded into a computer that Jake then installs in his Mustang. The movie was broadcast as part of Universal Television 's Action Pack . Knight Rider
3051-618: Is a video game based on the original television series of the same name. It was developed by Davilex Games and distributed by Tri Synergy , and was released on November 22, 2002. The game allows the player to take control of KITT – the Knight Industries Two Thousand , in a range of missions including, racing, exploring, chasing and others. The player also meets famous villains from the original series, including KARR and Garthe Knight . Knight Rider: The Game 2
3164-515: Is a video game for the PC-Engine based on the 1980s television series Knight Rider . It was produced by and published by Pack-In Video Co. Ltd on December 16, 1994 in Japan only. The game has a series of levels and each one requires that KITT be navigated through and around various cars, big rig trucks, and other obstacles in order to reach their destination on each level. Knight Rider: The Game
3277-416: Is a video game sequel to Knight Rider: The Game , which was again developed by Davilex Games and was published by Koch Media on November 5, 2004, for PC and PlayStation 2. The Knight Rider franchise has a number of novels, video games, and other materials that cover many aspects of the various series and films. Various toy versions of KITT were released and produced solid profits. The more notable of
3390-450: Is also spurring major mainframe investments to solve exceptionally difficult computing problems, e.g. providing unified, extremely high volume online transaction processing databases for 1 billion consumers across multiple industries (banking, insurance, credit reporting, government services, etc.) In late 2000, IBM introduced 64-bit z/Architecture , acquired numerous software companies such as Cognos and introduced those software products to
3503-634: Is being refreshed. In the late 1950s, mainframes had only a rudimentary interactive interface (the console) and used sets of punched cards , paper tape , or magnetic tape to transfer data and programs. They operated in batch mode to support back office functions such as payroll and customer billing, most of which were based on repeated tape-based sorting and merging operations followed by line printing to preprinted continuous stationery . When interactive user terminals were introduced, they were used almost exclusively for applications (e.g. airline booking ) rather than program development. However, in 1961
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3616-760: Is dependent on its ability to scale, support mixed workloads, reduce labor costs, deliver uninterrupted service for critical business applications, and several other risk-adjusted cost factors. Mainframes also have execution integrity characteristics for fault tolerant computing. For example, z900, z990, System z9, and System z10 servers effectively execute result-oriented instructions twice, compare results, arbitrate between any differences (through instruction retry and failure isolation), then shift workloads "in flight" to functioning processors, including spares, without any impact to operating systems, applications, or users. This hardware-level feature, also found in HP's NonStop systems,
3729-577: Is in constant contact with Michael via a comlink through a two-way communication wristwatch (a modified '80s LCD AM radio watch) Michael wore. The watch also has a micro camera and scanner that KITT can access to gather information. In an emergency, Michael can activate a secret homing beacon hidden inside a gold pendant he wears around his neck. The beacon sends a priority signal that can remotely activate KITT, even if KITT were deactivated, and override his programming so that he rushes to Michael's aid. Used in Episode 42, "A Good Knight's Work" and in "Knights of
3842-421: Is known as lock-stepping, because both processors take their "steps" (i.e. instructions) together. Not all applications absolutely need the assured integrity that these systems provide, but many do, such as financial transaction processing. IBM , with the IBM Z series, continues to be a major manufacturer in the mainframe market. In 2000, Hitachi co-developed the zSeries z900 with IBM to share expenses, and
3955-527: Is known as the Knight Industries Three Thousand , which appeared first in the two-hour 2008 pilot film for a new Knight Rider TV series and then the new series itself, and appeared as a 2008–2009 Ford Shelby GT500KR . During filming, KITT was voiced by a script assistant, with voice actors recording KITT's dialog later. David Hasselhoff and original series voice actor William Daniels first met each other six months after
4068-412: Is large but not as large as a supercomputer and has more processing power than some other classes of computers, such as minicomputers , servers , workstations , and personal computers . Most large-scale computer-system architectures were established in the 1960s, but they continue to evolve. Mainframe computers are often used as servers. The term mainframe was derived from the large cabinet, called
4181-873: Is paired up with a new KITT, the Knight Industries Three Thousand . The movie was a success and resulted in a new series . Knight Rider is a 1986 video game by Ocean Software that was released in Europe for several computer platforms. Knight Rider is a racing video game for the Nintendo Entertainment System that is very loosely based on the television show of the same name . It was developed by Pack-In-Video and published by Acclaim Entertainment . The game sees KITT having to travel between fifteen cities that are featured, starting with San Francisco and ending in Los Angeles. Knight Rider Special ( ナイトライダースペシャル , Naito Raidā Supesharu )
4294-480: Is the centre of a " self-aware " cybernetic logic module. This allows KITT to think, learn, communicate and interact with humans. He is also capable of independent thought and action. He has an ego that is easy to bruise and displays a very sensitive, but kind and dryly humorous personality. According to Episode 55, "Dead of Knight", KITT has 1,000 megabits of memory with one nanosecond access time . According to Episode 65, "Ten Wheel Trouble", KITT's future capacity
4407-417: Is the daughter of Michael Knight . However, it is never confirmed. The series was created by writer/producers Rick Copp and David A. Goodman , and was distributed by Universal Domestic Television . It ran for a single season of 22 one-hour episodes before it was canceled due to poor ratings. The new Knight Rider series followed Michael "Mike" Traceur, the estranged son of Michael Knight , as he takes up
4520-569: Is unlimited. KITT's serial number is AD227529, as mentioned in Episode 31, "Soul Survivor". KITT's Voice (Anharmonic) Synthesizer (for speech) and Etymotic Equalizer (audio input) allow his logic module to speak and communicate. With it, KITT can also simulate other sounds. KITT's primary spoken language was English; however, by accessing his language module, he can speak fluently in Spanish , French and much more. The module can be adjusted, giving KITT different accents such as in Episode 82, "Out of
4633-427: The 2008 film and the reboot series appear to be a revamp of the original series, they offer some continuity from the original. The "new" or "second" KITT (Knight Industries Three Thousand) is a different vehicle and microprocessor unit. In Knight Rider 2000 , it is stated that most of the Knight 2000 parts had been sold off. However, Graiman's garage in the 2008 film shows a more complete collection of parts than in
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4746-511: The Knight Rider memorabilia includes the remote controlled KITT, the Knight Rider lunch box, and the deluxe version of KITT. This final model, sold by Kenner Toys and dubbed the "Knight Rider Voice Car", spoke electronically, using a recording of the voice of William Daniels, featured a detailed interior and a Michael Knight action figure as well. In the 1980s there was a Knight Rider toy vehicle for Germany's Darda system. Also in
4859-548: The Pontiac Banshee prototype. In the 1997–1998 spin-off series Team Knight Rider , KITT is employed as a shadow advisor. It is later revealed that "The Shadow" is actually a hologram run by KITT. In "Knight of the Living Dead", Graiman states a third KITT exists as a backup. When KITT is about to die, his memories are downloaded so the third KITT can use them. However, the third backup is never used. While both
4972-497: The Telum . Unisys produces code compatible mainframe systems that range from laptops to cabinet-sized mainframes that use homegrown CPUs as well as Xeon processors. Furthermore, there exists a market for software applications to manage the performance of mainframe implementations. In addition to IBM, significant market competitors include BMC and Precisely ; former competitors include Compuware and CA Technologies . Starting in
5085-499: The 1980s a Key Car of KITT was released. But it had no scanner and the windows were black with "Knight 2000" written in red letter on the doors. It included a key which was pushed into a hole below KITTs spoiler compressing a spring; then snaps into place. Squeezing the key releases it and the spring shoots the car forward. As with many popular series of the era (including The Dukes of Hazzard , The A-Team etc.), ERTL released die-cast toys of KITT in three different sizes –
5198-504: The 1980s, many mainframes supported general purpose graphic display terminals, and terminal emulation, but not graphical user interfaces. This form of end-user computing became obsolete in the 1990s due to the advent of personal computers provided with GUIs . After 2000, modern mainframes partially or entirely phased out classic " green screen " and color display terminal access for end-users in favour of Web-style user interfaces. The infrastructure requirements were drastically reduced during
5311-601: The 2010s, cloud computing is now a less expensive, more scalable alternative. Several manufacturers and their successors produced mainframe computers from the 1950s until the early 21st century, with gradually decreasing numbers and a gradual transition to simulation on Intel chips rather than proprietary hardware. The US group of manufacturers was first known as " IBM and the Seven Dwarfs ": usually Burroughs , UNIVAC , NCR , Control Data , Honeywell , General Electric and RCA , although some lists varied. Later, with
5424-926: The 64-bit IBM Z CMOS servers have nothing physically in common with the older systems. Notable manufacturers outside the US were Siemens and Telefunken in Germany , ICL in the United Kingdom , Olivetti in Italy, and Fujitsu , Hitachi , Oki , and NEC in Japan . The Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact countries manufactured close copies of IBM mainframes during the Cold War ; the BESM series and Strela are examples of independently designed Soviet computers. Elwro in Poland
5537-490: The Drones". KITT has four main driving modes: Other vehicle modes included: a two-wheel ski drive, which allowed KITT to " ski " (driving up on two wheels) on either left or right side (First used in Episode 1, "Knight of the Phoenix"); an aquatic synthesizer which allows KITT to hydroplane , effectively "driving" on water, using his wheels and turbo system for propulsion (First used in Episode 28, "Return to Cadiz"), but which
5650-545: The Drones, Pt. 2"). KITT has a hidden switch and setting dial under the dash that either completely shuts down his AI module or deactivates certain systems should the need arise. First used in Episode 17, "Chariot of Gold". He also has a function which can be activated in order to completely lock the AI from all the vehicle controls, such as preventing KITT from activating Auto Cruise. KITT is still able to protest such actions vocally. First used in Episode 8, "Trust Doesn't Rust". KITT
5763-614: The Fast Lane". KITT has a front-mounted scanner bar called the Anamorphic Equalizer. The device is a fibre-optic array of electronic eyes. The scanner can see in all visual wavelengths , as well as X-ray and infrared . Its infrared Tracking Scope can monitor the position of specific vehicles in the area within 10 miles. The scanner is also KITT's most vulnerable area. Occasionally, the bar can pulse in different patterns and sweep rapidly or very slowly. Glen A. Larson ,
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#17327904833305876-440: The Foundation for Law and Government (FLAG) to assist in some manner. The protagonist(s) has the assistance of a high-tech, self-aware, and nearly indestructible vehicle. The series debuted in 1982 and ran for four seasons on NBC . These adventures were continued with the television films Knight Rider 2000 and Knight Rider 2010 and the short-lived Team Knight Rider . One other television movie, Knight Rider , served as
5989-547: The Japanese market. The amount of vendor investment in mainframe development varies with market share. Fujitsu and Hitachi both continue to use custom S/390-compatible processors, as well as other CPUs (including POWER and Xeon) for lower-end systems. Bull uses a mixture of Itanium and Xeon processors. NEC uses Xeon processors for its low-end ACOS-2 line, but develops the custom NOAH-6 processor for its high-end ACOS-4 series. IBM also develops custom processors in-house, such as
6102-552: The Knight Industries Four Thousand (Knight 4000), voiced by Carmen Argenziano and William Daniels. Val Kilmer voiced KITT in the 2008–2009 Knight Rider series. In the original Knight Rider series, the character of KITT (Knight Industries Two Thousand) was physically embodied as a modified 1982 Pontiac Trans Am . KITT was designed by customizer Michael Scheffe. The convertible and super-pursuit KITTs were designed and built by George Barris . In
6215-528: The Stars closed. The fifth car is believed to be in private hands in the UK. Knight Rider Knight Rider is an American entertainment franchise created by Glen A. Larson . The core of Knight Rider is its three television series: the original Knight Rider (1982–1986) and sequel series Team Knight Rider (1997–1998) and Knight Rider (2008–2009). The franchise also includes three television films,
6328-661: The US. Universal kept one 'hero' and one stunt car for use in the Entertainment Center display – the two originals have since been sold to a private collector in the US; another, a convertible, disappeared for a while before being sold to the former Cars of the Stars Motor Museum in Keswick , Cumbria, England This convertible was sold to the Dezer Collection, Orlando , Florida when Cars of
6441-504: The Woods", where KITT uses a "New York City" accent and called Michael "Micky". During the first season, KITT's "mouth" in the interior of the vehicle was indicated by a flashing red square. In episode 14 "Heart of Stone", this was changed to three sectioned vertical bars, as this design proved popular with fans as part of KARR. KITT can also project his voice as a loudspeaker or as a form of ventriloquism (First used in Episode 48, "Knight of
6554-529: The back-office engines behind the world's financial markets and much of global commerce". As of 2010 , while mainframe technology represented less than 3% of IBM's revenues, it "continue[d] to play an outsized role in Big Blue's results". IBM has continued to launch new generations of mainframes: the IBM z13 in 2015, the z14 in 2017, the z15 in 2019, and the z16 in 2022, the latter featuring among other things an "integrated on-chip AI accelerator" and
6667-415: The blast usually left most of his body intact and only damaged internal components. This makes KITT's body durable enough to act as a shield for explosives, ram through rigid barriers of strong material without suffering damage himself and sustain frequent long jumps on turbo boost with no fear for the vehicle's structural integrity being damaged upon landing. The shell also protected him from fire. However, it
6780-501: The boxes recovered by Michael Knight in Knight Rider 2000 . The original Knight Industries Two Thousand is also shown in the pilot movie (although in pieces) in the scene where the garage of Charles Graiman (creator of the Knight Industries Three Thousand and implied co-designer of the original KITT) is searched by antagonists. A Trans-Am body (without its hood) is partially covered by a tarp, on which rests
6893-829: The brakes of the car. In Episode 26, "Merchants of Death", the microwave system's power has been increased 3 times its normal strength, strong enough to bring down a helicopter at a limited distance. KITT is powered by the Knight Industries turbojet engine, with modified afterburners . and a computer controlled 8-speed turbo-drive transmission. This helps him do 0–60 mph in 2 seconds (1.37g), standing to quarter mile 4.286 seconds. Electromagnetic hyper-vacuum disc brakes: 14 foot (4.25 m) braking distance (70–0 mph – 112–0 km/h – 11.7g). KITT primarily uses hydrogen fuel . However, his complex fuel processor allows him to run on any combustible liquid, even regular gasoline. In one episode, KITT mentioned his fuel economy
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#17327904833307006-528: The chemical properties of various materials. It can even scan fingerprints and read ballistic information off bullets and compare these with a police database. The system can also analyze chemical information gathered from KITT's exterior sensors (First used in Episode 17, "Chariot of Gold"). KITT also has an in-dash entertainment system that can play music and video, and run various computer programs including arcade games . KITT can dispense money to Michael when he needed it (First used in Episode 59, "Knight by
7119-620: The common miniature model, a "medium" model, and a large model. These toys featured red reflective holograms on the nose to represent the scanner (however, they were located on the point of the nose, rather like the early mock-up of KITT seen in the pilot episode) as opposed to altering the basic model design to incorporate the scanner as commonly seen in the series. The toys also included round steering wheels as opposed to KITT's steering yoke. Also in late 2004, 1/18 scale die-cast models of KITT and KARR were produced from ERTL, complete with detailed interior and illuminated moving scanner, just like in
7232-644: The creator of both Knight Rider and Battlestar Galactica has stated that the scanner is a nod to the Battlestar Galactica characters, the Cylons , and even used the iconic Cylon eye scanner audio to that effect. He stated that the two shows have nothing else in common and to remove any fan speculation, stated in the Season One Knight Rider DVD audio-comments, that he simply reused the scanning light for KITT because he liked
7345-596: The departure of General Electric and RCA, it was referred to as IBM and the BUNCH . IBM's dominance grew out of their 700/7000 series and, later, the development of the 360 series mainframes. The latter architecture has continued to evolve into their current zSeries mainframes which, along with the then Burroughs and Sperry (now Unisys ) MCP -based and OS1100 mainframes, are among the few mainframe architectures still extant that can trace their roots to this early period. While IBM's zSeries can still run 24-bit System/360 code,
7458-570: The early 1990s, many supercomputers were based on a mainframe architecture with supercomputing extensions. An example of such a system is the HITAC S-3800 , which was instruction-set compatible with IBM System/370 mainframes, and could run the Hitachi VOS3 operating system (a fork of IBM MVS ). The S-3800 therefore can be seen as being both simultaneously a supercomputer and also an IBM-compatible mainframe. In 2007, an amalgamation of
7571-518: The effect. KITT also has an array of tiny audio and visual microscanners and sensors threaded throughout his interior and exterior which allows for the tracking of anything around the car. KITT can also "smell" via an atmospheric sampling device mounted in his front bumper. When scanning in Surveillance Mode: KITT's other sensors include: a medical scanner that includes an electrocardiograph (EKG). The medical scanner can monitor
7684-620: The film adaptation as a potential franchise property. The following September, Hasselhoff invited actor Orlando Bloom to portray Knight's son in the film adaptation, but Bloom turned down the offer. In April 2007, Hasselhoff said, that the film was in development at Miramax , and that he would at least have a cameo in the film. On June 26, 2013, Brad Copeland was writing a script for a Knight Rider film after beating out Travis Beacham , Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci . On February 13, 2014, Schmoes Know reported that actors Chris Pratt and Danny McBride were in talks for roles and may use
7797-467: The film with Judson Scott serving as executive producer and TJ Fixman adapting the screenplay. Mainframe computer A mainframe computer , informally called a mainframe or big iron , is a computer used primarily by large organizations for critical applications like bulk data processing for tasks such as censuses , industry and consumer statistics , enterprise resource planning , and large-scale transaction processing . A mainframe computer
7910-748: The first academic, general-purpose timesharing system that supported software development, CTSS , was released at MIT on an IBM 709 , later 7090 and 7094. Typewriter and Teletype devices were common control consoles for system operators through the early 1970s, although ultimately supplanted by keyboard / display devices. By the early 1970s, many mainframes acquired interactive user terminals operating as timesharing computers, supporting hundreds of users simultaneously along with batch processing. Users gained access through keyboard/typewriter terminals and later character-mode text terminal CRT displays with integral keyboards, or finally from personal computers equipped with terminal emulation software. By
8023-572: The first time. IBM received the vast majority of mainframe revenue. During the 1980s, minicomputer -based systems grew more sophisticated and were able to displace the lower end of the mainframes. These computers, sometimes called departmental computers , were typified by the Digital Equipment Corporation VAX series. In 1991, AT&T Corporation briefly owned NCR. During the same period, companies found that servers based on microcomputer designs could be deployed at
8136-465: The game. In 2016, Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare ' s "Zombies" mode features David Hasselhoff reprising his role as Michael Knight, appearing as the games map "Zombies in Spaceland"'s DJ. The Knight Rider theme plays in game and many references to the series and KITT are made. In March 2002, Revolution Studios announced a partnership with Mayhem Pictures to create a film adaptation of
8249-525: The history of the television show, the first KITT, voiced by William Daniels , was said to have been designed by the late Wilton Knight, a brilliant but eccentric billionaire, who established the Foundation for Law and Government (FLAG) and its parent Knight Industries. The 2008 film implies that Charles Graiman, creator of the Knight Industries Three Thousand, also had a hand in designing the first KITT. An unknown number of KITT's systems were designed at Stanford University . KITT's total initial production cost
8362-758: The late 1950s, mainframe designs have included subsidiary hardware (called channels or peripheral processors ) which manage the I/O devices, leaving the CPU free to deal only with high-speed memory. It is common in mainframe shops to deal with massive databases and files. Gigabyte to terabyte -size record files are not unusual. Compared to a typical PC, mainframes commonly have hundreds to thousands of times as much data storage online, and can access it reasonably quickly. Other server families also offload I/O processing and emphasize throughput computing. Mainframe return on investment (ROI), like any other computing platform,
8475-677: The latest Hitachi AP10000 models are made by IBM. Unisys manufactures ClearPath Libra mainframes, based on earlier Burroughs MCP products and ClearPath Dorado mainframes based on Sperry Univac OS 1100 product lines. Hewlett Packard Enterprise sells its unique NonStop systems, which it acquired with Tandem Computers and which some analysts classify as mainframes. Groupe Bull 's GCOS , Stratus OpenVOS , Fujitsu (formerly Siemens) BS2000 , and Fujitsu- ICL VME mainframes are still available in Europe, and Fujitsu (formerly Amdahl) GS21 mainframes globally. NEC with ACOS and Hitachi with AP10000- VOS3 still maintain mainframe businesses in
8588-552: The likeness of David Hasselhoff, which was to be released in March 2013. In February 2013, Hot Wheels released a 1/18 die-cast of KITT as part of their die-cast Elite series of vehicles under their Cult Classics Collection. This one from Hot Wheels was an improvement over the one ERTL released back in 2004. With sharper attention to details on the dashboard, the model features an improved light up red scanner, opening doors and rear hatch, as well as an engine hood which opens up to reveal
8701-477: The mainframe. IBM's quarterly and annual reports in the 2000s usually reported increasing mainframe revenues and capacity shipments. However, IBM's mainframe hardware business has not been immune to the recent overall downturn in the server hardware market or to model cycle effects. For example, in the 4th quarter of 2009, IBM's System z hardware revenues decreased by 27% year over year. But MIPS (millions of instructions per second) shipments increased 4% per year over
8814-504: The mantle of the FLAG driver. This time, he is driving the Knight Industries Three Thousand , also known as "KITT". The series stars Justin Bruening as Mike Traceur/Knight, and Deanna Russo as Sarah Graiman, Traceur's former girlfriend and love interest. Sarah is the daughter of Charles Graiman, played by Bruce Davison , the creator of a new generation of KITT, which is voiced by Val Kilmer . On May 19, 2009, NBC announced that Knight Rider
8927-472: The mid-1990s, when CMOS mainframe designs replaced the older bipolar technology. IBM claimed that its newer mainframes reduced data center energy costs for power and cooling, and reduced physical space requirements compared to server farms . Modern mainframes can run multiple different instances of operating systems at the same time. This technique of virtual machines allows applications to run as if they were on physically distinct computers. In this role,
9040-433: The most secure, with vulnerabilities in the low single digits, as compared to thousands for Windows , UNIX , and Linux . Software upgrades usually require setting up the operating system or portions thereof, and are non disruptive only when using virtualizing facilities such as IBM z/OS and Parallel Sysplex , or Unisys XPCL, which support workload sharing so that one system can take over another's application while it
9153-431: The new Telum microprocessor . A supercomputer is a computer at the leading edge of data processing capability, with respect to calculation speed. Supercomputers are used for scientific and engineering problems ( high-performance computing ) which crunch numbers and data, while mainframes focus on transaction processing. The differences are: Mainframes and supercomputers cannot always be clearly distinguished; up until
9266-400: The original series, with the Foundation for Law and Government (FLAG) using a team of five "highly skilled operatives" to do the job that Michael Knight used to do. They are Kyle Stewart (Brixton Karnes), Jenny Andrews ( Christine Steel ), Duke DePalma ( Duane Davis ), Erica West (Kathy Trageser), and Kevin "Trek" Sanders, ( Nick Wechsler ). In one of the episodes it is implied that Jenny Andrews
9379-423: The original voice of KITT, William Daniels, all at a push of a button. An Entertainment Earth exclusive version of that Diamond Select Toys 1/15 KITT, exclusive, as it will include an in scale figure of Michael Knight to go with the car, was released in February 2013 and was available exclusively at Entertainment Earth's Web site. Diamond Select Toys will also was to be releasing an 8-inch figure of Michael Knight with
9492-433: The past two years. Alsop had himself photographed in 2000, symbolically eating his own words ("death to the mainframe"). In 2012, NASA powered down its last mainframe, an IBM System z9. However, IBM's successor to the z9, the z10 , led a New York Times reporter to state four years earlier that "mainframe technology—hardware, software and services—remains a large and lucrative business for I.B.M., and mainframes are still
9605-542: The premise of the film was described as having Hasselhoff reprise his role as Michael Knight, now the mentor to the protagonist as Devon Miles mentored Knight in the television series. The protagonist would be Knight's son, inheriting his father's role and driving the vehicle KITT . The producers' choice for the role was actor Ben Affleck . In May 2006, The Weinstein Company acquired film rights to adapt Knight Rider from series creator Larson. He expressed his interest in
9718-632: The primary reasons for their longevity, since they are typically used in applications where downtime would be costly or catastrophic. The term reliability, availability and serviceability (RAS) is a defining characteristic of mainframe computers. Proper planning and implementation are required to realize these features. In addition, mainframes are more secure than other computer types: the NIST vulnerabilities database, US-CERT , rates traditional mainframes such as IBM Z (previously called z Systems, System z, and zSeries), Unisys Dorado, and Unisys Libra as among
9831-427: The rear spoiler. The famous KITT steering wheel (labelled "Knight Two Thousand") and "KNIGHT" license plate are also shown, along with numerous black muscle car body parts. When the camera shows a full scene of the garage, there are four other Knight two thousand cars being stored there. One has been taken apart, and 3 other complete cars. If the video is paused at the right moment, all 4 cars are visible. According to
9944-510: The redesign is that Super-Pursuit mode is added, consisting of improved rocket boosters for enhanced acceleration, retractable spoilers for aerodynamic stability, and movable air inlets for increased cooling. Super-Pursuit Mode provided a 40% boost in speed beyond the car's original top speed of 300 MPH. When Super-Pursuit mode is used at night some of the exterior and under the wheel arches glow red. This also included an emergency braking system which slows KITT down from Super-Pursuit speeds, by using
10057-474: The series began filming. KITT's nemesis is KARR, whose name is an acronym of Knight Automated Roving Robot. KARR was voiced first by Peter Cullen and later by Paul Frees in seasons one and three, respectively, of the NBC original TV series Knight Rider . A 1991 sequel film, Knight Rider 2000 , is centered on KITT's original microprocessor unit transferred into the body of the vehicle intended to be his successor,
10170-496: The series, although speculation is that there were as many as 25. All except one of these cars survived until the show was axed; all except 5 of the remaining 22 cars were destroyed at the end of filming. This is because the series began with five brand new Pontiacs for the pilot presentation, and in 1982 a nearby train carrying new Pontiacs to dealerships derailed in California, and Universal Studios acquired these wrecked cars for
10283-467: The series, the original KITT's main cybernetic processor was first installed in a mainframe computer used by the US government in Washington, D.C. However, Wilton saw better use for "him" in the Foundation's crime-fighting crusade and eventually this AI system was installed in the vehicle. KITT is an advanced supercomputer on wheels. The "brain" of KITT is the Knight 2000 microprocessor , which
10396-575: The series. In September 2006, Hitari, a UK-based company that produces remote control toy cars, released the Knight Rider KITT remote control car in 1/15 scale, complete with the working red scanner lights, KITT's voice from the television show and the car's turbine engine sound with the "whoosh whoosh" scanner sound effect. In December 2012, Diamond Select Toys released a talking electronic 1/15 scale KITT that features an illuminated dashboard, scanner, fog lights and tail lights, along with
10509-424: The seven seasons of the four various TV series. The original Knight Rider series saw Michael Knight ( David Hasselhoff ), a crime fighter who uses a high tech , artificially intelligent automobile, the Knight Industries Two Thousand ( KITT ). This car is a virtually indestructible weapon that fights for justice, and is voiced by actor William Daniels . The show was created and produced by Glen A. Larson , and
10622-411: The shell is described as the panels of the car itself; in later episodes, especially from season two onward, the idea of the shell being applied to a base vehicle chemically is used. KITT is also protected by a thermal-resistant Pyroclastic lamination coating that can withstand sustained temperatures of up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit (426 °C). First used in Episode 32, "Ring of Fire". KITT can tint
10735-617: The size and throughput of databases. Batch processing, such as billing, became even more important (and larger) with the growth of e-business, and mainframes are particularly adept at large-scale batch computing. Another factor currently increasing mainframe use is the development of the Linux operating system, which arrived on IBM mainframe systems in 1999. Linux allows users to take advantage of open source software combined with mainframe hardware RAS . Rapid expansion and development in emerging markets , particularly People's Republic of China ,
10848-413: The television series. The film would be re-designed to be similar to Revolution's previous project, XXX . Series creator Glen A. Larson was hired to write the first script draft, with the series' lead actor David Hasselhoff attached as an advisor and also have an onscreen role. In April 2003, Revolution Studios hired screenwriters David Elliott and Paul Lovett to pen the film's script. In April 2004,
10961-409: The truck is in motion. The trailer is loaded with spare parts and equipment for KITT, and also has a computer lab where technicians Bonnie or April would work and conduct repairs and maintenance while in transit. In "KITTnap", KITT is kidnapped and Michael and RC3 use the tractor cab (which has been disconnected from the trailer) to go and find him. A total of 23 KITT cars were made for use in filming
11074-441: The vital signs of individuals and display them on his monitors. It can indicate such conditions as if they were injured, poisoned, undergoing stress or other emotional behavior (First used in Episode 1, "Knight of the Phoenix (Pt. 2)"); a Voice Stress Analyzer which can process spoken voices and determine if someone may be lying (First used in Episode 26, "Merchants of Death"); and a bomb sniffer module that can detect explosives within
11187-424: The voice of the Knight 4000). The movie was developed as a pilot for a proposed new series, but despite high ratings, the plan was abandoned. Knight Rider 2010 is a television movie loosely based on the original Knight Rider series. It aired on February 13, 1994. It was directed by Sam Pillsbury and written by John Leekley . The movie is set in a Mad Max -style future where Jake McQueen (Richard Joseph Paul)
11300-411: The winch is first used in Episode 13, "Forget Me Not". Under the front bumper, there is an induction coil that can extend, and when it touches a metal object, KITT can remotely induce electrical voltage or current in that object. First used in "Knight of the Drones (Part I)" to electrify a fence in order to incapacitate two thugs without seriously harming them. From under the rear bumper, KITT can spray
11413-583: The windshield and windows to become opaque (First seen in Episode 14, "Give Me Liberty... or Give Me Death") and can also deflate and re-inflate his tires (First used in Episode #5 "Slammin' Sammy's Stunt Show Spectacular"). KITT's tires can produce traction spikes that allow KITT to overcome steep terrain. First seen in Episode 86 "Hills of Fire". KITT can automatically open and close his doors, windows, hood, trunk, and T-tops. He could also lock his doors to prevent unauthorized entry into his driver compartment. KITT can also rotate his "KNIGHT" license plate to reveal
11526-410: Was a rough consensus among industry analysts that the mainframe was a dying market as mainframe platforms were increasingly replaced by personal computer networks. InfoWorld ' s Stewart Alsop infamously predicted that the last mainframe would be unplugged in 1996; in 1993, he cited Cheryl Currid, a computer industry analyst as saying that the last mainframe "will stop working on December 31, 1999",
11639-455: Was a surprise ratings success in June 1985. A subsequent series, to be called Dalton , was ordered by NBC for midseason, then production was cancelled after just four episodes were completed. These aired in the summer of 1986 as a television movie titled Dalton: Code of Vengeance II and as a part of a fill-in series called Dalton's Code of Vengeance . Team Knight Rider is set ten years after
11752-573: Was another Eastern Bloc manufacturer, producing the ODRA , R-32 and R-34 mainframes. Shrinking demand and tough competition started a shakeout in the market in the early 1970s—RCA sold out to UNIVAC and GE sold its business to Honeywell; between 1986 and 1990 Honeywell was bought out by Bull ; UNIVAC became a division of Sperry , which later merged with Burroughs to form Unisys Corporation in 1986. In 1984 estimated sales of desktop computers ($ 11.6 billion) exceeded mainframe computers ($ 11.4 billion) for
11865-405: Was at least 65 miles per gallon. However, when operating on fuels other than liquid hydrogen, KITT's fuel efficiency and power output may be lowered. Used in most episodes, KITT can employ a "turbo boost". This is a pair of rocket boosters mounted just behind the front tires. These lifted the car, allowing KITT to jump into the air and pass over obstacles in the road. Also, occasionally, Turbo Boost
11978-454: Was canceled after one season because of poor ratings. In 2016, it was announced that Machinima , YOMYOMF and NBCUniversal Brand Development are developing a Knight Rider reboot with Justin Lin producing and directing the series. There has been no info about this since. Knight Rider 2000 is a television sequel movie to the original Knight Rider series. It aired on May 19, 1991. It
12091-501: Was directed by Alan J. Levi and written by Rob Hedden and Glen A. Larson . The movie sees Michael Knight ( David Hasselhoff ) teaming up once again with Devon Miles ( Edward Mulhare ) in a near future science fiction setting. He is also paired up with a new supercar, the " Knight 4000 " to combat Thomas J. Watts ( Mitch Pileggi ), a former police officer turned psychotic killer. The movie also starred Susan Norman as Officer Shawn McCormick, and Carmen Argenziano as Russell Maddock (and
12204-445: Was estimated at $ 11,400,000 in 1982 (Episode 5, "Just My Bill"). The 1991 movie Knight Rider 2000 saw the first KITT (Knight Industries Two Thousand) in pieces, and Michael Knight himself reviving the Knight 2000 microprocessor unit, which is eventually transferred into the body of the vehicle intended to be the original KITT's direct successor, the Knight 4000. The new vehicle was a modified 1991 Dodge Stealth , appearing similar to
12317-458: Was fired more than twice, it would drain KITT's batteries. Later in "Goliath part 2", KITT was installed a more user friendly laser power pack which KITT uses to disable the monstrous 18-wheeler. KITT has a hidden winch and grappling hook system. Most often the hook is connected by a strong cable, but a metal arm has also been seen. The grappling hook is first used in Episode 6, "Not a Drop to Drink";
12430-457: Was originally broadcast on NBC from 1982 to 1986. The show has 90 episodes over four seasons. The two-part episode Knight Rider episode "Mouth of the Snake", was a backdoor pilot for a 1984 series to be called All That Glitters . Rejected by NBC, the lead character and actor were recycled for a short-lived 1985–1986 series titled Code of Vengeance , in it, David Dalton ( Charles Taylor ),
12543-460: Was removed by the end of the episode because it was faulty; and a High Traction Drop Downs (HTDD) system which hydraulically raises KITT's chassis for better traction when driving off-road (First used in Episode 39, "Speed Demons"). KITT has two CRT video display monitors on his dash. KITT later only has one when his dash was redesigned by Bonnie for the show's third season. Michael can contact home base and communicate with Devon and others by way of
12656-454: Was used to allow KITT to accelerate to incredible speeds in excess of 200 mph (322 km/h). The boosters could fire forward or backward, although the backward booster was rarely used. In later seasons, a passive laser restraint system helped protect Michael and any passengers from the shock of sudden impacts and hard stopping. It is speculated that this is a primitive form of an inertial damping device. First used in Episode 47, "Knight of
12769-425: Was vulnerable to electricity, as seen in the episode "Lost Knight" (season 3 episode 10), when a surge of electricity shorted out his memory. The shell was also vulnerable to some potent acids and, in episode 70 "Knight Of The Juggernaut", a formula was made (with knowledge of the shell's chemical base) to neutralize it completely. The shell offers little to almost no protection from lasers in certain episodes. The shell
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