Helio Hopes Its New Graphics Board Can Reverse Its Fortunes

IRVINE — Helio Computers Inc. said Wednesday that it has begun shipping a high-resolution graphics board for personal computers that company officials hope will turn around the fortunes of its financially strapped parent company, Helionetics Inc.

Helio’s new graphics board, which controls images that appear on a computer monitor, is intended for desktop publishing and other applications requiring high-quality graphics, said Charles Collins, general manager.

Helionetics lost $9.7 million for the year ended Dec. 31.

In another development, Helionetics was sued by former chief executive Charles Jobbins in Orange County Superior Court earlier this month. Jobbins, who resigned last year, is asking for more than $500,000 he alleges the company owes him for loans he made.

A Helionetics official declined to comment on the lawsuit.