ATI's All-in-Wonder Gets the X800 Treatment

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ATI, the Canadian graphics company, has announced the latest version of its well known All-in-Wonder line. As its name suggests the All-in-Wonder X800 XT is based on the Radeon X800 XT Visual Processing Unit (VPU).

The All-in-Wonder has a reputation for a strong feature set but ATI has really pulled out all the stops this time. The feature set and the graphics horsepower should make for a heady combination. The X800 XT is a 16 pixel pipeline VPU, making it an attractive option for those looking to play the latest games such as Half Life 2.

On previous All-in-Wonder cards ATI wasn’t able to find room for a DVI port on the back plate. This time however, the All-in-Wonder X800 XT sports both DVI and VGA connections. This is possible as ATI has created a new smaller connector dongle at the rear of the card, which also enables the video connectors to be put together in multiple ways.

ATI has also returned to using a digital tuner, though this just refers to the fact that it is made up of a small integrated circuits rather than analogue components- it won't pick up digital terrestrial TV. It first used a digital tuner on the 8500DV but as this ran too hot ATI returned to the analogue one. Clearly ATI has now sorted out this issue. The TV Tuner is also joined for the first time by a Radio FM Tuner.

The Radeon X800 chipset features VideoShader HD technology, an advanced processing engine which ATI claims brings programmable video effects, enhanced video quality, and encoding and decoding of video standards such as MPEG1, 2 and 4, Real Media, DivX and Windows Media Video 9. The card also supports high-definition and widescreen formats, ideal for larger plasma and projector displays.

The card is bundled with a Remote Wonder II, the second generation of ATI’s wireless RF remote. The software bundle includes a ATI customised version of Pinnacle Studio 9 and the fun muvee autoProducer.

Boards based on the All-in-Wonder X800 XT will have a suggested retail price of $499 and will be available in the US this autumn. UK pricing and availability has yet to be confirmed.

Links:
www.ati.com

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