Another handy
function that comes with the Multimedia Center 7.7's
configuration page is PCCheck. Once the MMC 7.7 gets installed, PCCheck can be executed,
performing a full system
compatibility check to
verify if any adverse conditions exist that would
impede multimedia performance.
With one click, a series of tests are run to see that
critical components and settings are in place, insuring
optimal multimedia performance. If any adverse conditions
exist, PCCheck lists them in a results screen with a
recommended course of action for remedying the problem.
Click to
Enlarge
Remote
Wonder 1.2:
The first time we got the chance
to check out ATi's Remote Wonder was when we reviewed the
All-In-Wonder 8500DV back in December. The Remote
Wonder is a remote control which uses (RF) Radio-Frequency to communicate with a
transmitter connected to a USB port on a computer.
Once installed, the remote control not only runs all of the
ATi Multimedia Center Software, it can be used to control
the pointer in place of a mouse. Let me be clear,
you won't want to throw out your mouse altogether, but the
remote does work very well when viewing the TV-out in
another room. Since it uses Radio-Frequency, there is no need for a
clear line of sight for the remote to function, making it an
extremely useful and versatile tool.
Seeing the potential usefulness
of the
Remote Wonder, ATi has begun to increase its
features, creating plug-ins that are customized for specific
applications. For example, with the new version 1.2
software, a plug-in is included for both WinAmp and
Microsoft PowerPoint. With the implementation of ATi's
new open source SDK called "AMMO" (Application Manipulation
Modular Objects), OEMs and developers can create custom plug-ins designed for their
own specific applications. This
should be particularly useful for the mobile user who often
runs presentation software with an over head projector.
How many times have we seen someone try to run a
presentation on their laptop, connected to an overhead
projector, and soon we see the presenter squinting to see
their laptop keyboard? Now, with the Remote Wonder,
that same person can easily control their system while concentrating
on their presentation. As the Remote Wonder matures,
I'm sure we'll find a number of new uses for it.
HYDRAVISON 3.1:
HydraVision is
ATi's proprietary desktop management software that let's a
user create a number of virtual desktops, as well as
configure a
multi-monitor setup. The goal is to help the user be
more productive by managing several desktops on either one
monitor or multiple monitors. The entire package is
comprised of three components to help achieve this:
Desktop Manager, Hot Keys and Multi-Desk. The software
has also been maximized to implement visual enhancements,
exclusive to Windows 2000 and XP, such as Transparent
Windows and Menus, Window Fade-in Effects and Window Shadow
Effects. The HydraVision software is powerful and it's
features are plenty. Thankfully, ATi has included a thorough
User's Guide to explain all of HydraVision's capabilities.
The Drivers
What Really Makes The Radeon
Tick...
One of the most
significant changes to take place with the Catalyst software
is improved Direct3D, OpenGL, and Options pages in the
driver control panel. The primary goal of the new
interface is to provide easy access to the driver's features
through clean, consistent control panels that help make the
process more understandable. For starters, both the
Direct3D and OpenGL pages have the same look, making it less
intimidating for the novice user when transitioning between
the two screens. With previous versions, the two
screens looked completely different and often mixed settings
between the two. For example, with previous drivers,
the settings for SmoothVision and Anisotropic Filtering were
found on the Direct3D page, yet once you entered the
settings page, you'd find both Direct3D and OpenGL tabs
available.
Click to
Enlarge
Now, if a user
wants to make adjustments to either component, all they need
to do is select the respective tab and everything is readily
accessible on one page. ATi has also created a
separate tab for Compatibility Settings, making certain
options available in case a game is not working correctly
with the new drivers. I personally welcome the new and
improved design and suspect a lot of other Radeon users will
appreciate it all the same.
Fortunately, the
Direct3D and OpenGL screens aren't the only pages to get a
face-lift. Next we take a quick look at the Options
and Monitors screens and see what they have to offer.
