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The
Software :::...
Most
of the testing was done using the supplied MMC8.5
though I later update to 8.9 to see what else was
on offer.
Getting
started is simplicity itself thanks to the now familiar
installation software which allows you to install
everything from drivers to demos and screensavers
all from a single screen.
Installing
the drivers this was quick and painless, particularly
when compared to trying to update them further down
the line, but I'm getting ahead of myself.
One
the installation procedure has completed, the most
noticeable change when you reboot is the addition
of a quick-launch bar down the right hand side of
your screen. ATi actually calls this the "Launch
Pad", just so you know.
Like
the Windows taskbar, the Launch Pad can be set to
autohide, can be dragged to the left hand side or
top, and can be undocked completely where it sits
as a smaller floating bar on your desktop.
A
quick peep in device manager confirms that the WDM
capture and TV tuner drivers have installed properly.
As you can see there are six additional entries related
to the All-In-Wonder on top of the display driver.
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Device
Manager Entries Created
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But
these are just the boring, essential bits. There are
also some nice software titles bundled:
Optimised
DivX Player:
Also
bundled is DivX Player 2.0 Alpha. DivX state that
"Applying post-processing to DivX videos using
the below ATI hardware (which includes FULLSTREAM™
technology) will increase post-processing speed and
drop CPU usage up to 20% when using high-levels of
post-processing"
The
DivX website is HERE
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FULLSTREAM
Optimised DivX Player
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Gemstar
GUIDE PLUS+:
I'd
like to tell you more about this TV schedule organizer
but you can only register for the service from the
US or Canada.
For
more details check out their website HERE
European
customers get a trial 6 month subscription to TVTV
bundled with MMC 8.7 and newer. Annoyingly you then
have to pay the subscription fee.
muvee
autoProducerv2.1:
Artistic
Intelligence™
smartCuts™ : automatically
trims and summarizes your video.
smartAnalyze™: looks
for key moments and removes low quality video.
smartSync™: synchronizes
the effects and transitions with your music.
smartStyle™: instantly
creates finished videos in a wide choice of styles.
This
simple to use video editing software was licensed
from muvee by ATi and is a really great way to turn
out some surprisingly good "muvees". Those
who cherish complete artistic control may find muvee
a little simplistic but for less experienced users
it's a very nice and surprisingly good piece of software.
It also adds a button to the quick launch bar, which
I should really start calling by its official name
of "launchpad".
You
can find more details at muvee's website HERE
Redline
Tweaker:
Redline
is Sapphire's tweak utility and comes with a truly
bewildering array of options. From here you can enable
and disable specific hardware functions, driver parameters,
clock speeds and more. Profiles can be created and
saved for specific games titles, hotkeys can be assigned
to specific functions and so the list goes on.
It's
very much an enthusiasts' and tinkerers' tool that's
possibly best not tackled by newer users but you can't
actually do any permanent damage so it's not entirely
off limits to those who are more adventurous than
they are clued up.
Pinnacle
Studio 8SE:
The
Pinnacle studio range has always managed to combine
powerful features with a relatively easy to use format
and Studio 8 is a perfect example of this despite
now being over 12 months old. From creating classy
titles to adding narration and background music. Wipes,
fades and transitions Studio 8 does it all. Plus it's
backed by Pinnacle's comprehensive website which offers
everything from add-ons to training. You can find
more on this product from Pinnacle's site HERE,
and while you're there take a look at the price and
bare it in mind when you think about the PX-708A's
selling price. This is a genuinely impressive title
that greatly adds to the value of the product rather
than just padding it out as so often happens.
Like
most products of this underlying complexity there
are a few flaws in there though most of these are
addressed in the patch available HERE.
Tomb
Raider, The Angel Of Darkness:::...
I've,
really, really tried to like this game. As one of
the pioneering titles that helped drive the 3D graphics
market, it deserves to be liked. The unfortunate truth
however is that for the most part it stinks.
Reasonably
good DirectX 7.x class graphics with a smattering
of poorly implemented DirectX 9.x enhancements bolted
on as an afterthought, combine with a clunky control
system and a sluggish feel which makes the game feel
laboured and unexciting.
It's
not the worst game I've ever played, and there is
at least some eye candy on offer, just don't judge
the quality of your hardware by the quality of this
game.
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