Product Reviews

The All-in-Wonder Radeon is ATi's latest multifunction graphics card, offering 2D/3D video, a TV-tuner, and Vivo (video streaming fotrmat) functions. It follows on from the All-in-Wonder 128 Pro (see Labs, issue 71, p123). Even though the All-in-Wonder models have been a popular choice for users seeking an affordable multi-purpose card with basic video-editing functionality, they've always been criticised for poor 3D performance. However, the Radeon looks set to change this by joining the All-in-Wonder's functionality to the sheer 3D power of ATi's latest Radeon GPU and 32Mb of DDR SDRAM.

This combining of virtues is impressive. But ATi has not contented itself with

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just recycling the All-in-Wonder format - it has evolved it. There are two DIN sockets on the card's backplate for A/V in and A/V out. The A/V input socket connects to a breakout box with composite video input, stereo phono inputs and an S-Video input - a neat solution. The A/V output socket also has a breakout with S-Video-out, composite Video-out, an S/PDIF socket and a 3.5mm stereo audio jack. A 75-Ohm TV aerial input and a DVI/I connector also feature on the card's backplate, although ATi supplies a DVI to VGA adaptor for non DVI-compliant displays.

To test the Direct3D performance I used 3DMark 2000 at a resolution of 1,024 x 768 in 32-bit colour. The All-in-Wonder Radeon scored an impressive 4,105, which proves it's more than capable of coping with games titles. OpenGL performance proved similarly impressive, with a timed demo in Quake III at a resolution of 1,024 x 768 in 32-bit colour running at a wholly impressive 73.4fps.

This is a welcome update to ATi's veteran All-in-Wonder format. You still get video editing, TV functionality and superb DVD playback, but the addition of TV-On-Demand and the 3D power of Radeon to these solid virtues has rejuvenated the format. This is now nothing less than a powerful all-round multimedia tool.