Digital Trends

ATI All-In-Wonder 9600XT

May 10th, 2004 | by Ian Bell

Features and Design

As you may imagine, a product like the All-In-Wonder 9600XT seems to have a lot to offer for under $300 dollars. The All-In-Wonder 9600XT is not only a video card, but it is also a TV tuner, FM radio, DVD player and DVR.  Powered by Philips, the internal TV tuner has support for 125 stereo cable channels. ATI packages a number of software applications to give the user numerous ways to watch and control what they want, when they want it. ATI's Multimedia Center 8.8 introduces some key new features into the All-In-Wonder product line including the ability to not only record television broadcasts in MPEG-4, but to distribute the live television show throughout the home to multiple computers using their Eazyshare software application. And for those that plan to use the integrated FM tuner, ATI's FM-On-Demand software will allow you to pause a live broadcast, or record to an MP3 file. The FM software even has alarm and sleep settings much like a stereo system, which would be a great feature for students that often use their computers in multiple roles.

The control all of these new features is handled by ATI's new Remote Wonder II which can be purchased separately, but comes packaged in the All-In-Wonder 9600XT box. The new remote control features six programmable buttons, four auxiliary buttons and now has a reach of more than 60 feet. The new Remote Wonder II will give you all the basic controls you need to manage your computer while sitting in the comfort of your recliner.

Lastly, those looking for a good video editing package will be happy to see that ATI packages Pinnacle Studio 8 SE, Muvee Autoproducer, and MatchWare Mediator 7 software with the video card. The Pinnacle Studio 8 software is a fairly elaborate piece of software for those wanting medium to advanced features for editing their video, while the Muvee Autoproducer can be used by novices or those wanting to whip up a quick home video.