ATi Catalyst 4.2 drivers released

by **Buliwyf** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 3:07 pm

New Features

Component Video Output Enhancement:
The latest ATI software driver now allows the user the choice of using panning mode or a center-timing mode in which the image would appear in the center of the TV screen when using the Component Video output on an HDTV display. This option is found in the ATI Control Panel and is supported under the Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows ME operating systems. This feature is available on the ATI RADEON(tm) 8500 and higher class of products.

Direct3D Setting Enhancement
Previous versions of the ATI display driver required the monitor going blank for up to 8 seconds when applying Direct3D settings. The latest ATI software driver for the RADEON(tm) 9500 and higher class of products now allows for the Direct3D setting to be applied without the monitor's display going blank.

Performance Improvements:

As with most CATALYST(tm) releases performance has increased in various situations. This release of CATALYST(tm) provides performance gains to the ATI DX8 product family. These products include the RADEON(tm) 9200, 9000, and 8500 series. Performance gains are noticed throughout the following software:

Framerates in Unreal Tournament 2003 is up by 15%
A performance gain of between 5 and 10% is noticed in Aquamark3
A performance gain of between 2-3% is noticed in ShaderMark scores
Framerates in Halo is up between 3-4%
A performance improvement of 2% is noticed in Tomb Raider

New Features found in the ATI MULTIMEDIA CENTER(tm) 8.9:

Smooth Aspect Ratio Transition Enhancement
EAZYLOOK(tm) allows the user to view TV and DVD features from a distance. Currently when changing the aspect ratio in the TV or DVD the transition changes are not smooth. This new feature allows for a smooth transition when changing the aspect ratio.

EAZYLOOK(tm) Menu Functionality
With the new EAZYLOOK(tm) menu functionality, feature level menus can now be viewed when using EAZYLOOK(tm). Feature can now be configured with ease when using EAZYLOOK(tm). Further, users will have an easier time changing settings that are mapped to programmable keys on the remote.

Enhanced Scheduled Event Recording
The latest version of the ATI MULTIMEDIA CENTER(tm) allows users to create and record a scheduled event without viewing the video. Right-clicking on the record button provide the user with a drop down menu that provides a short cut to the recording options available.

Furthermore I wanted to let you know that ATI in conjunction with Beyond3d.com and DriverHeaven.net have released a "SMARSHADER Effects" tool. This innovative new concept will let users create their own shaders and load them up on CATALYST. Both Beyond3d.com and Driverheaven.net will be hosting this tool as well as having great end user contests to get peoples creative shader juices flowing. These can be found here and I highly recommend checking them out http://www.beyond3d.com/misc/atiss/ and http://www.driverheaven.net/smartshader/.

The quick link to the XP drivers is http://www.ati.com/home/online/CatalystXPdriver.html

by **WeSSiN** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 3:31 pm

Direct3D Setting Enhancement
Previous versions of the ATI display driver required the monitor going blank for up to 8 seconds when applying Direct3D settings. The latest ATI software driver for the RADEON(tm) 9500 and higher class of products now allows for the Direct3D setting to be applied without the monitor's display going blank.

I like this

Thanks Buli!

by **Chacal** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 4:15 pm

This alone should make a difference when Alt-tabbing and escaping to the menu in BF1942. Let us know if you see a difference.

by **Jeffro** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 4:24 pm

I'll wait for my omegas

by **Agent-Commando** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 5:03 pm

Oh I'm not falling for this again, earlier in the week I upgraded to 4.1 and CoD single player stopped working.. It would crash all the time, which it never did when I was on 3.9. So, i'm sticking with 3.9, man. To play my CoD!

by **Dakana** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 10:47 pm

Thread Title: New Catalyst Drivers are out; No one cares, stick with the old ones until they work out the horrible compatability issues

by **hightimber** » Fri Feb 13, 2004 5:25 pm

Buli,

1) are you running the new 4.2 driver?
2) if so, how goes it?

by **Buliwyf** » Fri Feb 13, 2004 5:25 pm

Originally posted by hightimber
Buli,

1) are you running the new 4.2 driver?
2) if so, how goes it?

ran just fine with BF last night for a few hours. No complaints here.

Had AA/ASF up as well.

by **AnimalCracka** » Fri Feb 13, 2004 5:27 pm

I was running them last night also......no problems at all. AA/ASF and everything on max.

ATi Catalyst 4.2 drivers released

ATi Catalyst 4.2 drivers released

Re: ATi Catalyst 4.2 drivers released

Who is online