New accessories

ALL-IN-WONDER AVI/O hub connected to the AIW X800 XT board

See how the hub connects to the card?

This is the HDTV dongle

All new with the ALL-IN-WONDER X800 XT and X600 PRO are ATI’s new input/output dongles. Rather than placing the input/output connections on a cable, or even on the back plate of the video card, ATI merges all input and output connections through one connection on the back plate of the card, the AVI/O hub. From the AVI/O hub you can attach a plethora of devices. The main block (which is attached to the back plate of the card) handles FM and TV tuning, and also has two additional connectors; these are used to attach the input dongle and the other for the output dongle.

The input/output dongles look similar to dominos, and have black plastic feet, these feet allows the dongles to be stacked on top of one another, saving desk space. The input dongle provides 1 S-Video connection, 1 composite, and 2 RCA stereo audio connections, while the output connection dongle features 1 S/PDIF, 1 S-Video, 1 composite, and 2 RCA stereo audio connections.

HDTV and input dongles

Dongles can be stacked vertically

Finally, for HDTV users, ATI also includes a third dongle with component video output connections (1 Y, 1 Pr, 1 Pb, 1 S/PDIF, 2 RCA stereo) for hooking your ALL-IN-WONDER X800 XT up to a high definition display.

As an added backup, ATI also ships the ALL-IN-WONDER X800 XT with conventional S-Video and composite video cables.

REMOTE WONDER II

ATI bundles the ALL-IN-WONDER X800 XT with their newer REMOTE WONDER II remote control unit. The most obvious difference between the two remotes is obviously size – REMOTE WONDER II is considerably larger – but there are also numerous differences underneath the skin of the newer ATI remote.

REMOTE WONDER II (right) and REMOTE WONDER

REMOTE WONDER II is longer than REMOTE WONDER

For starters, REMOTE WONDER II has greater range than the original REMOTE WONDER, ATI claims that distances have been increased to over 60 feet. Like the original REMOTE WONDER unit, REMOTE WONDER II is a radio frequency remote, so line-of-sight isn’t required to change channels, or any of the remote’s other functions (which are numerous), the remote’s signal can even penetrate walls! Because of this, those of you in dorm rooms or apartments with other AIW users nearby can program the remote’s signal for your specific PC.

The new REMOTE WONDER II chassis is longer than REMOTE WONDER, yet thinner. In addition, the buttons are much less spongy, one of our chief criticisms with the original REMOTE WONDER unit. ATI has also added four auxiliary buttons, these buttons can be used to control whatever devices the user defines and, as an added bonus, are backlit for viewing in the dark. ATI has made a number of changes to the button layout, some we like, and some changes we don’t. For instance, the programmable buttons C, D, E, and F, are located awfully close to the rewind, play, and fast forward buttons – you could easily hit the wrong button by mistake. On the other hand, the new thumbpad used on the REMOTE WONDER II for mouse control provides more tactile feedback, making controlling the mouse slightly easier.

Buttons are completely different

Programmable buttons are close to player buttons on REMOTE WONDER II

Top of the remotes

Arguably the biggest downside to REMOTE WONDER II however is its new USB controller: it’s massive! Whereas the original REMOTE WONDER featured a fairly small pod, REMOTE WONDER II’s USB pod is quite large and will eat up more space on your desk. On the top of the unit is a short, yet sturdy antenna.