ATI Technologies ATP 8500 manual Introduction, Functional Description, Software Version, Unpacking

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Introduction

Functional Description

Thank you for selecting ATI’s ATP 8500 Digital Preamplifier-Processor for your audio and video home theater. The ATP 8500 is the center of a high-end cinema and audio system. The ATP 8500 decodes Dolby Digital, DTS and Dolby Pro Logic. Naturally, the ATP 8500 can also function as a High-End stereo preamplifier, and the digital signal processing and conversion can be bypassed. The 7.1 channel input is provided with comprehensive volume control facilities. This ensures that ATP 8500 will remain compatible with new multi-channel formats to appear in the future.

For audio, the ATP 8500 accepts up to six digital input sources, ten line level input sources, a tape loop and two additional record outputs. For video, it has six S-Video and composite inputs, S-Video and composite monitor outputs, S-Video and composite video record outputs and an S-Video monitor output without OSD (On Screen Display).

For Component Video, the ATP 8500 offers 3 sets of inputs and one set of outputs. If you are using all three types of video (composite, S-VHS, and component), you need to connect each output from the ATP 8500 to the appropriate connectors on the rear of your TV or monitor. You then switch between video formats with your TV’s remote (or a “smart system” remote control).

The ATP 8500 has two main modes of function: In the normal function mode, the ATP 8500 automatically senses the type of the incoming signal and selects the mode that gives optimal reproduction quality. The user can switch off the automatic selection and select different post-processing modes for the incoming signals. These modes are stereo, Dolby Pro-Logic, mono down-mixing and four Music Modes: Natural, Concert, Club and Party. If desired, the user can bypass the digital section of ATP 8500 and connect, for example, a stereo source to the Left and Right channels of the balanced XLR inputs.

System integration options are provided by the three 12VDC trigger outputs and one trigger input to control external equipment and by communication with a PC or home automation system via the RS 232 serial interface (DB-9 connector).

Software Version

In order to verify which version software you have installed in the ATP 8500, push and hold the front panel power button for a few seconds and the software version number will appear under the “ATI” name on the LCD.

Unpacking

The ATP 8500 has been carefully inspected, tested and packed before leaving the factory. Immediately upon receiving your preamplifier-processor, inspect the carton for evidence of mishandling during shipment. Then, carefully unpack the preamplifier-processor and inspect it for damage. Please save the shipping carton and all inner packing materials in the event that the preamplifier-processor needs to be shipped for service or moved to a new location. Should you discover that the preamplifier-processor has been damaged during shipping, please contact your dealer or ATI immediately and request the name of the carrier so a written claim can be made.

THE RIGHT TO A CLAIM AGAINST A PUBLIC CARRIER CAN BE FORFEITED IF THE CARRIER IS NOT NOTIFIED PROMPTLY IN WRITING AND IF THE SHIPPING CARTON AND PACKING MATERIALS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION BY THE CARRIER. SAVE ALL PACKING MATERIALS UNTIL THE CLAIM HAS BEEN SETTLED.

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Contents ATI ATPDTS is a trademark of Digital Theatre Systems, Inc Table of Contents Introduction Functional DescriptionSoftware Version UnpackingSafety Instructions Rack MountingConnections Quick Set-Up GuideTelevision Digital Audio Input AssignmentComponent Video Rear Panel Connections Power ConnectionsAudio Connections Record Outputs 1 Tape INPUT/OUTPUTZone Audio Output Video Connections Digital Audio Connections Other ConnectionsFront Panel Controls Power Standby Switch on Front PanelPreview ON/OFF Volume Control Source Select and UP and DownDisplay ExitHeadphone Volume DOWN/UP and Headphone Input Source Select ButtonsInput Search Audio MonitorPage Power Volume and UP and DownChannel and UP and Down Guide same as Preview on the front panelDirect Access Keys UP, DOWN, LEFT, Right KeysTape Monitor Bass Bass MIXMODE+ and Mode NoiseSW+ and SW CTR+ and CTRLearning a New Command To Erase a Learned Command From a ButtonTo Erase All the Learned Commands in One Device Mode To Erase All the Learned Commands in All Device ModesVolume Punch Through CD, DVD, AUX, SAT, TV,VCR and CBL device modesSetting UP Programming the Macro ButtonsTo Erase a Macro Sequence AN Example of Programming a Macro SequenceOn Screen Display Front Panel Display Setup Menus Accessing The Setup MenusMain Menu AN Example of the Main MenuLevel Setup Menu Tone Controls MenuDelay Setup Menu SpeakerSpeaker Setup Menu Bass MixSource Original Source New Source Remote Control Number Source Setup MenuTable for Recording NEW Source Names Display Setup Menu Trigger Setup MenuFrequently Asked Questions Customer SupportHow do I set up Zone 2? How do I hook up a DVD player?How do I change the title of a source? Does the Status display always have to be visible?Trouble Shooting Guide ATP 8500 Specifications Stereo Analog InputsGeneral Maintenance And Service Limited SEVEN-YEAR Warranty Obligation To Make ChangesPage Date of Purchase Model Number Serial Number Where Purchased Save For Your ReferenceAmplifier Technologies, Inc ATI 19528 Ventura Boulevard #318

ATP 8500 specifications

The ATI Technologies ATP 8500 is a significant graphics card that made its mark in the early 2000s, particularly among gamers and graphic designers looking for advanced performance at an affordable price point. Released as part of ATI's Radeon series, the ATP 8500 was lauded for its innovative technologies that set it apart from its competitors.

One of the primary features of the ATP 8500 is its support for DirectX 8, allowing it to render stunning graphics with realistic textures and effects. This capability was especially important during the early days of 3D gaming, where the demand for improved visuals was rising. The card utilized a 0.15-micron manufacturing process, which enabled better power efficiency and performance compared to its predecessors.

The ATP 8500 comes with 64MB or 128MB of DDR memory, offering respectable memory bandwidth speeds that were well-suited for most games at the time. This memory design facilitated quicker data access and improved overall rendering speeds, which enhanced the gaming experience without causing significant frame rate drops.

Another notable feature of the ATP 8500 is its implementation of the HyperZ technology. This was a revolutionary technology that improved memory bandwidth efficiency through techniques like occlusion culling and fast Z-buffering. As a result, the graphics card was capable of efficiently rendering complex scenes without overloading its memory resources, which was crucial for maintaining performance in graphically intense situations.

The card also introduced Adaptive Anti-Aliasing, which helped to smooth out jagged edges in graphics, creating a more visually appealing experience. This feature made it easier for gamers to immerse themselves in their virtual worlds, as the overall graphical fidelity was significantly enhanced.

In addition to its gaming capabilities, the ATI Technologies ATP 8500 also catered to multimedia applications. It supported video playback and included features for high-quality rendering of movies and animation, further broadening its appeal beyond just the gaming community.

In conclusion, the ATI Technologies ATP 8500 was a remarkable graphics card that combined cutting-edge technology with impressive performance characteristics. Its support for advanced graphics rendering, efficient memory handling, and multimedia capabilities made it a popular choice for users looking for a balance of performance and value during its time. The legacy of the ATP 8500 paved the way for future innovations in graphics technology, and it remains a memorable part of ATI's history in the competitive graphics card market.
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