NOISE

This key switches on the Noise Test signal, after the LEVEL key has been pressed or the level setup entered from the setup menu. A broadband noise is sent first to the Left Front Channel for a few seconds, the to the Center Channel and so on through the other channels. You can also use the level TRIM keys to adjust the level of any channel during this cycle (see below). While the level is being trimmed, the noise signal remains directed to that channel and it will only move to the next channel after the trimming has been completed.

MODE+ AND MODE–

These keys function in the same way as the MODE button on the front panel, but allow selection up and down through the available modes. You can use the MODE button to cycle through the Music Modes that are available when you select a 2-channel digital or analog source. The Modes are as follows: STEREO, MONO, PRO LOGIC and MUSIC and they are described in the table below. If you select a multi-channel digital source, the ATP 8500 will automatically use the most appropriate multi-channel processing format.

SW+ AND SW–

These keys function as the Subwoofer volume adjustment. If you have pressed LEVEL (or DELAY), then these keys are for trimming speaker levels of the LEVEL mode or speaker delays in the DELAY mode. First press LEVEL (or DELAY) and then trim by using these keys.

CTR+ AND CTR–

These keys adjust the level of the center channel speaker.

SURR+ AND SURR–

These keys adjust the volume of the surround speakers.

BRIGHT

This toggles between 3 levels of brightness of the front panel video display.

LOCK

Pressing this button locks the front panel of the ATP 8500 from use (the front panel controls won’t work). Pressing again unlocks the front panel controls. If you lose the remote, but have locked the front panel controls, simply turn off the ATP 8500 using the REAR panel power switch, and turn it back on again. The front panel controls will now operate.

ZONE (same as ZONE 2 on the front panel)

Press the ZONE button. Quickly, while the Zone 2 LED on the front panel is on, press a source button (DVD for example), then adjust the volume level. Now don’t touch anything until the Zone 2 LED goes off. You’ve now set a different source (or the same source if you prefer) AND volume level for a second zone.

LIGHT

The backlight will turn on for seven seconds when the LIGHT button is pressed. The light will remain on for another seven seconds whenever any other button is pressed while the light is on.

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ATI Technologies ATP 8500 manual Noise, MODE+ and Mode, SW+ and SW, CTR+ and CTR, SURR+ and Surr, Bright, Lock, Light
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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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