(4) TAPE INPUT/OUTPUT

These connectors are for all types of tape recorders, including 3-head types, which allow you to monitor the signal from the tape at the same time it is being recorded. Connect a stereo cable pair from the TAPE REC output sockets of the preamp to the LINE IN or RECORD IN sockets of your tape recorder. Connect a second pair of stereo cables from the TAPE PLAY input sockets to the LINE OUT or PLAY OUT sockets of your tape recorder.Using the TAPE loop you can monitor the level and quality of the recording at the same time as the recording takes place. You can also use it for connecting external devices (such as an equalizer) to the signal path. Note: do not use an equalizer across the Tape Loop. Any ANALOG stereo source you have selected on the ATP 8500 will be automatically fed to the TAPE REC output sockets for recording. You cannot make a recording from a source that is connected ONLY to the digital inputs or the 7.1 channel inputs.

(5) RECORD OUTPUTS 1 & 2

The REC outputs carry the signal from the currently selected ANALOG stereo source device (except the source connected to the TAPE PLAY input or the 7.1 CHANNEL INPUT). You can connect these outputs to the inputs of any recording device. The signal can also be used in a multi-room set-up to feed power amplifiers in other rooms.

(6) ZONE AUDIO OUTPUT

This is an additional stereo output that is routed separately from the primary signal. In other words, you can watch one video/audio program in the living room, and send a different video/audio signal to the bedroom. Zone 2 sends a different source from the ATP 8500 to a power amplifier and a pair of loudspeakers that are located in another room. Note: the video signal follows this Zone 2 audio.

(7)7.1 CHANNEL INPUTS (LEFT FRONT, CENTER, RIGHT FRONT, LEFT SURROUND, RIGHT SURROUND, LEFT REAR, RIGHT REAR AND SUBWOOFER)

Connect the audio inline outputs from any multi-channel analog source such as a Super Audio CD (SACD) player or a DVD-Audio player to these inputs by using up to eight interconnect cables (or four stereo cable pairs). The 7.1 CHANNEL inputs may be used with stereo, mono, 5.1 channel or 7.1 channel sources.

You can also use these inputs as an “Analog Direct” input if you want to bypass the digital section of ATP 8500. Note: In this case you cannot use the record outputs.

(8)7.1 CHANNEL OUTPUTS (LEFT FRONT, CENTER, RIGHT FRONT, LEFT SURROUND, RIGHT SURROUND, LEFT REAR, RIGHT REAR AND SUBWOOFER)

Connect these outputs to the line inputs of your power amplifiers. The SUB output is normally fed to the low-level Line Input of an active subwoofer. Alternatively it may feed a passive subwoofer with a separate power amplifier. These 7.1 outputs are available at two different types of connectors:

The deluxe RCA style phono jacks on the upper right of the rear panel. The balanced XLR connectors running across the center of the rear panel.

Both connectors can be used at the same time because they have two completely separate drive amplifier sections. In fact, the balanced audio output circuitry of the ATP 8500 is superior to products costing 2-3 times more than the ATP 8500. As per professional audio standards, pin 2 of the output connector is “hot”. This is also true of the balanced XLR input connectors.

The LEFT REAR (LR) and RIGHT REAR (RR) outputs are reserved for future surround formats. These outputs carry the analog signal that is fed to the LEFT REAR and RIGHT REAR 7.1 CHANNEL INPUTS<None> so that ATP 8500 can be used with an external 7.1 channel analog source connected to the 7.1 channel inputs. In the future it will be possible to fit the ATP 8500 with hardware/software capable of decoding 7.1 channel digital sources.

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ATI Technologies ATP 8500 manual Tape INPUT/OUTPUT, Record Outputs 1, Zone Audio Output
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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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