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Component Video

Typically used on DVD players and HDTV systems, component video is a standard Red/Green/Blue (RGB) color signal for televisions. The signal is split and compressed into separate luminance and color values—luminance (“Y”), red minus luminance (R-Y), and blue minus luminance (B-Y). The value for green is not transmitted. The display device automatically “fills in” the color values that are not red or blue. DVDs are encoded using component video, so display devices will provide enhanced playback when this type of connection is used. A common variant of this format used in North America is YPbPr.

Composite Video

Composite video is a type of analog video signal that combines both brightness and color information into a single signal. It typically uses a single RCA connection for the video channel, and separate RCA connections for the left and right audio channels. The quality of the video signal is reduced by the process of mixing the brightness and multiple color channels together into a single channel. For this reason it is inferior in signal quality than either S-Video or component video. Composite video is the broadcast format for analog television signals worldwide, and connections are typically available on VCRs, DVD players and video games.

Compositing Engine

A chip that is available only on CrossFire™ Edition graphics cards. This chip takes the signals from the GPUs on both the Master graphics card and the Slave graphics card and combines the results according to the selected operating mode. It then sends the final frames out to the display device. It is capable of advanced blending operations without burdening either of the GPUs.

Control Point

A control point is a user-created point on the color curve. Users can change the color of the screen by moving the control points with a mouse.

CRT

Acronym for “cathode ray tube”, which is the main component of computer monitors and TVs. Color CRTs use three separate electron beams fired

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ATI Technologies X1550 SERIES manual Component Video, Composite Video, Compositing Engine, Control Point
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X1550 SERIES specifications

The ATI Technologies X1550 series, released in 2006, is a key component of the Radeon line aimed at delivering affordable yet capable graphics performance for entry-level desktop and mobile computing. This graphics card series is based on the RV530 architecture, which was designed to offer strong visual quality and a variety of features suited for mainstream users.

One of the standout characteristics of the X1550 series is its support for DirectX 9.0c and Shader Model 3.0. This enables the card to handle a range of graphics-intensive applications and games that utilize advanced shading techniques, providing a richer visual experience. Additionally, the inclusion of OpenGL support empowers software development for applications in CAD and 3D rendering, making it versatile for both gamers and professional users alike.

The X1550 series caters to various segments with different configurations, including the X1550 Pro, X1550, and X1550 XT. Users can expect these cards to come equipped with 128MB to 512MB of GDDR2 or GDDR3 memory, depending on the model. The memory bandwidth and capacity enhance the ability to render graphics smoothly even at higher resolutions, ensuring that users can enjoy a decent gaming experience on budget.

Another significant feature of the X1550 series is its implementation of ATI’s Avivo technology, which enhances video playback and enables high-quality video encoding. Avivo includes features such as UVD (Unified Video Decoder), allowing for efficient video playback and improved power management, which is especially beneficial for laptops.

The card also supports ATI's CrossFire multi-GPU technology, which allows users to link multiple graphics cards for enhanced performance in gaming and graphic rendering tasks. This scalability ensures that even entry-level graphics solutions can meet the demands of more modern applications when combined with another compatible card.

In terms of connectivity, the X1550 series comes with various output options, including DVI and VGA outputs, ensuring compatibility with a wide array of monitors. Some models also support HDMI, enabling users to connect to high-definition displays for an expanded viewing experience.

Overall, the ATI Technologies X1550 series stands out as a cost-effective solution for users seeking decent graphics performance without the financial investment associated with higher-end models. Its balance of features, from support for modern graphics APIs to video playback technologies, makes it a noteworthy option for entry-level gaming and general multimedia tasks.
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