ATI Technologies 3D XPRESSION User manual

i
3D XPRESSION
User’s Guide
Version 1.0 CD
© Copyright 1996, by ATI Technologies Inc.
All rights reserved, including those to reproduce this guide or parts thereof, in any form without
the express written permission of ATI Technologies Inc.
Features and specifications are subject to change without notice. Trademarks and/or registered
trademarks are the properties of their respective owners:
ATI, mach64, 3D XPRESSION, 3D RAGE, ATI DeskTop, FlexDesk+, DeskScape, WinSwitch
— ATI Technologies Inc.; AutoCAD, AutoShade, 3D Studio — Autodesk Inc.; MicroStation —
Bentley Systems Inc.; Pentium, Pentium Pro — Intel Corporation;
IBM, PC, VGA, OS/2 — International Business Machines Corp.; Windows 3.1x, Windows95,
Windows NT, Video for Windows — Microsoft Corp.; MultiSync — NEC Technologies Inc.;
VL-Bus, VESA — Video Electronics Standards Association.
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ii
Disclaimer
The manufacturer (MFR) reserves the right to make changes to this
document and the products which it describeswithout notice. The
MFR shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions
made herein; nor for incidental or consequential damages resulting
from the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.
The MFR makes no representation that the interconnection of products
in the manner described herein will not infringe on existing or future
patent rights, nor do the descriptions contained herein imply the
granting of license to make, use or sell equipment constructed in
accordance with this description.
The PCI mach64 accelerators have been designed to support the PCI
local bus standards.Some computersuse proprietary local bus circuitry
and therefore may not be fully compatible with the MFR’s local bus
cards. Although tested successfully in a wide variety of computer
systems, the MFR cannot be held responsible for any incompatibilities
which may occur between this card and the system configuration you
plan to use. We recommend that you check with the dealer or
distributor for your computer system before installing your card.
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iii
Table of Contents
Getting Started ...............................................................1
What is 3D XPRESSION? ..................................................2
What’s in the Package? .......................................................3
System Requirements ..........................................................3
Using this Guide ..................................................................4
Other Sources of Information ..............................................4
Hardware Installation ....................................................5
Preparing Your Computer ...................................................6
Installing the Hardware .......................................................7
Installing ATI’s Enhanced Drivers .............................11
Installing Enhanced Drivers for Windows 95 ...................12
Installing Software MPEG for Windows 95 ...............13
Installing Enhanced Drivers for Windows NT ..................14
Installing Enhanced Drivers for Windows 3.1x ................15
Using Software MPEG with Windows 3.1x ................17
Installing Enhanced Drivers for OS/2 ...............................18
Installing Enhanced Drivers for AutoCAD .......................20
Installing Enhanced Drivers for MicroStation ..................22
Using VESA BIOS Extensions .........................................24
Special Features ..........................................................25
Adding ATI’s TV Tuner ....................................................26
Adding ATI’s Hardware MPEG ........................................26
Reference .....................................................................27
Running Diagnostics .........................................................28
Troubleshooting Tips .........................................................29
ATI Multimedia Channel ..................................................32
Specifications ....................................................................33
Video Mode Table .............................................................34
Compliance Information ....................................................35
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1
CHAPTER 1
Getting Started
Welcome to the exciting world of 3D! This new technology
adds a new dimension to your computer experience.
ATI’s 3D XPRESSION brings games to lifewith stunning
graphics and screaming fast action previously available only on
gaming consoles. Its features will transform your computer into
a high performance multimedia workstation.
This guide provides all the information you need to install the
3D XPRESSION. Enjoy the new dimension!
IN THIS CHAPTER...
• What is 3D XPRESSION?
• What’s in the Package?
• SystemRequirements
• Using this Guide
• Other Sources of Information
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2 Getting Started
What is 3D XPRESSION?
The 3D XPRESSION isa 3D games and multimedia accelerator
card. It uses ATI’s 3D RAGE accelerator chip to provide
advanced 3D support, accelerated 2D graphics, and TV quality
video.
Games andsoftware applications that support the 3D RAGE run
with fluid motion and in brilliant color. Graphics are smooth
and highly detailed.
The 3D XPRESSION’s advanced features support the next
generation of3D capabilities:
• Mip maps
• Gouraud shading
• Lit and video textures
• Alpha blending and fog effects
• Six levels of texture mapping
• Perspectively correct texture mapping
The 3D XPRESSION is a part of ATI’s legendary mach64
family of graphics accelerators. Your existing 2D games and
applications will snap to life with 64-bit acceleration and faster,
more vibrant colors.
Viewing full-screen, full-motion video is now possible with the
3D XPRESSION’s superiorMPEG and video playback. The
TV quality video playback is the best available today.
For future expansion, you can use the ATI Multimedia Channel
to blend the entertainment of your TV with the intelligence of
your PC. ATI’s TVtunerand hardware MPEG player are add-in
cards designed to work with the 3D XPRESSION. (For more
information, see Special Features on page 25.)
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Getting Started 3
What’s in the Package?
Your package includes the following hardware, software, and
documentation:
• 3D XPRESSION accelerator card
• ATI’s Installation CD-ROM
• User’s Guide
If any components are missing or damaged, please contact your
dealer.
System Requirements
•Computer System — 486/Pentium®/Pentium Pro®, or
compatible systems with PCI Local Bus
•Expansion Slot — 32-bit PCI Local Bus
•Operating System — DOS 5.0 or higher, Windows 95®,
Windows 3.1x®, Windows NT®, orOS/2
Software MPEG playback is currently supported in
Windows 95 and Windows 3.1x.
•Monitor — VGA, supporting minimum 640x480 resolution.
A Plug-and-Play monitor which supports VESA’s Display
Channel specifications (DDC1 or DDC2b) is required to
take advantage of the DDC1/DDC2b features.
•Display Drivers — Any standard VGA or VESA drivers
For best performance, install ATI’smach64 enhanced
drivers that are supplied in this package.
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4 Getting Started
Using this Guide
The organization of this guide is as follows:
Other Sources of Information
If you need additional help or require information that is not
included in this guide, see the following sources of information:
Readme File
This file contains the latest information aboutyour
3D XPRESSION.
To view the Readme file in DOS
1InsertATI’s Installation CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive.
2Type D: (If Dis not yourCD-ROM drive, substitute Dwith the
correct drive letter).
3Type README.
Online Help
If you require additional information, you can refer to the online
help available under Windows 3.1x and Windows 95 for more
information about using ATI’s mach64 enhanced drivers.
Hardware Installation contains step by step instructions to
help you place your card in your computer.
Reference contains troubleshooting tips and specifications
about your card.
Installing ATI’s Enhanced Drivers describes how to
install display driver software.
Special Features explains how you can take advantage of
the extra add-in features.
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5
CHAPTER 2
Hardware Installation
Installing your 3D XPRESSION consists of two easy steps.
• Placing the card in your computer
• Installing ATI’s mach64 enhanced display drivers
This chapter explains how to place your card in your computer.
.
IN THIS CHAPTER...
• Preparing Your Computer
• Installing the Hardware
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6 Hardware Installation
Preparing Your Computer
If you are using an operating system other than Windows 95,
you may need to do the following before installing your card:
• If your current system configuration uses special drivers that
are not 640x480 VGA, you may encounter conflicts with the
card. We recommend that you first reconfigure your
operating system to use a standard VGA driver before
installing the card. For more information about changing
your operating system configuration, see your operating
system documentation.
Discharge your body’s static electric charge by touching
a grounded surface — e.g., the metal surface of the
power supply — before performing any hardware
procedure.
The manufacturer assumes no liability for any damage,
caused directly or indirectly, by improper installation of
any components by unauthorized service personnel. If
you do not feel comfortable performing the installation,
consult a qualified computer technician.
Damage to systemcomponents, the acceleratorcard, and
injury to yourself may result if power is applied during
installation.
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Hardware Installation 7
Installing the Hardware
Now that you have prepared your computer, you are ready to
install your 3D XPRESSION.
To install your 3D XPRESSION
1Power off the computer and monitor, then disconnect the
monitor cable from the back of your computer.
2Remove the computer cover. If necessary, consult your
computer system manual about removing the cover.
MONITOR CABLE
VIDEO OUTPUT
CONNECTOR
Remember to
discharge your
body’s static
electricity by
touching the
metal surface
of the computer
chassis.
POWER SUPPLY
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8 Hardware Installation
3If there is an existing graphics card, remove it from your
computer.
or
If your computer has any on-board graphics capability, you may
need to disable it on the motherboard. For more information, see
your computer documentation.
4Align your card with an empty PCI expansion slot and gently
insert it into place. You may need to remove the cover from the
rear of the PCI expansion slot that you selected.
If the old
graphics card
sticks, rock it
gently from
end to end.
Remember to
save the screw. SCREW
OLD GRAPHICS CARD
Grasp the
card by the top
edge and
carefully seat it
firmly into the
PCI slot.
3D XPRESSION
PCI EXPANSION SLOT
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Hardware Installation 9
5Replace the screw to fasten the card in place, and replace the
computer cover.
6Plug the monitor into your card, then turn on the computer and
monitor.
You are now ready to proceed to Chapter 3 and install ATI’s
mach64 enhanced drivers.
SCREW
3D XPRESSION
Make sure
your monitor
cable is
securely
fastened.
MONITOR CABLE
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10 Hardware Installation
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11
CHAPTER 3
Installing ATI’s
Enhanced Drivers
Your computer uses programs called graphics drivers to display
information onthe screen. ATI’s mach64 enhanced drivers give
you more features than standard VGAdrivers, such as enhanced
speed, resolution, color depth, and graphic utilities.
This chapter explains how you install ATI’s mach64 enhanced
drivers.
IN THIS CHAPTER...
• Installing Enhanced Drivers for
Windows 95
Installing SoftwareMPEG for
Windows 95
• Installing Enhanced Drivers for
Windows NT
• Installing Enhanced Drivers for
Windows 3.1x
Using Software MPEG with
Windows 3.1x
• Installing Enhanced Drivers for OS/2
• Installing Enhanced Drivers for
AutoCAD
• Installing Enhanced Drivers for
MicroStation
• Using VESA BIOS Extensions
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12 Installing ATI’s Enhanced Drivers
Installing Enhanced Drivers for
Windows 95
After placing your card in the computer, Windows 95 will
automatically detecta change to your hardware configuration and
install a standard VGA display driver.
You need to install ATI’s mach64 enhanced driver for
Windows 95 to take advantage of your card’s higher
performance, resolutions, and special features not available
using the standard VGA display driver.
To install the mach64 enhanced driver for Windows 95
1Insert ATI’s Installation CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive.
If Windows 95 runs the ATIINSTALLATION CD-ROM
automatically, proceed to step 5.
2Click Start.
3Select Run.
4Type the following:
D:\ATISETUP
(If Dis not yourCD-ROM drive, substitute D with the correct
drive letter.)
5Click on Display Drivers.
6Follow the online screen instructions to complete the
installation.
Select an enhanced driver from the following list:
• Windows 95, see below
• Windows NT, see page 14
• Windows 3.1x, see page 15
• OS/2, see page 18
• AutoCAD, see page 20
• MicroStation, see page 22
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Installing ATI’s Enhanced Drivers 13
Installing Software MPEG for Windows 95
Now that you have installed ATI’s mach64 enhanced
driver for Windows 95, you can install the ATI VIDEO
PLAYER—a software MPEG player.
The ATI VIDEO PLAYER provides full-motion, full-screen
MPEG video playback with excellent color quality.
You must installATI’s mach64 enhanced driver before
installing the ATI VIDEO PLAYER. For the best playback
quality, the recommended requirement for the ATI VIDEO
PLAYER is a Pentium system.
To install the ATI VIDEO PLAYER for Windows 95
1Insert ATI’s Installation CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive.
If Windows 95 runs the ATIINSTALLATION CD-ROM
automatically, proceed to step 5.
2Click Start.
3Select Run.
4Type the following:
D:\ATISETUP
(If Dis not yourCD-ROM drive, substitute D with the correct
drive letter.)
5Click ATIVIDEO PLAYER.
6Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
To open the ATI VIDEO PLAYER forWindows 95
1Click Start.
2Select Programs.
3Select ATI Multimedia.
4Click ATIVIDEO PLAYER.
For information about using the controls of the ATI VIDEO
PLAYER, see the online help.
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14 Installing ATI’s Enhanced Drivers
Installing Enhanced Drivers for
Windows NT
After installing your graphics card, Windows NT will default to
standard VGA mode (640 x 480, 16 colors). The procedure
below describes how you install ATI’s mach64 enhanced driver
for Windows NT 3.5, and 3.51.
To install the mach64 enhanced driver for Windows NT
1Boot Windows NT.
2Double-click the Main icon.
3Double-click the Control Panel icon.
4Double-click the Display icon.
5Click Change Display Type.
6Click Change.
7Click Other.
8InsertATI’s Installation CD-ROM into yourCD-ROM drive.
For Windows NT 3.5, type the following:
D:\NT35 (If Dis not your CD-ROM drive, substitute D with the
correct drive letter), then click OK.
For Windows NT 3.51, type the following:
D:\NT351 (If Dis not your CD-ROM drive, substitute D with the
correct drive letter), then click OK.
9Select ATI Graphics Accelerators.
10 Click Install.
11 Click Yes to change your system configuration.
12 Click Continue to confirm the full path name.
13 After the files have been copied to your computer, click OK.
14 Reboot Windows NT.
After reboot, the Invalid Display Settings window appears.
15 Click OK.
The Display Settings dialogue box appears.
16 Select a desired display mode. For more detailed information
about changing your display mode, click Help.
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Installing ATI’s Enhanced Drivers 15
Installing Enhanced Drivers for
Windows 3.1x
To install ATI’s mach64 enhanced drivers for Window 3.1x,
you use the INSTALL program. This program checks the
system for possible conflicts and installs the mach64 enhanced
display driver.
The INSTALL program is a DOS application and cannot be
run inside a Windows DOS box.
To install the mach64 enhanced driver for
Windows 3.1x
1Insert ATI’s Installation CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive.
2Pull-down the File menu in the Program Manager.
3Select Run.
4Type the following:
D:\ATISETUP
(If Dis not yourCD-ROM drive, substitute D with the correct
drive letter.)
5Click on Display Drivers.
6Follow the online screen instructions to complete the
installation.
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16 Installing ATI’s Enhanced Drivers
The ATI DeskTop
The INSTALL Program automatically creates the ATI Desktop
Program Group when you install the mach64 enhanced driver
for Windows.
For correct resolution and refresh rate operation, you need to
select a monitor using Screen Adjustment. Please refer to the
online help for more information about how to use the ATI
DeskTop.
YourATI DeskTop includes the following features:
•Flexdesk+ — allows you to change the color depth, screen
size, and desktop size attributes of the driver within
Windows.
•DPMS — allows your DPMS compatible monitor to save up
to 80% energy and extend monitor life.
•DeskScape —allows you to pan across an off-screen work
space and zoom in for more detail when using smaller
monitors.
•WinSwitch —switches display modes instantly. You can
toggle between modes without having to quit Windows.
•Color Correction — enables you to adjust the screen color
to match a printed copy in 256 color mode.
•Screen Adjustment — enables you to adjust the screen size,
centering, refresh rate, and monitor configuration within
Windows.
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