TYAN TACHYON G9500 Series, TACHYON G9000 Series, TACHYON G9200 Series, TACHYON G9700 Series User Manual

i

TACHYON

Series

Graphics Card

User’s Guide

Revision 3.0

Copyright Notice

The material in this document is the intellectual property of TYAN. While we take every care in the
preparation of this document, we cannot guarantee the correctness of all the content. Our
products undergo continual improvement and we reserve the right to make changes without
notice.

Trademarks

All trademarks and Registered Trademarks used in this manual are the property of their
respective owners.
VGA is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
All rights reserved.

ii

Important Safety Precautions

Always read and follow these basic safety precautions carefully when handling any piece of
electronic component.

1. Keep this User’s Guide for future reference.

2. Keep this equipment away from humidity.

3. Lay this equipment on a stable, flat surface before setting it up.

4. The openings on the enclosure are for air convection; hence they protect the equipment from
overheating.

5. Make sure the voltage of the power source and adjust properly 110/220V before connecting
the equipment to the power inlet.

6. Place the power cord in a way that people are unlikely to step on it. Do not place anything on
the power cord.

7. Always Unplug the Power Cord before inserting any add-on card or module.

8. All cautions and warnings on the equipment should be noted.

9. Never pour any liquid into the opening that could damage the equipment or cause an
electrical shock.

10. If any of the following situations arise, get the equipment checked by a service personnel:

The power cord or plug is damaged
Liquid has penetrated into the equipment
The equipment has been exposed to moisture
The equipment has not functioned properly or in accordance with the User’s Guide
The equipment was dropped and damaged
The equipment has obvious signs of breakage

11. DO NOT LEAVE THE EQUIPMENT IN AN UNCONDITIONED ENVIRONMENT WITH A
STORAGE TEMPERATURE OF 60°C (140 °F) OR ABOVE. IT MAY DAMAGE THE
EQUIPMENT.

iii

FCC Information

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates
radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning
the equipment off and on. The user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:

• Reorient the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connecting the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is

connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference and, (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Notice to user: Changes or modifications to this product not approved by the party
responsible for FCC compliance could void your authority to operate this equipment.

In order for an installation of this product to maintain compliance with the limits for a Class B
device, shielded cables must be used for the connection of any devices external to this product.

CE Information

EMC Directive 89/336/ EEC and Amendment 92/31/ECC, Class B Digital Device
EN 50081-1, Generic Emissions Standard for Residential, Commercial and Light Industrial
Products
(EN 55022/CISPR 22, Limits and Methods of Measurement of Radio Interference
Characteristics Information Technology Equipment) Warning: This is a Class B product. In a

domestic environment this product may cause radio interference in which case the user may be
required to take adequate measures.

EN 50082-1, Generic Immunity Standard for Residential, Commercial and Light Industrial
Products
(IEC 801-2, IEC 801-3, IEC 801-4)

For further compliance information, please send requests to [e-mail].

iv

v

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction....................................................................................................................................... 1

Overview.......................................................................................................................................... 1

Item Checklist.................................................................................................................................. 1

Specifications................................................................................................................................... 2

Tachyon G9000 series................................................................................................................2

Tachyon G9700 series................................................................................................................2

Tachyon G9500 series................................................................................................................3

Tachyon G9200 series................................................................................................................3

System Requirement.......................................................................................................................4

Features............................................................................................................................................ 4

Tachyon G9000 / G9200 series ..................................................................................................4

Tachyon G9700 / G9500 series ..................................................................................................5

CATALYST™ Software Suite....................................................................................................... 6

Multiple Displays and 3D Gaming Experience.......................................................................... 6

Direct 3D

®

and OpenGL®..........................................................................................................6

HYDRAVISION™.....................................................................................................................6

Chapter 2 Installing the Hardware and Software.............................................................................................7

Uninstalling your current video card and driver......................................................................... 8

Installing Your Tachyon Graphics Card...................................................................................... 9

To install your card..................................................................................................................... 9

Windows

®

“New Hardware Found”............................................................................................13

To identify new hardware in Windows

®

98, Windows® Me, Windows® 2000 or

Windows

®

XP............................................................................................................................13

Installing the ATI Driver for Windows

®

98 /Windows® Me/Windows® 2000/ Windows® XP 13

Chapter 3 Multiple Displays(optional)............................................................................................................15

Connecting Your Monitor(s)........................................................................................................15

Display Configurations.................................................................................................................15

Chapter 4 CATALYST™ Software Suite.......................................................................................................17

ATI Displays Tab.......................................................................................................................... 17

Enabling/Disabling Secondary Displays (optional) .................................................................17

Enabling Extended Desktop Mode (optional).......................................................................... 18

Dynamic Display Reassignment (optional).............................................................................. 18

Virtually Repositioning Your Displays (optional).................................................................... 19

ATI Color Tab...............................................................................................................................20

ATI Options Tab........................................................................................................................... 22

ATI Overlay Tab...........................................................................................................................23

Video Overlay ..........................................................................................................................23

Clone Mode Settings................................................................................................................ 25

Chapter 5 Direct 3D

®

Control Panel............................................................................................................... 27

Main and Custom Settings...........................................................................................................27

Direct 3D

®

Compatibility Settings................................................................................................30

Chapter 6 OpenGL

®

Control Panel................................................................................................................31

vi

Main and Custom Settings...........................................................................................................31

OpenGL

®

Compatibility Settings................................................................................................. 34

Chapter 7 SMARTGART™.............................................................................................................................35

Set AGP Settings......................................................................................................................35

Fast Write................................................................................................................................. 35

Retest All.................................................................................................................................. 36

Chapter 8 Using TV Out...................................................................................................................................37

View your PC’s display on a TV..............................................................................................37

Connecting to a TV or a VCR......................................................................................................37

Starting W ind ows

®

with TV Display Enabled..........................................................................38

Using SCART Connectors for European TVs..........................................................................39

How T o Enable/Disable The TV Display................................................................................. 39

How TV Display Cannot Be Used........................................................................................... 40

Using a Monitor vs. Using the TV Display..............................................................................40

Adjusting Monitor Display.......................................................................................................40

Viewing Text on a TV.............................................................................................................. 40

Reducing Edge Distortion........................................................................................................ 41

Changing Display Configurations............................................................................................42

Changing TV Format................................................................................................................42

Using Games and Applications ................................................................................................ 43

Appendix 1 --- Troubleshooting Tips...............................................................................................................44

Appendix 2 --- Acronyms..................................................................................................................................45

If you would like to download our Multi-Language User’s Guide, please refer
to our website at:

HTTP://WWW.TYAN.COM/SUPPORT/HTML/MANUALS_GC.HTML.

Chapter 1 Introduction

http://www.tyan.com 1

Chapter 1
Introduction

Overview

The Tachyon series graphic accelerators deliver ground breaking 3D
graphics performance.

 Designed and built by TYAN Computer Corp.
 Powered by the RADEON™ 9700/ RADEON™ 9500/ RADEON™

9200/ RADEON™ 9000 series of Visual Processing Units (VPU).

 Awesome 3D gaming performance.
 Support for OpenGL

®

applications.

 Support for Direct 3D

®

applications.

 High resolution in 3D up to 2048x1536.
 Best performance for today’s and tomorrow’s applications.
 Supports TV-out to connect your PC to your TV or VCR.

Item Checklist

Check that your package is complete. If you discover damaged or missing
items, contact your retailer.

 Tachyon Graphics Card
 Tachyon Graphics Card User’s Guide / Quick Installation Guide
 Graphics Card Driver CD with WinDVD

®

player

 Three cables support S-Video and TV-Output
 DVI to D-Sub adaptor (Optional)
 Power Extension Cable (For Tachyon G9700/G9500 series only)

Tachyon Graphic Card

2

Specifications

Tachyon G9000 series

 ATI RADEON™ 9000 Pro - 128-bit Visual Processing Unit (VPU);

275 MHz Engine/550 MHz Memory clock speed.
ATI RADEON™ 9000 - 128-bit Visual Processing Unit (VPU); 250
MHz Engine/400 MHz Memory clock speed

 64MB of DDR memory
 Supports resolutions up to 2048 x 1536 @ 60Hz
 SMARTSHADER™ advanced shader technology,

SMOOTHVISION™ flexible anti-aliasing, CHARISMA ENGINE™ II

geometry engine, PIXEL TAPESTRY™ II rendering engine, VIDEO

IMMERSION™ II digital video features, and more

 Optimized for DirectX™ 8/8.1 and OpenGL 1.3
 Dual independent 400MHz DACs
 VGA, DVI and S-Video connectors; S-Video supports NTSC and PAL
 AGP 4X/2X compatible

Tachyon G9700 series

 ATI RADEON™ 9700 Pro - 256-bit Visual Processing Unit (VPU);

325 MHz Engine/620 MHz Memory clock speed.

 128MB of high-speed DDR memory
 128-bit floating color
 Supports resolutions up to 2048 x 1536 @ 60Hz
 SMARTSHADER™ 2.0 advanced shader technology, HYPER Z™ III,

SMOOTHVISION™ 2.0 flexible anti-aliasing, VIDEOSHADER™

VIDEOSTREAM™ digital video features, and more

 Optimized for DirectX™ 9 and OpenGL 1.3
 Dual independent 400MHz DACs
 VGA, DVI and S-Video connectors; S-Video supports NTSC and PAL
 AGP 8X/4X/2X compatible

Chapter 1 Introduction

http://www.tyan.com 3

Tachyon G9500 series

 ATI RADEON™ 9500 Pro - 128-bit Visual Processing Unit (VPU);

275 MHz Engine/540 MHz Memory clock speed.

 128MB of DDR memory
 128-bit floating color
 Supports resolutions up to 2048 x 1536 @ 60Hz
 SMARTSHADER™ 2.0 advanced shader technology, HYPER Z™ III,

SMOOTHVISION™ 2.0 flexible anti-aliasing, VIDEOSHADER™

VIDEOSTREAM™ digital video features, and more

 Optimized for DirectX™ 9 and OpenGL 1.3
 Dual independent 400MHz DACs
 VGA, DVI and S-Video connectors; S-Video supports NTSC and PAL
 AGP 8X/4X/2X compatible

Tachyon G9200 series

 ATI RADEON™ 9200 Pro - 128-bit Visual Processing Unit (VPU);

275 MHz Engine/550 MHz Memory clock speed.
ATI RADEON™ 9200 - 128-bit Visual Processing Unit (VPU); 250
MHz Engine/400 MHz Memory clock speed

 64MB / 128MB of DDR memory
 Supports resolutions up to 2048 x 1536 @ 60Hz
 SMARTSHADER™ supports Microsoft® DirectX® 8.1 feature sets,

SMOOTHVISION™ delivers the sharpest, clearest textures without

sacrificing frame rates, VIDEO IMMERSION™ II provide

unprecedented support for digital and high definition video

 Optimized for DirectX™ 8/8.1 and OpenGL 1.3
 Dual independent 400MHz DACs
 VGA, DVI and S-Video connectors; S-Video supports NTSC and PAL
 AGP 8X/4X/2X compatible

Tachyon Graphic Card

4

System Requirement

Computer System

 Pentium®4/III/II/ Celeron™, AMD K6/ Athlon® or

compatible with AGP 8X/4X/2X bus slot

 128MB system memory
 Installation software requires CD-ROM or

DVD-ROM drive

 DVD playback requires DVD drive
 Sound Card supported by Windows® with

available line input.

 Interactive Program Guide requires internet

connection

 Remote control receiver requires available USB

port

Expansion Slot AGP 8X/4X/2X slot

Operating System

Windows®98/SE, Windows®Me, Windows®2000,
Windows®XP

Monitor

VGA, supporting minimum 640x480 resolution. A
Plug-and-Play monitor that supports VESA’s
Display Channel specifications (DDC1 or DDC2b)
is required to take advantage of the DDC1/DDC2b
features.
The DVI-I interface on Tachyon series graphics
cards can be used to attach a DVI display or an
analog VGA monitor, using the supplied
DVI-I-to-VGA adapter.
HYDRAVISION™ technology supports DVI or
CRT monitor and television.

Features

Tachyon G9000 / G9200 series

The Tachyon G9000 / G9200 series card provides high performance acceleration
for today's demanding 3D graphic applications. Its main features are:

 VIDEO IMMERSION™ II which provides industry-leading DVD

playback and digital TV decode capability

 CHARISMA ENGINE™ II which is the main VPU, providing the

Chapter 1 Introduction

http://www.tyan.com 5

necessary power to accelerate today’s 3D games and applications

 SMARTSHADER™ technology which can realistically create the visual

properties of any material, like glass, metal, wood, and produce 3D depth
by rendering the object’s shadows

 SMOOTHVISION™ which provides users with various degrees of

jagged edge removal from 3D images, allowing users to configure their
own high quality or high performance gaming experience

 PIXEL TAPESTRY™ II which provides even greater 3D rendering

power

 Dual monitor support (optional)
 TV output support
 Digital flat panel support (optional)

Tachyon G9700 / G9500 series

The Tachyon G9700 / G9500 series card provides high performance acceleration
for today's demanding 3D graphic applications. Its main features are:

 SMARTSHADER™ 2.0 provides advanced pixel and vertex shaders

capable of processing 16 textures per pass and up to 160 instructions
with 128-bit floating point precision.

 SMOOTHVISION™ 2.0 provides2x/4x/6x full scene anti-aliasing with

full anisotropic filtering for the highest level of image quality

 HYPER Z™ III technology improves performance and reduces memory

bandwidth use by allowing the Tachyon G9700/G9500 to render only
those parts of an image that can be seen by the viewer.

 TRUFORM™ 2.0 allows rendering of higher order surfaces with

discrete and continuous tessellation levels per polygon.

 VIDEOSHADER™ provides seamless integration of pixel shaders with

video. FULLSTREAM technology will allow high-quality video
playback of streaming Internet video.

 Dual monitor support with HYDRAVISION™ technology.

Tachyon Graphic Card

6

 All-format DTV-HDTV decoding TV output support.
 Digital flat panel support through DVI-I.

CATALYST™ Software Suite

Multiple Displays and 3D Gaming Experience

ATI’s CATALYST™ Software Suite provides multiple display functionality, and
the advanced graphic features, such as SMARTSHADER™ (Tachyon G9700
/G9500 series provides SMARTSHADER™ 2.0), for the ultimate 3D gaming
experience. For help on installing the CATALYST™ Software Suite, refer to the

Installing the hardware and software.

The CATALYST™ Software Suite installs the ATI display tabs. These tabs are
accessed through the Windows

®

Display Control Panel, through the Advanced...
button located on the Settings tab. For a detailed explanation of each ATI tab,
refer to CATALYST™ Software Suite on page 17.

Direct 3D® and OpenGL®

The CATALYST™ Software Suite also supports the latest versions of Direct
3D

®

and OpenGL®. Many new 3D game titles, and the latest versions of older

titles, will virtually come to life as they utilize their advanced Direct 3D

®

or

OpenGL

®

features. Gamers can fine-tune their settings for the ultimate

experience in 3D image quality or 3D gaming performance.
ATI’s Direct 3D

®

and OpenGL® tabs are available through the Windows®

Display Control Panel, through the Advanced... button located on the Settings
tab.

For a detailed explanation of the Direct 3D

®

and OpenGL® tabs, refer to Direct

3D® Control Panel on page 27, and OpenGL

®

Control Panel on page 31.

HYDRAVISION™

In addition to the multiple display functionality available with ATI’s
CATALYST™ Software Suite, you can also use HYDRAVISION™ for
advanced multimonitor management.

Chapter 2 Installing the Hardware and Software

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Chapter 2
Installing the
Hardware and Software

Installing your card consists of three, easy steps.

 Placing the card in your computer
 Installing ATI’ s enhanced display drivers
 Attaching input and output cables and optional TV, VDR, camcorder,

etc.

This chapter explains how to place the card in your computer, how to install the
software, and how to connect the input and output cables.

BEFORE installing your Card…

Turn off the power to your system, and discharge your body’s
static electric charge by touching a grounded surface — for
example, 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 system components, the accelerator card, and injury
to yourself may result if power is applied during installation.

To ensure a successful installation of your Tachyon Graphics Accelerator card,
you MUST do the following BEFORE replacing your current graphics card
with your new Tachyon Graphic card:

Install AGP Drivers for non-Intel Chipset Based Motherboards. Several AGP
motherboard manufacturers use non-Intel AGP chipsets. Chipsets include
those made by Acer Laboratories (ALI), Silicon Integrated Systems (SIS), and
VIA Technologies, Inc. Each non-Intel chipset requires the installation of a
custom Virtual GART (AGP) Driver. This driver is required by your new
Tachyon graphic card to function correctly with your motherboard. It is very

Tachyon Graphic Card

8

important that the correct AGP driver be installed before installing an AGP
video card in your system.

An incorrect or missing GART driver can result in AGP memory not
being detected or a black screen after Windows® loads.

How to determine what motherboard chipset is present on your system:

1. Right-click My Computer and choose Properties.

2. Click the (Hardware Tab in Windows

®

2000/Windows® XP) Device

Manager tab then scroll to the bottom of the device list.

3. Select System Devices.

4. Scroll through the list of System Devices until you find a listing for the

AGP controller.

5. The chipset manufacturer’s name will appear as the device name.
Once you have determined the chipset manufacturer for your motherboard,
obtain and then install the latest AGP drivers from:

VIA Technologies http://www.viaarena.com
Acer Laboratories (ALI) http://www.ali.com.tw
Silicon Integrated Systems (SIS) http://www.sis.com
Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) http://www.amd.com
Intel Technologies http://support.intel.com

General Motherboard/chipset information http://www.motherboards.org

Uninstalling your current video card and
driver

Before you install your Tachyon series graphics card, it is important that you
remove the current video card and its driver. You can remove most video card
drivers from Windows

®

via an uninstall utility provided by the card’s
manufacturer---typically, this is an entry in the Programs menu. If no
manufacturer-provided uninstall utility is provided, you can remove the driver
by selecting it from the Add/Remove Programs menu in the Windows

®

control

Panel.
When the graphics card driver has been removed, the system should reboot.

1. Close all applications that are currently running.

Chapter 2 Installing the Hardware and Software

http://www.tyan.com 9

2. Click StartÆSettingsÆControl Panel and select Add/Remove
Programs.

3. Select your current graphic drivers and click Add/Remove…

4. *The Wizard will help you remove your current display drivers.

5. The System should be restarted after the drivers have been removed.

*If the previously installed graphics card has any additional software
installed, they may also need to be removed at this point. (For example
DVD Player, Multimedia applications, etc.)

Installing Your Tachyon Graphics Card

Now that you have prepared your computer, you are ready to install your card.
If you are not sure whether your card is PCI or AGP, compare the bottom edge
of your card with the following illustration:

To install your card

1. Power off the computer and monitor, then disconnect the display

cable from the back of your computer.

2. Remove the computer cover. If necessary, consult your computer’s

Tachyon Graphic Card

10

manual for help in removing the cover.

3. Remove any existing graphics card 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.

4. Locate the AGP slot. If necessary, remove the metal cover from this slot;

then align your Tachyon Graphic Card with the AGP slot, and press
it in firmly until the card is fully seated.

Remember to
discharge
your body’s
static
electricity by
touching the
metal surface
of the
computer
chassis.

If the old
graphics card
sticks, rock it
gently from
end to end.
Remember to
save the
screw.

Grasp the
Tachyon
G9700/G9500
series card by
the top edge
and carefully
seat it into the
correct slot.
Ensure that
the metal
contacts are
completely

p

ushed into

the slot.

Chapter 2 Installing the Hardware and Software

http://www.tyan.com 11

5. Replace the screw to fasten the card in place, and replace the computer

cover.

6. Plug the display cable into your card; then turn on the computer and

monitor. If your Tachyon Graphic Card came with a DVI connector, you
can connect a flat panel display to the appropriate connector

Make sure
all cables
are
securely
connected.

Tachyon Graphic Card

12

Connecting to the Hard Drive power connector
(For Tachyon G9700/G9500 Series Graphic Card)

The Tachyon G9700/G9500 series graphic card requires connection to
your PC’s internal power supply for operation. A 300W power supply or
greater is recommended to ensure normal operation where a number of
other internal devices are installed.

Complete the instructions for removing the old video card and software found
at Uninstalling your current video card and driver on page 8.
Use the supplied Power Extension Cable to connect the Tachyon G9700/
G9500 series graphic card to the computer’s Hard Drive power connector.

1. Remove the power cable from the Hard Drive power connector.

2. Connect A of the Power Extension Cable to the Tachyon G9700/G9500

series graphic card power connector as shown. (The cable may already be
connected to the graphics card.)

3. Connect B to the power supply connector.

4. Connect C to the Hard Drive power connector.

5. After locating the AGP slot, and if necessary, removing the metal cover:

• Align your Tachyon Graphics Accelerator card with the AGP slot.

Chapter 2 Installing the Hardware and Software

http://www.tyan.com 13

• Press it in firmly until the card is fully seated.

6. Replace the screw to fasten the card in place, and replace the computer

cover.

7. Plug the monitor cable into your card.

8. Turn on the computer and monitor.

Windows® “New Hardware Found”

New hardware will be detected after you restart your computer. To finish
setting up your hardware click Yes when prompted to restart.

To identify new hardware in Windows® 98,
Windows® Me, Windows® 2000 or Windows®XP

1. Windows

®

may launch the “Update Device Driver Wizard” to install the
Standard VGA Driver. If it does, follow the step-by-step instructions
below to allow Windows

®

to correctly identify your new hardware.

If the Wizard does not appear, proceed directly to Installing the ATI

Driver for Windows

®

98/Windows® Me/Windows®2000/Windows® XP.

2. Click Next

3. Click Finish.

You are now ready to install the ATI driver. Proceed to Installing the ATI

Driver for Windows

®

98/Windows® Me/Windows® 2000/Windows® XP, and

follow the step-by-step instructions to complete the installation.

Installing the ATI Driver for Windows® 98
/Windows

®

Me/Windows® 2000/ Windows® XP

With Windows® 98, Windows® Me, Windows®2000, or Windows® XP
running on your computer, you need to install the driver to take advantage of
the higher performance, resolutions, and special graphic features of the
Tachyon series graphics card.
To ensure you install the latest driver, use the Driver CD that shipped with
your Tachyon series graphics card.

To install DirectX

Install Microsoft DirectX 8.1(or later) to enable 3D hardware acceleration
support for Windows

®

98/98SE or Windows® ME to achieve better 3D

Tachyon Graphic Card

14

performance.
Note: For software MPEG support in Windows

®

98/98SE or Windows® ME,

you must install DirectX first.

1. Insert the Driver CD into your CD-ROM drive.

If W indows

®

runs the CD automatically, proceed to step5.

2. Click StartÆ Run.

3. Type the following:

D:\TyanSoft.exe
(If D is not your CD-ROM drive, substitute D with the correct drive letter.)

4. Click OK

5. Click on Install Software.

6. Click on DirectX, then the installation Wizard begins

7. Click Yes to make sure you should install the DirectX

8. Click Yes to the license agreement.

9. Click OK to restart your computer

To install the driver

1. Insert the Driver CD into your CD-ROM drive.

If W indows

®

runs the CD automatically, proceed to step5.

2. Click StartÆ Run.

3. Type the following: D:\TyanSoft.exe

(If D is not your CD-ROM drive, substitute D with the correct drive letter.)

4.

Click OK

5. Click on Install Software.

6. Click on Install Graphics Drivers.

7. Choose the right product you want to install driver (such as Tachyon

G9700)

8. Choose the right platform, which you are using, then the Installation

Wizard begins.

9. Click Next.

10. Click Yes to the license agreement.

11. Follow the Wizard’s on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

The Express installation option is recommended. The multimedia
components will automatically be installed, along with the ATI driver, by
selecting this option.

Remark:

Please click Control Panel Update to install control panel after installing the driver.

Chapter 3 Multiple Displays(optional)

http://www.tyan.com 15

Chapter 3
Multiple Displays(optional)

Connecting Your Monitor(s)

The Tachyon series graphics card provides hardware support for one VGA
monitor and one flat panel monitor, or two VGA monitors using a
DVI-I-to-VGA adapter. It also provides TV Output via an S-Video out and an
S-Video-to-Composite out connector.

Plug the monitor cable into your card (if you are running multiple monitors,
connect their cables to the appropriate connectors), then turn on the PC and
monitor(s).

To connect a flat panel directly to your card, use the DVI-I connector. To
connect a VGA monitor to the DVI-I connector, plug a DVI-I-to-VGA
adapter into the DVI-I connector, then plug your monitor cable into the
adapter.

When you use multiple monitors with your card, one monitor will always be
Primary. Any additional monitor(s) will be designated as Secondary.

Display Configurations

The following table lists the different ways you can connect displays to your
card.

Display

Configuration

Connector(s) Used Comments

One CRT display

VGA connector OR DVI-I
connector with DVI-I-to­VGA adapter

CRT- cathode ray tube analog
display

One DFP display DVI-I connector DFP - digital flat panel display
One TV TV Output

Cards with S-Video out also
support Composite out via an

Tachyon Graphic Card

16

S-Video-to-Composite adapter.

CRT display + TV

VGA connector + TV
Output

Unsupported configuration if
the CRT display is attached to
the DVI-I connector via a
DVI-I-to- VGA adapter

DFP display + TV

DVI-I connector + TV
Output

CRT display + DFP
display

VGA connector + DVI-I
connector

CRT display + CRT
display

VGA connector + DVI-I
connector with DVI-I-to­VGA adapter

The DVI-I connector can
support a CRT display using a
DVI-I-to-VGA adapter

CRT display + DFP
display + TV

VGA connector + DVI-I
connector + TV Output

The TV display will “clone” the
image of one of the other two
displays.

CRT display + CRT
display + TV

UNSUPPORTED
CONFIGURATION

Chapter 4 CATALYST

TM

Software Suite

http://www.tyan.com 17

Chapter 4
CATALYST™ Software Suite

The following section provides an explanation of each ATI tab available after
installing the CATALYST™ Software Suite.

○

i

Features presented in the following pages may not
be supported in all operating systems and/or may
appear differently.

ATI Displays Tab

The ATI Displays tab provides the multi monitor features. Here you can
enable /disable display devices and swap the assignment of Primary and
Secondary displays.

Enabling/Disabling Secondary Displays (optional)

1. Access the Windows

®

Control Panel. Double-click Display.

Tachyon Graphic Card

18

2. Click on the Settings tab and then the Advanced... button.

3. Click on the ATI Displays tab.

4. Click the enable/disable button for the display device you want to

enable/disable.

5. Click OK or Apply to save the changes.

Enabling Extended Desktop Mode (optional)

1. Access the Windows

®

Control Panel. Double click Display.

2. Click on the Settings tab.

3. Click the monitor icon for the display onto which you want to extend your

desktop.

4. Click Yes to enable the selected display.

5. Checkmark the Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor check

box (Windows

®

may automatically place it there).

6. Click OK or Apply to save the changes.

Dynamic Display Reassignment (optional)

You can change the assignment of your Primary and Secondary display on
the fly, without rebooting. However, before you can change the assignment of
the Primary display, at least one Secondary display must be enabled, and
Extended Desktop mode must be enabled.

To enable a Secondary display, refer to the section Enabling/Disabling

Secondary Displays (optional).

To enable Extended Desktop Mode, refer to the section Enabling Extended

Desktop Mode (optional).

1. Access the Windows

®

Control Panel. Double click Display.

2. Click on the Settings tab and then the Advanced... button.

3. Click on the ATI Displays tab

Windows

®

XP, Windows® Me, Windows® 98SE

Chapter 4 CATALYST

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The ATI Displays tab shows you the display(s) that are active. The Primary
display has the

button depressed. To change the display assignment, you

can click the Primary display’s button

or you can click the

button

of the other display device.

Windows

®

2000 and Windows® NT4.0

Clicking on the

button will reassign the Primary and Secondary

monitors.
Clicking on the

button creates a clone or mirror image of the Primary

display onto the Secondary display.

4. Click OK or Apply to save the changes.

Virtually Repositioning Your Displays (optional)

1. On the Settings tab, click and drag the appropriate monitor icon to the

desired position. For example, the secondary display can be dragged to the
left of the primary display, allowing it to be virtually on the left, as shown
below.

2. Click OK or Apply to save the changes.

Tachyon Graphic Card

20

Radiometric Expansion

The Tachyon series card offers radiometric expansion (or digital panel scaling
as it is commonly known). This expands a low-resolution image to fill a
higher resolution panel. However, radiometric expansion is only available on
the Primary display.

Therefore, if a flat panel display (FPD) is set as Secondary, the Extended
Desktop mode is disabled and the resolution is less than the FPD’s native
resolution. This causes the FPD to default to center mode.

ATI Color Tab

The ATI Color tab is used to adjust the color settings. You can change the red,
green and blue display colors. Desktop brightness and Game Gamma
(brightness) can also be changed.

Chapter 4 CATALYST

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ATI Color Tab

Desktop

Brightness

This increases or decreases the brightness of your desktop.
The higher the gamma value, the higher the brightness of
your display.

Color Curve

This adjusts the selected color (red, green or blue check
button) by moving the color curve with your mouse.

Game Gamma

button

This accesses Game Gamma Properties.

Defaults button

This allows you to reset the desktop brightness and color
settings to default values.

Clicking the Game Gamma button accesses the Game Gamma Properties.

Game Gamma Properties

Red Green
Blue sliders

These controls allow you to increase or decrease the color
brightness of Direct 3D and OpenGL games played in fullscreen
mode. (NOTE: Game Gamma is NOT supported in Windows®
NT4.0)

RGB Lock

Uncheck this to adjust the RGB sliders individually. Check this to
adjust all three sliders at the same time.

Defaults
button

This allows you to reset the Game Gamma settings to default
values.

Tachyon Graphic Card

22

ATI Options Tab

The ATI Options tab provides detailed driver information and access to the
card’s specifications. You can also enable or disable the ATI taskbar icon.

ATI Options Tab

Version
Information

Provides the CATALYST™ version number, 2D version
number and the driver build information.

Details button

Provides access to the Details tab, which lists the card’s
hardware details and driver information.

Reactivate all
warning
messages

This allows you to reactivate any disabled graphics warning
messages.

Enable ATI
taskbar icon
application

Unchecking this allows you to disable the ATI taskbar
applications and removes the ATI icon from your system tray.

Show ATI
icon on

Unchecking this allows you to remove the ATI icon from your
system tray without disabling the ATI icon applications.

Chapter 4 CATALYST

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taskbar
Disable quick

resolution
feature

Quick resolution feature is accessible by left clicking the ATI
icon in the system tray. Checking this option disables the
feature.

Reduce DVI
frequency on
high-resolutio
n

Resolves display corruption or no image at high resolutions
(for example 1280x1024 @ 75Hz) using a digital DVI display.
(This setting has no effect when using a DVI-to-VGA adapter)

Alternate DVI
Operational
mode

Use this option if you are experiencing
display corruption on your DVI flat panel.

Clicking the Details button provides access to the Details tab.

ATI Overlay Tab

The ATI Overlay tab allows you to configure the brightness, contrast,
saturation, hue and gamma properties of your video overlay.

Video Overlay

Video overlay allows for the viewing of full-motion video on your PC.
However, there is only one video overlay, which is only available on the
Primary display. The video overlay controls are automatically activated
during playback of any video file type that supports overlay adjustments.

Tachyon Graphic Card

24

ATI Overlay Tab

Brightness

Use this slider to adjust the brightness of the video image.

Contrast

Use this slider to adjust the contrast in the video image.

Saturation

Use this slider to adjust the vividness of the color. Sliding it all
the way to the left removes all color and produces a black and
white picture.

Hue

Use this slider to adjust the pureness or tint of the red, green
and blue components of the color.

Gamma

Use this slider to adjust the overall intensity of the video image.

Defaults
button

This allows you to reset the Overlay settings to default values.

Clone
mode
options

Click this button to access Clone Mode overlay
settings. These settings only apply to video content
when viewed in dual-controller Clone mode.

Chapter 4 CATALYST

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Clone Mode Settings

Clone Mode Settings

Standard

Video content is displayed on your Primary display
only.

Theater
Mode

Video content is displayed on your Primary and
Secondary displays. Video content is displayed on
your Secondary display(s) is always in full screen
mode. Note: your computer must be set for 16-bit
color depth or higher to use this mode.

Same on all

Video content is displayed on your Primary and
Secondary display is exactly the same manner.
For example, all displays will show video output in
full screen mode.

Theater
Mode
Settings

These settings are available when Theater Mode
is selected.

Same as
source video

The aspect ratio of the source video is maintained
for full screen display. Note: that this option may
result in black bars on either the horizontal or
vertical sides of the video display.

Full Screen
Video

The source video is scaled so that your display is
showing full screen. Note: if the source video
contains horizontal black bars, as do some DVD
movies, the full screen video will also contain black
bars.

Tachyon Graphic Card

26

4:3
(Standard
TV)

Select this option if the aspect ratio of the display
device showing full screen video has the standard
4:3 aspect ratio (standard TVs and monitors).

16:9
(Widescreen)

Select this option if the aspect ratio of the display
device is showing full screen video has a 16:9
aspect ratio (widescreen HDTVs).

Chapter 5 Direct 3D

®

Control Panel

http://www.tyan.com 27

Chapter 5
Direct 3D

®

Control Panel

Using this tab, gamers can fine-tune the settings of their Direct 3D® games.

Main and Custom Settings

In the Main Settings you can maximize overall performance by moving the
slider to the left, or you can enhance overall image quality by moving the
slider to the right.

Main Settings
slider

This allows you to emphasize what kind of

application experience you’d like to have. Moving

the slider to the left will maximize application

performance, while moving the slider to the right

will provide excellent 3D image quality. Moving

Tachyon Graphic Card

28

this slider from one position to the next changes

the individual Custom Settings sliders found

below.

Custom
Settings
checkbox

When Custom Settings is checked, the Main

Settings slider is disabled, allowing you to move

each individual slider in the Custom Settings

section below. Setting the individual sliders gives

you complete control over your application

experience. Using Custom Settings is

recommended for advanced users only.

SMOOTH
VISION Anti­Aliasing

SmoothVision Anti-Aliasing improves image

quality by removing jagged edges from 3D

images, resulting in smoother, more naturallooking

objects. Selecting Application

Preference will result in high quality images, with

negligible reduction in the application’s

performance.

SMOOTH
VISION
slider

SmoothVision Anti-Aliasing can be applied using

different sample patterns and sample points such

as 2X, 4X, or 6X. Moving this slider to the right

increases sampling to provide the most realistic

3D image.

SMOOTH
VISION
Anisotropic
Filtering
checkbox

Anisotropic filtering uses a texture filtering

technique that blends multiple texture samples

together. Selecting Application Preference will

result in high quality textures, with a negligible

reduction in the application’s performance.

SMOOTH
VISION
Anisotropic
Filtering
slider

The number of samples taken when anisotropic

filtering is performed can vary. By moving this

slider to the right, as the number of samples taken

increases, the quality of the final image increases

significantly. 16X provides extremely detailed,

crisp-looking images as a result of the largest

number of texture samples possible.

Texture
Preference
slider

Selecting this decides whether your application

should use high quality or high performance

textures. Moving the slider to the right delivers the

highest quality experience. Moving the slider to

the left emphasizes a high performance solution

while still providing good visuals.

Chapter 5 Direct 3D

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Control Panel

http://www.tyan.com 29

Mipmap
Detail
Level slider

This will allow you to choose the texture quality of

the mipmaps the application will use. Mipmaps are

a collection of different sized textures of the same

image. As the user moves closer to a 3D object

the image quality should increase, requiring a

higher quality texture of the same image. The

base mipmap is the highest quality texture, and all

subsequent mipmaps are smaller sized textures of

the same image. Moving the slider to the right

selects a higher quality base mipmap. Moving the

slider to the left selects a lower quality mipmap.

Wait for
Vertical Sync

Wait for vertical sync will lower the frame rate of

full screen games but reduce the image tearing

that can occur with the higher frame rate.

Selecting Application Preference allows the

application to decide whether or not it should

display its frames at the refresh rate of the

monitor. Selecting Always Off allows the

application to run at its highest possible frame

rate, regardless of the monitor’s refresh rate which

is typically less than the frame rate at which the

application will run.

TRUFORM

Truform uses High Order Surface geometry to

generate more detailed and realistic terrain and

character models for applications that support this

technology. Select Application Preference to

enable Truform. Select Always Off to disable

Truform.

Compatibility
Settings
button

This button allows you to access advanced

settings that can solve compatibility issues for a

few specific Direct 3D® applications.

Defaults

This button allows you to reset the Direct 3D®

settings to default values.

Tachyon Graphic Card

30

Direct 3D®Compatibility Settings

Support DXT
texture
formats

Enabling this allows applications to use this kind of
texture format. There are a few applications that
can only support a limited number of texture
formats. By selecting Disabled, the driver will not
support DXT texture formats, thus reducing the
number of texture formats supported.

Alternate
pixel
center

This may eliminate problems with some Direct
3D® games which display vertical and horizontal
lines around textures, or text that appears
incorrect. However, this setting should only be
used if you are experiencing the symptoms
mentioned, as it may cause problems with other
games.

Defaults
button

This button allows you to reset the Direct 3D®
Compatibility Settings to default values.

Chapter 6 OpenGL

®

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http://www.tyan.com 31

Chapter 6
OpenGL

®

Control Panel

Using this tab, gamers can fine-tune the settings for OpenGL® games.

Main and Custom Settings

In the Main Settings you can maximize overall performance by moving the
slider to the left, or you can enhance overall image quality by moving the
slider to the right.

Main Settings
slider

This allows you to emphasize what kind of
application experience you’d like to have. Moving
the slider to the left will maximize application
performance, while moving the slider to the right
will provide excellent 3D image quality. Moving

Tachyon Graphic Card

32

this slider from one position to the next changes
the individual Custom Settings sliders found
below.

Custom
Settings
checkbox

When Custom Settings is checked, the Main
Settings slider is disabled, allowing you to move
each individual slider in the Custom Settings
section below. Setting the individual sliders gives
you complete control over your application
experience. Using Custom Settings is
recommended for advanced users only.

SMOOTH
VISION
Anisotropic
Filtering
checkbox

Anisotropic filtering uses a texture filtering
technique that blends multiple texture samples
together. Selecting Application Preference will
result in high quality textures, with a negligible
reduction in the application’s performance.

SMOOTH
VISION
Anisotropic
Filtering
slider

The number of samples taken when anisotropic
filtering is performed can vary. By moving this
slider to the right, as the number of samples taken
increases, the quality of the final image increases
significantly.16X provides extremely detailed,
crisp-looking images as a result of the largest
number of texture samples possible.

SMOOTH
VISION
checkbox

SmoothVision (Anti-Aliasing) improves image
quality by removing jagged edges from 3D
images, resulting in smoother, more naturallooking
objects.

SMOOTH
VISION slider

SmoothVision (Anti-Aliasing) can be applied using
different sample patterns and sample points such
as 2X, 4X, or 6X. Moving this slider to the right
increases sampling to provide the most realistic
3D image.

Texture
Preference
slider

Selecting this decides whether your application
should use high quality or high performance
textures. Moving the slider to the right delivers the
highest quality experience. Moving the slider to
the left emphasizes a high performance solution
while still providing good visuals.

Chapter 6 OpenGL

®

Control Panel

http://www.tyan.com 33

Mipmap
Detail
Level slider

This will allow you to choose the texture quality of
the mipmaps the application will use. Mipmaps are
a collection of different sized textures of the same
image. As the user moves closer to a 3D object
the image quality should increase, requiring a
higher quality texture of the same image. The
base mipmap is the highest quality texture, and all
subsequent mipmaps are smaller sized textures of
the same image. Moving the slider to the right
selects a higher quality base mipmap. Moving the
slider to the left selects a lower quality mipmap.

Wait for
Vertical Sync

Wait for vertical sync will lower the frame rate of
full screen games but reduce the image tearing
that can occur with the higher frame rate.
Selecting Application Preference allows the
application to decide whether or not it should
display its frames at the refresh rate of the
monitor. Selecting Always Off allows the
application to run at its highest possible frame
rate, regardless of the monitor’s refresh rate which
is typically less than the frame rate at which the
application will run.

TRUFORM

Truform uses High Order Surface geometry to
generate more detailed and realistic terrain and
character models for applications that support this
technology. Select Application Preference to
enable Truform. Select Always Off to disable
Truform.

Compatibility
Settings
button

This button allows you to access advanced
settings that can solve compatibility issues for a
few specific OpenGL® applications.

Defaults

This button allows you to reset the OpenGL®
settings to default values.

Tachyon Graphic Card

34

OpenGL

®

Compatibility Settings

Force
Z-buffer
depth

This allows you to explicitly set the Z-Buffer depth. Most
applications will work best when Disabled is selected

Alpha
dithering
method
(G9200
Support)

When applications use both dithering and alpha
blending, visual artifacts can occur. This option allows
you to select how the application should handle both
features at the same time. In most cases Error
Diffusion will handle this situation quite well, but there
are a few cases where selecting Ordered may be
necessary

Support KTX
buffer region
extension

Enabling this feature allows rapid updates of those
portions of your screen that have changed. Note that
most applications will not be affected by activating this
feature

Defaults
button

This button allows you to reset the OpenGL®
Compatibility Settings to default values.

Chapter 7 SMARTGART

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Chapter 7
SMARTGART™

SMARTGART is a suite of testing and diagnostics tools that perform a
variety of bus tests to determine the optimal settings for your ATI graphics
accelerator installed in your computer.

SMARTGART automatically configures your graphics device to the optimal
settings.

SMARTGART does not actually disable any AGP functionality in your
computer’s hardware. It simply instructs the ATI CATALYST driver not to
use a specific AGP function if that specific AGP function hasn’t passed the
SMARTGART diagnostics test.

Changing the AGP settings could result in system instability.

Set AGP Settings

Experienced users can manually change the AGP speed. You will need to
reboot your computer for this change to take effect.

The possible AGP speed is dependent on the motherboard chipset and design.
Your computer’s available AGP speeds are shown in the SMARTGART
dialog.

Fast Write

Fast Write allows the CPU to transfer data directly to the graphics accelerator.
By default, this feature is set to ON providing your motherboard’s chipset

supports Fast Writes.
Some motherboard specifications may claim chipset support for Fast Writes

but may not be compatible with many different graphics accelerators.

Tachyon Graphic Card

36

This setting is disabled for many computers because the motherboard is not
capable of supporting this feature.

Retest All

Click this button to retest all graphic bus capabilities. All tests and diagnostics
are initiated immediately following a system restart.

Any settings that have previously been set to Off will be turned on, providing
the test passes.

○

i

Problems can arise if the user enables a secondary graphics
accelerator (in a multiple monitor environment) after the operating
system has loaded.
The problem exists because the secondary graphics card is enabled
after the SMARTGART diagnostic test have been run. To ensure
system stability you should restart the computer after the secondary
graphics accelerator is enabled so that both graphics accelerators
can be tested with SMARTGART.

Chapter 8 Using TV Out

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Chapter 8
Using TV Out

View your PC’s display on a TV

The Tachyon series graphics card has TV Out capability. You can attach your
card to a TV and monitor at the same time. Or you can connect it to your
VCR and record your monitor’s display.

TV display is ideal for playing games, giving presentations, watching movies,
and browsing the Internet. The following tips will help you get the most out
of your TV Out feature.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

for European Customers

Some PC monitors in Europe cannot be used simultaneously with TV
display. When you enable TV display in Europe, the refresh rate for the
monitor and TV is set to 50Hz. Some monitors may not support this
refresh rate and could be damaged.

 Please check the documentation supplied with your monitor to see

if your monitor supports a refresh rate of 50Hz.

If your monitor does not support 50 Hz (or if you are not sure),
then turn off your monitor before turning on your PC when
using your TV as a display.

For information on disabling TV display, see How To Enable/Disable

The TV Display on page 39.Some TVs in Europe may use a SCART

connection. If you use SCART, please read Using SCART Connectors

for European TVs on page 39. before attempting to connect your PC to

your European TV.

Connecting to a TV or a VCR

To connect your card to a TV or a VCR, use the available TV Output
connector. Your card will support either an S-video connector or a Composite
connector. If your TV has cable input only, you can connect your card to your

Tachyon Graphic Card

38

TV through your VCR or an RF modulator (available in most electronics
stores).

The Tachyon series graphics card that only has the S-Video out connector
DOES NOT support connection to TVs with S-Video In.

Connecting Your TV Output to a TV or VCR

1. Turn off your PC and your TV (or VCR).

2. Determine if your TV (or VCR) has an S-Video In or Composite In

connection.

3. The TV Output on your card will be an S-Video connector or Composite

connector. Please attach an appropriate cable to the TV Output on your
card (S-Video or Composite). Attach the other end of the cable to your
TV (or VCR). Refer to the illustration for further help.

4. Turn on your PC and your TV (or VCR).

Starting Windows® with TV Display Enabled

The TV screen may become scrambled during the initial Windows® logo
display. This is only a temporary effect and your screen will be restored
within a few seconds.

During start up, your card will go through a sequence of mode settings, during

Chapter 8 Using TV Out

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which your TV display will remain blank. This process takes only a few
seconds and helps program the TV display.

Using SCART Connectors for European TVs

The above illustration shows how to connect your PC to a European TV using
the SCART.

The SCART connector supports only the Composite video format, which
means you will have to use an S-Video-to-Composite video adapter cable if
your card only supports the S-Video connector.

If your European TV has S-Video In, you can use an S-Video cable (available
in most consumer electronic stores) rather than the SCART connector if your
card only supports the S-Video connector.

The Tachyon G9700/G9500 PRO that only has the S-Video out connector
DOES NOT support connection to TVs with S-Video In.

How To Enable/Disable The TV Display

1. Access the Windows

®

Control Panel. Double click Display.

2. Click on the Settings tab and then the Advanced... button.

3. Click on the ATI Displays tab. Click on the TV button.

4. Click the enable/disable button.

5. Click OK or Apply to save the changes.Using and Adjusting TV Out

For information about how to use TV display, right click the ATI taskbar
icon, point to Help, then point to ATI Television Display.

Tachyon Graphic Card

40

How TV Display Cannot Be Used

A TV cannot be left connected to the card if two analog monitors are
connected, even if the TV is off and not enabled in the software.

An analog monitor connected to the DVI-I connector cannot be left connected
to the card when TV out is enabled. In both cases, your graphics card will
become overloaded, resulting in a dim image on all devices.

Using a Monitor vs. Using the TV Display

Using your TV for your PC’s display is ideal for playing games, giving
presentations, watching movies, and browsing the Internet. However, the
display on your monitor may change or looked squashed. This occurs because
the display adjusts to fit the dimensions of your TV. To correct the monitor’s
display, use the monitor’s control buttons to adjust its display size and
position.

Some single frequency monitors may not work with TV display enabled. If
you experience problems when TV display is enabled, disable TV display to
restore your monitor’s display.

Adjusting Monitor Display

The size of the display on your monitor may be smaller and not perfectly
centered when you have TV display enabled. These effects are caused by the
changes required to provide a proper display on the TV.

Use the controls available on the Adjustments tab on the Monitor

Properties page (accessible by clicking on the Monitor button on the ATI
Displays tab) to adjust the display on your monitor only. Click on the TV

button to adjust the TV display only.

Viewing Text on a TV

A TV is designed primarily to show moving, rather than static, images. The
large dot pitch of a TV (which is fine for moving video) will yield poor
quality static images such as text.

Chapter 8 Using TV Out

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The small text sizes commonly used for PC desktops can appear blurred or
unclear on a TV. You can compensate for this by using larger fonts.

To Use Larger Display Fonts

1. Access the Windows

®

Control Panel. Double click Display.

2. For Windows

®

XP, click the Appearance tab. For Windows® 98,

Windows

®

Me, Windows®2000, click the Settings tab, the Advanced...

button, then the General tab. For Windows

®

NT click the Settings tab.

3. In the Font Size box, select the size you want your displayed fonts to be.

4. Click Apply. If prompted, click Yes to restart your PC.

Reducing Edge Distortion

When using a TV for your PC’s display, you may see some edge distortion on
the left and right side of your TV screen. This effect depends on your TV and
the PC application you are running.

To reduce edge distortion, you can increase the TV display’s horizontal size.

To Increase the Horizontal Size

1. Access the Windows

®

Control Panel. Double click Display.

2. Click on the Settings tab and then the Advanced... button.

3. Click on the ATI Displays tab.

4. Click on the TV button.

5. Click the Adjustments tab.

6. In the Screen Size section, click on the plus (+) button beside the

horizontal arrowheads

to increase the horizontal size of the TV

display.

7. Click OK or Apply to save the changes you have made.

You can also reduce edge distortion by increasing the TV’s contrast.

Tachyon Graphic Card

42

To Increase the TV Contrast

1. Access the Windows

®

Control Panel. Double click Display.

2. Click on the Settings tab and then the Advanced... button.

3. Click on the ATI Displays tab.

4. Click on the TV button.

5. Drag the Contrast slider to the right to increase the contrast.

6. Click OK or Apply to save the changes you have made.

Changing Display Configurations

If you move your PC to a place where you are using TV display only, make
sure that you have the TV display feature enabled.

You can set your display resolution as high as 1024x768. However, higher
resolutions will result in a virtual desktop. If a TV is your only display device
and a higher mode is selected, the display on your TV will disappear.

Changing TV Format

When using a TV in a different country or region, TV format may be different.
You can follow the following steps to change the TV format:

1. Access the Windows

®

Control Panel. Double click Display.

2. Click on the Settings tab and then the Advanced... button.

3. Click on the ATI Displays tab.

4. Click on the TV button.

5. Click the Format tab.

Chapter 8 Using TV Out

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6. Check Select by Country/Region.

7. Select your Country/Region from the Country/Region list. Then the TV

format will be changed accordingly.

8. Click OK or Apply to save the changes you have made.

Using Games and Applications

Some older games and applications may program the card directly, to run
under a specific display mode. This may cause your TV display to turn off
automatically or become scrambled (the PC monitor will not be affected).
Your TV display will be restored once you exit the game or if you restart your
PC.

Appendix 1 ---Troubleshooting Tips

Tachyon Graphic Card

44

Appendix 1 --- Troubleshooting Tips

The following troubleshooting tips may help if you experience problems.
Contact your dealer or TYAN for more advanced troubleshooting
information.

 Check that the card is seated properly in the AGP slot.
 Ensure the display cable is securely fastened to the card’s display

connector.

 Make sure that the monitor and computer are plugged in and receiving

power.

 If necessary, disable any built-in graphics capabilities on your

motherboard. For more information, consult your computer’s manual
or manufacturer. (NOTE: Some manufacturers do not allow the built-in
graphics to be disabled or to become the secondary display.)

 Make sure you selected the appropriate display device and graphics

card when you installed the ATI driver.

 For more troubleshooting tips, right-click the ATI icon in the taskbar

and select Troubleshooting.

 If you have problems during boot up, start your computer in Safe

Mode. In Windows

®

98SE and Windows® Me, press and hold the

CTRL key until the Microsoft Windows

®

Startup Menu appears on the

screen. Then select the number for Safe Mode, and press Enter. (you
can also use F8 to bring up the Microsoft Windows

®

Startup Menu.) In

Safe Mode, bring up the Device Manager and check for duplicate
display adapter and monitor entries if you are only using one graphics
card.

 For more assistance, use the T roubleshooting Guide located in the

Windows

®

Help or contact your computer manufacturer.

 To contact TYAN for assistance, you can send e-mail to

[e-mail]

, or visit us on the website at

HTTP://WWW.TYAN.COM

.

 To upgrade the Tachyon Graphic Card Driver, you can download it from the FTP site:

FTP://FTP.TYANCHINA.COM/PUB/FAEDOC.

Appendix 2 ---Acronyms

http://www.tyan.com 45

Appendix 2 --- Acronyms

Standard acronyms used in the literature are presumed known and will not be
explained. When in doubt, the reader can refer to the following table for a quick
check.

Acronym Full Expression

AGP Accelerated Graphics Port
ATPG Automatic Test Pattern Generation
ATSC Advanced Television Systems Committee

BGA Ball Grid Array

BIOS

Basic Input Output System. Initialization code stored in a ROM or
Flash RAM and used to start up a system or expansion card.

BIST Built In Self Test.

bpp bits per pixel

CRC Cyclic Redundancy Check

CRT Cathode Ray Tube
D3D Direct Draw 3D. A Microsoft standard.

DAC Digital to Analog Converter

DDC

Display Data Channel. A VESA standard for communicating
between a computer system and attached display devices.

DDR Double Data Rate

DFP Digital Flat Panel. Monitor connection standard from VESA.

DPM Defects per Million

DTV Digital TV

DVI

Digital Video Interface. Monitor connection standard from the
DDWG (Digital Display Work Group).

DVS Digital Video Stream

DX9/DX8.1 DirectX 9/DirectX 8.1. A Microsoft standard.

EPROM Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory

FIFO First In, First Out

HDTV

High Definition TV. The 1920x1080 and the 1280x720 modes
defined by ATSC.

I2C Bus Protocol (Philips Specification)

DCT Discrete Cosine Transform

JTAG Joint Test Access Group. An IEEE standard.

Tachyon Graphic Card

46

Acronym Full Expression

LOD Level of Detail

MB Mega Byte

MPEG

Motion Pictures Experts Group. Refers to compressed video image
streams in either MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 formats.

NTSC

National Television Standards Committee. The standard definition
TV system used in North America and other areas.

PAL

Phase Alternate Line. The standard definition TV system used in
Europe and other areas.

PCI Peripheral Component Interface

PEROM Flash Programmable and Erasable Read Only Memory

PLL Phase Locked Loop

POST Power On Self Test

ROP Raster Operation

SDRAM Synchronous Dynamic RAM
SGRAM Synchronous Graphics RAM

TMDS Transition Minimized Differential Signaling

UV Chrominance (also CrCb). Corresponds to the color of a pixel.

VBI Vertical Blank Interval

VESA Video Electronics Standards Association

VIP Video Interface Port

YPbPr

A three signal analog interface method for display data. Similar to
YUV. Also known as "component video".

YUV

The method of video signal color encoding. Includes luma (Y, black
and white component) and chroma (UV, color component)