Do I need VIVO?

[Alex]

I'm thinking of upgrading to an ATI X800 and wondered if VIVO was worth paying extra for.

What is VIVO in the context of graphics cards? I know it stands for "Video in, video out", so I assume it provides some sort of video capture capabality, but what type of signal? I have an old Video 8 camcorder that I wouldn't mind capturing video from, could VIVO be used for that?

Ta!

Edited to add: Is there any difference between manufacturers of ATI chipset cards e.g. Sapphire, Connect3D, ASUS, Gigabyte? Is any one better than the others? One to avoid?



>>> Edited by Alex on Wednesday 4th August 15:49

[malman]

Its exactly what you said Vid in Vid out. I had a look around but there's not alot of info on th VIVO stuff

Abit said this

I/O Interface

DVI connector
VGA connector
Video-In/Out connector (S-Video/Composite)

Package Contents

ABIT RX800 XT 3D Graphics Accelerator
User's manual
Multilingual Quick Installation Guide
Bundled software
Installation CD (PowerDVD 5 Software Included)
PowerDirector Pro
Accessories
S-Video cable
RCA composite cable
Power Extension cable
9 Pin S-Video to HDTV (YPrPb) cable
9 Pin S-Video to composite VIVO cable
DVI to VGA Adapter

Most of the cards are reference design so pick a manufacturer that you think will give best aftermarket service. From what I've seen on some forums a lot of people are buying the VIVO cards because they will softmod to the full 16 pipe XTPE card. Obviously this invalidates the warranty so in theory it doesn't matter which one you get if you are going to hack it

[Alex]

Cheers.

Just ordered a Sapphire 256MB X800 Pro Vivo.

Online reviews that I have seen suggest that the XTPE has no performance advantage until you hit resolutions of 1600x1200 and above.

[malman]

All the reviews I have seen tend to show that if you use AA/AF the the XTPE will be able to maintain the same frame rate as the Pro but at one high res and sometimes 1 higher level of AA/AF. Those extra 4 pipes aren't just sitting idle. The trouble is they aren't worth the extra cash as the pro is a very very capable card.

BUT if you can get those 4 extra for free..... well thats a different matter

I'm sure you are going to like it when it arrives. I can't make up my mind yet between the x800Pro and the 6800GT. Give it a month and see how things pan out I think.

[Alex]

What put me off the 6800 is that it is a double width card and requires TWO extra power connections. nVidia also recommend that you upgrade your PSU to 480W.

[malman]

Thats only the Ultras the GT is single sloty single molex and 300 watt psu