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One of the main attractions to the more recent All-In-Wonder Products (8500 version upwards) was the addition of a wireless remote control. This remote is also sold separately as a stand alone product for use with older All-In-Wonder products, or to act as a replacement for a lost or damaged remote, as the ATI Remote Wonder.
Remote control for the card
This remote is possibly the most integrated and best executed I have ever seen. The software plays just as important role as the remote in the experience, but regardless, it's a true joy to behold.
Looking closer at the technical aspects of the remote, the device is completely wireless, and takes advantage of RF Technology. This means that line of sight between the remote and receiver is not required as with typical infra red based solutions, so use of the remote can be achieved with obstruction present, such as a wall for instance.
While this may seem mainly a gimmick, considering the card supports both TV-Out and a Dolby Digital 5.1 Output (via SP/DIF), its possible that these features may facilitate the user to stream DVD Content into a separate room, the lounge room for instance, and use their All-In-Wonder 9000 Pro equipped PC to provide the core of their home entertainment system. Although only a marginal number of users are likely to do so, ATI have catered for the broader audience.
The RF interaction between the System and the Remote is made available via a USB RF Receiver which simply plugs in and is automatically detected and installed by the previously installed software.
Technical aspects aside, the Remote Wonder owes a great deal of its usability to the software which houses the product. ATI's Multimedia Centre, as we will demonstrate later in the article, is nothing short of stunning, and allows many of the software functions, especially those related to TV-ON-DEMAND, to be available via remote, such as pausing/playing the TV stream, rewinding and fast-forwarding the TV stream, to name a few.
The typical controls are also present, such as channel change, volume adjustments, and the usual track cycle, scene selection type functions usually associated with Audio/DVD controllers.
The remote also allows the execution of various applications integrated into Multimedia Centre, as well as external applications such as web browsing, MS PowerPoint presentations, via the built in thumb pad which can be used to control the mouse cursor. You can also setup custom applications for use with the remote by programming the remote via simple macro-based button assignments, meaning the remote can also be use 3rd Party applications such as WinAmp, or Windows Media Player.
After taking a look All-In-Wonder 9000 Pro card and the external features, let's lay focus upon some of the multimedia advancements in terms of hardware, and software.
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