Multimedia upgrades

Home Office Computing, Sept, 1998 by Darren Gladstone

The Aims unit stands out with an instruction manual that's actually legible, dare we say even a pleasure, to read. Also in the box was a relatively robust software bundle ranging from VDO-Phone, an Internet-based videophone software package, to Howdy! Lite, a video e-mail package. On the downside, the card doesn't provide video output--that means you can't save your masterworks out to a VCR. The Video Highway Xtreme's purpose is to grab audio and video clips and save them for inclusion elsewhere, like a Web site.

We experienced some system lockups with Video Highway Xtreme under Windows 95. But with the proper driver updates from the company's Web site (www.aimslab.com), we eliminated any system conflicts and the video started flowing with ease.

Speaking of conflicts, we spotted a potential disaster on page 44 of the manual--only a limited number of graphics cards are compatible. Chances are your PC's current video card might not work with Video Highway Xtreme. We highly recommend doing your research on the Aims Web site before buying. But if you need excellent video input and if your PC works with it, we recommend taking a drive down the Video Highway Xtreme.

All All-in-Wonder Pro

The All-in-Wonder Pro crams an awful lot onto a single PCI card. For $280, you get a 4MB card (an 8MB model is $330) with 2D and 3D graphics support, audio and video in and out, S-Video support, and a TV tuner. The instructions are laid out in a very straightforward manner and walk you through the installation and configuring process. We also want to applaud ATI for bundling some useful software in the box aside from the standard shoot-'em-up games--namely, a full version of MGI's VideoWave video editor.

After plugging in the card and installing the drivers, we were able to watch TV and capture screen shots within minutes, thanks to the software's simple design. The effortless installation was a nice change of pace, and the card admirably handled each video-editing task we threw at it.

We found the All-in-Wonder Pro functions adequately m each category, performing well enough for almost any home office user's demands, though it didn't particularly shine in any one area. You won't shed a tear over its glitch-ridden 3D rendering, but that shouldn't be a factor unless you're trying to gun down virtual aliens. Overall, the All-in-Wonder Pro is ideal if you need a big upgrade and you only have one PCI slot to spare.

Proside MAX 3600

Proside's entry is unique, to say the least. It's literally an all-in-one card that fills only one PCI slot inside your computer, but will occupy three slots on the back of your system. Why does it need all that input/output space? When you hear what it does, you'll understand: The board uses a single Mpact2 processor to provide 2D and 3D graphics, DVD playback, a 33.6Kbps modem, 16-bit audio, videoconferencing, and video-editing support. Although the Proside ships with only a minimal software bundle, you still get plenty of functionality for the $450 price tag.