ATI, the Canadian counterpart of nVidia, have just made available release candidate 0 of the beta software driver for DirectX 9.0. The driver, also known as Catalyst Beta, is the first in the whole of the graphics world to support DirectX 9.0 and its release has been met by praise by Microsoft. Candidate zero will provide incredible levels of gaming and cinematic realism. said Dean Lester, the general manager for Microsoft cinematics,
The release of the new drivers comes, conveniently, a week before nVidia are due to release the NV30 and its object is to cast a large shadow of doubt on nVidia's new product.
The purpose of Catalyst Beta, is to enhance and accelerate the visual experience. The suite comes in a package that consists of the latest driver, HYDRAVISION (multiple monitor management software), MULTIMEDIA CENTER and REMOTE WONDER support.
CATALYST software supports component output for all RADEON 8500 family of graphics cards and ALL-IN-WONDER RADEON 8500DV. This provides the highest quality method to deliver HDTV support and allow users to use their PCs as a central entertainment hub while watching high-definition TV or playing games
CATALYST provides plug-ins for the REMOTE WONDER software. This lets users control applications such as WINAMP and Microsoft POWERPOINT with REMOTE WONDER
CATALYST also includes a new Direct 3D and OpenGL control panel that gives users full control over performance and image quality settings
By following the download tab link above you can reach the ATI9 page offering the driver download, DirectX 9.0 download and demo video's.
