Hercules 3D Prophet All-in-wonder 8500DV Video + graphics card
- — 18 June, 2002 09:21
This card can adequately tackle your gaming needs as well as allow you to watch TV on your computer, capture video from external sources (at up to 25fps in PAL format) and output video to your TV screen.
It features an Input/Output adapter that plugs into a port on the card's bracket, and this offers S-Video, Composite (RCA), FireWire and audio inputs on one side as well as S-Video, Composite (RCA), audio and digital audio outputs (RCA) on the other side. The card's mounting bracket does not contain a standard VGA port, instead sporting a DVI interface, but adapters are provided in the box. There is a FireWire port on the mounting bracket, too, and an aerial connection for tuning in TV stations. Video capture and editing is aided by the supplied Ulead VideoStudio software package.
In addition, a radio frequency remote control can be used to control your mouse as well as the TV and DVD software players, so you don't even have to leave your lounge chair.
We tested the card on the same system as the Chaintech card (above). It scored 7150 in 3DMark 2001 SE and 79fps in Quake III at 1600x1200 resolution and 32-bit colour depth, reflecting mid-range performance for both DirectX- and OpenGL-based games.
In brief:
Hercules 3D Prophet All-in-wonder 8500DVThis card is overflowing with features that will help you get the most from your display and will turn your PC into a TV, VCR and digital video editing station all in one go. If you need high gaming performance, however, this is not for you.
Price: $899.
Phone: (02) 9748 2233.
(07) 3846 5355.
URL: www.altech.com.au.
