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Release Notes for Mac OS 9
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Sleep Mode with Mac OS 9.2.1 or 9.2.2 and PowerMac G4 ("Digital Audio" & "QuickSilver" models)
Some PowerMac G4 computers, sold prior to Fall 2001, when updated with Mac OS 9.2.1 or 9.2.2, may not wake from sleep while using the Radeon 8500. If your machine is affected by this problem, as a temporary solution, please disable the automatic sleep mode in the Energy Saver control panel and avoid placing the computer into sleep mode manually. If the problem does occur, you will have to press the Reset button on the front of the G4 to restart the computer. This problem does not affect newer G4 computers that have shipped since Fall 2001, nor does it affect Mac OS X. Please check Apple's web site for OS updates that may remedy this issue.
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QuickTime Player - QuickDraw™ 3D RAVE Requirement
Movie acceleration requires the "QuickDraw™ 3D RAVE" extension which is included with Mac OS 9. However, recent changes to version 1.7.x of this extension may cause playback problems, including a system hang. Version 1.7.x ships with newer Mac OS 9 updates, including 9.2.2
It is recommended that QuickDraw™ 3D RAVE version 1.6 be used for problem-free operation. This version of the extension ships with most other revisions of Mac OS 9 and is also included with QuickTime installers (currently verified up to version 5.0.2). Deleting version 1.7.x and then running the QuickTime 5 installer will provide you with a proper setup.
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Apple DVD Player
PowerMac G4 AGP: All Rage128 AGP/PCI and RADEON AGP/PCI products fully support Apple DVD Player version 2.2+.
Apple DVD Player 2.7 is the latest version shipping on new machines as of this release. In order to provide maximum compatibility, you should run the latest version available for your computer. See Apple's web site for any updates.
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Adaptive De-Interlacing for DVD Playback
The de-interlacing feature may be enabled from either the ATI Displays control panel (lower right-side button) or, from the ATI Config Menu in your menu bar. It is supported on all Radeon-class display cards.
This feature is intended for use with interlaced DVD content (often material that was originally shot on video, such as TV programming, or deleted scenes and documentaries included on many DVD titles as extras). Turning it on while watching non-interlaced movies may slightly degrade certain elements, such as static text displays. An interlaced source can easily be identified on a monitor; you will be able to see horizontal stripes in the video (easiest to see with fast moving subjects and high contrast areas).
The feature defaults to OFF in Mac OS 9 when you restart your computer.
From the ATI Displays control panel, you may enable de-interlacing on a per-card basis. From the ATI Config Menu, you may only make a global (all cards) change. The ATI Config Menu will show a check-mark next to the de-interlacing option if it is enabled for all cards, and it will show a blank space if is disabled for all cards. If enabled only on some cards and disabled for others, it will show a dash (-).
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ATI Config Menu - How to Disable / Enable
The ATI Config Menu appears along the menu bar. It is initiated by clicking on the ATI logo that appears next to the system clock.
To disable this feature: when booting, hold the OPTION+C keys. This will disable the ATI Config Menu permanently.
To re-enable the ATI Config Menu: when booting, hold the OPTION+C keys. This will re-enable the ATI Config Menu.
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Mac2TV (Video Output) with RADEON Cards
All Rage128 based cards and newer ATI cards allow access to TV modes directly from the Resolution control strip module (labeled either NTSC or PAL). TV modes on all RADEON cards are only available when booting with a TV connected. If you have just connected a TV, you must reboot to see the new modes.
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Mac2TV - Simulscan (Monitor & TV within same mode-list with the same image - NOT Video Mirroring)
Please see Video Mirroring notes below for discussion of that feature. Simulscan is the display of the same image on a TV and CRT when both appear within one mode-list (sharing one frame buffer). To enable this feature, choose a mode labeled "simulscan" in the Resolution control strip module. Note that simulscan only works with NTSC TV Out - Both CRT and TV must support the chosen refresh rate of 60Hz.
Simulscan mode is not supported when ONLY a DVI flat panel and TV are connected on any Radeon card.
RADEON Mac Edition (PCI or AGP) and earlier cards: simulscan is only possible when a CRT and TV are connected.
RADEON 7000 & 8500 Mac Edition: simulscan is only available when a DVI panel is connected along with a CRT and TV. Otherwise, TV and CRT each receive their own frame buffer and you must use Video Mirroring.
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Mac2TV and Computer Graphics
The display quality of computer graphics on NTSC/PAL capable monitors or televisions can vary greatly from model to model. Adjustments to screen size, brightness and contrast (using the Mac2TV Controls found in the ATI Displays control panel) can improve the display.
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Mac2TV and Saturation Controls
The saturation slider in the Mac2TV control panel (as part of ATI Displays Version 2.x) may produce unexpected results when moved to extreme settings. This may produce a black and white display with certain types of NTSC capable televisions or monitors when the slider is moved to the far right. This is normal and will not harm the television or monitor. Move the slider to a position that restores the desired color.
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System Memory and Applications/Games
Systems with less than 128MB of physical system memory should keep Virtual Memory turned ON and set to at least 128MB. Note that some applications will require even greater amounts; this is typical with some newer games. Please check individual game/application requirements.
Virtual Memory is not an ideal substitute for physical memory and may not work optimally with all programs. Please see recommended system specifications.
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Multiple Displays and 3D Games - Display Selection
Some games will work on any of your active displays and will provide an interface for selecting which display to play on. This selection process may occur when running the game for the first time, may need a special key-press when launching (example: American McGee's Alice) or may require a change to a configuration file. Please see the documentation for your specific game. Also note that some older games require an update for this added functionality (example: Pangea Software's Cro Mag Rally)
Other games may only work on one of the displays. They may automatically come up on the Menu bar display or may come up on the Startup display (Happy Face in the Arrange tab of the Monitors control panel).
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Video Mirroring - 3D & 2D Acceleration Support
Using the Arrange tab in the Monitors control panel, or the Video Mirror control strip module, it is possible to set two independent displays to show an identical desktop (useful for presentations). When using this mode, 3D acceleration is fully supported when both displays are set to the same color depth (3D acceleration requires Thousands or Millions of colors). Each display is still running from its own frame buffer. This is not to be confused with the Simulscan TV output mode which uses only one frame buffer.
2D (desktop and window) acceleration is supported when running either display at any color depth. The Menu bar in Mac OS 9 may turn gray while running with two different depths. Changing the mode of one display should fix this. This problem will be corrected in an upcoming software update.
For accurate representation between displays it is recommended that both always be set to the same color depth.
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Nanosaur and Radeon 8500 Dual Displays
When attempting to run Pangea Software's Nanosaur on the non-Menu Bar (secondary) display, an error message will appear if you are running in Millions of colors. Nanosaur runs only in Thousands of colors and will normally automatically switch color modes. Before running the game, switch color modes to Thousands, or play on the Menu bar display.
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Apple Colorsync 20" Display (aka 850/ M3705) 1280x960 85Hz Mode
When connected with an appropriate adapter, this monitor will show 1280x960 85Hz as an available mode. This mode falls within the specifications reported by the monitor at boot time, however, it may cause the screen to toggle on/off. This is a limitation of the monitor. Simply select the 75Hz mode of this resolution or a different resolution at any refresh rate for a stable display.
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Apple Legacy Displays with Apple 15-Pin connector and No DDC (Display Data Channel)
Please note that Non-DDC Apple monitors, requiring Apple Sense Line codes, are not fully supported by the Radeon 8500. These monitors, when connected with a standard Apple-VGA adapter, will be viewed/treated as a standard VGA monitor. The default safe booting resolution is 640x480 60Hz in this scenario.
On Multi-Scanning models, the available list in the Monitors control panel will show a variety of modes. Be aware that not all will work for your given display. These are simply default VGA & VESA modes. These monitors may be better supported if using a third-party monitor adapter that provides some sort of DDC information.
Most fixed frequency models will not operate properly because the initial safe startup resolution is 640x480 60Hz. This mode is not supported by most Apple fixed frequency displays. Fixed frequency models include Apple's Two-Page Mono and Color displays, as well as the Mono Portrait Display. Third-party adapters may be available to allow usage of these older products.
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