• TV Tuner: I had no trouble getting the Tuner connected. However the cables are similar (SVideo and VR-Tuner) - but if you look close it's easy to match them up. I was capturing audio and video within several minutes.

• Audio Capture: Worked fine for me. Under OS 8.6 in Premiere 4.2 (44MHz, stereo, 16bit) it sounded great to my ears (external speakers w/subwoofer used for playback).

• Video Player: I used the menu option to resize the player window many times - it never crashed for me. I even changed monitor color depth while the player was running and still it didn't crash. Perhaps my 256MB RAM (VM Off) or system configuration helped, but I didn't see any problems with the video player in this G4 with OS 8.6 or 9.0. I did see the brightness change a time or two but I need to spend more time with the video player to see if this is repeatable.

• Video Capture: In Premiere 4.2, as a test I captured the 're-release' movie trailer from 'Saving Private Ryan' DVD (s-video connection from my DVD player into the VR card). The 2 minute trailer captured at 640x480, 30fps (no limit set on framerate in Premiere), 44KHz 16-Bit stereo audio resulted in a 420+MB movie (ATI Havoc codec). Sound playback was perfect in the movie. QT 4.0 Pro player reported 29-30FPS playback (on the G4/450). No audio dropouts, etc. Video quality looked a little washed out on this first attempt but I'd need to do more tests before making a final comment on captured image quality.

• Apple DVD Software Player: the G4/AGP (Sawtooth) software DVD player was compatible with the VR128 PCI card. I suspected this based on past tests noted here with a Rage128 Orion PCI card. DVD playback quality was very impressive. The Apple beta DVD software player is sluggish to respond to changes as noted previously (this should improve with future updates - hopefully Altivec support will be included in the final version). When stretched to full-screen, lip sync gets lost fairly soon (less of a problem if the movie was left at the default window size, but on a long movie like 'Private Ryan' I did notice it eventually as well). Pausing and starting the movie is a workaround.

• Value: I'm still not sure why some owners have reported problems (I've listed the reader's configurations that worked on my VR128 Feedback page). In my experience so far, this is one heck of a complete package for about $200 street. (Considering the cost and features on Mac graphics cards available as I'm writing this.) A TV Tuner, a complete set of cables (Audio, S-Video, composite, etc - literally everthing needed to connect to any port on the card and tuner), video capture (rates/sizes vary depending on your CPU/system, RAM and software) as well full 2D/3D driver support, all on one card (no addons required), at this price is literally a first for the Mac. (Hopefully any driver issues that crop up will be fixed - that's always been a sore point for any Mac graphics card - driver updates/frequency.)

I've not tested TV out yet but that's of no interest to me personally. If the 3D/OpenGL performance is similar to the Rage128 Orion (it should be), then I'll be one happy camper. For Apple G4/AGP owners wanting consumer level video in/out capability without losing DVD playback (with the software player), it's the best solution I know of as far as bang for the buck. With my Obsidian X24 (dual Voodoo2 on one card) - this rig is set for anything - covering all the bases.

More Details on Apple vs Lucent Wireless Networking: Josh Carter explains more about the differences in Lucent vs Apple wireless networking and clarifies the issue of maximum range noted earlier today:

"Hi Mike,
I saw the mention in today's xlr8yourmac.com on the WaveLAN, and felt I should offer some comments. I wrote the WaveLAN driver for the DataRover handheld computers (www.datarover.com), so I'm pretty familiar with the technology. First, about the range, see this page on the WaveLAN site. [His direct page link doesn't work anymore, so link changed to the base Wavelan site.-Mike]

The typical "150 ft" number is for moderate obstructions, but I regularly use my WaveLAN network with a single base station anywhere in the office, even in conference rooms with the doors closed. Line of sight range is over 500ft even at top speeds without a range extender on the base station.

Also, on the WavePoint base station vs. Apple's Airport base: keep in mind that they are built for totally different markets. Lucent isn't going after home users with the WavePoint, they're going after offices and industrial sites. It's built like a tank, totally serviceable without taking the mounting bracket off the wall, capable of using two WaveLAN cards simultaneously for increased WLAN traffic, and can provide a totally wireless backbone with wireless-to-wireless bridging. For office and especially vertical market customers (e.g. warehouses), the WavePoint is the way to go. For home or light-duty office/school use, Airport will be plenty sufficient.

I'm excited about AirPort because I know WaveLAN is a great product. I've built drivers for many local-area wireless LAN products, and WaveLAN is my favorite.
Best regards,
Josh "

L2 Cache Slot G3 Upgrades: My Powerlogix contact just verified they will not be making L2 Cache slot CPU upgrades. Several readers had asked about this recently. Currently Sonnet and Newer Tech makes L2 Cache slot upgrades for models like the 44/54/55/64/6500 and some Performa, Umax and Starmax clones. For a list of products and compatible Macs - see the "Upgrades for 'Upgrade-challenged' Power Macs" at Sonnet's Products page and Newer Tech's L2 cache slot G3 upgrades page. [Link removed after Newer Tech went out of business in early 2001.]
For owner reports on L2 cache slot upgrades, search my 'Rate Your G3 Upgrade' database for your Mac model (leave the card brand blank to see all entries regardless of card manufacturer).

IX3D 2.0 Drivers Tip: [Update- IXmicro is no longer in business. As noted in the Video cards setion of the FAQ - the only source I know of their last drivers is OWC's Tech Center page, Ixmicro section.]
This reader notes that enabling virtual memory helped with the smearing/video artifacts issue noted with the latest driver update. (May not be a universal fix for all systems.)

"Mike,
I have an Ultimate Rez video card in a G3 upgraded PowerMac 8500. I have been running the new drivers without any problems. I have Virtual Memory turned ON.

I was trying something yesterday that required me to turn VM off. With Virtual Memory OFF, I had video problems similar to those described by others on your site. I turned VM back on and the video problems went away.
Joel Stewart"

Several readers seemed to have missed my Upgrade Tips in Tuesday's news. It summarizes several important points to consider before upgrading or deciding to upgrade or buy a new Mac. I've also added these tips to the FAQ's General Mac Questions and CPU Upgrades topic areas for future reference.

Lucent Wireless Networking is Mac/Airport Compatible:

"Dear Mike,
I have to tell you about my latest upgrade to my network. I got tired of waiting for the Airport and decided to search for alternatives. My search lead me to Lucent wireless networking equipment. When choosing your equipment I found it important to consider distance vs. speed, which are somewhat inversely proportional. While 11Mbs is right around the corner, Lucent has been offering 8mbs for some time now. While 11mbs is slightly faster, 8Mbs wireless will go twice the distance of 11mbs (300 feet vs 150 respectively).

While the Lucent Wavepoint II is definitely more expensive than the up and coming Airport, it does have many benefits, including future upgradability as well as allowing more users and more expandability. I spoke to the Lucent people who told me that their products are fully compatible with Apple and OS9. I was a little suspect, but can now say that everything works just fine. I am roaming everywhere with my Powerbook without cables. Surfing the web on TCP/IP network is great. Best of all the system is compatible with the Airport which will give me a cheap way to extend my wireless network (as Lucent is the one who designed the chip that is in the Airport).
Howard Butler, MD

[He later replied to my questions on cost of the Lucent setup:]

The base station costs $995, each card costs $250 and one is needed for the base station as well as the PowerBook. You can also get an external antenna which increases distances by 30%, the latter not being available from Apple. You will need a PC card like Lucent's anyway for your Powerbook, so the cost is about $1000 more than the Airport setup. However, I can tell you that if 11Mbs will give you 150 feet than the reality will be less than 50 especially if walls, etc are involved. To me the purpose of a wireless network is to have mobility, if distance restricts you to the room where your hub is you might as well save money and plug your ethernet cable into your hub. I will keep you updated. "

An Airport station and two cards (for iMac DV and G4/450) network is on my Christmas list. I know some readers are getting their Airport stations and cards now - so I'd welcome a reader review on how well they work (free site t-shirt for a good published review :-)

MicroCenter 20% Off Sale: Steve Weisel of California called me about a special 20% off sale this Sunday at MicroCenter. He said the 20% even applied to Lombard PB G3s and a special batch of B&W G3/300s:

"Mike,
Just got off the phone with the top mgr. at MicroCenter. He was very kind and helpful, but said he just couldn't take a deposit. Others had already asked him (about PC stuff, not Mac stuff.)

He said to just get there early Sun.
PC stuff is 20% off Fri. & Sat. : - (
He put me on hold, checked a flyer and a computer, and gave me this info:

B&W G3 300MHz/64/6/(w/Zip, probably no modem, probably rev. 1, but not sure.) $959 + 7.75% tax = $1,033.32

I told him a salesman had told me they expected 30 to 40 of them. (They haven't received them yet.) I asked was this accurate? He said yes. I said, "Do you have that [30 to 40 boxes expected] on pretty good authority?" He said yes.
Talk to you Later.
Steve "

Today's List of Popular Upgrade Questions & Answers: Some frequently asked questions from readers:

• What drives are safest bets in Rev 1 B&W G3s and Beige G3s? - See FAQ's Apple G3 section.

• How do I add 2 or more drives to a 8600 or 9600 easily? - See FAQ's Hard Drive section.

• How do I use two Voodoo2 cards in SLI mode? See my Voodoo2 article linked here and at www.mac3dfx.com.

• What's the fastest Photoshop and 2D video card for the Mac right now? - See my Proformance 3 review.

• How do I test framerates in Games? - See FAQ's Game Topics section

• Is the Voodoo3 3000 worth the extra cost over the Voodoo3 2000? - See the comparisons in my recent 3D Card Roundup.

• Where's the best place to check for Performa or older Mac upgrades? - see the links in the sidebar of the main FAQ page.

• How do I use Beige/B&W G3 CPU modules with a CarrierZIF card? - see my Illustrated CarrierZIF setup guide.

Reaper Utility and OS 9: Although the reader post on Reaper's info didn't note it, I later updated the Reaper post in yesterday's news to note it was tested with OS 9. A reader commented further:

"Reaper 1.3 is _designed_ for Mac OS 9 compatibility. It even has an 'Allow Mac OS 9 Access to FCB' feature so that apps like Stuffit 5 Deluxe don't outright crash with that accursed 119 error.
LEo"

More VR128 Tips: To recent tips from VR128 Owners:

• Enabling Virtual Memory solved the 'X' in the ATI Desktop Video extension loading
• Reducing capture rate in Premiere helped with recording audio according to one reader (dropping rates to 3MB/sec or less).

OS 9/IX3D 2.0 Drivers: More feedback on the IXmicro 2.0 driver update:

"Hi Mike,
Thought I'd share my experiences with the new iX3D 2.0 Driver with my UltraRez card.

I'm running on a 9600/233 upgraded to a G4/400 (CarrierZIF). Under Mac OS 9, the Login program "unexpectedly quits" and restarts at startup (or if Multiple Users is off, the Finder does the same thing). I haven't found any way around this except to downgrade to the previous version of the drivers.

I'm disappointed because the drivers clearly give a nice 2D performance boost (not worried about 3D since I have a VooDoo2 for that...)
Bill Scheffler"

More owners commented on the smearing problem noted yesterday as well.

MacOS Speech Commands: I think this was a feature of previous OS versions as well but this reader notes OS 9's speech commands work great:

" I just wanted to draw some attention to a feature that completely escapes notice under OS 9. It's the speech commands feature (no, NOT the voiceprint ID). This thing is SO COOL!! Drop an alias or script into the speakable items folder, and just say whatever the name of the alias is!!!! Like "...open my browser!", or "gimme my e-mail!". I mean it's only limited by what you want it to recognize. This thing rocks!! ...
John P.M. Higgins"

I've posted a review of the XLR8 G4 CPU Upgrade in a B&W G3 which includes performance tests and an installation page w/photos and how to patch the B&W G3 firmware to remove the G4 cpu block.

For a blast from the past see what was on the front page news here one year ago.

Thursday's News Summary

• 3D Card Roundup updated for OpenGL 1.1.2 tests (final release)
• iMac DV SE review updated for OpenGL 1.1.2 game tests
• IX3D 2.0 Driver Feedback
• Save HyperCard Petition
• Reaper Dynamic RAM Allocation Utility
• More on the VR128 'Havoc' Codec
• Sherlock 2 No-Banner Patch
• CPU Review Database Exceeds 2,600 Entries
• Game/Video Card Performance Database Exceeds 700 Entries
• Game Reviews Database updated
• Sonnet G4 Software PR
• PC Spoof Poll
• Xappeal streaming QT preview
• AvPnews has update on Aliens vs Predator game for mac
• Other Net News

Wednesday's News Summary

• IX3D 2.0 Driver Feedback
• Update to IXTV/TurboTV drivers
• Rage128 VR Feedback page updated
• Talks with Apple regarding OpenGL 1.1.2 Final Version
• Important note to those that installed OpenGL 1.1.2f6 beta
• More on VR128 640x480 Capture
• VR128 Audio Capture Problems
• Formac OpenGL Beta & #9 Rev IV Cards
• More on Virex/OS Compatibility
• Other Net News

Tuesday's News Summary

• Installing the XLR8 G4 Upgrade in the B&W G3
• Voodoo3 Beta 7 Drivers Released
• Peek at the Sawtooth G4 CPU Module
• Apple teams up w/CNN, 3 QT press releases
• Reviews of iMac DV SE
• Yikes G4/400 vs Dual PIII 600
• Reader Request: iBook Wireless Modem Scripts
• Rage128 VR - using DVD Player as Input
• ORB Drive/Retrospect Tips
• Requests for OS 9 Compatible Speed Doubler
• Upgrading Tips for Older Macs
• OS 9 File Exchange Tips
• OpenGL installer removed from Descent3 Demo
• Mactell FirePower (FireWire) Drives still alive?
• ATI Rage128 VR owners feedback page posted (reports from working systems)
• Apple's stock trading higher than Microsoft's
• Other Net News

For a guide to finding answers to questions - see my Site Guide page.

Considering a G3 Upgrade? Check the CPU Upgrade Owner's Survey results and search for owner reports by Mac model and/or card brand. Readers post new entries daily and the database is updated several times a week. I urge any owners that have had problems to report this via the Survey Form. Always give the most weight to recent owner reports (dated in the listing) as in many cases problems are later found to be due to settings errors, slow L2 cache, etc.

-Freq Asked Questions

Check Apple's Software Updates
(especially their Recent Updates)

Apple TIL Updates

Apple Forums