ATI Technologies has released Catalyst 5.6, a major upgrade to its software suite that enhances its portfolio of high-performance graphics processors.
The publicly available Catalyst 5.6 represents a number of firsts in graphics software including a real-time video preview with on-the-fly adjustments, monthly software upgrades for notebook PCs and plug-and-play HDTV connectivity.
Ben Bar-Haim, vice president, software, ATI technologies, said, "With the launch of Catalyst 5.6 we take software innovation to the next level, broadening our footprint to support notebook PCs and defining a new standard for video control and usability."
"The new features in Catalyst 5.6 combined with an ongoing monthly commitment to deliver high-performance WHQL-certified drivers present a unique software proposition that is unmatched in the graphics industry," said Bar-Haim.
The initial launch of Catalyst Mobility will support Mobility Radeon X700 and Mobility Radeon X800 with more products to follow in the coming months.
Users can make simplified on-the-fly adjustments to their video quality and see the results instantly through a real-time video preview. The novice user benefits from a set up wizard that automatically detects and optimizes for the best video quality.
Enthusiast users can access more advanced setup options to easily control features like de-interlacing, hue and gamma. In addition HDTV users have an improved user experience with a simplified connection wizard for plug-and-play HD connectivity.
The company claims that gamers can also reap benefits from Catalyst 5.6 with sizable performance improvements in some of today's popular games including Doom 3, Chronicles of Riddick and Halo.
Additional benefits in Catalyst 5.6 include support for Windows MCE 2005 and a new Linux installer for simpler and more intuitive driver installation for open source uses.
ATI users can download and enjoy the immediate benefits of Catalyst 5.6 at ati.com.
