ATi kill off the AIW line.... in europe at least

Jun 14, 2003
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http://www.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=6247

In Europe ATI have cut loose their combined graphics card and tuner All-In-Wonder product line.

ATI pulled the plug on the project on 1st July 2006, since amongst other reasons they weren't RoHS compliant. ATI will still be developing their TV tuner products in the form of ATI Theatre 550, and 650.

All-In-Wonder could be the first major victim of the July introduction of new RoHS laws as far as hardware and media enthusiasts are concerned, but isn't likely to be the last.

ATI's All-In-Wonder range of graphics cards cum tv tuners were a unique product, with Nvidia never rising the challenge and creating a competing SKU. However, with digital TV tuners widely available and at low prices, perhaps ATI decided there was no point in making AIW RoHS compliant, and thought it best to focus on its Theatre products.

So, it looks like our X1900 All-In-Wonder review could quite possibly be our last look at AIW.
 

josh6079

Diamond Member
Mar 17, 2006
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Dope, I just made a thread like this. We made it at the same exact time too LOL!!
 

Wreckage

Banned
Jul 1, 2005
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I have always preferred having a separate tuner card. However that is merely a preference and for many people the AIW card makes a lot of sense. With NVIDIA giving up quickly on their personal cinema line, this could force everyone into the separate tuner card route.

Of course it may become more of a pain to make an AIW with HDTV built-in as well.
 

josh6079

Diamond Member
Mar 17, 2006
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It looks like it was instigated by the RoHS law:
Click

With the implementation of the RoHS and WEEE Directives at member state level, it is estimated that Europe is around a year behind Japan's aggressive environmental manufacturing laws, with the USA a further couple of years behind, although new electronics legislation, referred to in an article in Inform* as ?passed in September 2003 in California which includes measures referred to as the California RoHS, may compel an acceleration of compliance with the EU?s material restrictions. The new law contains ?RoHS-equivalency? measures, which prohibit the sale of any electronic product in the state that would be prohibited from Sale in the EU because of the presence of heavy metals. This new law makes California the first state to legislatively address the toxicity of electronic products with the deadline for compliance being January 2007 rather than the EU deadline of July 2006.?
*INFORM is an independent research organization that examines the effects of business practices on the environment and on human health.

I guess I never really thought about what happens to the hardware that gets old and thrown away. I try to sell it to stores and things, but they must throw it away eventually too.
 

clickynext

Platinum Member
Dec 24, 2004
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I think it's a good idea for them because the upgrade cycle for TV tuners/input cards is so much longer than for graphics cards these days.
 

n7

Elite Member
Jan 4, 2004
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I hope they don't get rid of the AIWs here.

They are a nice unique product that has its place.
 

josh6079

Diamond Member
Mar 17, 2006
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Originally posted by: n7
I hope they don't get rid of the AIWs here.

They are a nice unique product that has its place.

Most likely they will. America is just behind in following Japan and Europe in regards to that RoHS law. My only question is, why? What does the AIW version do that makes it not compliant with this law? Doesn't a regular video card have basically the same material? (i.e. silicon, lead, etc.)
 

fierydemise

Platinum Member
Apr 16, 2005
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I like the AIW series, although I understand the RoHS laws and think they're a good idea sucks for everyone in Europe and heres hoping they don't don't kill it off here stateside.