Sewell offers up USB-to-DVI adapter with UXGA support

Oh, how far we've come. Just 2.5-years after Tritton unveiled an adapter that enabled users to run a VGA-equipped display at 800 x 600 via USB, Sewell is offering up a USB-to-DVI converter that actually supports UXGA (that's 1,600 x 1,200 for those counting). In a package no larger than a deck of cards, this thing houses some 256MB of RAM, supports up to six simultaneous displays (requires six adapters, obviously) and even plays nice with Windows Vista (sorry, Leopard fanatics). There's also a DVI-to-VGA adapter thrown in just so your bases are covered, and so long as you're running a rig made within the last few years and have a USB 2.0 port (or six) to spare, you're in business. Well, after you cough up $149.95 to claim one for yourself, that is.

[Via SewellSupport]

[Kyle @ Oct 31st 2007 11:08AM]

We've come a long way...

[Luigi193 @ Oct 31st 2007 11:09AM]

Is USB fast enough?

[tintastic @ Oct 31st 2007 11:17AM]

Yes, the adapter uses a DisplayLink chip and the company's compression technology to deliver the signal. I've seen it in action and it's more than sufficient for general use and even video playback. Gamers should look elsewhere though...

[ethana2 @ Oct 31st 2007 12:41PM]

I've always wanted a USB monitor. For some reason, the people who make the USB standard keep tying it to fixed clock speeds and numbers of pins. I believe that they are incompetent.

host at common low frequency, two pins: connections specs?
device: 128 pins, 1 GHz.
host: 64 Gbps connection established.
device: roger that.

That's what I want. Bah. This here USB to DVI adapter probably doesn't work under Linux, BSD, or opensolaris anyways.

[ethana2 @ Oct 31st 2007 12:48PM]

(and to anyone who may think that what I proposed is unrealistic, we have PCIe, don't we?)

To those who would like to remind me that it 'all comes down to money', I'll inform you that I don't care about other people's poor investments, and if pushing progress means screwing them over, I'm good with it, and will do it anyway.

[Hax Or @ Oct 31st 2007 2:42PM]

I'm sure you can think of better retorts... for yourself.

[Djunior80 @ Oct 31st 2007 11:25AM]

150 dollars!!! that is ridiculous! I put that towards a descent video card that already has the DVI built right into it

[Georgi @ Oct 31st 2007 12:14PM]

Cool, will you teach me how to add DVI port onto a laptop then along with my new video card for laptop?

[Rob @ Oct 31st 2007 11:37AM]

Or get this if you have a computer with PCI Express x1 slots:

http://www.amazon.com/Quadro-Pcie-Dvi-sl-VGA-dvi-Optl/dp/B000EVMKQM/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-0879195-4657246?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1193844961&sr=8-1

4 displays of any resolution for less than 4 of these things.

[JohnTitor @ Oct 31st 2007 11:37AM]

I really can't think of a practical use for this considering the price

[manfesto @ Oct 31st 2007 11:38AM]

Laptop user that wants to use three-or-more screens?

[jeff @ Oct 31st 2007 12:27PM]

actually, it could be handy in a pseudo-docking situation: I already have tons of stuff connected to my USB hub; if I could connect my second monitor as well, that would mean one less cable to connect when I get home (particularly for a Mac user like myself, for whom true docking stations are not available - aside form BookEndz).

[john @ Oct 31st 2007 12:04PM]

a) PDA's with USB but not video-out

b) Hey, you're John Titor... you should be able to tell US whether and how this product succeeded. By 2015, how'd it do? :-)

[john @ Oct 31st 2007 12:06PM]

and to build upon my (a), thin clients with USB but not video-out.

It's not going to be a mainstream device, I'm sure. But there are places where you've got USB but no other options for an attached display.

[Lattyware @ Oct 31st 2007 11:58AM]

Even if there was Linux support and 1920x1200 support, I still wouldn't be bothered by this. If you want multi-monitors, buy a better/more cards, or get something like the Matrox TripleHead2Go (A lot cheaper, and no wasting a USB port, having to have OS support, or resolution limits)

[b_a_boone @ Oct 31st 2007 1:14PM]

What if your a traveling tech that is trouble shooting a server or workstation or something and you want dual monitor capabilities. If your at a friends house or family your not going to install a video card on everyones machine. Get it now!

[Nick Catalano @ Oct 31st 2007 12:47PM]

Would be kinda cool to have a set of small form factor lab computers in the back of the room with shielded USB cords going to multiple desks with just monitors, keyboards, and mouses. Actually, would love to have technology like this built into an actual display.

[Ryan Lynd @ Oct 31st 2007 1:54PM]

Ditto!! This would be great if it was integrated into the monitor itself. A Plug-and-play monitor with no need for an extra video out port. Throw in a battery and the monitor would be a great on the go solution. Or an oLED monitor that is powered off of the usb cable itself. but now were just getting crazy.

[sam @ Oct 31st 2007 2:25PM]

Mac users: If you need more than the single display you can add to your notebook, check out screen recycler: http://www.screenrecycler.com/home.html

Of course, you will need another machine to gain an extra monitor, but you can use a really old one.

[Hax Or @ Oct 31st 2007 2:48PM]

If you want an extra monitor, give YODM a spin (literally).

http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=14076

On my notebook I have four monitors, I just give the screen a spin.. but your notebook's video capability must be sufficient, specifically the Video RAM.

[MacGordon @ Oct 31st 2007 2:57PM]

Gefen has something like this in their new products lineup.

Here: http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=4517

No price listed though. Looks like a similar product.

[johnzilla @ Oct 31st 2007 3:07PM]

Yes, but for those of us (like me) who have a Mac mini and would like more than one monitor, something like this might be a step in the right direction.

[CHADJ @ Oct 31st 2007 8:49PM]

This solution has been on the market for a while. StarTech.com is already on there second revision of USB2VGA2 displaying 1920 x 1200.

The DVI version will have all of the same specs and will be ready for resale in 1 month. USB2DVI

Heres the link to both revisions.
http://www.startech.com/product/itemlist.aspx?product_desc=usb2vga

[Cycomachead @ Oct 31st 2007 9:20PM]

cool! Wish it were closer to 100 and had Mac support - so its a no-go for me. But I like the idea. It only supports up to a 20/21 in monitor, but heck if you can have 6!!!!!!! could you imagine being able to plug a laptop into a usb hub and have 6 monitors? Assuming you have $900 for adapter +$50 for a hub + 6*300 for reasonable 20 in monitors. Expensive, yes, but I can dream!

Oh and to the DualHead and Triple Head2Go this thing is more portable, along the same price because you're paying $150 to add a monitor, and keep you current port, where as the Daul/Tripples heads take you current port and add 2/3 for $200-$300. And because it has it's own RAM it support more than Matrox does.

Here's hoping for Mac support!

[Jared @ Nov 1st 2007 9:18AM]

I would think this could make my HTPC wireless to my TV with a usb wireless adapter.

[Lewis @ Nov 1st 2007 2:19PM]

According to DisplayLink (who makes the chip inside), Mac compatibility is just down the road. The best estimate I've gotten from them is Q2 of 2008. And it will be a glorious day.

[Brian @ Nov 3rd 2007 8:04PM]

NuBii question,I haven't the vaguest notion of what I need for the following.
I wish to burn to CD/DVD sureilance DVR images from the HHD.
This is probably a tall order, but any help would be appreciated.
The DVR video out is a Jack Plug, this would need to be connected to a Laptop for the purposes of burnig the images to CD.
Thanks.

[stephenp @ Dec 30th 2007 2:45PM]

Anyone know if this performs well enough to smoothly play HD video on an HDTV?