Gefen's USB-to-DVI adapter handles UXGA

Certainly not the first to conjure up such wares, Gefen is hopping in the USB display adapter game with its own USB-to-DVI adapter. The unit supports screen resolutions up to 1,600 x 1,200 and plays nice with all 32-bit versions of Windows as well as OS X. As you're probably well aware, up to a half dozen of these critters can be connected to a single PC at a time, and any attempt to use seven or more will likely cause a catastrophic meltdown. Unfortunately, these things are still a tad pricey, and even Gefen's will set you back a stiff $129. Full release posted after the jump (which affirms OS X support).

Gefen Adapter Gives HD Access Through USB Port

CHATSWORTH, CA – A new USB to DVI Graphics Adapter from Gefen offers a handy way to connect additional displays to all Windows XP and Vista operating systems available today, and now for Mac OS X as well.

This tiny adapter allows a plug and play connection of a DVI or VGA display to any USB 2.0 port so you can add digital video displays or projectors to your laptop and personal computer for simultaneous video delivery without needing a DVI port. Output video is delivered in the DVI-I format, allowing for either VGA or DVI display compatibility.

The Gefen USB to DVI Graphics Adapter (MSRP $129) enables users to tweak their video performance, offering a variety of screen resolutions up to 1600x1200. These built-in features ensure video performance is of a similar quality as the main display connected through the DVI port.

Users also have the option of having the USB connected display mirror the main display or extend the desktop to provide increased visibility and the ability to view several applications at the same time in a multiple display situation. Testing has shown that up to six USB to DVI Graphics Adapters can be connected to any one personal computer with a reliable delivery of video to all six displays.

Details and complete specifications are available here:
http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=4517

# # #

About Gefen:

Gefen delivers advanced technologies with multi-platform extension, switching, distribution and conversion capabilities. Gefen equipment is valued around the world in professional A/V, information technology and consumer electronics/home theater environments. Their add-on hardware maximizes functionality by enabling systems to operate beyond their original capabilities. A selection of high quality cabling is also available. Visit www.gefen.com for detailed product information.

[Adam @ Mar 19th 2008 1:56PM]

With my 'lack of'/laziness to do some searching, would it be possible to setup a server based system, connected to USB to Bluetooth network, and then use bluetooth to USB interfaces attached to this sucker to create wireless terminal networks?

[Adam @ Mar 19th 2008 2:00PM]

nevermind, skip bluetooth, just use Wireless USB Hubs, and create wireless terminal services.

[pball_inuyasha @ Mar 19th 2008 2:03PM]

I think I understand what your going for. Are you saying have a computer somewhere hooked to bluetooth then have this adapter and a keyboard and mouse hooked to another bluetooth adapter? I'd think that would be possible. Or use the wireless usb hub depending on how far those go, I have no clue, then you'd only have a monitor, keyboard, and mouse where you want your "computer"

[Adam @ Mar 19th 2008 2:07PM]

Yeah, but even so, that's only just one terminal. Now find me windows based software that allows you to assign different displays as separate sessions that can be assigned keyboards/mice.

[majortom1981 @ Mar 19th 2008 2:32PM]

You better off using those ethernet kvm switches connected to a wireless bridge.

[Eli @ Mar 19th 2008 2:12PM]

This looks like just a relabeled version of what my company sells - for $10 less even.

http://www.datapro.net/products/usb-to-dvi-video-adapter.html

It works surprisingly well. 3D support isn't amazing or anything, but I got it running World of Warcraft.

[Matt @ Mar 19th 2008 2:18PM]

Thanks for the link Eli. So far Datapro has the best price on this adapter.
Sewell - $139.95 - http://sewelldirect.com/USB-to-DVI-External-Video-Card-High-Resolution.asp
Gefen - $129.95 - http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=4517
Datapro - $119.95 - http://www.datapro.net/products/usb-to-dvi-video-adapter.html

Can anyone beat $119.95?

[Kurt @ Mar 19th 2008 1:59PM]

In the Gefen page that you linked to, it does NOT say it supports OS X, which has been the case with almost, if not all, of these USB to DVI connectors... All of them use (crappy) Windows to get the job done...

[ArcticFox @ Mar 19th 2008 6:16PM]

Windows cant be that crappy if it doesnt work with OSX, means windows can do it and osx cannot, fecking mac fanboys.

[Matt @ Mar 19th 2008 2:01PM]

There is no mac support for these devices yet. Display Link has a press release that a driver will be available March 31st. (http://www.displaylink.com/downloads.html)

[Kurt @ Mar 19th 2008 2:08PM]

Items like this should be explained by phrases like "and future support for OS X", not implying that it already supports this...

Hey ENGADGET, we're tech people who like, and pay attention to, details... How about making sure the details are correct...

[Bethany Corcoran @ Mar 19th 2008 3:58PM]

And I was all excited for a while there. I'd love to be able to use 2 external displays on my Macbook. Although, it doesn't metion whether it supports 1680x1050, which is what I'd want it to support.

[JKK @ Mar 19th 2008 6:00PM]

The DualHead2Go (from Matrox) has Mac support up to 1920x1200.

[Bethany Corcoran @ Mar 19th 2008 6:50PM]

I'm only using a Macbook, which doesn't have a dual link DVI output, and my main monitor is already at 1920x1200, so I can't add a 1680x1050 monitor on top of that.

[Bryan Blake @ Mar 19th 2008 2:53PM]

MCM Electronics has had this item for at least a month.

http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product.asp?product_id=83-11303&catalog_name=MCMProducts

[Matt @ Mar 19th 2008 3:17PM]

Check your product specification carefully Bryan, the mcmelectronics version only supports up to 1280x1024 while the Gefen model supports up to 1600x1200.

[Ali @ Mar 19th 2008 2:53PM]

So can this or any other device finally mean we can play consoles such as PS3 on a say, laptop?

[Curtis Joslin @ Mar 19th 2008 4:45PM]

no.

[schiano @ Mar 19th 2008 3:40PM]

where does it say anything about osx support?

[Mike @ Mar 19th 2008 3:45PM]

Don't these devices typically support lower and lower color depth at the higher resolutions? (they never seem to be up-front about that in their specs)

And to echo what others said.. despite the press release, the Gefen page does NOT list Mac compatibility on the product page.

[whatishalo? @ Mar 19th 2008 3:56PM]

Wish they would put more specific specs. I'd like to use a USB-CAT5 extender to run a CAT5 over to my plasma TV then use this to convert back, that way we can use the plas as a monitor when visitors come over rather than clustering around the kitchen computer screen. CAT5 would then provide a greater allowable run than the DVI cable. Anyone have any experience using one of these like this? (wireless so far has been less than stellar and we gave up on that means of transmission).

[Jeff @ Mar 19th 2008 4:22PM]

As long as you're converting to CAT5, why not just get a DVI over CAT5 extender?

http://www.techonweb.com/products/productdetail.aspx?id=A00TN1&src=FG

[Jeff @ Mar 19th 2008 4:22PM]

As long as you're converting to CAT5, why not just get a DVI over CAT5 extender?

http://www.techonweb.com/products/productdetail.aspx?id=A00TN1&src=FG

[whatishalo? @ Mar 19th 2008 4:28PM]

DVI-CAT5 looks like a good idea but since I already have a USB-CAT5 extender laying around, would be nice to save $100 :)

Thanks for the link, didn't even think to look for one of those.

[Lewis @ Mar 19th 2008 3:59PM]

Yeah - my guess by what they mean about Mac compatibility is that you won't need any type of hardware upgrade to use it with a Mac when the drivers come out on the 31st. Additionally, if you're using VMware, you can run one of these under Windows on a Mac (according to one of our customers). If you want to see these things running multi-display, check it out on our page here:

http://addamonitor.com

[whatishalo? @ Mar 19th 2008 4:12PM]

@Lewis

Since you seem to have experience with these have you tried running one using a USB-CAT5 extender over something like a 50-75ft run?

[Lewis @ Mar 20th 2008 1:47PM]

@whatishalo?

My guess is no. Most cat5 extenders you can get under $500 only support USB 1.1 and this thing definitely needs 2.0's bandwidth for it's throughput. Now if that USB extender you've got laying around is 2.0... that's a different story.

[Doug @ Mar 19th 2008 4:59PM]

When is someone going to make one of these that runs on FireWire? USB is a terrible interface for video of any sort, let alone high resolution.

[Sven @ Mar 19th 2008 5:39PM]

Everybody mentions the res, and the bit depth... never both! What's the max res for 32bit? And how does it compare to the Sewell item and others?

[Lewis @ Mar 20th 2008 1:53PM]

@Sven:

According to mfg specs, this version will support full 32-bit color at up to 1600x1200 or 1680x1050 with 59 or 60hz refresh rates.

[Lewis @ Mar 20th 2008 1:59PM]

@Sven:

Also, with regards to how they compare, they are all built on the same DisplayLink chip, though there's probably some variation on how the hardware and PCB are built, depending on the source factory.

[Sven Neumann @ Mar 20th 2008 2:21PM]

This is good news. Currently my Laptop can only drive my external 19" 1280x1024 at 16bit colour, and I keep having to move things to the laptops screen for colour checks. I found a local company that will get me one of these, although from a different brand. It has the same case and on the DisplayLink page it is listed right along the others, so I assume they have more or less the same stuff inside and the same specs.

[Rick Blaine @ Mar 19th 2008 7:10PM]

Do people find this is the best/cheapest way of adding an extra external monitor to a notebook computer?

[Lewis @ Mar 20th 2008 1:50PM]

@Rick:

Since it's about the only way to add a usable monitor (there are older versions of the same thing that give you a VGA port, but frankly, the technology just wasn't there - screen movement was slow and choppy and the response time was just... well, it was ugly) to a laptop, I'd say yes. That is, of course, unless you have a laptop-specific docking station with an additional video out.

There's also a Belkin ExpressCard docking station, but the performance isn't as good (it's not bad, I'm using it right now, but not *as* good) as the DisplayLink solution. It also runs about $210, and if you don't need the extra ports, it's not worth it.

[Sven Neumann @ Mar 20th 2008 2:26PM]

Regarding the cat5 extenders... I once dis an experiment where I hooked up some USB plugs to cat5 sockets, using the wires to connect the USB pins, with extra ones for the ground shielding. I got it to run a webcam for at least 10+ meters (about 30 feet), although I did stick a powered hub at the end to give enough juice to the cam. I am sure with some creative wiring and a hub here and there you can easily exceed the recommended max distance of 25meters (max 5 segments of max 5m length each). Of course you might introduce some signal noise which might cut the speed down. It ends up a whole lot cheaper then extenders and even active USB cables. (small hubs are usually cheaper)

[gustaf @ Apr 8th 2008 6:28PM]

Does anyone know if this will work with a wireless USB hub. like this for example

http://www.dlink.com/products/?model=DUB-9240

Would be a nice way to connect the laptop to a monitor.

Has anyone seen this work?

[aggro_dude_ @ Apr 21st 2008 1:20PM]

Tritton makes a better model and for half the price:

http://shop3.outpost.com/product/5520180