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DisplayLink posts

DisplayLink boldly enters HD realm on new Samsung LapFit displays

by Darren Murph, posted May 20th 2009 at 9:11AM

Compared to technologies such as Wireless USB, DisplayLink has actually done fairly well for itself. Nah, it's no worldwide phenomenon, but it definitely has enough traction to really shine once USB 3.0's bandwidth arrives. That said, the tech is making the most of its current situation with the introduction of the DL-1x5 Series processors, two of which actually support Full HD. The DL-125, DL-165 and DL-195 will all slide into USB-enabled LCD monitors here shortly, with the middle guy supporting resolutions as high as 1,920 x 1,080 and the DL-195 cranking things to 2,048 x 1,152 before crying "Uncle!" In theory, at least, this enables laptop users to connect high-res screens when their desktop replacement needs a helping hand, and it can be enjoyed now by consumers in Asia, the Middle East, Russia and Europe who can snag themselves a new SyncMaster LapFit LD190G or LD220G monitor.

[Via EverythingUSB, thanks Ian]

DisplayLink for Linux turns a humble wireless router into a beautiful PC

by Paul Miller, posted May 18th 2009 at 5:12PM

Our inner nerd was already completely thrilled at the release of DisplayLink driver source code for Linux, but he's positively frothing at this elegant implementation. It's simply a Linux-based, OpenWRT router (the ASUS WL-500g Premium, to be specific) with a Samsung U70 USB display and a keyboard plugged in, but the DisplayLink driver turns what would be otherwise a headless, networking-only server into a totally elegant PC. Sure, that 300MHz embedded processor won't be powering past your Atom-powered machines or pretty much any other "modern" hardware, but it's basically a tinker's dream -- suddenly almost anything with a USB port and a processor somewhere within it could become a computer with the right amount of know-how.

DisplayLink makes Linux source code available... finally!

by Joseph L. Flatley, posted May 16th 2009 at 9:59AM

The long-burning question on the DisplayLink scene (you know, with its DisplayLink bars and coffee shops, and the annual DisplayLink parade) has been: "When will Linux users be able to get in on some of that video-via-USB action?" Well, it looks like we have an answer for you, penguin-heads. As of today, the company is announcing the release of the open-source implementation of its graphics software, offering support for the Alex family (DL-120 and DL-160) chips. So prepare to go wild writing drivers for all of your favorite Linux-based devices, and be sure to drop us a line when you do. Seriously -- it's been a while since you called. Hit the read link to get started, or check out the full PR bit after the break.

Continue reading DisplayLink makes Linux source code available... finally!

DisplayLink sells a million USB graphics chips

by Donald Melanson, posted May 13th 2009 at 6:56PM

It wasn't all that long ago that DisplayLink was still courting manufacturers and showing off its then newfangled USB graphics adapter technology, but the company is now celebrating a fairly significant milestone, with it announcing that it has sold more than a million of its USB graphics chips. Those have found their way into more than thirty different products from a number of manufacturers, including both wired and wireless USB adapters, projectors, USB docking stations, and a whole range of USB-connected monitors. Of course, DisplayLink isn't about to rest on its laurels now, and it says it expects to see an even greater range of products using its chips as wireless USB and USB 3.0 become the norm.

[Via I4U News]

Century's Plus One 8-inch USB monitor seems pretty OK for displayin' stuff

by Joseph L. Flatley, posted Jan 29th 2009 at 5:04PM

You know how it is, with so many apps fighting over that valuable desktop real estate. Luckily, there is no shortage of companies looking to fill the void in your life (or your workflow) with an additional 8 inches of USB-enabled monitorin'. The newest entry into the market is the Plus One LCD-8000U by Century, a digiframe-looking thing that sports an 800 x 600 resolution, 250 cd/m2 brightness, and supports either portrait or landscape mode. What's not to love, right? Well, the fact that it's going for $190 is not very lovable. Still, it's good to have options. Or something. Award winning video after the break.

Continue reading Century's Plus One 8-inch USB monitor seems pretty OK for displayin' stuff

HP's USB 2.0 Docking Station adds in DisplayLink technology

by Darren Murph, posted Jan 9th 2009 at 3:30PM

DisplayLink is most certainly swinging the big wood here at CES, with announcements spanning from Samsung monitors to Acer multimedia docks. Now, it's hooking up with HP for the first time ever in order to introduce the USB 2.0 Docking Station with DisplayLink technology. The universal dock enables laptops to pass through audio, LAN and peripheral connectivity, and of course, it enables the laptop to expand its display onto a USB-enabled monitor without the need for graphics cards and the like. We can't tell you when or where it'll land, but you can have a gander at the read link for other hardware details.

Accell introduces their USB 2.0 to VGA Adapter at CES

by Joseph L. Flatley, posted Jan 7th 2009 at 8:38AM

If you spend any amount of time in front of a computer, you're already sold on the idea of a second monitor -- luckily, there are an ever-increasing number of options out there for you. Looking to give DisplayLink a run for its money, Accell Cables is throwin' down with their UltraVideo USB 2.0 to VGA Adapter. This guy is bus powered, rocks up to UXGA (1600 x 1200) resolution, and the display drivers (available for PC and Mac) support up to four adapters. Listed for $89.99, it will be making the rounds at CES this week.

[Via About Projectors]

Samsung ships DisplayLink-equipped SyncMaster 2243QW

by Darren Murph, posted Jan 7th 2009 at 3:39AM

Samsung's been shipping DisplayLink-equipped displays in its UbiSync line for months now, and now it's got one more headed to consumers. The 22-inch 2243QW comes with a 1,680 x 1,050 native resolution, 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 5-millisecond response time, a built-in USB hub and VGA / DVI inputs. 'Course, the signal gets sent over USB, but it's your best guess as to what it'll run. Er, is running, considering that it's shipping now to the US and Europe.

Acer adds DisplayLink multimedia dock to 22-inch P224W monitor

by Darren Murph, posted Jan 7th 2009 at 3:35AM

Acer's P224W is nothing new, but it's getting some seriously new functionality here at CES. Said display has become the first Acer monitor with a matching multimedia dock, which includes a USB hub that allows PCs to connect to it via DisplayLink (or in other words, via USB). In case you're in need of a refresher, other specs include a 10,000:1 contrast ratio, 1,680 x 1,050 native resolution, VGA input and a 5-millisecond response time. It's shipping now for an undisclosed amount in the US and Europe.

ViBook looses DisplayLink USB-to-DVI adapter with support for six-screen spanning

by Nilay Patel, posted Dec 12th 2008 at 11:03PM

DisplayLink USB monitors are starting to trickle out a little more frequently now, but USB graphics cards based on the tech are still somewhat rare -- we've seen a couple, but VillageTronic's ViBook box is the only one that comes with software to span an image across up to six screens at once. That's right, the bundled VT MultiDisplay software will let you create a single giant Windows desktop out of six 1600 x 1200 22-inch displays if you buy enough of the $130 dongles -- Mac users can do the same with four screens. The dongle can be outfitted with a VESA cradle that allows it to hide discreetly behind your monitor, and while we don't know what the upper limit of graphics performance is, we do know that we'd kill for a gigantic 4800 x 2400 workspace. Weekend project, anyone?

[Thanks, Becky]

Acer ships 22-inch B223 DisplayLink USB monitor in Europe

by Darren Murph, posted Dec 6th 2008 at 7:49AM

The whole DisplayLink thing still hasn't completely caught fire or anything, but it's getting there -- slowly, but surely. Now, Acer has a new USB-connected monitor that's shipping in Europe, the 22-inch B223. The unit is part of the outfit's B series of monitors and features a decidedly ho hum 1,680 x 1,050 resolution, a DL-160 network display chip that enables up to six of these to be connected to a single PC and a 5-millisecond response time. You should definitely expect a premium when getting all this USB-y functionality, but €339 ($430) just seems, how do you say... outrageous?

[Via Electronista]

Mitsubishi's RDT201WDL DisplayLink monitor now available

by Joseph L. Flatley, posted Oct 6th 2008 at 8:52PM

Laptop user looking for some dual-display action? Mitsubishi's new DisplayLink-equipped RDT201WDL WIDE LCD is a 20.1-inch wide-format monitor that features a USB hub, built-in Ethernet and WSXGA+ (1,680 x 1,050) resolution. Energy-conscious consumers will enjoy the on-screen energy meter and three levels of power usage, and we can all appreciate the fact that this monitor uses up to 36 percent less juice than a traditional LCD (in addition to the traditional savings DisplayLink provides by skipping the discrete graphics card). This item is currently available in Japan, and there's no word yet on a Stateside release date.

[Via Business Wire]

Sony VAIO VGP-UPR1 notebook dock boasts DisplayLink technology

by Darren Murph, posted Sep 8th 2008 at 7:22PM

Lookin' a USB docking station for your VAIO (or other machine)? Look no further than the VAIO-branded VGP-UPR1, which is compatible with a whole alphabet worth of Sony's laptops. The unit boasts a VGA / DVI port, four USB sockets, an Ethernet jack and headphone / microphone connectors; furthermore, it supports resolutions up to 1,600 x 1,200, and of course, DisplayLink's USB graphics technology. Not too terribly painful at $199.99, and it's out now for folks in the US, EU and Japan.

[Via CNET]

ASUS USB-N11 Wireless N USB adapter ships with EZLink

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 30th 2008 at 11:21AM

We'll admit, ASUS has us scratching our noggins on this one. Just last month, the outfit coaxed us into believing that EZLink was simply its way of saying DisplayLink. Now, however, it seems that it's a blanket term being used anytime ASUS "simplifies" something. Whatever the case may be, the outfit has introduced its newest Wireless N USB adapter, the USB-N11. Sporting integrated support for Mac, Windows and Linux-based computers, this draft-N compliant device also features a WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) button -- this is where the EZLink comes in -- that "allows users to setup a protected networking environment with ease." Per usual, there's no mention of a price or release date, so it's on you to keep an eye out for it to land anytime, anywhere.

[Via I4U News]

InFocus IN3100 / IN1100 series projectors nab DisplayLink

by Darren Murph, posted Jun 11th 2008 at 9:07AM

DisplayLink monitors are fine and dandy, but what if you're looking to get that PowerPoint presentation even bigger? Enter InFocus' IN3100 / IN1100 series of multimedia projectors, both of which claim to be the first of their kind with DisplayLink embedded. With a simple USB-to-PC connection, the beamers blast whatever totally boring and equally insignificant chart you're being forced to speak on upside the wall. As for specs, we're left in the dark with regard to resolution (hint: don't set your expectations too high), but the IN3100 series boasts 3,000 to 3,500 lumens and a 2,000:1 contrast ratio while the IN1100 series offers up 2,000 lumens and an 1,800:1 contrast ratio. You can slap the former (starting at $1,499) on your corporate card later this month, but you'll be waiting until early August before nabbing the $1,099 and up IN1100.