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Kanex ATV Pro connects Apple TV to VGA projectors
Kanex has just released the US$59 ATV Pro HDMI to VGA adapter. This little video adapter may well be a hit with teachers and presenters who want to mirror their iPad screens to VGA projectors -- without tethering the iPad to a clunky VGA cable. Up until now, if you intended to display your iPhone or iPad screen on a projector without HDMI inputs, your choices were few. First, you could use an Apple or third-party Dock connector to VGA cable. That, of course, limits your mobility to the length of the cable you're using to connect to the projector; the Apple VGA dongle is also prone to falling out if you're wandering around. Putting an Apple TV into the mix (and an accessible local WiFi network) lets you can leverage Apple's AirPlay mirroring, making it simple to send iPhone or iPad screens to a big screen with no cable clutter. Unfortunately, a lot of legacy projectors out in the field aren't equipped with HDMI inputs -- and it's a bad moment when you show up at your meeting without the right connections. If you have your Mac and a copy of either Reflection or AirServer, you can mirror your iOS device to your laptop... but that's a lot of gear to lug around if all you want to do is present and/or demo from your iPad. [In theory, if you wanted to show a Keynote presentation from your iPad and control it while walking about, you could connect the iPad to the VGA projector using one of the aforementioned cables and then use Apple's Keynote Remote app on a handy iPhone or iPod touch to run Keynote remotely. That doesn't solve the mirroring issue, though.] Now Kanex makes it possible to grab a $99 Apple TV, attach it to the ATV Pro and then to a VGA projector, and pump anything on an iPad or iPhone out of that projector. [Note that Monoprice sells a similar HDMI to VGA adapter for slightly less, but it's much larger and clunkier. –Ed.] Unlike the Apple TV, the ATV Pro doesn't require a nearby power outlet, so you don't need to worry about having more than two plugs available -- one for the Apple TV and one for the projector. There's also a 3.5mm audio connector that splits out the HDMI audio signal so you can play it over your analog speakers. So, how does it work in reality? Very well, thank you. I taught a class last night at a nearby community college using an Apple TV and ATV Pro, and I zapped all of my content from an iPad to the big screen as I walked around the room. Setup was drop-dead simple; the classroom has a VGA cable that I normally connect to the Mini DisplayPort on my MacBook Air using an Apple adapter. Instead, I plugged the VGA cable into the VGA port on the ATV Pro, plugged the ATV Pro's HDMI cable into the HDMI port of the Apple TV, and just plugged the Apple TV into the wall. A little bit of simple configuration of the Apple TV to join the college's network, and I was ready to go. [Be aware that some enterprise or educational wireless networks use captive portal authentication, which does not play nicely with the Apple TV's connection setup; others may block mDNS or ZeroConf/Bonjour peer-to-peer communications, required for AirPlay's magic. Be sure to test in advance of any critical presentations. –Ed.] Until projectors start arriving on the market with the ability to accept AirPlay input directly from iOS devices, the Kanex ATV Pro is definitely the way to go. It's a well-made and reasonably-priced product, and the setup is a no-brainer. The ATV Pro is currently on pre-order from Kanex, and should be available starting next Monday (May 14, 2012).
Kanex unveils ATV Pro, gives VGA projectors the power of AirPlay mirroring
If you wish you could use your legacy projector with your iPad for educational or business purposes, then crack a smile. Kanex has released the ATV Pro, a HDMI-to-VGA adapter that will allow older gear to get access to AirPlay mirroring. It's designed to get iPads into the classroom and even offers a 3.5mm audio-out port for stereo sound. Its available from today and will set you back $60.
Kanex Sydnee recharging station traces design to an unusual source
Kanex is an accessories manufacturer that has traditionally built cables and connectors for Apple products. The company has recently brightened up its branding and is introducing some new products that are sure to grab some attention. I was able to take some photos of the new Kanex Sydnee iOS recharge station at Macworld | iWorld 2012 last week, and heard a fascinating story about the origins of the design of the Sydnee. %Gallery-146080% First, a little bit of background about the Sydnee. It's designed to charge up to four iPads simultaneously. That means that it supplies the requisite 2.1 Amps of current to four individual USB ports. Sure, you can swap out some or all of those iPads with iPhones or iPod touches, but where the Sydnee really shines is in the area of charging multiple iPads at one time. What's nice about the Sydnee is that it manages to be both functional and stylish at the same time. In terms of functionality, the Sydnee does an amazing job of holding three iPads at the same time while feeding power to them through included USB cables that are just the right length. The fourth iPad (or an iPhone) must sit on the table, uninvited to the party. Now, about the style. As you can see from both the image at the top of this post and the gallery, the Sydnee uses a unique design that allows it to hold three iPads gracefully. There's a clear plastic piece in the center of the oblong "loop" that separates two of the iPads, while the third perches on the outside of the device. If this design seems vaguely familiar, than you must be a fan of Disney Pixar's Wall•E. The Kanex team told me that Sydnee's design was inspired by the Axiom, the huge BnL spacecraft that is inhabited by a "lost colony" from Earth. Whether that story is true or the team was pulling my leg, there is a resemblance, and the design is striking. Sydnee's not available yet, but you can sign up for updates on availability. The recharging station is expected to retail for US$149 when it appears, and you'll be able to get it in either black or white. I just wish it had a Buy n Large logo sticker on the outside...
Kanex's MHL HDMI adapter brings your smartphone content to an HDTV near you
Want to get content from your Samsung Galaxy S II to your HDTV, but don't want to shell out for the fancy new Toshiba Regza? Shortly after yesterday's announcement of the Australia-only WL800A, Kanex unveiled its $29 adapter, letting users connect their MHL-capable handsets to HDTVs via the HDMI port. The adapter is available now -- full PR after the break.
Kanex ships dual-link DVI-to-Mini Displayport Adapter
Already living the high life with a swank Mini Displayport monitor as your daily? That's all fine and dandy, but what happens when your desolate friends come over with machines that only tote DVI? That's where an adapter like Kanex's C247DL comes in. But unlike other adapters we've spied before, the company's latest is dual-link, allowing you get your groove on with displays that boast resolutions greater than 1920 x 1200. It also sports a USB port, giving you full control of say, we dunno, the speakers and iSight camera of Apple's 27-inch Cinema Display? At $149 it isn't cheap, but can you really put a price on friendship?
Kanex offers switch for 2 Macs, 1 Cinema Display with SnapX
Kanex has a new switch, the SnapX, that lets you connect two Macs with one Apple Cinema Display. The SnapX is an all-in-one unit that ships with two mini DisplayPort cables, two USB connectors and one button to switch between the two machines. Besides a video signal, the SnapX uses the USB cables to pass through data, audio and the images from your Mac's webcam. Tidy and neat looking, the SnapX has a clip to attach it to your Cinema display. The switch will ship in September for a reasonable US$69. [Via Engadget] Show full PR text Kanex Unveils SnapX – Two Port Switcher for Apple LED Cinema Display Connect two Mac computers to one Apple Cinema Display Brea, CA - August 3, 2011 – Kanex, maker of audio-visual solutions for Apple computers, is excited to unveil the new SnapX two port switcher designed specifically for 24 and 27 inch Apple LED Cinema Displays (ACD). The compact and USB powered SnapX allows users to easily toggle between two different Mac computers including iMac, Macbook Air, Mac mini, Macbook Pro, and new Mac models with Thunderbolt through the ACD. The plug and play SnapX features two mini DisplayPorts and two USB ports. Simply plug in both Mac computers to the built-in 5ft mini DisplayPort and USB cables. Users then plug in the ACD native display cables to the SnapX. Once linked, users are able to utilize the iSight camera and direct the audio of the connected computers through the ACD speakers without altering the audio or video quality. The user friendly one button design allows users to effortlessly switch between both sources. The SnapX features an ergonomic, sleek, clip-on design which fits snuggly on the bottom of the ACD stand. Additionally, the SnapX organizes all wires neatly behind the display providing a clutter-free environment. This also reduces stress on the connectors preventing intermittent signal loss due to loose cable connections. The SnapX is available now for pre-order and will begins shipping in September for $69 at KanexLive.com/SnapX. For the latest on the SnapX and other Kanex products, follow us on Facebook and Twitter. About Kanex Kanex offers an extensive selection of product solutions that specifically designed to provide new and exciting ways to connect devices and displays in a rapidly changing technological world. For more information about Kanex and its products, go to www.KanexLive.com. Kanex is a trademark or registered trademarks of Apogee Inc., in the U.S. and other countries. Apple, Mac, and Apple Cinema Display are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the US and other countries.
SnapX lets your Macs share a single Cinema Display
Got a pair of Macs laying around, but don't want to shell out for two Apple Cinema Displays? We don't blame you, those things are expensive. A little company called Kanex has a solution for you though, the SnapX. SnapX is, at it's heart, simply a port switcher that lets you connect two DisplayPort-equipped Macs to a single Cinema Display. But, the glossy $70 adapter does have a few neat features, like USB pass through for firing up the iSight camera and a clip for securing it to the base of the monitor. The SnapX is available for pre-order now and starts shipping to Apple devotees in September. One more pic and some PR await after the break.
Kanex AirBlue: A portable Bluetooth music solution
Kanex is well-known for their cable solutions; items like the Mini DisplayPort to HDMI cable are great for pumping video from Macs to HDTVs. Now the company has come out with the AirBlue Portable Bluetooth Music Receiver (US$49) -- a small device that you plug into speakers, AV receivers, automobile AUX ports, and other common audio inputs -- and then beam music to from your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad. Kanex provided one of these small black disc-like receivers for testing purposes, and it's a handy little device for getting rid of a few more cables in your life ... although you will need a cable to connect it to your audio input. Setup and pairing Setup of the AirBlue is a piece of cake. For a cord-cutting solution, the AirBlue comes with a lot of little cables (below). One of these is a standard USB to Mini-USB cable that's used to charge the unit. Charging the AirBlue will take about 4 - 5 hours, and once it is fully charged it will work for up to 20 hours. When the Airblue is full of power, you can then take the little 2" diameter flat black disc and plug one of the included cables into it -- a standard 3.5 mm to 3.5 mm audio cable or a 3.5 mm to RL audio cable for speakers. Pairing the unit is also quite easy. Dead center in the top of the disc is a small button with a built-in blue LED light. Pressing it for 6 seconds puts it into discovery mode, indicated by the LED flashing about 4 times per second. At this point I picked up my iPhone, went to Settings > General > Bluetooth, and saw the Kanex AirBlue show up in the list of Bluetooth devices (below). With a single tap, the iPhone and AirBlue were paired. Using the AirBlue I was particularly interested in using the AirBlue in my car, a Honda CR-V that has a center console between the driver and passenger seats that contains an auxiliary audio port. My mission? To blast tunes from the iPhone to the sound system in my car and also see what would happen if I tried to use it to listen to Navigon Mobile Navigator turn-by-turn instructions. Rather than use the standard 3.5 mm to 3.5 mm audio cable that came with the AirBlue, I took the opportunity to try out an Ipevo Bendi ($14.95 for two). It's a semi-rigid audio connector; think of a pipe cleaner (chenille stem for the non-smokers out there) with audio cables in it. I like the fact that the Bendi held the AirBlue up and off of the console. Once plugged into the AUX port, I turned the AirBlue back on by holding down the power button for a few seconds, and then launched a Grateful Dead tune in the iPod app on the iPhone. With a tap on the AirPlay button, I was able to select the AirBlue as the recipient of the music (below) and had "Friend of the Devil" blasting from my car speakers. Just to check the range of the Bluetooth connection -- advertised as 30 feet -- I opened the doors on the car, grabbed the iPhone, and started walking away from the car. I was well over 70 feet away before the signal actually dropped, and could easily stand 60 feet away and still hear the music playing. Navigon Mobile Navigator is set up to work with the iPod app, reducing the volume level of music when the application decides it needs to talk to you. Sure enough, "Sugar Magnolia" faded away in volume as the Navigon app tried to give me directions to a nearby gas station, and then increased the volume back to normal once it was done. Very nice! Conclusion There are a lot of similar solutions available for Bluetooth connections to speakers. For example, the Belkin Bluetooth Music Receiver ($49.99) is about the same size and also comes with similar cables. Monoprice sells a generic receiver for $19.92, so if you're looking for a device you can probably find one that's less expensive. However, I'm happy with the Kanex AirBlue's range, ease of setup, looks, and excellent low-noise sound quality. It's tiny enough to go on trips with me and my iPhone, and will work great in rental cars. The Kanex AirBlue is currently available for pre-order on the Kanex website.
Kanex Mini DisplayPort to HDMI solutions make your HDTV a big monitor
If you have a Mac that was introduced from mid-2010 on and it has a Mini DisplayPort, Kanex has a couple of solutions that can turn your HDTV or other HDMI-equipped video device into a monitor with full audio pass-through. I recently had a chance to test out two such solutions from Kanex. The first is the US$29.95 Kanex iAdapt V2, which is an adapter that plugs into the Mini DisplayPort and has an HDMI port on the other end. It's useful if you already have an HDMI cable and just want to be able to plug it into your compatible Mac. The second is the $44.95 Kanex Mini DisplayPort to HDMI cable, which combines the adapter with a 10-foot long HDMI cable. You plug one end into your Mac, the other into your HDTV. For compatible devices, which include the MacBook (Late 2010 release), MacBook Pro 13 /15 /17 inch (Mid 2010 release), iMac 21.5/27 inch (Early 2010 release), MacBook Air 11 /13 inch (Mid 2010 release) and Mac mini and Mac Pro (Mid 2010 release), you not only get a selection of HD video formats (720p / 1080i / 1080p), but also 5.1 surround sound pass-through. This could be extremely useful for business travelers who want to look at presentations or videos on a screen that's bigger than the one on the 11.6" MacBook Air -- they can turn to the large flat-panel HDTVs that are now in many hotel rooms. %Gallery-117165%
Macworld 2011: Kanex brings full HDMI capability to Macs
This morning I spoke with Jessica Cole from Kanex, a two-year-old company which offers many products that add HDMI capability to your Mac. The current generation of their line adds audio pass-through via HDMI. The offerings range between the iAdapt HDMI V2 (US$29.95), a small box that plugs into Mini DisplayPort and allows you to plug in an HDMI cable, giving you audio support and 1080p video to a TV, projector or anything else with an HDMI input. I was shown the Mini DisplayPort to HDMI 10-foot cable ($44.95), which is sold exclusively at Apple stores and contains a 10-foot HDMI cable so that you don't have to buy and plug in your own. "We're very excited to have our product as an Apple Store exclusive," said Jessica (whose favorite three apps are Facebook, Pandora and Facegoo). The most interesting product that I found was the Kanex XD ($149.99), a magical box that gives you the ability to connect the HDMI output of a Blu-Ray player, PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 and have resolution of up to 1920x1200 appear on your iMac 27". This lets you use your 27" iMac display as a full HD display device. The Kanex HD is controlled by the iMac keyboard. A press of Command-F2 switches the display between the computer and the HDMI device, and both sound and brightness are controlled with the usual keys on the Apple Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard.
Kanex shows off HDMI to Mini DisplayPort adapter, your iMac celebrates
It ain't the first HDMI-to-Mini DisplayPort adapter that we've heard of, but there's nothing like a little competition in a market that Apple's own closed mindset helped create. Bitterness aside, we're pretty stoked to hear that Kanex -- the same company responsible for that oh-so-handy Mini DisplayPort Adapter for Mac mini -- has introduced its own solution for piping Blu-ray, Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 signals right onto that gorgeous 27-inch panel that resides in your iMac. Our BFFs over at TUAW stopped by the outfit's Macworld booth in order to give it a look, and they said that every pixel looked absolutely fantastic. Sadly, it looks as if you'll have to wait until April to drop your buck-fifty (not including cables), but hey, it's not like using that 13-inch CRT for a few more months will kill you. Or maybe it will, on second thought. Update: Apogee is Kanex's parent company. Apogee specializes in audio and video solutions, while the Kanex brand focuses on audio and video solutions for Macs.
Macworld 2010: Kanex shows HDMI to Mini DisplayPort for iMac input
I stopped by the Kanex (pronounced "connects," I soon learned) booth to check out their latest product offering: an adapter that lets you plug external HD video (and audio) sources into your 27-inch iMac, which was honored with a Macworld Expo Best In Show award. They demoed the product playing video from a Blu-Ray DVD player, and Xbox 360 and a PlayStation 3, and it all looked great. The video is converted from HDMI to DisplayPort format with no upscaling, and the results are quite impressive. The hardware is compact with a solid enclosure, which I always appreciate. It's planned for launch in April, and will be available for $149.US. Kanex also demoed some of their existing offerings, which include a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter with digital audio support and video at 1080p ($69), and a similar adapter with a USB audio device for analog audio ($59). Both are worth a look, especially if you're planning on (or already are) using a Mac as part of your home theater.
The week in TUAW
Need a Mac or iPhone developer? TUAW job boards are here! Notice anything new at TUAW? We've had our job boards up for a week now, making sure all the tape would stick when new jobs were posted, and I'm proud to say that the doors are wide open for job... TUAW Video: a tour of Freeverse Welcome to the first of what we hope will be many, many TUAW Videos to come. We've done lots of video on TUAW, from Macworld Expo coverage to WWDC interviews to fart apps and more. This time we're... Hands-on with the Magic Mouse Well, I got my Magic Mouse a few days ago, and I've been using it for my everyday tasks for a few days (and I'm still using it), and here are my impressions. Packaging: This packaging is... Also of interest: TUAW Review: Kanex HDMI + audio adapter works fine but costs extra TUAW Gift Guides: Gifts for tech-savvy women Waveboard on the iPhone, Google Wave access slightly better than Mobile Safari
Kanex Mini DisplayPort Adapter will take your Mac mini to HDMI town
Your Mac mini cranks out its video via DisplayPort and audio via a mini Toslink. Chances are your home entertainment system doesn't like either of those. It will, however, like the Kanex Mini DisplayPort Adapter, which can turn a DisplayPort video signal into a 1080p signal over HDMI, and will even integrate either digital or analog audio into the mix. It's USB powered, so there's no need for a clunky power adapter, and while $70 isn't particularly cheap for a chubby cable ($50 for the USB analog audio model), it's about the cleanest way to get your Mini pumping tunes and vids through your system. [Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog]
