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VESA's ClearMR is a new standard for display motion performance
The Video Electronics Standards Associated (VESA) wants to make buying your next monitor or TV easier, and it’s doing so by introducing a new standard.
Alienware introduces its first gaming monitor with a 360Hz refresh rate
Alienware's new gear includes a gaming monitor with a 360Hz refresh rate.
USB 4 will fully support DisplayPort 2, including 8K HDR monitors
USB 4 is just around the corner and ready to leave USB 3.2 in the dust with double the speeds. Now, VESA has announced that it will fully support the incredible speeds available on the DisplayPort 2.0 standard as well. That means USB 4 will work with speed-hungry devices like 8K 60Hz HDR or even 16K 60Hz monitors.
DisplayPort 2.0 supports 8K monitors
With 8K displays in the pipeline and Apple's 6K Pro Display XDR on its way, the DisplayPort standard was in need of an update. Today, the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) addressed the demand for increased bandwidth and revealed DisplayPort 2.0. It's the standard's first major update since 2016, and it will provide up to a threefold increase in bandwidth over the previous version. It will support 8K monitors, higher refresh rates, HDR support at higher resolutions and improved support for multiple display set-ups. It could also give AR and VR displays a boost.
Philips' huge 4K monitor is the first with super-bright HDR
DisplayHDR certification assures consumers of an excellent standard of monitor performance, but none have received the top level -- until now. Philips' 43-inch Momentum (436M6) is the first to get HDR1000 approval, guaranteeing a superb 1,000 cd/m2 brightness, deep blacks, 10-bit color depth and an HDR-compliant color gamut. To pull it off, Philips used Quantum Dot tech, much like Samsung uses on its QLED TVs and monitors. It also features Ambiglow technology that puts a halo of light on your walls and floor, matching the content on the screen.
New standard sets baseline for HDR on PC displays
As video enthusiasts will tell you, just saying a display is capable of high dynamic range doesn't say much -- you need to know how well it handles HDR. And that's crucial for PC monitors, where the accuracy and intensity of the picture can make all the difference when you're playing a game or editing video. The team at VESA wants to do something about it. They've unveiled an open standard, DisplayHDR, that sets the baseline levels for HDR quality on PC screens.
New DisplayPort standard leverages USB Type-C's blazing speed
DisplayPort standards are one of those things most of us don't think about a whole lot, but are pretty important in terms of how our monitors connect to computers. The Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) has published the latest version of the transfer protocol, about two years after the last. Whereas version 1.3 focused pretty heavily on 4K in 2014, 1.4 is more about providing lossless compression and further leveraging relatively new connection methods like USB Type-C.
LG may have just outed an 8K iMac
Apple's suppliers take a $50 million blood oath on new model secrecy, but it looks like someone from LG didn't get that memo. In a press release explaining why 4K is now passé (really?), the company's display division inadvertently leaked an iMac with an incredible 8K screen. While discussing its own 98-inch 8K TV, it said "Apple has also announced that they will release the 'iMac 8K' with a super-high resolution display this year." Unfortunately for LG, Apple announced no such thing, meaning the Korean company may have revealed information meant for its eyes only.
New video spec clears the way for 8K laptop screens
Think your 4K laptop or 5K iMac is hot stuff? If specification developers have their way, both will soon be old hat. The Video Electronics Standards Association has unveiled Embedded DisplayPort 1.4a, a new format that lets all-in-ones and laptops use 8K screens (7,680 x 4,320, if you want to be exact). The technology uses compression to squeeze more data into the video feed, and it can divide displays into two or four segments to help the pipeline cope with all those extra pixels.
Review: Bretford Mobile Pro Desk Mount Combo for Mac and Thunderbolt Display
The Mobile Pro Desk Mount Combo (US$239.95) is part of a range of monitor mounts from Bretford, specifically designed to compliment the iMac (with built-in VESA adapter) and the Thunderbolt Display. The range comprises the Mobile Pro Wall Mount, the Mobile Pro Desk Mount and the top-tier Mobile Pro Desk Mount Combo, supporting dual displays or one display and a stand for a Macbook Air or MacBook Pro, or even an iPad. The Mobile Pro Combo is designed to give you the ultimate in dual display flexibility, ergonimics and movement (an iMac and Thunderbolt Display or Thunderbolt Display attached to a MacBook Air or Pro). Both arms, attached to the central support pole, provide up to 12 inches of vertical and horizontal movement and depth. This means you can adjust your displays to the perfect height and angle as well as being able to pull and push the display to and away from you. Finally, the arm mounts allow you to rotate your display 360 degrees, so you can use your display in portrait positioning, too. All this flexibility, whilst supporting the weight of your precious Apple gear, means the Mobile Pro Combo needs to be incredibly strong, durable and sturdy, not to mention being securely affixed to a solid surface. Installation I've not used a desk mount before, so this was new territory for me. When the Mount Pro Combo arrived I was relieved to find just how weighty and solid it is. I'm the first to admit I'm not a DIY'er, so thankfully the installation was relatively straight forward. The Mobile Pro Combo comes with clear instructions (which are also digitally available on Bretford's website) and all the necessary tools for assembly. However, before purchasing the Mobile Pro Combo there are two important things you need to be aware of regarding installation. Firstly, the Mobile Pro Combo will require you drill holes into your desk / work surface to securely attach the central support pole. If you're not prepared to do this (I don't even own a drill), there's a desk clamp that's sold separately from Bretford, which will support the central pole with up to 14 Kgs weight on each arm. Proper installation, whether you're drilling or using the clamp, requires your desk be 0.5 to 1.25 inches thick and, of course, secured to a sturdy base. Since I don't own a drill, I requested the desk clamp. Secondly, if you're using an iMac model that predates 2012 (without the VESA Mount Adapter built-in) or a Thunderbolt Display, you'll need to purchase Apple's VESA Mount Adapter Kit ($39). This was something I hadn't realized, so I had to take a trip to the Apple Store to pick up the VESA kit for my Thunderbolt Display. Bearing the above in mind, setting up the Mobile Pro Combo was really straight forward. The desk clamp attached to the central pole with nuts and bolts, which then securely attached to my desk. I then slid in the two arms, which features a no-tension adjustment system. Attaching my Thunderbolt Display to one of the arms was where I hit a snitch however, and it had nothing to do with the Mobile Pro Combo. Rather, it was a problem with Apple's VESA Mount kit. Basically, I simply couldn't get the middle screw on the mount to completely screw into the display using the tools provided in Apple's kit. I ended up stripping the screw. Not being able to remove or fully install the VESA adapte, I had to take the display to an Apple Store. Staff at the Apple Store removed, replaced and installed a new mount for me. The Apple staff member said a Torx screw driver was ideally required to screw in the central screw properly. Unfortunately, I don't have one of those, but I've added it to my shopping list for next time! Once Apple's VESA adapter was securely attached to my Thunderbolt Display, I attached the arm and got a friend to help me slide the arm and display into the central pole. I have a MacBook Pro with Retina display, so I attached the Mobile Pro Combo's stand to its second arm and put that into place easily. Practical Use After a little bit of tinkering with the height of each arm, I finally settled on positioning that I was happy with. Previously, I'd grown accustomed to always looking slightly downwards towards my Thunderbolt Display, and even further at my MacBook Pro's display. I guess it's just something you assume is normal. However, with the Mobile Pro Combo, just having my Thunderbolt Display more in line with my sitting line-of-sight -- being able to look straight ahead at the display with out having to crane my neck up or down -- made much more of a difference than I was expecting. My posture immediately improved. No longer did I hunch, and if I did, as soon as I looked at my display I was reminded by its height that I needed to sit up straight. The second thing I noticed and immediately loved was that I suddenly had a load more desk space available. The central pole with a desk clamp takes up a little more space than the footprint of the Thunderbolt Display or iMac. However, because it's placed at the back of my desk, and pretty much in the corner, it's a much more convenient use of space. Of course, with my Macbook Pro off my desk, I immediately gained a chunk of space there, too. In terms of adjusting my displays, I think I appreciated more just being able to adjust my displays to where they best suit me ergonomically and practically. I didn't do too much adjusting on a day-to-day basis, though it was great to be able to adjust when I felt like it, like when I fancied sitting more back in my chair towards the end of the day or even tilting the display towards a visiting friend or colleague. But what really mattered was that my screen setup suited me, and that made my work environment much more comfortable, practicaly and enjoyable. I personally didn't take advantage of the portrait positioning, but if I had two Thunderbolt Displays (wouldn't that be nice!), I would be tempted to try one of them in this position. On the first night I had the Mobile Pro Combo setup, I half expected to hear an almighty crash, while I was in the other room, or come to my desk in the morning to find my display smashed on the floor because the mount had collapsed under the display's wieght. But that didn't happened. In fact, everything about the Mobile Pro Combo reassured me of its sturdiness and durability. I found where I had adjusted things, that's where they stayed. Finally, the Mobile Pro Combo looks the part, too, fitting right in with its gunmetal / silver color, pairing reasonably well with my own Apple gear. Cable management is also catered for, keeping things looking neat and tidy. Conclusion In the past, the idea of mounting my display had always intrigued me, but never enough for me to actually get one. I'd assumed the positioning of my display, and the lost workspace to an external display and a laptop, was the norm. However, now that I've had the chance to use Bretford's Mobile Pro Desk Mount Combo, I have to say that I'm truly won over. I found the Mobile Pro Combo a pleasure to use, freeing up my workspace and adjusting to my personal ergonomic needs as I required. It had a dramatic impact on my work space, and I can easily foresee it having an even greater impact in an office, lab, studio or school environment, too. Having said that, Bretford's Mobile Pro Desk Mount Combo is not cheap, especially if you need the desk clamp, too. However, If you're at your desk all day using two displays, your work space is limited, and you find that your posture could be better, the Mobile Pro Combo is a quality piece of kit that will serve you well for many years to come, enhancing your work environment. Pros Relatively straight forward setup Frees desktop space no-tension adjustment system Numerous ergonomic adjustment options for demanding users and environments Sturdy, strong and durable Easy to use once setup Multi-display or Macbook Pro / Air support Cable management Designed to be used with Apple iMacs and displays Backed by a 12-year Bretford warranty Cons Desk drilling required or the additional purchase of a desk clamp Depending on your Mac / display model, you may need to purchase Apple's VESA Mount adapter kit
Apple offering iMacs with optional VESA mount adapters
Apple has begun offering iMacs with an optional VESA mount adapter. The new BTO option was first noticed by Macworld UK. Users who buy an iMac on Apple's online store can order the iMac with the VESA mount adapter instead of the standard foot stand for an additional US$40. The pre-installed adapters cannot be swapped out for the iMac's standard foot stand later. Apple is currently not selling the VESA mount adapters individually for use with previously purchased slimline iMacs. Users of iMacs with VESA mount adapters will also need to purchase a mounting arm separately, as the iMac does not ship with one. From the description on Apple's website: The iMac with Built-in VESA Mount Adapter is ready to pair with your favorite VESA-compatible wall mount, desk mount, or articulating arm (sold separately). This iMac doesn't include a stand, so a mount is required. If you don't already have a mount, you can purchase one when you configure your iMac. Apple currently lists a seven- to 10-day ship time for iMacs with VESA mount adapters.
New iMacs with built-in VESA mount adapters revealed, cost $40 extra
Bemoaning the fact that those new slimline iMacs weren't compatible with your VESA mounts? Well, the problem has now been (kind of) solved, with Apple's online store adding the option to buy its desktop models with built-in VESA mount adapters. You'll have to pay for that reclaimed deskspace, however, with $40 added to the prices of both the 21.5-inch and 27-inch families. You'll also need to purchase the stand separately, although your old VESA arms will be compatible. Alas, if you've already paid up for your new iMac, there's still no word on any transformation kits just yet.
VESA outs latest DisplayPort Dual-Mode 1.1 standard with 4K HDMI support
As manufacturers ramp up the pixels for TVs, that tech will soon trickle over to the computer side of things. As such, the VESA standard body's just announced a new DisplayPort version that'll work with the highest HDMI 1.4a resolutions like Ultra HD (4k), 3D 1080p60 and 1080p with deep (billions or more) colors. It'll be able to output those modes through a new DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter, version 1.1, once new graphics cards and devices arrive "later this year" with the standard, according to VESA. As it stands, DisplayPort Dual-Mode already supports all those resolutions natively (and more), including UltraHD at 60Hz or even four simultaneous 1080p60 monitors. However, the new standard, along with a compliant adapter, will let you drive HDMI 1.4 TVs or displays using a single cable at the higher resolutions (if supported) -- rather than the 1080p60 it was limited to before. If you need a higher res version of things, check the PR after the break.
VESA announces embedded DisplayPort version 1.4, claims better battery life and performance improvements
The embedded DisplayPort (eDP) standard consumes less power than the on-the-way-out LVDS method, and a new update from VESA should cut down on energy usage even more. The reduced power-sipping comes thanks to a new partial-frame update feature for Panel Self Refresh, regional backlight controls, additional link rate options and other tweaks. The upcoming release of eDP Version 1.4 will also support a wider range of mobile devices, including tablets, laptops and "handhelds," and the auxiliary channel can now carry a display's multitouch data to the system processor. Additionally, VESA says this latest version of eDP will allow for increased battery life and allow for thinner, lighter devices. Look for the standard to be released in October, and it should make its way to gadgets by 2014.
Maingear Solo 21 receives a makeover, $899 all-in-one PC is now fully upgradable
Back in March, Maingear entered the world of the all-in-one PC with the utilitarian Solo 21. Even though the unit is now only five months old, it's being replaced with a model that's more attractive, more functional and that carries a lower price. We're most excited that the redesigned Solo 21 is now fully upgradable -- and yes, this includes the Mini-ITX motherboard itself. Available from $899 on up, the baseline configuration includes a 3.3GHz Intel Core i3 2125 CPU (Ivy Bridge), 4GB of RAM, 500GB of storage, a DVD burner, Bluetooth, WiFi and Windows 7 Home Premium. The Solo 21 also supports mSATA SSD storage and can also be outfitted with Blu-ray in place of the standard DVD configuration. You'll also find it supports the VESA mount, should you decide to throw the PC on your wall. If you'd like to become a bit better acquainted with Maingear's latest refresh, you'll find the full PR after the break.
VESA's Mobility DisplayPort standard links smartphones to PC displays, jabs MHL
If you own a modern Android smartphone, there's a reasonable chance you're familiar with MHL for video out to a TV. The format saves the trouble of adding an extra port, but it's really only intended for HDMI-based destinations and occasionally runs into compatibility issues. VESA is hoping to settle all that with its newly available Mobility DisplayPort standard, or MyDP. Existing micro-USB ports will still serve as the output, but you'll have the option of plugging into DVI or VGA displays with the right adapter, in addition to HDMI and full-size DisplayPort. Picture connecting to an older projector and you'll see why that might make sense. The new spec will charge up your device like with MHL, but it also has about 1Mbps of bandwidth for input, such as keyboards and trackpads in some future lapdock. Video still tops out at 1080p and 60Hz, so there's no hooking into a 4K display here. The real advantage, for many, is simply in having a broadly-adopted standard in the first place: VESA backing sees 180 companies tacitly endorsing the idea, producing a big improvement over the patchwork results that we've seen from MHL's much smaller alliance. The chief obstacle is the wait for the first smartphones, Ultrabooks and tablets with MyDP, which could be months or more away.
AMD Radeon HD 6000 cards receive VESA DisplayPort 1.2 certification, merit badges
When the certifications come in, you wipe a tear from your eye and ponder how proud you are. On Thursday, the Video Electronics Standards Association announced that AMD's Radeon HD 6000 series graphics cards, including the high-end Radeon HD 6990, are the first to receive DisplayPort Version 1.2 certification. That means the cards are rated to support DisplayPort's 5.4Gbps HBR2 data link speed and also feature increased display resolution, color depths and refresh rates, plus improved support for Full HD 3D stereoscopic displays. For the multiple monitor die-hards, there's also better support for multiple monitors connected to a single DisplayPort receptacle to make your lives easier. Full technical details are in the PR below, but it's good to see a capable card series grow up a bit / become a man.
Say Hello to the new Apple Thunderbolt Display
To complement its new hardware lineup, Apple also unveiled a new Apple Thunderbolt Display, previously known as the LED Cinema Display. The new display is similar to earlier models, but now includes a Thunderbolt port that will let you connect your Thunderbolt-equipped hardware. Besides Thunderbolt, the new display includes a FaceTime HD video camera, a 2.1 speaker system, integrated MagSafe charger, three USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 800 port, and one Gigabit Ethernet port The 27-inch model Apple Thunderbolt Display is available for US$999 and will go on sale within the next 60 days. Show full PR text Apple Introduces World's First Thunderbolt Display CUPERTINO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apple® today unveiled the new Apple Thunderbolt Display, the world's first display with Thunderbolt I/O technology and the ultimate docking station for your Mac® notebook. With just a single cable, users can connect a Thunderbolt-enabled Mac to the 27-inch Apple Thunderbolt Display and access its FaceTime® camera, high quality audio, and Gigabit Ethernet, FireWire® 800, USB 2.0 and Thunderbolt ports. Designed specifically for Mac notebooks, the new display features an elegant, thin, aluminum and glass enclosure, and includes a MagSafe® connector that charges your MacBook® Pro or MacBook Air®. "The Apple Thunderbolt Display is the ultimate docking station for your Mac notebook" "The Apple Thunderbolt Display is the ultimate docking station for your Mac notebook," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing." With just one cable, users can dock with their new display and connect to high performance peripherals, network connections and audio devices." With a beautiful 16:9 edge-to-edge glass design, the Thunderbolt Display uses IPS technology to provide a brilliant image across an ultra wide 178 degree viewing angle. Any Thunderbolt-enabled Mac notebook can dock with the display to quickly and easily create a full-fledged desktop solution. The Thunderbolt Display includes a built-in FaceTime HD video camera for crisp video conferencing, a 2.1 speaker system for high quality audio, an integrated MagSafe charger to keep Mac notebooks charged, three USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 800 port, one Gigabit Ethernet port and a Thunderbolt port for daisy chaining up to five additional Thunderbolt devices. The Thunderbolt Display is the world's first display to include Thunderbolt I/O technology. Featuring two bi-directional channels with transfer speeds up to an amazing 10Gbps each, each Thunderbolt port delivers PCI Express directly to external peripherals such as high performance storage and RAID arrays, supports DisplayPort for high resolution displays and works with existing adapters for HDMI, DVI and VGA displays. Thunderbolt-based Macs with discrete graphics can drive two external displays giving professional users over 7 million additional pixels of display real estate and the ability to daisy chain additional Thunderbolt devices, as well as video and audio capture devices. The Thunderbolt Display includes an ambient light sensor which automatically adjusts the display brightness based on external lighting conditions and uses only as much energy as necessary to provide an optimum viewing experience. Made with mercury-free LED technology, arsenic-free glass and highly recyclable materials, the new display meets Energy Star 5.0 requirements and achieves EPEAT Gold status.* The new display contains no brominated flame retardants and all cables and components are PVC-free. Pricing & Availability The new Thunderbolt Display will be available within the next 60 days through the Apple Store® (www.apple.com), Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers for a suggested retail price of $999 (US). The Apple Thunderbolt Display requires a Mac with a Thunderbolt I/O port. *EPEAT is an independent organization that helps customers compare the environmental performance of notebooks and desktops. For more information visit www.epeat.net. Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced iPad 2 which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices.
Use an iPad in a kiosk with aluminum nClosures
The enclosures securing and protecting the iPads I spied at LaGuardia looked like custom jobs for Delta's terminal, but if you want to install an iPad for use in a kiosk, it appears nClosures has your multitouch device literally covered. The iPad kiosk mount from nClosures is a complete solution, with a lock to secure the aluminum enclosure around the iPad (and an option to add a cable for added security), radio transparency so you can use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and of course a hole for the power cable. The enclosures sport a VESA bolt pattern on the back so you can use those mounts or you can buy one from nClosures. Plus, the company will work with you on custom enclosures if their stock black or silver basic enclosure isn't what you need. You can buy an enclosure with or without Home button access, all of which cost $169 each. The VESA mount costs $10. These are already in use in some museums, so if you've seen some in the wild, let us know in the comments. These look like a great solution for museums and other installations needing a simple kiosk solution for iPads.
DisplayPort 1.2 adds active cable support: brings longer cords, more logos
It's been a while since we've heard anything from the VESA folks, so it was a pleasant surprise when the organization hit our inbox with a bit of PR announcing an update to the DisplayPort 1.2 standard. New active cables being introduced will allow video connections to stretch up 100 feet -- five times that of the old-school, passive variety -- and use thinner gauge wire for more flexible cords. The one kink is that the cables are directional, though, a new logo (above) should help minimize confusion over which end gets jacked into the source and which feeds your TV. Not that we're complaining about longer, thinner cables but, it sure would be nice if we could cover those 33 meters without making our apartment look like a data center - how's that wireless DisplayPort coming along?