DisplayLink's been wringing all kinds of connectivity out of our computer's USB ports for years, turning one connection
into many
. It should come as no surprise, then, that the company's using its considerable compression expertise to send high-resolution 4K video through that very same pipe. Ideally, the system shoots video over USB 3.0, while still giving users the full connectivity options of any compatible DisplayLink device -- but it can also function using USB 2.0, though the dynamically compensating data compression at work may cause some frames to drop.
We chatted with Displaylink's Director of Marketing, Andy Davis, about the feature and he informed us that the new 4K capability comes courtesy of a chip design first revealed back at CES that, while upping the max resolution of transmitted video, has no trouble driving multiple displays. In theory,the number of 4K screens the chip can drive is only limited by the graphics drivers and video decoding capabilities of the computer it's connected to. And, the new architecture also enables wireless streaming of 4K video using 802.11ad and can stream 1080p video over 802.11ac (4K over 802.11ac is in the works). We got to see a brief demo of the technology in action, and the video played back flawlessly over USB 3.0 for the few minutes we saw it work. Using 2.0, we noticed a slight flicker once or twice during playback, but the feed was still quite watchable. All in all, its a nice addition to the DisplayLink feature set. Now if they'd just let us know when we'll actually see it implemented in something we can buy.
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DisplayLink enables 4K Displays over USB and WiGig Connections
PALO ALTO, Calif., Sept. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- DisplayLink®, the leading provider of USB Graphics technology, today demonstrated support for 4K Ultra HD displays over both USB and WiGig connections at the Intel Developer Forum (IDF 13) at the Moscone Center, San Francisco.DisplayLink's 4K demo comes as 4K monitors and televisions are rapidly becoming available from industry leaders such as Samsung, LG, and ASUS. Using DisplayLink based USB adaptors, users can easily add 4K monitors to PC or Macs that don't have native 4K outputs. Further, multiple 4K monitors can be supported. This vastly increases the available attachable market for 4K monitors.
"Many thought 4K over USB wouldn't be achievable" said John Cummins, VP Sales and Marketing at DisplayLink, "So we pushed the bar further, enabling Ultra HD 4K for both wired and wireless connections. DisplayLink's latest chipset enables users to easily add 4K displays with a single USB adapter or via new wireless technologies such as WiGig (80.211ad). The resolution increase is staggering when used in a business setting for data graphing, spreadsheets, and finance. Upcoming 4K chips will be completely backward compatible with the DisplayLink installed base, enabling business users to easily expand their notebook, tablet, or existing DisplayLink enabled solution to 4K Ultra HD."
DisplayLink will be demonstrating their latest 4K technology at IDF showing both Ultra HD 4K USB adapters and Ultra HD 4K over 802.11ad (WiGig) working in combination with Qualcomm/Atheros/Wilocity, utilizing their latest tri-band chipsets.
To see the 4K demos please visit DisplayLink at the IDF Technology Showcase, Booth 377 on September 10, 11, and 12. Availability of samples and production will be announced at a later date. For more information on DisplayLink and its products please visit www.displaylink.com or contact your DisplayLink rep.
About DisplayLink – Plug and Display Solutions.DisplayLink® (www.displaylink.com) develops hardware and software solutions to enable easy connectivity between monitors and computing devices over standard interfaces such as USB, Ethernet, and wireless networks. DisplayLink's technology increases productivity and ease-of-use in the multi-display workspace and is deployed to millions of users through globally branded PC products including universal docking stations, monitors, projectors, zero client systems and display adapters.
For more information and product details, visit the DisplayLink Shop and follow DisplayLink on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter.
