New StarTech DisplayPort Adapter / KVM Released
Written by John Thompson on April 2, 2010 · Filed under Tech
StarTech recently announced the release of two new DisplayPort based products, offering great support for the current generation of display connectors, and backwards compatibility at a lower cost than upgrading.
The first of these two announcements is a DisplayPort to VGA adapter. With the adapter, you can connect your DisplayPort based machine to an external display without having to upgrade your monitor to the new standard, saving you money whilst offering a great quality viewing experience. The best feature of this adapter is that it supports resolutions up to 1920×1200 (WUXGA) for high resolution displays, and allows you to view HD content at 1080p without the need for a DisplayPort capable display, which can come at quite a cost on the market!
John Mardinly, Product Manager of StarTech commented on how the adapter “gives users the best of both worlds, allowing them to upgrade to a DisplayPort-capable video source and keep their existing VGA monitor until it’s ready for an upgrade”, before going on to say how the device will be great for enterprise, as administrators won’t have to replace all their VGA displays to continue using the newest equipment with great advantages.
The adapter requires no software, and can be used on a secondary monitor when connecting from the DisplayPort output of your computer. You can purchase it now for around £40 incl. VAT from e-tailers across the web such as Dabs, Misco and Amazon UK.
Their second announcement is somewhat more advanced device, being the first to market a DisplayPort compatible KVM switch, which supports next generation display resolutions and audio capability. If you’re not sure what a KVM switch is, the idea is quite simple. Using a KVM switch (the KVM stands for Keyboard, Video, Mouse), you can connect to, and control, various monitors and computers without the need for other converters.
StarTech’s DisplayPort KVM switch allows you to control two Display-Port capable computers, with a great experience thanks to the next generation display standard. The switch will offer users a native 2560×1600 resolution, making it great for graphic design, CAD and other multimedia uses. As well as this, it supports 7.1 channel HD digital audio, which is a must for any multimedia lover who wants good quality sound from their devices.
If resolution is more important to you than refresh rates (whilst at a resolution of 2560×1600, the refresh rate is 60Hz), the DisplayPort offers resolutions up to 3840×2400 at reduced refresh rates. This is great for uses such as MRI and X-ray imaging, so a lot of industries are catered for here!
Other features of note about StarTech’s DisplayPort KVM switch include the ability to share peripherals with connected machines over USB 2.0, and there’s support for both Mac’s and PC’s too, so the vast majority of users out there are good to go!
If you want to get your hands on the switch, you can get one either directly from StarTech, or from other retailers including Dabs, Misco and Amazon UK for around £165 including VAT.
Comments - share your opinion or ask a question...