A standard VGA signal can be converted to a HDMI signal using a VGA to HDMI Converter. Using this, one can connect the PCs to the latest plasma screen televisions and have an enriching home theater experience. This device is not a scaling device as it does not upscale or downscale the resolution. Output images are in the same resolution as the input images. Standard VGA resolution of 1080p is supported by these converters. The aspect ratio control is done from either the source device or the HDTV. This device is compatible with any display device that has a HDMI port.

Along with video, this conversion device also relays audio. It has R/L audio for maximum audio performance. The audio output of this VGA to HDMI conversion device can be connected back to a PCs monitor as well as speakers. Both digital and stereo audio are supported by them. Continue reading »

Long distance HDMI extension is made possible by using the HDMI Extender. Since HDMI cables have a restriction on the distance to which the video signals can be extended, the HDMI over CAT5 extender was designed. This device uses Category 5 or 6 cables for connecting the source and display devices. Consisting of a local transmitter which is placed next to the computer or other video source and a remote receiver placed next to the display, this compact extension device relays uncompressed digital streams. The image which is displayed is as clear as it would be if directly connected to the display device. Resolutions supported vary with different distances at which the source and display are placed. At 60M, the resolution is 1080p and 60MHz while at 120M it is 1080i and 60MHz.

Both HDMI as well as DVI inputs can be supported by this Cat5 HDMI Extension device. Following a standard IEEE-168B protocol, it has features like auto adjustment of feedback, equalization and amplification. Some models are also available with Infra red remote control and can extend video up to a distance of 330 feet. Continue reading »

The advent of high definition television has increased the demand for DVI and HDMI. A DVI to HDMI cable can be used when a user wants to convert and relay video from a DVI source to a HDMI display device without the need for a converter. Use of these cables has no negative effect on video quality as the same high resolution will be maintained. As such, there is no difference between DVI and HDMI since both make use of digital video signals, but the debate regarding which is better is an ongoing one. Both these technologies use the same encoding/decoding scheme and can be connected by using these cables.

The major difference between the two is that while HDMI uses a different 19-pin connector which allows it to carry audio as well as video over a single cable, DVI only carries video over a single cable. Continue reading »

High definition multimedia Interface or HDMI as it is known is an audio video interface which transfers uncompressed digital streams over a single cable. The cables which are used to do this relay are HDMI cables. Available in two categories, category 1, tested at 74.5 MHz, known as standard and category 2 tested at 340 MHz and called high speed, these cables also fall in the two categories because of their specific lengths. Since both audio as well as video can be transferred over a single cable, it is also changing the face of the multi media and entertainment industry. A variant of this cable, the HDMI extension cable, supports standard HDMI video, enhanced HDMI video and high definition HDMI. Compatible with almost all digital display devices such as HDTV’s, plasma displays, LCD TV’s and projectors, these cables are referred to as the future of HDTV. Another variant is the DVI to HDMI cable.

If a user needs to convert video from a DVI source and present it on an HDMI monitor or display device and vice versa, they can make use of the DVI to HDMI cable. They perform the same action as the HDMI cable since they use the same encoding scheme. Continue reading »

VGA signals can be converted to PAL, NTSC or SECAM by using the VGA to TV Converter. VGA signals relayed from the computer are converted to signals which can be viewed on a television. Easy to use, this device works on plug and play functionality and does not require any additional software or device drivers for operation. It receives power from a standard power adapter. Consisting of two VGA ports, with one end plugged into the VGA input port of the computer and the other to the converter, the unit acts as a translator and converts the VGA signals sent from the computer into signals that can be understood and displayed by the television. This is how the converter works.

Key features of this VGA to TV Converter horizontal and vertical scaling, picture positioning, and brightness, sharpness and flicker control, thus enabling adjustment of video as required. The most special feature is the area Zoom function which allows areas of the screen to be enlarged for special emphasis. This converter can handle almost any refresh rate along with resolutions of 600×480, 800×600, and 1024×768. Compact in size, this device is compatible with any operating system and from its single input, it can relay video to three outputs including, S-Video, RCA and VGA for simultaneous TV/CRT viewing. Hence, a user can simultaneously watch video on both the PC as well as the television. Continue reading »

A 1U LCD KVM is a hardware device that is built in a slide out drawer and is normally found in server rooms. As a space saving piece of hardware, this device allows a user to monitor servers. Available with 17”, 19” or 20” LCDs, these devices are used for industrial and commercial applications. Having a Class A active matrix TFT panel, it also has an analog to digital signal converter board. Its unique mechanical design maximizes rack space. One of the key features of this device is the flip up design which allows the unit to remain open even when the rack door is closed.

The 1U Rackmount LCD monitor is available with various types of video connections such as VGA, DVI-D, Composite, S-Video, BNC, HDMI and Touch Screen. Resolutions ranging of 1024 x 768 and 1600 X 1200 are supported by these devices. Light in weight, this hardware device is constructed of steel and has a black anodized finish. The built in On Screen Display controls Brightness, Contrast, Color, Clock, H. Position, V. Position, Phase, Scaling, Auto configuration, Input select, Multi window, Clear EEPROM control and Save. Front panel push buttons can be used to exercise control. This drawer also has ball bearing slides with stoppers and has a front access lock for security. In order to prevent movement of the keyboard, the 1U Rackmount LCD monitor has lock out rails along with built-in thumb screws to secure the unit when closed and pushed all the way in. Continue reading »

The 1U Monitor Keyboard Drawer is built per industrial standards. Available with 17”, 19” and 20” LCDs, these devices are compatible with both PS2 as well as USB peripherals. Specifically designed to save valuable rack space in server racks, these units can also have integrated 8, 16 or 32 port switches. Constructed with heavy duty steel, they are commonly used in military or commercial applications. Available with either touchpad or trackball control on the keyboard, they come in a variety of configurations. Compatible with multiple platforms such as PCs, SUNs, IBMs, HPs & DELLs, they also have approvals from FCC, CE, UL and RoHS.

The 1U Rackmount Keyboard Drawer can be found with or without a KVM switch. The unique feature of this unit is the flip-up design which allows the unit to remain open even when the rack door is closed. Among the other important features are adjustable brackets, and the built in LCD OSD controlled by integral membrane switches which in turn control the Brightness, Contrast, Color, Clock, H. Position, V. Position, Phase, Scaling, Auto config, Input select, Multi window, Clear EEPROM, OSD adjust and Save. Two keyboard selections support multiple languages. Input connectors are Standard D-sub 15-pin VGA and it also has a 12V 5A remote power adapter. Continue reading »

With advances in technology, the KVM Switch was upgraded to support USB peripherals and this device came to be known as USB KVM Switch. Using this, one can control up to 32 computers with a single set of USB peripherals and switch. Several versions including the 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 port versions of this device are available, but for even larger configurations the devices can be daisy chained together. Supporting resolutions up to 1920 x 1440 including native SUN resolutions of 1152 x 900 at a band width of 200 MHz, these devices are compatible with multiple platforms such as SUN, IBM, HP, Dell, Solaris, and Mac, and Windows Vista/2003/XP/2000, Netware, UNIX and Linux.

Since the USB switch only supported VGA video monitors, the DVI KVM Switch was introduced as these displays became more popular. This allows controlling DVI enabled computers with one DVI monitor, USB keyboard and USB mouse. Supporting resolutions of 1600 X 1200 @ 60Hz along with various platforms and operating systems, they are perfect for applications that require mixed analog / digital operation. Other key features are the Auto Scan Mode for monitoring PCs, placement of CPUs away from harsh work environments and LEDs displaying the PC status. Easy to install using plug and play technology, with switching between sources done using RS232, IR remote control or front panel push buttons. The main limitation of these switches is distance, which is restricted by USB cable lengths. Continue reading »

A device which connects peripherals including a single keyboard, video and a mouse to multiple systems is called a KVM Switch. By eliminating clutter and saving space, these devices have made it very simple to control multiple computers with a single set of peripherals. Typically, a user can connect computers ranging in number between 2 to 32, but by daisy chaining, the switches access can be increased by up to 256 Servers. Equipped with the ability to control both PS2 and/or USB devices, these units are available in a variety of categories such as, KVM over IP and the CAT5 switches.

Form factors for the KVM switch include: 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 port versions. This range of sizes allows them to be used in environments such as homes and small offices where a single user needs to control as few as two PCs with a 2 port KVM Switch; to large data centers where hundreds of servers may be involved and requires cascading multiple switches. Working on plug and play functionality, these devices do not have any complex installation procedures. They do not require any additional software for start up and switching between PCs can be done via front panel push buttons, keyboard commands, on- screen display or RS232. Supporting multiple platforms, they can be used with Windows Vista/2003/XP/2000, Linux and UNIX operating systems. Continue reading »