USB port replicator w. 1280x1024 video... Doubles as KVM!

[trikster2]

So now there is a USB port replicator that claims 1280x1024. Plus it's also a KVM, almost sounds to good to be true?

I've had too much to drink tonight and gave up on the math:

??????: How may FPS could you theoreticaly support over USB 2.0 at 1280x1024 w. 16 bit color?????

Thanks!

http://www.dvhardware.net/review/9920
http://www.addlogix.com/usb/embed.asp?stuff=se_unixpress_body.html
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UniXpress - USB Port Replicator
USB 2.0 Universal Port Replicator with VGA and Dual PC Support

See How it Works!

UniXpress, Addlogix's new USB 2.0 Port Replicator with VGA and dual-PC support is a result of our expertise in video compression and KVM experience. For the first time, UniXpress bridges the world of VGA, USB, and non-USB peripherals to the computer with one single USB cable!

Users simply connect the VGA display, Ethernet, speakers, microphone, USB printers, and other peripherals to UniXpress. All of these peripherals can then interface with the computer via one single USB cable. This cable will be the only cable the user connects or disconnects when the computer is on the go!

Dual-Display Support:

One of the feature that sets UniXpress apart from other USB Port Replicators is that it offers VGA over USB. In fact, Addlogix's UniXpress supports high 1280x1024 XGA resolution.

Furthermore, UniXpress' VGA port also provides features that are only found in high-end video graphics cards. It offers three types of video supports: 1) duplication mode (mirrors the notebook computer's screen), 2) extended mode (doubles the notebook computer's screen), 3) primary mode (acts as the only display). Through the USB port, users can now add a second monitor without installing video graphics cards. For computers that already support dual displays, a third screen can be added through UniXpress.




UniXpress in "Extended Mode"

Dual-PC Support:

In addition to its versatile support for VGA displays, UniXpress also offers support for two USB-based computers. Many notebook computer owners also own a desktop computer. This 2-PC support feature allows a VGA monitor, keyboard, mouse, and every peripheral that are connected to the UniXpress to be switched between two computers with a simple push of a button or hotkey combination.


Features:

* Allows notebooks and desktop computers to engage and disengage with peripherals via one single USB 2.0 cable
* Compatible with any USB 2.0 based computers
* Support high 1280 x 1024 XGA video resolutions
* Works with VGA/XGA monitors, flat screens, mouse, keyboard, printers, PDA's, scanners, cameras, joysticks..etc
* Advanced video functions allow addition of second or third screen
* Supports DVD playbacks
* Dual-PC Support allows peripheral and network connection sharing between two computers
* Dual-PC Support offers 2-Port KVM function that allows control of two computers via a set of monitor/keyboard/mouse
* Switch the peripherals via simple push button or hot-key combination
* Plug-and-Play installation and operations with Windows98, ME, 2000, XP
* Add or remove device without rebooting the computer
* See How it Works!


Specifications:

* 1 VGA Port (HD15 female)
* 5 High-Speed USB 2.0 peripheral ports (USB Type A female)
* 2 High-Speed USB 2.0 host ports (USB Type B female)
* 1 Ethernet Jack (RJ45 socket)
* 3 Audio (3.5mm) Jacks (speakers, microphone, line-in)


Video Modes :

* Duplication mode (mirrors the notebook computer's screen)
* Extended mode (doubles the notebook computer's screen)
* Primary mode (acts as the only display)


Video Resolutions:
Resolutions Color Depth
640 x 480 8, 16, 24 bit
800 x 600 8, 16, 24 bit
1024 x 768 8, 16 bit
1280 x 1024 8, 16 bit

 

[gaidin123]

So you've got 1280*1024=1310720 pixels.
(1310720*16)/8/1024=2560KB per frame
USB2 theoretical max bandwidth is 60MB/s so...
24FPS assuming no overhead anywhere and that the entire frame is changing every frame.

I really don't know how a monitor signal is maintained. Especially on an LCD if there is no change to the image and there is no refresh rate, how does the screen maintain the image? If the card had to resend the same image data constantly that just doesn't seem efficient.

But anyway, I think that is the math you were looking for even though I'm pretty sure that math isn't the limitation. We all know USB2 gets nowhere near 60MB/s and 24FPS wouldn't work too well for 30FPS videos or games (whatever ones can run on a usb2 card). 🙂

They mention compression so they probably do some kind of minimal compression on the image. I wonder if it's noticeable.

Gaidin

 

[trikster2]

It's analog out, not dvi so I assume it's doing something funky to maintain a refresh greater than 24fps?

Hmmmm compression? So it's possible it has its own funky driver that compresses the signal sends it over the USB then uncompresses in the port replicator and sends it out the analoge VGA at a reasonable refresh/fps?

That makes a lot of sense. Wonder if there are any artifacts introduced by the compression/decompression. Can't wait to see reviews on it to see how it actually performans. That fact that it is a KVM too put's it way above traditional docking stations IF it performs well.. (BIG I F)