today made several announcements at NAB, including a new series of dual function LCD monitors with TV input support, a new VGA-to-DVI Adapter, a 4x4 DVI Matrix Switch, its ex-tend-it DVI Splitter, and improved CAT5 Extenders.

The company introduced a new line of dual-purpose TV/PC LCD monitors. Designed to enable full or partial screen television viewing while working on a PC, the monitors sport an ultra-thin design and range in size from 12 up to 18-inches. To accommodate greater flexibility and improve workplace aesthetics, the new monitors may be placed on the desktop or hung on the wall. Each is equipped to handle digital video, television, touchscreens and additional audio support. Other features include remote control operation, picture-in-picture capability, built-in speakers, and a custom settings. Prices start at $800.

Gefen's new VGA-to-DVI Adapter accepts an analog signal from the computer, performs the analog to digital transition within its box and then communicates that signal directly to the digital display. It comes with its own power supply and analog/digital connection cables and offers digital scaling in three resolutions. A less expensive analog to digital conversion solution, the VGA-to-DVI Conversion Box ($300) works similarly yet requires 16MB of VRAM to perform its analog to digital conversion and communicate it to the digital display. The device can connect Apple's new 12-inch PowerBook G4 to any of Apple's Cinema Displays including the new 20-inch Cinema Display. The ex-tend-it VGA-to-DVI Adapter retails for $700.



Switcher Designed To Interconnect 4 Computers





Gefen announced its new 4x4 DVI Matrix Switch, which combines four independent DVI inputs together with four independent DVI outputs. Four computers can then be operated independently of each other or simultaneously with the option to cross-reference the remaining three at any time from each screen. Switching between computers is handled by selection on the centrally located Switcher or by using an optional remote control. It will be available July 2003 for $2,000. Gefen also offers its 4x1 DVI Switcher, which enables four DVI inputs to be accessed by one digital flat panel, keyboard and mouse.




Digital Splitter Drives Multiple Flat Panels




Gefen's ex-tend-it DVI Splitter splits any single DVI signal into two DVI displays. The $300 device is capable of being stacked to connect up to three Splitters at a time, driving up to six digital screens using one digital signal source. A ADC-enabled version is also available. The ex-tend-it ADC Splitter connects two Apple flat panel displays to one ADC computer port. The ADC Splitter, unlike other display splitters, does not require its own power supply and is expandable to accommodate a 1:6 distribution, similar to the DVI Splitter. It is $300.




New And Improved CAT5 Extenders



Gefen introduced three new CAT5 extender solutions. The solutions use upgraded CAT5 cables to monitor, USB, and carrying all three signals in a single cable. The new solutionu updates the 330-feet limitation to levels up to 600-feet. The new CAT5-6000 extension solution relies on upgraded CAT5 cables capable of carrying all three signals in one cable, while the new CAT5-7000 extends all of the above plus audio and touchscreens. Gefen's new ex-tend-it CAT5-8000 is capable of extending three monitors at resolutions up to 1600x1200. Using three cables, the CAT5-8000 sends peripherals and monitors hundreds of feet for remote multimedia presentations. A new PS/2 Extender is also available from Gefen, enabling PS/2-compatible keyboards and mice to be operated up to 600-feet
from the computer. Each of Gefen's new CAT5 Extenders come with improved video quality, improved USB reliability, greater peripheral compatibility including touchscreens, and remote control options.

by MacNN Staff