“Pin-to-Pin testing shows that the Dock Connector pinout is in agreement with what is shown in [the PDMI] pinout diagram. I cannot confirm presence or absence of the USB 3.0 Pins as these are not brought out to any connector on the Dell Home Dock. With the exception of one tiny 6 pin component associated with the HDMI connector, a few small filter capacitors, and some 0 Ohm protection jumpers, there is no actual circuitry in the dock.” Linuxslate

For instance, the PDMI standard supports USB 3.0 transmission, together with DisplayPort and others; if Dell thought ahead and included hardware support for those connections, it could make the Streak all the more flexible.  Even without, cheaper connections have to be a good thing for Streak owners, so it remains to be seen what the owner community can come up with.

[via StreakSmart]

Wiretape is, according to the company, is the thinnest cable on the planet. And, as you can see from the picture herein, they are probably right. It doesn’t even look like a wire at all. The thinnest cable in the world is a product of Hitech Innovation Group and Fame, LLC. They’re showing off their cable at the world’s largest video game expo, and letting people know that Wiretape will start being sold in September of this year.

You can fold up the wire as many times as you like, and it’s extreme-temperature resistant. As thin as the wire is, you can even paint over it, hide it under carpet, or even wallpaper. It’ll come in two sizes: a width of five lines for cables like USB, S-VHS, and composite, and a width of 18 lines for larger cables like HDMI, VGA, and RJ45. And with all those new announcements, with more still to come, this is something that we can get behind.

[via GearLog]

The mandatory formats include a standard 1080p @ 23.98/24Hz mode for video content and a 720p @ 50 or 59.94/60Hz mode for gaming.  As for Top-and-Bottom 3D, that system now joins Side-by-Side Horizontal 3D as the two main 3D formats HDMI supports.  HDMI Licensing had previously deferred picking 3D standards when settling the HDMI v1.4 feature list because of uncertainty in the market.

Press Release:

HDMI Licensing, LLC Releases HDMI Specification Version 1.4a

Latest Version Specifies Mandatory 3D Formats for Broadcast Content

SUNNYVALE, Calif. –(Business Wire)– Mar 04, 2010 HDMI Licensing, LLC, the agent responsible for licensing the High-Definition Multimedia Interface® (HDMI®) specification, today announced, on behalf of the HDMI Founders, the release of HDMI Specification Version 1.4a featuring key enhancements for 3D applications including the addition of mandatory 3D formats for broadcast content as well as the addition of the 3D format referred to as Top-and-Bottom. The complete HDMI Specification Version 1.4a, along with the 1.4a version of the Compliance Test Specification (CTS), is available to Adopters on the HDMI Adopter Extranet.

An extraction of the 3D portion of Specification Version 1.4a is available for public download on the HDMI Web site at http://www.hdmi.org. The purpose of the extraction document is to provide public access to the 3D portion of the HDMI Specification for those companies and organizations that are not HDMI Adopters but require access to this portion of the Specification.

“We published these latest enhancements to support the market need for broadcast 3D content,” said Steve Venuti, president of HDMI Licensing, LLC. “When we launched 1.4 in June of 2009, we deferred the selection of mandatory 3D format(s) for broadcast content until the market direction was more clearly defined. The market has spoken and the HDMI Consortium has listened and responded to accommodate those market needs.”

The latest HDMI Specification adds key enhancements to support the market requirements for bringing broadcast 3D content into the home:

1. The addition of Top-and-Bottom to the Specification.

2. The addition of two mandatory formats for broadcast content:

Side-by-Side Horizontal
Top-and-Bottom
With the addition of these two mandatory formats, the HDMI Specification Version 1.4a provides a level of interoperability for devices designed to deliver 3D content over the HDMI connection. The mandatory 3D formats are:

3D Mandatory Formats

For movie content:
Frame Packing
1080p @ 23.98/24Hz
For game content:
Frame Packing
720p @ 50 or 59.94/60Hz
For broadcast content:
Side-by-Side Horizontal
1080i @ 50 or 59.94/60Hz
Top-and-Bottom
720p @ 50 or 59.94/60Hz
1080p @ 23.97/24Hz
Implementing the mandatory formats of the HDMI Specification facilitates interoperability among devices, allowing devices to speak a common 3D language when transmitting and receiving 3D content. The mandatory requirements for devices implementing 3D formats are:

Displays – must support all mandatory formats.
Sources – must support at least one mandatory format.
Repeaters – must be able to pass through all mandatory formats.
HDMI Adopters will have 90 days from the publication of the Specification Version 1.4a to build and sell products that are compliant with 1.4a as well as pass the CTS Version 1.4a. This also applies to legacy set-top boxes that may have upgraded to use Specification Version 1.4 signaling.

For more information about the HDMI specification please visit http://www.hdmi.org.

While a serial connection doesn’t seem the most exciting of things at first glance, it has the potential to turn the iPad from a glorified web-browser to a far more functional handheld.  Redpark will happily build accessory firms custom cables with task-specific connectors, and they’re eying up “medical or scientific instrumentation, point of sale devices, industrial process control equipment, networking devices, and building automation equipment”.

”The HDMI Consortium recognizes the importance of standardized 3D formats for movies, gaming and broadcast content and the need for non-adopter companies and organizations to have access to that portion of the HDMI Specification,” said Steve Venuti, president of HDMI Licensing, LLC. “As the mainstream adoption of 3D is gaining momentum and content providers define and expand their 3D roadmaps, HDMI is ready to support this major market development.”

HDMI has simplified my A/V/ lifestyle, combining multiple audio and video signals into one connection, I only require a single HDMI cable for each device hooked up to my receiver.  This move insures that 3D viewing technology will definitely be available to consumers in the near future.

For instance, AmazonBasics offers a 1.8m USB 2.0 A to mini-USB B cable for $2.69, or a 9.8 feet High Speed HDMI cable for $8.35.  Meanwhile an Ultra High Speed HDMI comes in at $34.98 (for 6.5 feet).  50 CD-R discs are $15.10, while 50 DVD+R DL 8.5GB discs are $35.05.

AmazonBasics are available on the company’s US site now, and they’re apparently planning a roll-out to other international sites in the coming months.  Meanwhile they’ll also be adding to the original range of products.

Press Release:

Amazon.com Introduces AmazonBasics

New private-label line gives customers quality consumer electronics at lower prices – and in easy-to-open, Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging

SEATTLE–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sep. 19, 2009– Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) today announced the launch of AmazonBasics (www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics), a new private-label collection of consumer electronic “basics” created for customers who want exceptional value. The AmazonBasics line currently includes audio video cables and blank DVD media, with additional accessories and other items to be added in the coming months.

“We saw an opportunity to create a line of consumer electronics basics that combine quality and low prices for an overall focus on value,” said Paul Ryder, vice president of Consumer Electronics for Amazon.com. “We drew on our history of developing other private-label brands and combined that with our mission to give customers the ultimate in selection and value. AmazonBasics is the result. We will continue to gather input from customers and evaluate opportunities for new products under the AmazonBasics brand. We aim to offer our customers as wide a selection as possible, and we think AmazonBasics makes a great addition to the brands we already carry.”

The AmazonBasics line currently features a growing assortment of blank DVD media, cables and accessories, which are available now in the U.S. on www.amazon.com, with plans to introduce the line on Amazon’s international sites over the coming months.

All AmazonBasics products ship in Amazon.com’s Frustration-Free Packaging (www.amazon.com/frustration-free), which is easy-to-open and made from recyclable cardboard, alleviating plastic clamshells, wire ties and excessive packaging. AmazonBasics products are eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping or FREE Two-Day Shipping with Amazon Prime (www.amazon.com/prime). Like all products sold on Amazon.com, customers can compare prices, do research, read customer reviews and see what other customers have purchased after viewing these products. AmazonBasics products include a one-year warranty.

That’s because not only has the HDMI cable been pulled, but the component cables as well.  All that’s left to hook up your TV, apparently, is a set of SD composite cables, with buyers expected to pick up their own HD cabling – at their own expense – if they want to make the most of the 360′s graphical prowess.

Of course, the few cents Microsoft will save on each cable will certainly add up over the number of Elite consoles they sell, but we still have a sour taste in our mouths about the whole thing.  Factor in that buyers will likely be pushed to pick up whatever HDMI cable the retailer has in stock – and it’s unlikely to be a cheap $3 lead you’d find online – and you could be looking at a fair chunk extra.  Gamestop themselves, for instance, sell two new HDMI cables – their own and Microsoft’s – for a whopping $39.99 and $49.99 respectively.

That presents all sorts of possibilities for not only remotely locating media sources but controlling them as well, thanks to the serial port.  The sender/receiver pair will work with various types of twisted pair CAT5/6/7 ethernet cable, are HDCP compliant, and include an embedded equalizer with gain and CTI adjustment.

The AT-HDS100SR has a range of 330ft, while the AT-HDS250SR can manage 825ft.  Both will go on sale at the end of the month, priced at $449 for the AT-HDS100SR and $649 for the AT-HDS250SR.

Press Release:

Atlona releases their new line of HDMI Extenders with RS232 and Stereo Audio over Dual Cat5/6/7

Atlona Technologies, solutions based manufacturer of Audio Video accessories, is soon to release their newest line of HDMI Extenders featuring RS232 and Stereo Audio over Dual Cat5/6/7

Atlona Technologies, leading manufacturer of Audio Video Connectivity accessories, is excited to announce their soon to be released and newest line of HDMI Extenders, the AT-HDS100SR and AT-HDS250SR. These new HDMI Extenders, designed for long needed HDMI runs, are twisted pair transmitter and receiver modules which feature stereo audio as well as RS-232 data signals.
The transmitter units for the Atlona extenders convert HDMI along with stereo audio and RS-232 inputs to dual cat5/6/7. The receiver modules then converts that twisted pair signal back into the HDMI with stereo audio and RS-232 data signals. The AT-HDS100SR is capable of extending signal up to 330ft while the AT-HDS250SR extends signal up to 825ft. In these lengths, each HDMI extenders is still capable of maintaining high video resolutions up to 1920×1200 or 1080p with no signal degradation.
Atlona’s new HDMI Extender units are stocked full of features including embedded equalizer, gain, and CTI adjustments as well as built in EDID for storing necessary data. Along with being HDCP compliant, these units come included with wall mountable brackets for any custom or commercial installer. With the ability to extend HD signal long distances through cost-effective CAT5/6/7 cables, along with combination of all the attributes needed, the AT-HDS100SR and AT-HDS250SR Extenders are perfectly designed for any high-end Commercial integrator.

These units will be available at the end of August with the following MSRPs:
AT-HDS100SR: $499.00
AT-HDS250SR: $649.00

The hub works as you’d expect when you plug printers, USB drives or peripherals into any of its three ports; however, plug the other end of the cable into a second computer and the integrated software will show up a two-pane explorer window giving access to the drive contents of both machines.  Files can then be dragged between the two.

Unfortunately, devices plugged into the hub are only available to one of the two machines, and the Easy-Share app won’t work on Macs, only on Windows 200/XP/Vista.  Still, if you’re an all-Windows kinda person and want to easily transfer files without the setup hassle of a network, then the $29.99 Hawking Easy-Link Data Sharing hub may be a cheap way of doing it.

Press Release:

HAWKING TECHNOLOGIES INTRODUCES THE EASY-LINK DATA SHARING HUB FOR DIRECT FILE TRANSFER BETWEEN TWO COMPUTERS USING USB CONNECTION.

Easily exchange photos, music, movies, applications and other files between two computers! Plug-and-Play, no software installation required.

IRVINE, CA – July 30, 2009 — Hawking Technologies, Inc., a leading developer of innovative wired and wireless networking solutions for home, workgroup, and corporate users, introduces the Easy-Link Data Sharing Hub. The Data Sharing Hub lets users copy files from one PC to another PC at speeds of up to 480Mbps without the installation of any software or drivers. In addition, the Easy-Link Data Sharing Hub features 3 USB ports for extra USB devices such as cameras, keyboards or mice.

This HU2P4 is preinstalled with file exchange software and connects to the USB ports of any two PC computers. When plugged in, the HU2P4 instantly reads files from the two computers and displays them side by side. Simply drag and drop files from one computer to another to begin transferring. In addition, the built-in USB ports allow you to connect and access your camera, USB flash drive, and other USB devices. “This compactly designed Easy-Link Data Sharing Hub is a great accessory to have for a quick file transfer or to back up files from your laptop or netbook to your desktop or vice versa. Leave it at home or pack it in your bag, sharing files with your friends, classmates and colleagues has never been easier. The Hawking USB Easy-Link Data Sharing hub makes transferring files as easy as plugging in a cable. Never has file transfer between two computers been so simple. The HU2P4 makes it so that there are no software, drivers or networking issues to deal with,” says Amy Tang, Marketing Manager at Hawking.

Pricing and Availability

The HU2P4 Easy-Link Data Sharing Hub is available through retailers, direct marketers, e-commerce sites, and distribution channels at an (ESP) Estimated Street Price of $29.

Bi-directional audio means that a single HDMI 1.4 cable will support an audio return channel (ARC); that could be useful if you wanted to route audio from the TV tuner integrated into your HDTV back through to your amplifier.  While existing HDMI cables support one-way audio, they would require a separate connection to achieve such a setup.

HDMI 1.4 will also support 3D content at up to 1080p resolution, “real-time content recognition” which automatically switches between video settings depending on which devices are plugged in, and additional color spaces, particularly for digital still cameras.  There’ll also be new connectors, including micro and automotive types.

Perhaps unfortunately, there will be several different types of cable that support different degrees of the new 1.4 functionality.  The Standard HDMI will support 1080i/60, while the High-Speed HDMI will boost that to data rates beyond 1080p, including Deep Color and all 3D formats of the new 1.4 specification. Then there’ll be versions of those two cables with ethernet support, and finally an automotive HDMI which allows the connection of external HDMI-enabled devices to an in-vehicle HDMI device.

[via Electronic House]

Press Release:

HDMI LICENSING, LLC ANNOUNCES FEATURES OF THE UPCOMING HDMI SPECIFICATION VERSION 1.4

Enhancements Include Networking, Audio Return Channel, 3D Capability, Improved Performance and New Connectors

SUNNYVALE, Calif., May 27, 2009 – HDMI Licensing, LLC, the agent responsible for licensing the High-Definition Multimedia Interface® (HDMI®) specification, today announced the features that will be incorporated in the upcoming HDMI 1.4 specification. This latest version of the HDMI specification will, among other advancements, offer networking capabilities with Ethernet connectivity and will add an Audio Return Channel to enable upstream audio connections via the HDMI cable. The HDMI specification 1.4 will be available for download on the HDMI LLC website no later than June 30, 2009.

The HDMI 1.4 specification will offer the following enhanced functionalities:

HDMI Ethernet Channel
The HDMI 1.4 specification will add a data channel to the HDMI cable and will enable high-speed bi-directional communication. Connected devices that include this feature will be able to send and receive data via 100 Mb/sec Ethernet, making them instantly ready for any IP-based application.

The HDMI Ethernet Channel will allow an Internet-enabled HDMI device to share its Internet connection with other HDMI devices without the need for a separate Ethernet cable. The new feature will also provide the connection platform to allow HDMI-enabled devices to share content between devices.

Audio Return Channel
The new specification will add an Audio Return Channel that will reduce the number of cables required to deliver audio upstream for processing and playback. In cases where HDTVs are directly receiving audio and video content, this new Audio Return Channel allows the HDTV to send the audio stream to the A/V receiver over the HDMI cable, eliminating the need for an extra cable.

3D Over HDMI
The 1.4 version of the specification will define common 3D formats and resolutions for HDMI-enabled devices. The specification will standardize the input/output portion of the home 3D system and will specify up to dual-stream 1080p resolution.

4K x 2K Resolution Support
The new specification will enable HDMI devices to support high-definition (HD) resolutions four times beyond the resolution of 1080p. Support for 4K x 2K will allow the HDMI interface to transmit content at the same resolution as many digital theaters. Formats supported include:

3840×2160 24Hz/25Hz/30Hz
4096×2160 24Hz

Expanded Support For Color Spaces
HDMI technology now supports color spaces designed specifically for digital still cameras. By supporting sYCC601, Adobe RGB and AdobeYCC601, HDMI-enabled display devices will be capable of reproducing more accurate life-like colors when connected to a digital still camera.

Micro HDMI Connector
The Micro HDMI Connector is a significantly smaller 19-pin connector that supports up to 1080p resolutions for portable devices. This new connector is approximately 50% smaller than the size of the existing HDMI Mini Connector.

Automotive Connection System
The Automotive Connection System is a cabling specification designed to be used as the basis for in-vehicle HD content distribution. The HDMI 1.4 specification will provide a solution designed to meet the rigors and environmental issues commonly found in automobiles, such as heat, vibration and noise. Using the Automotive Connection System, automobile manufactures will now have a viable solution for distributing HD content within the car.

“The HDMI specification continues to add functionality as the consumer electronics and PC industries build products that enhance the consumer’s HD experience,” said Steve Venuti, president of HDMI Licensing, LLC. “The 1.4 specification will support some of the most exciting and powerful near-term innovations such as Ethernet connectivity and 3D formats. Additionally we are going to broaden our solution by providing a smaller connector for portable devices and a connection system specified for automobiles, as we see both more and different devices adopting the HDMI technology.“

Consumers will also see new HDMI cables introduced to the market. In order to take advantage of the HDMI Ethernet Channel, consumers will need to purchase either a Standard HDMI cable with Ethernet, or a High Speed HDMI cable with Ethernet. Consumers connecting an external device to an in-vehicle HDMI-enabled HD system will need the new Automotive HDMI cable. Consumers can expect to see new HDMI 1.4 cables introduced to the market when new HDMI 1.4 devices are available.

Consumers will have a choice of the following HDMI cables:

Standard HDMI Cable – supports data rates up to 1080i/60;
High Speed HDMI Cable – supports data rates beyond 1080p, including Deep Color and all 3D formats of the new 1.4 specification;
Standard HDMI Cable with Ethernet – includes Ethernet connectivity;
High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet – includes Ethernet connectivity;
Automotive HDMI Cable – allows the connection of external HDMI-enabled devices to an in-vehicle HDMI device.

The HDMI standard continues to grow in the marketplace with now over 850 adopters worldwide. The growing adoption of the HDMI specification by both consumer electronics and PC manufacturers further strengthens its position as the worldwide standard for high-definition digital connectivity. According to market research firm In-Stat, over 394 million HDMI-enabled devices are expected to ship in 2009, with an installed base of 1 billion devices. By the end of 2009 100% of digital televisions are expected to have at least one HDMI input.

The HDMI specification 1.4 will be available for download at http://www.hdmi.org no later than June 30, 2009.

About HDMI Licensing, LLC
HDMI Licensing, LLC is the agent responsible for licensing the HDMI specification, promoting the HDMI standard and providing education on the benefits of the HDMI specification to adopters, retailers and consumers. The HDMI specification was developed by Hitachi, Panasonic Corporation, Philips, Silicon Image, Sony, Thomson and Toshiba as the all-digital interface standard for the consumer electronics and personal computer markets. The HDMI specification combines uncompressed high-definition video and multi-channel audio in a single digital interface to provide crystal-clear digital quality over a single cable. HDMI Licensing, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Silicon Image, Inc. For more information about the HDMI specification, please visit www.hdmi.org.

The service uses DOCSIS 3 cable modem standard and will be offered to 100 testers only during this trial. But here’s the kicker: the test speed is supposedly 200Mbps! Oh, how I would love to be one of those lucky 100. If I used Virgin Media. And if I lived in the UK. But I digress.

The fastest service in the US currently is Optimum Online but it is only capable of 101Mbps. So, a handful of people in the UK are currently getting double the speed US broadband customers get. I’m jealous. Apparently, the speeds are fast enough to stream HD and 3D video. The trial will last for six months, but it’s unclear if this super-fast connection speed will be available to a broader audience upon the test’s completion.

Basically just a super short iPod/iPhone cable, it uses the standard USB-Apple 30-Pin connection to charge and sync your device. The draw here is the super short nature of the cable. The iStubz measures either 7cm or 22cm, depending on your preference. And for color-matching enthusiasts, they come in black and white.

The application isn’t just keeping your desk clean. It makes it more difficult to to un-surreptitiously remove the iPod as you accidentally catch it on your foot, bringing your pricey laptop down with it. There will be people that ask “why would you need this?” especially since Apple gives you a cable, and if you’re like me, you have about 20 of them sitting in a drawer somewhere. But you know what? There’s a market for everything, and I’m sure someone is going to be super happy that they can get a short iPod charging cable.

[iStubz from CableJive]

The package is actually “virtually unlimited” and called the Turbo package. It will cost $75 a month and provide you with 100GB of usage. However, there are overage charges associated this this plan. The cost is $1/GB for each that’s over 100GB. However, once you reach $75 in charges, you aren’t charged anymore. This is what makes the plan unlimited. Sort of.

Other packages include the Limited Package for super light users at a rate of 1GB/month (768KB down, 128KB up) with $2/GB overage charges. There are also the Road Runner Lite, Basic, and Standard packages that offer 10GB, 20GB and 40GB caps, respectively. These feature a $1/GB overage charge. In all honesty, this idea of “capping” the data cap overage charges themselves is a bit odd. Wouldn’t a $150/month unlimited plan make the most sense?

Hitachi upcoming InfiniGreen Optical active cable enables 12x QDR (10Gbit/s) full-duplex InfiniBand connectivity, it’s 6 times more bandwidth and only consumes 1/3 power compares to counterparts. Also, the cable terminal is compliant to InfiniBand Trade Association standard, and the presence of fiber optics is less bulky and more flexible in handling and installation.

The company will exhibit the new InfiniGreen InfiniBand cables at San Diego OFC/NFOEC Convention from March 24th through March 26th. Presently, samples are out and already delivered to selected customers.

TOKYO –(Business Wire)– Mar 16, 2009 Hitachi Cable, Ltd. (TOKYO:5812), a leading supplier of high-end cabling and electro-optical components for the IT, data communication and telecommunication industries, today announces the upcoming launch of its InfiniGreen(*1) line of Optical Active Cables. InfiniGreen will provide 12x QDR (10Gbit/s) full-duplex InfiniBand(*2) connectivity, which is six times more bandwidth than current market solutions. At the same time, InfiniGreen is projected to typically consume only 0.9 watts per termination, about 1/3rd that of today’s InfiniBand active cables. InfiniGreen accomplishes this by embedding parallel optical transmission lines within the cable, which is terminated with the CXP connector currently being standardized by the InfiniBand Trade Association.

“InfiniGreen provides the performance attributes that HPC (High Performance Computing) and data center owners are requesting for the years ahead”, stated Lou Marra, Senior Vice-President of Hitachi Cable America. It provides the next level of InfiniBand-standards-based connectivity, yet with a power consumption-to-bandwidth ratio reduction of almost 6-fold. It connects to the server just like a copper cable patch-cord, but it is easier to handle, as the embedded fiber optics is less bulky and stiff. This ease-of-handling, together with the reduced power consumption and Hitachi Cable’s well-known quality, will significantly reduce our customers’ cost”.

Hitachi Cable has started to ship samples to select customers. Hitachi Cable will also perform live demonstrations of InfiniGreen at Booth#1449 in OFC/NFOEC 2009 exhibition held at San Diego Convention Center in March 24th through March 26th.

That means you can not only use the cord to charge up or synchronize your cellphone, smartphone or PMP, but you can also slap in an SD card (or an SDHC card, or a microSD card with the adapter you get bundled with just about every new microSD chip) and save a precious USB port on your computer.  The card does stick out some way, so it’s obviously not intended for permanent data storage, but for grabbing images from a digital camera it could be very useful.

Best of all is the price: a mere $12.  We imagine Brando are already cooking up a version with a multiformat card reader, though of course that could add to the bulk.

[via Pocket-lint]

Monoprice originally suggested that the adapter cable would be available at around the end of January 2009; there’s no word on what might have caused the delay, but with the price being so low we can’t see too many people holding a grudge.  In comparison, Apple’ own Mini DisplayPort to dual-link DVI adapter is priced at $99.99 and, reportedly, doesn’t even work all that well.

Mini DisplayPort only carriers a video signal, unlike HDMI’s audio and video, so a separate audio connection will have to be made.  There are discounts if you buy more than one cable, so it might be worth asking around your fellow Apple-toting friends to see if they want one for their laptop bag too.

[via Engadget HD]

The showTIME is a 6-foot long audio video output cable certified with the company’s “Made for iPod” and “Works with iPhone” new product lineup. It’s compatible with a variety of Apple products from iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPod touch (Gen 2), iPod nano (Gen 4), iPod classic, iPod touch (Gen 1), iPod nano (Gen 3) and iPod with video (Gen 5). Its connectivity including a pair of stereo output and a composite video, and technically should be good enough for current NTSC standard video outputs.

The showTIME is available on company’s online store for a suggested detail of $39.99 and will be available soon at fine retailer throughout North America.

The Tripp Lite USB extenders, U224-1R4-R and U224-4R4-R, allow you to locate USB devices up to 150 feet away from your computers over inexpensive Cat5/5e/6 UTP cables. Each consists of a transmitter and receiver units; the 1R4 model offers 3x USB 2.0 ports and an additional remote device, while the latter permits connection of up to four remote devices to a computer.

Both are plug-n-play, USB 1.1 compliant and require no system driver. The minor complaint is the receiving end requires AC power. Prices and availability are to be confirmed.

“Yes, we will carry this item soon. However, it won’t be available until end of January 2009 or so” MonoPrice representative

Since Mini DisplayPort only carriers a video signal, unlike HDMI’s audio and video, a separate audio connection will have to be made.  It’s unclear how MonoPrice will incorporate this into their product, but the most obvious solution would be to use a split-end cable that also hooked up to the MacBook’s audio out socket.

It’s hoped that the MonoPrice cable will be relatively cheap, as is the rest of the company’s range.  Apple has come in for criticism regarding its Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapter, required for driving larger displays, which costs a substantial $99.  Without it, the newness of Mini DisplayPort means that buyers of the late-2008 Mac notebooks are currently limited to Apple’ own 24-inch LED Cinema Display if they want an large-aspect external screen.

[via Gizmodo]

Instead of an external box; the Gennum Activeconnect Displayport embedded the GV8502 device, a small and cost-effective signal booster that’s said to be able to extend the cable length up to 15 times longer than a passive DisplayPort cable while maintaining its signal integrity. Full suite of DisplayPort features and functions are supported with Gennum Activeconnect device.

Gennum will showcase the new cable solution at the coming CES 2009. The ActiveConnect GV8502 silicon solution device will be available for developer at initial rollout price of $2 per unit.