For some people, having multiple displays can make them more
efficient in operating computer systems. Furthermore, sophisticated
tasks such as stock trading, graphic design, 3D rendering, and video
editing are generally more convenient when done on wider screens.
Unfortunately, many laptops and desktops these days still don't have the
capability to extend their screens beyond one display. This is mainly
due to their built-in video card. The card simply doesn't have the
hardware component that enables the screen to be extended to a second or
third screen.
Filling The Need
Since just about every modern computer has USB ports nowadays, getting data from the USB port and then converting it to some other form of data is sensible and seems more practical. For instance, a laptop that has no extra video output interface but has several USB ports can be turned into a makeshift home cinema appliance by using a USB to HDMI converter. Another scenario wherein the converter can be utilized is when in the middle of a client meeting, the laptop screen has to be extended to a larger screen such as an HDTV for better viewing. To some extent, a USB to HDMI converter is just more economical than obtaining a new laptop or a second display device.
How It Fills The Need
The USB to HDMI converter is essentially a video card which provides the missing video interface that the computer lacks. In this case, it provides an HDMI component to the computer. A second video card implies that the computer screen can then be cloned and sent to another compatible display device. As an added feature, the converter also supports functions that will either extend the screen or mirror it.
Shortcomings
Although the idea of a USB to HDMI device is nifty, it has some setbacks. Compatibility is a major issue in many multi platform devices such as the AT-HDPiX2 converter from Atlona. Problems vary from incompatible and outdated drivers to inaccurate display resolutions. Nevertheless, a driver update will often solve the problem. The software included with the product also supports online updates for convenience. Another problem is hardware potential. Since the converter acts as a second video card, it draws computing power. This means that a computer with a 128 MB video memory will get a considerable performance hit when displaying the screen to multiple display devices than one with a 512 MB video memory. Aside from video memory, the computer's random access memory and central processing unit also play an important role in determining hardware potential. In any case, a computer with at least a dual core processor that's clocked at 2 GHz or above, 2 GB RAM, and a discrete nVidia GeForce 9 series or AMD/ATI Radeon 3000 series video card is recommended.
Moving Forward
Generally, a USB to HDMI converter is a device that stretches the useful life of a laptop or a desktop computer that would otherwise be outdated and under powered. Power users and gaming enthusiasts may have moved on with other solutions that do the same thing and more efficiently. One notable solution is AMD's Eyefinity technology which allows up to six simultaneous displays off of a single video card. For the rest of the community though, the converter is a reminder that this kind of device exists and works as expected.
Filling The Need
Since just about every modern computer has USB ports nowadays, getting data from the USB port and then converting it to some other form of data is sensible and seems more practical. For instance, a laptop that has no extra video output interface but has several USB ports can be turned into a makeshift home cinema appliance by using a USB to HDMI converter. Another scenario wherein the converter can be utilized is when in the middle of a client meeting, the laptop screen has to be extended to a larger screen such as an HDTV for better viewing. To some extent, a USB to HDMI converter is just more economical than obtaining a new laptop or a second display device.
How It Fills The Need
The USB to HDMI converter is essentially a video card which provides the missing video interface that the computer lacks. In this case, it provides an HDMI component to the computer. A second video card implies that the computer screen can then be cloned and sent to another compatible display device. As an added feature, the converter also supports functions that will either extend the screen or mirror it.
Shortcomings
Although the idea of a USB to HDMI device is nifty, it has some setbacks. Compatibility is a major issue in many multi platform devices such as the AT-HDPiX2 converter from Atlona. Problems vary from incompatible and outdated drivers to inaccurate display resolutions. Nevertheless, a driver update will often solve the problem. The software included with the product also supports online updates for convenience. Another problem is hardware potential. Since the converter acts as a second video card, it draws computing power. This means that a computer with a 128 MB video memory will get a considerable performance hit when displaying the screen to multiple display devices than one with a 512 MB video memory. Aside from video memory, the computer's random access memory and central processing unit also play an important role in determining hardware potential. In any case, a computer with at least a dual core processor that's clocked at 2 GHz or above, 2 GB RAM, and a discrete nVidia GeForce 9 series or AMD/ATI Radeon 3000 series video card is recommended.
Moving Forward
Generally, a USB to HDMI converter is a device that stretches the useful life of a laptop or a desktop computer that would otherwise be outdated and under powered. Power users and gaming enthusiasts may have moved on with other solutions that do the same thing and more efficiently. One notable solution is AMD's Eyefinity technology which allows up to six simultaneous displays off of a single video card. For the rest of the community though, the converter is a reminder that this kind of device exists and works as expected.
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