Atlona's AT-HDPiX USB-to-HDMI adapter answers an age-old prayer
By Darren Murph 
posted Nov 12th 2008 5:30PM
posted Nov 12th 2008 5:30PM
Okay, so maybe Atlona Technologies' latest whiz-bang adapter isn't that awesome, but then again, it's pretty awesome. The AT-HDPiX USB-to-HDMI adapter does precisely what it says by enabling any PC / digital signage display to accept an HDMI cable so long as a USB 2.0 socket is currently unoccupied. The device supports resolutions up to 1,600 x 1,200 (or 720p), and because it takes audio from a 3.5-millimeter stereo jack rather than through the USB port, the full bandwidth of the USB connection is reserved for high-def video. Expect this miracle worker to start shipping next month for $179.
Interesting... I wonder how this will handle HDCP content and why no 1080?
The description is a bit confusing - basically this acts as a USB video card on a computer, and outputs hdmi to a display. I guess that's useful if you have an hdmi-only display and a computer that only outputs VGA? Otherwise, get a cheap dvi-hdmi cable and blow the rest on your hobo bindle.
Considering the USB 2.0 specification only affords 480 Mbps and HDMI is an interface for uncompressed data transport of video and audio in the Gigabit arena what are the expectations of this be worthwhile? I'm confused. :)