AMD is slowly preparing to launch its next-generation of graphics cards based on the RDNA3 architecture, and it could bring some new connectivity options as well. Currently, the graphics cards we are using today use DisplayPort 1.4 connector for their DP output. However, the more advanced DisplayPort 2.0 could land in RDNA3 GPUs, bringing much-needed improvements to the video output system. What DP 2.0 brings to the table is an upgrade to an Ultra High Bit Rate individual lane speed of 20 GB/s, totaling 80 GB/s with four of those. The DP 2.0 capable system would be able to output a 10K uncompressed resolution at 60 Hz, or two 4K 144 Hz monitors at the same time. With compression, that would be extended much further. We have to wait and see what AMD does and if the next-generation RDNA3 brings this new DisplayPort standard to the masses.

Parade Technologies, announces the availability of the PS195 and PS196 DisplayPort 2.0 to HDMI 2.1 protocol converters for computer system motherboards, docking stations, and protocol converter dongle applications. The PS195 and PS196 products are fully compliant with the VESA DisplayPort v2.0 and HDMI v2.1 specifications. The DP receiver supports up to 4 lanes at the HBR3 (8.1 Gbps) link rate and supports optional DSC compression, both in decoding of the DP input or pass-through to the HDMI output.

The HDMI output supports up to 4 lanes of FRL at 12 Gbps data rate per lane, enabling display resolutions up to 10K when using DSC pass-through. The HDMI output also provides backward compatibility with HDMI 2.0 and earlier versions, providing TMDS signaling up to 6.0 Gbps. HDMI 2.1 enhanced refresh rate and low latency features including Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Quick Media Switching (QMS) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) are supported.

ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of display solutions, announces that the latest gaming monitor, the XG2431, has started shipping. The ultra-sleek 24" display is equipped with an IPS panel that deliver vibrant visuals with an ultra-fast 1 ms response. Approved by industry-renowned Blur Busters* for its motion blur reduction, it gives players the power to compete alongside the pros in the highest levels of First-Person Shooter (FPS), Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA), and Real-Time Strategy (RTS) genres.

With native Full HD 1080p resolution and 240 Hz refresh rate, professional gamers can gain an edge. The sleek borderless design and wide viewing angles ensure that the XG2431 is ideal for multi-display gaming setups with minimal frame distraction, making it perfect for gaming arenas and tournament play. The ViewSonic XG2431 features AMD FreeSync Premium technology, which synchronizes the output of the GPU graphics card and monitor to eliminate screen tearing and provide smoother frame rates. This 24-inch monitor features the perfect combination of speed, control and color. The super smooth 240 Hz refresh rate allows games to run at an ultra-fast framerate for superior performance, while the 1 ms response time ensures faster and more precise gameplay.

The LattePanda Alpha, based on Intel Core m3-8100Y, is a Dual-Core 1.10 GHz CPU that bursts up to 3.40 GHz. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 615 into the processor, the LattePanda Alpha delivers enhanced media conversion, fast frame rates, and 4K Ultra HD (UHD) video. All of this computing power dissipates only 8 W power, which is the perfect choice for users who need a small, portable, and light SBC for their powerful DIY handheld. And, given its incredibly small size, the LattePanda Alpha can be easily hidden, functioning as the secretly powerful brains behind users coolest project.

AOC expands its portfolio of portable monitors with the new I1601P. Portable screens are an easy solution for extending a single monitor set-up to a multi-monitor solution, whether on the go, at work or in the small home office. The 15.6" (39.5 cm) I1601P is compact and similar in size to laptop displays. The I1601P features Full HD resolution and IPS panel technology to produce rich colors and sharpness and wide viewing angles (170/170°). It can be connected via both USB-A and USB-C input, all thanks to the single cable solution (cable included in the box).

Whether working from home or in an office, a second screen boosts productivity by effectively doubling the workable screen real estate. For many it has become obvious that working on a single screen, such as a laptop display impedes workflows by causing a cluttered and overloaded work space. Of course, this also applies when working on the go. Users accustomed to working with two displays at their office desk will demand the same productivity increase also on the road, on the train or an airplane, or in the field.

Axiomtek - a world-renowned leader relentlessly devoted in the research, development and manufacture of series of innovative and reliable industrial computer products of high efficiency - is proud to announce the MANO540, a Mini-ITX motherboard powered by the FCLGA1200 10th Gen Intel Core i9/i7/i5/i3 processor (codename: Comet Lake) with the Intel H410 chipset. It also supports two 260-pin DDR4-2933/2666/2400 SO-DIMM sockets for up to 64 GB of memory. With a small form factor of 17 x 17 cm, this industrial motherboard is an excellent choice for space-constrained environments. The advanced MANO540 is specifically designed for performance-demanding applications with its excellent reliability as well as communication and edge computing capabilities.

"Axiomtek's MANO540 supports ubiquitous high-speed data transfer interfaces, including PCIe 3.0, USB 3.2 Gen1 and SATA-600. It also features one M.2 Key B slot for USB 3.2 interface 5G module. The expansion is provided by one PCIe x16, one M.2 Key E slot and one full-size PCI Express Mini Card slot for wireless devices such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth," said Kenny Lin, the product manager of the Product Planning Division at Axiomtek. "This industrial motherboard is integrated with Intel integrated Gfx graphics engine with UHD 4K resolution and provides rapid video acceleration and dual-view capability through the DisplayPort, HDMI 2.0 and VGA. Axiomtek also offers the ECM500, an industrial chassis designed for the MANO540 to help shorten the time to market."

ASUS today announced the availability of ProArt Display PA279CV, PA278CV, and PA247CV. The three new factory-calibrated monitors are Calman Verified and offer Delta E 2 color accuracy with 100% sRGB and 100% Rec.709 color spaces. Available in a range of sizes and panel types, the monitors offer extensive connectivity with USB C (with 65-watt power delivery), DisplayPort, HDMI, and a USB hub to cater to content-creator workflows. The 27-inch ProArt PA279CV and PA278CV offer a 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) panel and WQHD (2560 x 1440) panel, respectively; and ProArt PA247CV features a 23.8 inch FHD (1920 x 1080) panel.

ProArt Display PA279CV, PA278CV, and PA247CV are designed to cater to the needs of creative professionals, from photo and video editing to graphic design. Creative professionals rely on color-accurate displays to ensure that their creations look exactly as intended. All three monitors are factory calibrated and Calman Verified to guarantee industry-leading color accuracy. They feature Delta E 2 color accuracy, 100% sRGB and 100% Rec. 709 color spaces, and support the DCI-P3 color gamut for lifelike colors.

EliteMini TL50 is an ultra-compact and high-performance mini PC specially designed for home and office use. Equipped with Intel 11th generation CPU and Intel Iris Xe graphics. Intel Wi-Fi 6 & triple output, upgrade-friendly & windows 10 pro pre-installed.

TL50 comes with Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor (Tiger Lake), 4 cores/8 threads, backed up by Intel Iris Xe graphics, with 8M Cache, max turbo frequency up to 4.20 GHz. It is 20% faster than its predecessor with more cache memory, DDR4-3200 memory and PCIe 4.0 support. Not only ordinary work but also a little heavy games and video editing can be done comfortably.

CTL announced the launch of two new monitor models, the CTL IP2381 24" VA FHD Monitor and the CTL IP2781 27" ADS QHD Monitor. The CTL IP2381 is a 24" 1920 x 1080 Full High Definition display that supports better productivity in the office, in the classroom, or when working from home. The CTL IP2781 is a 27" 2560 x 1440 Quad High Definition monitor that features ADS plane control technology for superior performance. Both monitors deliver outstanding performances on content-rich pages for easy viewing. The CTL IP2381 24" and CTL IP2781 27" monitors offer an incredible viewing experience for any type of workflow.

Both monitors have a thin bezel for a more interactive feel along with high luminance controls for better brightness regulation. The CTL IP2381 24" and CTL IP2781 27" monitors have FreeSync capabilities for the most accurate monitor refresh rates to keep up with any level of productivity from graphic-heavy presentations to consistent gameplay. Each monitor has 16:9 aspect ratios with integrated speakers and HDMI connection capabilities and can be paired with Chromebox, Chromebook or any other computer device. Both monitor models can also be bundled with a Chromebox to create a 2-in-1 work station.

EIZO Corporation today announced the DuraVision MDU5501WT - a 55-inch chart table monitor with 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) resolution with projected capacitive (PCAP) touch panel technology for modern maritime route planning and navigation. The DuraVision MDU5501WT's 55-inch 4K UHD screen provides ample space for ship operators to view crucial navigational information from one or more applications in a single location. This allows operators to view navigational charts and other applications in detail, reducing the need to switch windows or zoom.

The monitor can be laid horizontally and has a fully flat surface, allowing it to double as a table for laying out traditional paper charts when they are called for. The wide edges provide a place for the crew to conveniently set items or rest their hands without obstructing the view of the screen. The monitor features PCAP multitouch technology, allowing it to detect up to 10 simultaneous finger inputs or up to two styluses. It is also equipped with palm rejection which allows operators to rest their hand or arm directly on the screen without causing any unintended touch input. Furthermore, the monitor detects liquid spillage on the screen which causes it to automatically disable touch functionality temporarily until the spill has been cleaned. Users can easily turn touch detection on or off by pushing the button conveniently located on the monitor's outer rim.

HTC VIVE, the global leader in premium virtual reality (VR), today set a new benchmark for business and consumer VR, bringing 5K resolution and a 120-degree field of view as standard to the two new VR headsets announced today at VIVECON 2021, HTC's global VR conference. VIVE Pro 2 pushes the boundaries of PC VR for incredible gaming, creating, and experiences, while VIVE Focus 3 redefines business VR with a purpose-built All-in-One with no compromises. HTC also announced VIVE Business, its comprehensive range of tools designed to support businesses of any size to get the most out of VR.

"Today's launch marks a major milestone in our strategy to create the very best immersive experiences. We have listened to our customers, from well-known global companies to smaller firms and professional users, and have designed these premium headsets from the ground up to meet the challenges they face, adding a professional range of software, platform and services to make implementation as smooth and effective as possible," said Cher Wang, HTC Chairwoman and CEO. "In line with our mission, we've combined the very latest technology with the needs and aspirations of our customers, enabling them to unleash their imagination to improve people's lives and solve problems for business and society."

ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of visual solutions, introduces the latest line of budget-friendly monitors for home entertainment and gaming. The VX18 series of monitors will come in sizes from 24- to 34-inches, features adaptive sync technology, an ultra-fast 1 ms (MPRT) response time and refresh rates that range from 144 Hz to 165 Hz. Created for price-sensitive users looking for high performance features, the VX18 line of displays deliver great options for all types of entertainment applications.

The VX18 series of monitors include the VX2418-P-MHD, VX2718-P-MHD, VX2718-PC-MHD, VX2718-2KPC-MHD, VX3218-PC-MHD and VX3418-2KPC. Each monitor features adaptive sync connectivity, so displays can seamlessly synchronize the frame rate output between the graphics card and the monitor. This ensures a fluid gaming experience by eliminating screen tearing and stuttering. The VX18 monitors also come with the company's exclusive ViewMode presets, which offer enhanced on-screen performance for various entertainment applications such as watching/streaming movies, editing files or playing video games.

ASUS today announced Mini PC PB62, a durable computer that delivers powerful performance to provide flexibility, expandability and performance to suit a range of business applications, including digital signage, point-of-sales (POS) system, kiosks and intelligent vending machines. Mini PC PB62 is powered by the latest desktop-grade up to 11th Generation Intel Core processor and fast DDR4 3200 MHz memory.

Engineered for performance: 11th Gen Intel Core, DDR4 3200 MHz memory and Intel Optane
With the latest up to 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processors, Mini PC PB62 is caters for with support for either a 35- or 65-watt CPU - so it's ready to be specified for supreme efficiency or maximum performance. PB62 also has built-in support for Intel Optane H20 memory, the technology that greatly improves storage speeds, enables frequently-used documents, pictures, videos and applications to be accessed more quickly while improving overall system performance to maximize productivity and efficiency.

Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS), the global leading motherboard, Mini-PC, Notebooks, mobile device and smart city solutions provider, is proud to present the latest light and thin mini PC - LIVA M300-W. LIVA M300-W is designed by iron grey metal chassis with compact size measuring only 12.8 x 12.8 x 2.6 cm. LIVA M300-W is powered by Rockchip RK3399K SoC with quad and dual core CPU which can support dual operating system of Android 8.1 and Lubuntu 18.04. It is also equipped with HDMI 2.0 port which can support up to 4K resolution and CEC system. LIVA M300-W is crafted for industrial use by its wide temperature and dustproof design. It is an ideal mini PC to run under extreme environment such as construction site, factory and warehouse for many applications like surveillance, terminal, POS and thermal-sensing.

LIVA M300-W features the outstanding fanless thermal design. It can effectively dissipate heat and operate in wide-temperature from -10°C to 60°C and humidity range from 10% to 95% when CPU running multi-tasks stably under critical environment such as construction site, casino, transportation center and shopping mall.

"Hellhound is born, sharp of fang and razor-like claws, covered with fur that is tough like armour", was the start of PowerColor's last press release for the Hellhound video card series, a new entry into their lineup sitting alongside the Red Dragon and Red Devil graphics cards. The teaser image for the Hellhound aesthetics promised a black, silver and teal design language - and that's exactly what we got, strange PR texts aside.

The PowerColor RX 6700 XT Hellhound features a triple-fan cooler with translucent, blue-LED-illuminated fans (and with the middle fan being slightly smaller than the others, so as to generate some turbulence). The card features a dual 8-pin power delivery subsystem, a backplate with a small cutout featuring the Hellhound logo (absent of any RGB lighting, it seems), and an I/O set at 3x DisplayPort and 1x HDMI 2.1. The card is definitely a looker.

L-com, an Infinite Electronics brand and a preferred manufacturer of wired and wireless connectivity products, announced today that it has introduced a new series of audio/video, active optical cables (AOC) that were developed to extend high quality audio and video signals up to 100 meters without the use of a repeater.

L-com's new AOC cables include HDMI 2.0 assemblies, DisplayPort 1.4 cable assemblies and DVI video cable assemblies. Each series features cable lengths ranging from 10 meters up to 100 meters off-the-shelf. These new long-reach AOC cables are lightweight and flexible, require no external power supply and are resistant to EMI and RFI.

The leading global motherboard manufacturer, graphics card, and small form factor PC manufacturer, ASRock, proudly announces the compact Mini PC - Jupiter X300. This product supports AMD Ryzen 4000G Series processors and up to 64 GB fast DDR4-3200 MHz memory. This delivers decent performance for a wide range of home entertainment and business use. Jupiter X300 provides perfect expandability with only 1L of size, a PCIe Gen3 Ultra M.2 (2280) SSD slot, a 2.5-inch SATA 6 Gb/s hard drive bay, and a M.2 Key-E slot for Wi-Fi module.

The connectivity of ASRock Jupiter X300 Mini PC includes dual USB Type-C ports, six USB Type-A connectors as well as three simultaneous display outputs which include DisplayPort, HDMI, and D-Sub. In this way, ASRock Jupiter X300 Mini PC offers users productivity and flexibility for any scenario. In addition, Jupiter X300 is also available with the model equipped with DASH LAN and TPM function for Enterprise Solutions.

Philips today via its distributor MMD announced the 288E2UAE Monitor, a cost-effective 4K monitor with a 28" diagonal. The monitor features a native 8-bit display (10-bit FRC) with a pretty run-of-the mill 60 Hz refresh rate, 300 cd/m² luminance and 1000:1 static contrast for its 4K resolution. The 4 ms response time won't earn it any accolades, but that's to be expected on a 4K resolution monitor that is expected to retail for around $300. The 119% sRGB and 106.9% NTSC coverage sit above the mainstream monitors for color reproduction, but likely won't be enough for content creators - despite the monitor's color accuracy of DeltaE < 2.

I/O wise, the Philips 288E2UAE offers a 5x USB 3.2 hub, configured at 1x upstream and 4x downstream ports, 1x HDMI and 1x DisplayPort, alongisde 1x 3.5 mm audio output and 2x 3 W integrated speakers. The display further features an anti-reflection coating, and firmware-based EasyRead, Flicker-free and LowBlue technologies.

Colorful today has added two new graphics cards to its staple of NVIDIA RTX 3060 Ti models, the iGame GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Ultra White OC and iGame GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Advanced OC. Both of them feature a triple fan cooling solution (2x 90 mm and 1x 80 mm central fan), and feature a "one click overclock" function that's manifested in a I/O panel button. Both are equally equipped with 8 GB of 14 Gbps GDDR6 memory, and both feature an I/O configuration set at 3x DisplayPort and 1x HDMI 2.0. Both also feature a 2x 8-pin power delivery subsystem.

The iGame GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Ultra White OC features a white cover and backplate (as the name implies), although there are some colored graphics in the shroud, which prevent it from being used in minimalist builds. The card features a base clock of 1,410 MHz, a Boost clock of 1,665 MHz (with the One-Key Overclock function driving it up to 1,770 MHz). The external dimensions are 315 mm length, 131.5 mm width, and 56 mm thickness. As for the iGame GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Advanced OC, it keeps all the clocks of the Ultra White OC except for the One-Key Overclock function, which drives it 30 MHz higher up to 1,800 MHz. External dimensions are 315.5 mm length, 131 mm width, and 53 mm thickness.

It seems that Mini-ITX lovers will finally be able to get their due Ampere injection to their HPC or small form factor systems. MSI, Palit and Gainward have announced Mini-ITX versions of NVIDIA's RTX 3060 graphics card, enabling higher performance (especially in RTX workloads) than last generation's mainstream RTX 2060 graphics cards. MSI's Aero ITX will be available in base and OC variants, and there's currently no confirmation on how many power connectors are built into those cards (though a standard 8-pin would suffice).

DisplayPort 2.0 was supposed to see its implementation beginning by the end of 2020, but that time has come and gone without a single DisplayPort 2.0-touting product on sight. According to VESA, the rollout has been delayed mostly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which prevented the standards body to perform its PlugTest events, where engineers and hardware developers convene to discuss, tinker, and decide on the standard's implementation. VESA held multiple of these events per year, but none in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic; thus, the delay we are now witnessing surged.

VESA plans to have their first 2021 PlugTest event in Spring of this year, however, and aims to see products on the shelves later, and likely not before 2H 2020. The standards body said that there are, indeed, DisplayPort 2.0 monitors currently in-development, but that these too have been affected by the lack of PlugTests. DisplayPort 2.0 is an update to the current 1.4 implementation, and currently, there are no launched products (monitors, graphics cards, etc) that can make use of the new version. The new standard will technically support up to 80 Gbps max, nearly three times the currently available bandwidth in the DisplayPort 1.4 spec. DisplayPort Alt Mode 2.0 also brings most of these capabilities to USB Type-C connectors via the USB 4.0 revision.

ASUS unveiled the ProArt PA278CV, a 27-inch professional monitor for creative work at native 1440p resolution (no dpi upscaling). Its planar IPS panel packs some serious chops for creators—100% sRGB and Rec. 709 coverage, Calman Verified for ΔE <2 color accuracy factory-calibration. Designed for the latest generation of display connectivity, the PA278CV supports USB-C (DisplayPort passthrough) with 65 W power-delivery, so you can use a single cable for both power and display I/O.

In addition, you get an HDMI 1.4 and two DisplayPort 1.2 ports that support daisy-chaining. Other key display specs include 178° viewing angles, 75 Hz refresh rate with VESA Adaptive Sync support, 5 ms (GTG) response time, 350 cd/m² brightness, and 1000:1 static contrast ratio. The display is TÜV Rhineland-certified for flicker-free brightness adjustment, and low blue-light. The company didn't reveal pricing.

AOC has announced a new addition to their AGON line of gaming monitors in the form of the AGON AG493UCX. This is a beastly monitor with a 49" diagonal and 5K resolution with a Super Ultra-Wide aspect ratio of 32:9 (with a resolution of 5120 x 1440 pixels). The panel type is VA, which promises increased contrast ratios against those typically found in IPS panels (3000:1, in this case). AOC is promising 120 Hz refresh rates with a 1 ms (MPRT) response times with MBR backlight. There is also support for VRR technologies such as FreeSync and G-Sync (compatible).

Display brightness is quoted at 550 cd/m², which is just shy of a DisplayHDR 600 certification, but comfortably achieves the VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification. The monitor isn't a slouch in terms of color display either, being better than your average VA panel: the display is factory-calibrated and ships with a guaranteed dE <2, and coverage for 16.7 millions colors across a 93% DCI-P3 gamut coverage (and 121% sRGB coverage). I/O is handled by 2x DisplayPort 1.4, 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x USB type-C, 3x USB ports and 1x an audio output. 2x 5 W speakers are built in to the screen and the stand offers tilt, height and swivel adjustments. No word on pricing as of yet.

Update December 10th 2020: AOC has just made the AGON AG493UCX available for purchase. Initial availability is pegged for Europe with a price tag set at £899 / €899.

GIGABYTE launched the BRIX S line of desktop mini PCs powered by AMD Ryzen 4000U "Renoir" 15 W mobile processors. These mini-PCs are almost NUC-sized, measuring 46.8 mm x 119.5 mm x 119.5 mm (HxWxD), and pack a 2.5-inch SATA drive-bay in addition to an M.2-2280 slot with both PCI-Express 3.0 x4 and SATA 6 Gbps wiring. Connectivity is highlighted by four display outputs—one each of HDMI 2.0a, DisplayPort, and two USB-C with DP passthroughs. Networking connectivity includes 2.5 GbE and 802.11ax + Bluetooth 5.1 WLAN.

As for the specific models, the GB-BRR7H-4700 is powered by a Ryzen 7 4700U, the GB-BRR5H-4500 by a Ryzen 5 4500U, and the GB-BRR3H-4300 by the Ryzen 3 4300U. All three feature two DDR4 SO-DIMM slots, and a vacant M.2-2280 slot, so you're expected to drop in your own memory and storage. All three include VESA mounting brackets, so you can tuck them behind your monitor, if it has VESA wall-mounts. The power bricks included with all three can put out 135 W of power. The company didn't reveal pricing.

[Editor's note: This press release is specific to a US product announcement, and it may have been released in other regions before.]

Display specialist AOC announces the AOC 16T2, a new portable touchscreen monitor with USB-C connectivity. The 39.6 cm (15.6") IPS display 16T2 comes with Full HD resolution and can be connected to a laptop, desktop/server or a smartphone through its two USB-C ports (utilizing DisplayPort alternate mode) or its Micro HDMI port. Thanks to the built-in 8000 mAh battery, the 16T2 can be used on-the-go without requiring a power outlet and can even act as a power bank and charge a smartphone. Less than a centimeter in thickness, a featured smart, foldable cover for portrait and landscape orientations and VESA wall mount option make this monitor a great tool for mobile business users as well as mobile gamers, students, IT administrators, small businesses, DIYers, and more. The AOC 16T2 is available on Amazon starting November 9, 2020, for $249.99.