ASUS' R9 290X DirectCU II will likely have some competition when it actually launches as Gigabyte is working on its own custom Radeon R9 290X graphics card. Codenamed GV-R929XOC-4GD, Gigabyte's first non-stock R9 290X offering comes equipped with the dual-slot WindForce 3X 450W cooler that's supposed to be up to 15.9 dB quieter than the reference solution, and has an slightly-overlocked GPU (1040 MHz).

Gigabyte's card also features a 512-bit memory interface, 4 GB of GDDR5 VRAM, and dual DVI, DisplayPort and HDMI outputs. No word yet on pricing (or an actual release date).

Acer is just about ready to roll out a slick new monitor, the 21.5-inch UT220HQL which features a VA panel with 178/178 degree viewing angles, and offers 10-point touch support. Pictured below, Acer's display features an LED backlight, a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, an 8 ms response time, a 100,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, D-Sub, HDMI and USB connectivity, and MHL capabilities.

The UT220HQL is backed by a two-year warranty and costs 299 Euro.

Gigabyte rolled out a revision of its Radeon R7 250 OC graphics card, featuring its 100 mm fan-heatsink that featured on its Radeon R7 240 OC graphics card. The card features a blue Ultra Durable 2 PCB, with Gigabyte's in-house fan-heatsink design that uses a chunky aluminium block with copper core and spirally-projecting ridges, and a 100 mm fan ventilating it, suspended on a black ABS shroud. The card features a small factory-overclock on the GPU, at 1100 MHz, compared to AMD reference speeds of 1050 MHz. The 2 GB of DDR3 memory is left untouched at 1.80 GHz. Display outputs include dual-link DVI, D-Sub, and HDMI 1.4a. The card relies entirely on the PCI-Express bus for power. Based on the 28 nm "Oland" silicon, the Radeon R7 250 features 384 Graphics CoreNext stream processors, 24 TMUs, 8 ROPs, and a 128-bit wide memory interface. Expect this card to retail for $90.

In addition to introducing the UltraSharp UP3214Q model, Dell is set to add two more Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels) monitors to its offer, a 24-inch model known as UP2414Q and a 28-inch display named P2815Q.

The UP2414Q should be available shortly and will feature an IPS panel with 99% AdobeRGB and 100% sRGB coverage and 178/178 degree viewing angles, an 8 ms GTG response time, a contrast ratio of 1,000:1 (dynamic contrast ratio is 2,000,000:1), a media card reader, a 4-port USB 3.0 hub, HDMI, DisplayPort and Mini DisplayPort inputs, and a stand enabling tilt, swivel, pivot and height adjustment. This one will cost $1,399. The P2815Q is scheduled to arrive early next year priced at under $1,000.

AVerMedia Technologies, Inc., the preeminent name in digital multimedia technology, today announces the ExtremeCap U3, an USB 3.0 capture box for HD video producers to capture, record and stream 1080p 60fps video via HDMI or component inputs. This capture card works perfectly with popular video software and comes with plug-ins for Adobe Premiere Pro CS6 and Sony Vegas, which allows users to edit uncompressed video with the software they are used to. What's better, the USB 3.0 Diagnosis Tool is bundled to ensure the compatibility and performance of the USB 3.0 connection.

Dell has now released in its home market two UltraSharp Series monitors, the 31.5-inch UP3214Q and the 23.8-inch U2414H. Previously released in Hong Kong, the UP3214Q is Dell's very own IGZO-powered offering boasting a native resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. In addition to the Ultra HD picture, the monitor features 176/176 degree viewing angles, 99% AdobeRGB and 100% sRGB color coverage, an 8 ms (GTG) response time, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio (dynamic contrast ratio tops 2,000,000:1), 350 cd/m2 brightness, a 4-port USB 3.0 hub, and HDMI, DisplayPort and mini DisplayPort inputs.

Iiyama today unveiled a new member of its ProLite family, the T2253MTS 21.5-inch monitor featuring multi-touch (5-point) capabilities. This touch-supporting display features a 3 mm thick scratch-resistant glass panel, a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, a 2 ms GTG response time, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 220 cd/m2 typical brightness, dual 1 W speakers, and D-Sub, DVI, HDMI and USB connectivity.

The ProLite T2253MTS is backed by a three-year warranty and costs 35,800 yen (~ 354 USD).

UK-based Hazro Technologies is currently preparing to release a trio of monitors using AH-IPS panels, the 27-inch HZ27WiE, the 29-inch HZ29WiA and the 30-inch HZ30WiG. All three models have 178/178 viewing angles, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, and include D-Sub, DVI, HDMI and DisplayPort connectivity.

The HZ27WiE also features a native resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels, a 6 ms G2G response time and 440 cd/m2 brightness, while the HZ29WiA tops 2560 x 1080 pixels, and offers an 8 ms G2G response time and 300 cd/m2 brightness. As for the HZ30WiG, it delivers a 2560 x 1600 resolution, it packs a 4-port USB 3.0 hub, and has a 6 ms response time and 350 cd/m2 brightness. The displays have yet to be priced.

NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, announced today the MultiSync EA274WMi, the latest addition to its high-end IT desktop portfolio. Corporate environments and other industries will benefit from this performance-driven WQHD resolution LED-backlit model.

Designed to enhance work performance, this widescreen model features IPS panel technology with wide viewing angles (178° horizontal/vertical), touch-sensitive menu controls and ergonomic adjustability. The LED backlighting of the EA274WMi allows for a slimmer profile, lighter weight and increased power savings compared to previous generation models. The unique ControlSync technology allows users to control up to six EA274WMi displays in a multi-monitor configuration. Upon establishing one unit as the master, users are able to control many performance attributes of the multi-monitor setup in unison through the single monitor.

AOC has today unveiled the e2451Fh, a new monitor from its Style Line 51 Series which features a 24-inch TN panel and comes with classy white finish. Seen below, AOC's display has an LED backlight, a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, a 2 ms response time, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, D-Sub, DVI and HDMI connectors, and a detachable stand.

The e2451Fh comes with a three-year warranty and is set to ship next month priced at 189 Euro / 139.99 GBP.

Iiyama has today announced the ProLite P2252HS, a 21.5-inch display equipped with a tough, 2 mm-thick glass panel that provides protection against dirt, scratches and even certain shocks. Apart from the stronger (TN) panel, the monitor is pretty standard and features a Full HD (1920 x 1080) native resolution, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, a 5 ms response time, D-Sub, DVI and HDMI connectors, and dual 1 W speakers.

The ProLite P2252HS is backed by a three-year warranty and 36,800 yen (~ 370 USD).

Showcased back in July, Dell's UltraSharp UP3214Q 4K monitor is now finally making its way to market, with Hong Kong apparently being the first country to get it, officially at least. The UP3214Q is a 31.5-inch model that features an IGZO panel with an Ultra HD resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels) and 176°/176° viewing angles, 99% AdobeRGB and 100% sRGB color coverage, an 8 ms (GTG) response time, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, and 350 cd/m2 brightness.

Dell's display also packs a media card reader, a 4-port USB 3.0 hub, HDMI, DisplayPort and mini DisplayPort connectors, and a stand enabling tilt, swivel and height adjustment. The UltraSharp UP3214Q comes with a three-year warranty and is priced at HK$41,899 (that's about 5,400 US dollars).

BenQ has today launched the EW2740L, a 27-inch monitor part of the EW40 Series which makes use of a VA panel and allows for 'flawless streaming from any MHL-compatible device. In addition to MHL support, this new display has a Flicker-free backlight that reduces eye fatigue and also features Low Blue Light technology to cut down on blue light exposure and allow for a more comfortable viewing experience.

Spec wise BenQ's monitor offers a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, 300 cd/m2 brightness, a contrast ratio of 3,000:1, a 4 ms GTG response time, plus D-Sub and dual HDMI connectors. The EW2740L is backed by a three-year warranty and has a recommended price tag of €309.

Acer-owned PC maker Packard Bell has now officially introduced five entry-level widescreen monitors, the Maestro Series 226DXbmid and 236Dbd and the Viseo Series 223DXbid, 243Dbid and 273Dbi. The 21.5-inch and 23-inch Maestro models feature a 14.5 mm profile, an IPS panel with 178/178-degree viewing angles, an LED backlight, a 5 ms response time, and a dynamic contrast ratio of 100,000,000:1. Both the 226DXbmid and 236Dbd include D-Sub and DVI connectors, with the former also boasting an HDMI input.

The Viseo displays have a 19 mm profile, a piano black finish, a Full HD (1080p) TN panel, a 5 ms response time, and D-Sub, DVI and HDMI connectivity.

ASUS launched its first The Ultimate Force (TUF) series motherboard based on a mid-range chipset by Intel, the TUF Vanguard B85. Designed for gamers who don't overclock their CPUs, and for businesses that change their IT infrastructure every decade, this motherboard is a tight ship. To begin with, it uses a simple 4-phase VRM to condition power for the CPU, but that VRM consists of high-grade components, and is cooled by heatsinks. The board draws power from a combination of 24-pin ATX and 8-pin EPS connectors. The LGA1150 socket is wired to four DDR3 DIMM slots, supporting up to 32 GB of dual-channel memory; and one PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slot. A second PCI-Express x16 slot is electrical gen 2.0 x4, wired to the PCH. One each of PCI-Express 2.0 x1, and legacy PCI, make up the rest of the expansion area.

Storage connectivity on the TUF Vanguard B85 includes four SATA 6 Gb/s, and two SATA 3 Gb/s, all of which are assigned as internal ports. Display connectivity includes one each of dual-link DVI, HDMI, D-Sub, and DisplayPort. The board offers a total of six USB 3.0 ports, four on the rear panel, and two via internal headers. 8-channel HD audio, gigabit Ethernet, PS/2 mouse/keyboard combi-plug, and a number of USB 2.0/1.1 ports, complete the connectivity package. The board feature all the TUF military-grade durability paraphernalia, including the Thermal Radar feature from the TUF Sabertooth series. Expect this one to go for about $110.

Display specialist, HannsG, has today unveiled its first Touch Screen monitor. With an affordable price tag of only £199.99 the 23" HT231HPB is set to turn the futuristic touch screen computing experience into reality for everyone. The new monitor which boasts advanced 10-Point touch control is certified to work with Windows 8 and is launched to coincide nicely with the release of Windows 8.1.

Most notably, the HT231HPB offers the ultimate touch experience with highly responsive 10 point touch control technology to navigate the Windows 8 operating system with ease. This enables users to fully appreciate finger tip screen control at its best promising no lag, better accuracy and zoom capabilities.

Iiyama Japan has kicked off this week by launching a new ProLite Series monitor, the 23-inch X2382HS. This model features an IPS panel with a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and 178/178-degree viewing angles, an LED backlight, a 5 ms (GTG) response time, a contrast ratio of 1,000:1 (5,000,000:1 DCR), and D-Sub, DVI and HDMI connectors.

The ProLite X2382HS also has two built-in 2 W speakers, and comes with a three-year warranty. Its price tag stands at 23,800 yen which is about 245 USD.

ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of visual solution products, is refreshing its extreme entertainment line today with the launch of its brand new VX52 series, which includes the 24" (23.6" viewable) VX2452mh and 22" (21.5" viewable) VX2252mh.

"The VX52 series builds on the feature-set of our best selling VX50 series," said Kenneth Mau, Product Marketing Manager for ViewSonic. "In addition to a 2 ms ultra-fast response time, the VX52 series delivers a new ID with a more uniform glossy bezel, along with HDMI connectivity and a VESA-mountable design, making the enjoyment of smooth gaming and glitch-free entertainment effortless for our customers."

Japanese display maker Iiyama announced ProLite XB2779QS, a stylish new 27-inch WQHD monitor. The monitor features a pseudo-bezel free design, with the piano-black glass screen extending to the edges, with an brushed aluminium bottom accent. Under the hood is an AH-IPS LCD panel, with a native resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels, 178-degree viewing angles along both axes, 5 ms response time (GTG), and dynamic mega contrast ratio.

The LED-backlit display has a normal power draw of 55W, which drops by 5.4 percent when Eco Mode 1 is engaged, by 19.3 percent on Eco Mode 2, and by 30.9 percent on Eco Mode 3. Display inputs include dual-link DVI, D-Sub, and HDMI. Measuring 564.5 mm x 230 mm x 434.5 mm (WxDxH), the XB2779QS weighs about 8.2 kg. Its stand offers basic tilt and height adjustments. Slated for late-October, when it will launch in Japan first, it's expected to go for 79,800 JPY (US $800).

Iiyama Japan has today unveiled a new ProLite Series monitor, a 24-inch model known as XB2483HSU. Seen below, the display makes use of an AMVA+ panel with 178/178-degree viewing angles, and features LED backlighting, a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, a response time of 4 ms (G2G), a contrast ratio of 3,000:1 (dynamic contrast ratio is 5,000,000:1), and VGA, DVI and HDMI connectors.

Iiyama's monitor also comes with two built-in 2 W speakers, a 2-port USB hub, and has a stand that allows for swivel, pivot, tilt and height adjustment. The ProLite XB2483HSU is backed by a three-year warranty and costs 27,800 yen (~ 280 USD).

I-O Data today revealed the addition of six new monitors to its product offer. This release wave includes the 23.6-inch LCD-MF243E and LCD-AD242E, the 23-inch LCD-MF235XBR, the 21.5-inch LCD-MF223EB and LCD-AD222E, and the 18.5-inch LCD-AD193E. Coming in both black and white versions (with the exception of the LCD-MF235XBR), these displays feature an LED backlight, a TFT panel (the LCD-AD193E has a native resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, the rest are all 1920 x 1080), a 5 ms response time, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, and a three-year warranty.

The LCD-AD193E, LCD-MF223E, LCD-MF243E and LCD-MF235XBR also have built-in stereo speakers, while all include VGA and DVI connectivity. HDMI is available on the LCD-MF223E, LCD-MF243E and LCD-MF235XBR.

I-O Data will start rolling out the LCD-MF235XBR, LCD-MF243E and LCD-AD242E at the end of this month, whereas the rest will debut in October.

NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, announced today the 30-inch MultiSync PA302W color accurate display and color critical PA302W display solution with SpectraViewII calibration software and sensor. The models come in both white and black cabinets, which have been redesigned and are now 34 percent slimmer than previous models.

Built using a cutting edge GB-R LED backlight, the PA302W provides a wider color gamut and more color control than a conventional white LED backlight and consumes 44 percent less power than comparable CCFL backlights. The display can be seen in Booth No. 4238 at Print 13, a graphics communications industry event running September 8-12 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

Wortmann AG has this week launched a new TERRA Series monitor, the 27-inch 2770W. This model makes use of an AH-IPS panel and features an LED backlight, a native resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels, 400 cd/m2 brightness, a dynamic contrast ratio of 50,000,000:1, a 6 ms (G2G) response time, stereo speakers, and VGA, DVI, HDMI and DisplayPort connectivity.

The TERRA LED 2770W is backed by a two-year warranty and costs €599.

HDMI Forum, Inc., a non-profit, mutual benefit corporation, today announced the release of Version 2.0 of the HDMI Specification. This latest HDMI Specification, the first to be developed by the HDMI Forum, offers a significant increase in bandwidth (up to 18 Gbps) to support new features such as 4K@50/60 (2160p), which is 4 times the clarity of 1080p/60 video resolution; 32 audio channels; as well as dynamic auto lip-sync and extensions to CEC. The complete Version 2.0 of the HDMI Specification is available to Adopters on the HDMI Adopter Extranet. HDMI Licensing, LLC will host a press conference to discuss the new features of the HDMI 2.0 Specification at IFA 2013 in Berlin on Friday, September 6 at 12:00pm in the TecWatch Forum area of Hall 11.1.

Version 2.0 of the HDMI Specification, which is backward compatible with earlier versions of the Specification, was developed by the HDMI Forum's Technical Working Group whose members represent some of the world's leading manufacturers of consumer electronics, personal computers, mobile devices, cables and components. The HDMI Forum currently has a membership of 88 companies.

Samsung Electronics America, Inc. today introduced the latest iteration of its professional grade Series 9 monitor, the SB971. Featuring quad high-definition resolution and wide viewing angles, the premium, hand-calibrated Series 9 SB971 was designed for users that require a richer viewing experience, such as photo enthusiasts and graphic artists.

"Graphic professionals, photo enthusiasts and other groups that meticulously edit visual content require a monitor with extremely accurate color rendering, immersive viewing angles and premium picture quality, and the SB971 meets these demands," said Mike Abary, senior vice president of consumer IT product marketing at Samsung Electronics America. "This new Series 9 product will join the recently introduced SC770 touch monitor and SC750 rotating monitor to round out Samsung's innovative lineup, offering every kind of user an ideal monitor for whatever their needs may be."