AMD today released the Radeon Software Adrenalin 21.4.1 drivers, which introduce major updates to the soft-product that completes your AMD Radeon graphics cards. The drivers come with updates to the Radeon Software interface, and the AMD Link remote-gameplay utility. Radeon Software now comes with an improved installer with installation presets that let you choose between a Full (typical) installation, with all software features installed; a Minimal installation with an interface that only has basic settings related to the display and GPU; and "driver-only" that only installs the display driver, and no additional software.

There are several new features introduced within Radeon Software. Vivid Gaming Display Color Enhancement is a new monitor color profile that enables a more "vivid" color palette that lets you liven up "color deficient" scenes. The interface lets you take control of protanopia, deuteranopia, and tritanopia components of the color. The search bar that lets you dig through the hundreds of features, has been improved. There are many other minor UI improvements, such as stats in the Games tab, a toggle for the in-built web-browser, and global controls for the hotkeys.

DOWNLOAD: AMD Radeon Software Adrenalin 21.4.1

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.

When NVIDIA introduced its GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card, the company also introduced a new feature to go along with it. As the card is priced well, it is positioning itself as a very good value offer for mining. Given that NVIDIA has now separate products for mining, it naturally would like to limit the number of gaming cards sold to miners. To achieve that, the company introduced an anti-mining algorithm that is essentially a handshake between the driver, RTX 3060 silicon, and the GPU VBIOS. This handshake checks those three components to detect if mining is going on, so it can limit the performance of the card.

However, even such a thing can be bypassed. Usually, miners put their GPUs in rigs where most of the GPUs don't use their video outputs. And the GPU can detect if it is connected to the monitor or not, triggering the anti-mining algorithm. A user from Quasar Zone forums has managed to bypass the restriction by simply installing a dummy HDMI plug. By using the dummy plug, the card thinks that it is connected to a monitor and thus runs normally. Using this workaround, the user was able to set-up a four-way GeForce RTX 3060 mining rig with 48 MH/s hashing power per GPU, for the total 192 MH/s hash rate. You can buy HDMI dummy plugs for as low as $5.99 on Amazon or at any other store.

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.

Acer today announced the new TravelMate Spin B3 (TMB311R-32) convertible laptop with military-grade durability, a device specially designed for classrooms. The touchscreen device features a Full HD webcam and blazing-fast Intel Wi-Fi 6, providing students with everything they need to succeed in interactive or virtual classrooms that make heavy use of media-based teaching materials.

Ultimately, the Acer TravelMate Spin B3 is a reliable device that strives to provide protection against common accidents, allowing parents and teachers to focus on what matters most: learning.

Dynabook Americas, Inc., a leading provider of professional-grade laptops, today introduced the Satellite Pro laptop series. The company also announced a strategic relationship with SYNNEX Corporation (NYSE: SNX), a leading provider of distribution, systems design and integration services for the technology industry, to handle the United States distribution of its new Satellite Pro laptops and expand its reach into the small and medium business sectors. At launch, the Satellite Pro series will consist of three new models, including the 14-inch Satellite Pro C40, 15.6-inch Satellite Pro C50 and 15.6-inch Satellite Pro L50 with prices starting at $499.99 (MSRP).

Dynabook's Satellite Pro laptop series feature modern designs, a unique commitment to quality and all-round computing capabilities that deliver exceptional value ready for the most demanding tasks required by both professionals and students. Dynabook will offer multiple configurations of the three new Satellite Pro laptops featuring a mix of 10th Gen Intel Core processors and Windows 10 choices, including four Satellite Pro C50 and three Satellite Pro C40 options with prices starting at $499.99 (MSRP). The Satellite Pro L50 configuration will feature a 10th Gen Intel Core processor, Windows 10 Pro, NVIDIA graphics and priced at $899.99 (MSRP).

Over three years after the launch of the HDMI Specification Version 2.1, major products are now widely available that support HDMI 2.1 features including 4K@120Hz, 8K@60Hz, Dynamic HDR and eARC. Instead of asking when HDMI 2.1-enabled products will be available, people are now asking for advice about which new HDMI 2.1-enabled products to buy.

"It's exciting to see so many new products available with these new features," said Rob Tobias, CEO and president of HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc. (HDMI LA). "And with the launch of the latest gaming consoles, consumers can now enjoy a thrilling HDMI 2.1 end-to-end experience with consoles, AVR's, cables, TVs and monitors. With shipments of HDMI products reaching almost 10 billion since it launched in 2002, HDMI technology continues to be the universal interface for consumer electronics products."

QNAP Systems, Inc., a leading computing, networking and storage solution innovator, today announced the desktop smart edge PoE Switch - QGD-3014-16PT. With sixteen 30-watt Gigabit PoE ports, two 2.5GbE host management ports, Intel Celeron J4125 quad-core 2.0 GHz processor, and four 3.5-inch SATA drive bays, the QGD-3014-16PT supports QVR Pro, HBS 3 and QuWAN SD-WAN to integrate surveillance deployment, video storage computing, and multi-site remote management to offer SMBs innovative intelligent IP surveillance infrastructure and remote backup solutions.
"Expanding multi-site surveillance networks can be costly and involve large amounts of equipment with low transmission efficiency between multiple remote devices - not to mention the complexities involved in deployment and management. " said Daniel Hsieh, QNAP Product Manager, adding, "the QGD-3014-16PT desktop Smart Edge PoE Switch integrates PoE, surveillance capabilities, and data backup management to simplify these requirements and increase the transmission and backup efficiency of surveillance videos."

The exclusive lifestyle brand Porsche Design and AOC, the leader in the gaming monitor market, have come together to introduce the first ever Porsche Design AOC AGON gaming monitor. The 27" (68.58 cm) PD27 provides an experience similar to driving a race car: high octane specifications (27" QHD panel, 240 Hz refresh rate, 0.5 ms MPRT), a sleek, eye-catching, racing-influenced design and a wide range of functionalities to be utilized both on a daily basis and during long gaming sessions. Even before the official launch, the impressive design of this new monitor was honored with the Red Dot Award 2020.

[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.

A German website, Heise.de, has discovered a bug in HDMI 2.1 chipset that causes black screen issues on specific hardware. On AV chipsets sourced by Panasonic, and used by Denon, Marantz, and Yamaha HDMI 2.1 AV receivers, the chipset experiences a specific issue of a black screen. More specifically, the bug happens once you connect Microsoft's newest console, Xbox Series X, or NVIDIA's Ampere graphics cards. When connecting these sources at resolutions like 4K/120 Hz HDR and 8K/60 Hz HDR to Panasonic HDMI 2.1 chipsets, the black screen happens. This represents a major problem for every manufacturer planning to use the Panasonic HDMI 2.1 chipset in its AV receivers, meaning that the issue has to be addressed. The Audioholics website has reached out to Sound United and Yamaha to see what their responses were, and you can check them out below.

Display specialist AOC announces 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, tinkerers, and more.

AVerMedia have recently published a teaser trailer for their upcoming internal capture card. AVerMedia has hinted at dual input support for the card over the last week with "It's time TWO upgrade" and several replies to posts about the card. The teaser trailer showcases the upcoming card and allows us to confirm that the device will be a full-height PCIe card with an illuminated RGB AVerMedia logo. The integration of dual inputs will be appealing to streamers with multiple input sources who have had to previously use multiple cards or HDMI switches. AVerMedia hasn't announced when the card will be officially revealed but we expect it to be in the coming days/weeks.

Matrox is pleased to announce that the Matrox D-Series D1450 multi-display graphics card is now shipping. Purpose-built to power next-generation video walls, this new single-slot, quad-4K HDMI graphics card enables OEMs, system integrators, and AV installers to easily combine multiple D1450 boards to quickly deploy high-density-output video walls of up 16 synchronized 4K displays. Along with a rich assortment of video wall software and developer tools for advanced custom control and application development, D1450 is ideal for a broad range of commercial and critical 24/7 applications, including control rooms, enterprises, industries, government, military, digital signage, broadcast, and more.
Advanced capabilities

Backed by innovative technology and deep industry expertise, D1450 delivers exceptional video and graphics performance on up to four 4K HDMI monitors from a single-slot card. OEMs, system integrators, and AV professionals can easily add—and synchronize—displays by framelocking up to four D-Series cards via board-to-board framelock cables. In addition, D1450 offers HDCP support to display copy-protected content, as well as Microsoft DirectX 12 and OpenGL support to run the latest professional applications.

ASUS today introduced the ROG Strix XG17AHP, a variant of the ROG Strix XG17AHPE 17.3-inch portable gaming monitor the company launched in January. The new XG17AHP includes an innovative new tripod stand. The feet of the stand fold outwards from the main stock, which is telescopic, and can extend in height. This lets you orient the display like a conventional desktop monitor, and not just like an iPad with its cover folded into a prism-like shape. The magnetic smart cover is still included in the package, so you even have that option.

These aside, the ROG Strix XG17AHP is identical to the ROG Strix XG17AHPE from January. It is a 17.3-inch 16:9 IPS display with Full HD resolution, 240 Hz refresh rate, features VESA Adaptive Sync, and a non-glare surface. Since it's meant to be a portable gaming monitor that you pair with your gaming notebook, it packs a 7,800 mAh battery that can provide up to 3 hours of use on a full charge. A USB-C connector is used both for recharging as well as DisplayPort passthrough input; while the monitor also features a micro-HDMI input (cables included that convert this to a standard HDMI). A premium ESS Sabre DAC converts digital audio from the display inputs to high-quality audio for the display's internal speakers, or a 3.5 mm jack. ASUS also includes a pouch that lets you carry the display around. By itself, the display weighs about 1.06 kg (1.76 kg with the tripod stand).

Update Jul 13th: ASUS revealed that the XG17AHP is priced at USD $599.

With the SCHENKER VIA 15 Pro (M20), Schenker Technologies presents an ultra-mobile high-performance laptop, whose top of the range version uses the eight-core AMD Ryzen 7 4800H APU. The deliberate omission of an additional, dedicated graphics card, places the laptop in an exclusive position in the European market. In contrast to its little brother, the SCHENKER VIA 15 (E20), the Leipzig-based laptop manufacturer has equipped the Pro version with more flexible connectivity options and dual-channel memory support. Indespensible features such as the 91 Wh battery and the robust lightweight chassis remain untouched.

Schenker Technologies presents the SCHENKER VIA 15 Pro with AMD's current Renoir APUs - the Ryzen 5 4600H and Ryzen 7 4800H. The powerful, multithreaded and efficient six and eight-core models each operate in the maximum configurable 54 W TDP envelope. Compared to the regular SCHENKER VIA 15 (Non-Pro), whose AMD Ryzen 5 3550U is limited to a TDP of only 15 watts, the Pro offers a remarkable performance improvement. While the majority of competitors focus on coupling AMD's mobile H-APUs with an expensive, dedicated graphics solution, the SCHENKER VIA 15 Pro takes a more efficient approach. The integrated Vega 7 graphics unit is more than capable when powering everyday applications.

Matrox is pleased to announce that the Matrox QuadHead2Go Q155 multi-monitor controller card is now shipping. Powering up to four Full HD displays from a single HDMI video source—including HDCP devices—the QuadHead2Go Q155 card provides OEMs, system integrators, and AV installers with an innovative tool to quickly and easily add more displays to video walls of any type and size. Designed to integrate seamlessly into Matrox-based or third-party platforms, QuadHead2Go is ideal for a wide variety of video wall applications, including digital signage, control room, broadcast, and more.

QuadHead2Go Q155 controllers capture a single video signal—of up to 4Kp60 and 8Kx8K—for display across up to four screens, at resolutions up to 1920x1200 per output. The input content could be from any HDMI source—including digital signage players, media players, laptops, and more—while displays can be arranged in a variety of artistic configurations or classic rectangular 2x2, 2x1, 3x1, 4x1, 1x2, 1x3, or 1x4 setups. Pair multiple QuadHead2Go units to add more displays and/or combine with Matrox D-Series quad-4K graphics cards to power up to an astonishing 64 1920x1080p60 monitors from one system.

ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of display solution products, introduces portable monitors into its family of award-winning displays. Designed to boost productivity for those on-the-go, the TD1655 and VG1655 can be paired with laptops and tablets, so users can be more efficient with the additional screen space. Whether a remote worker needing to share content or business travelers needing a supplemental display, the ViewSonic portable monitors allow users to see more and do more for better output.

The ViewSonic TD1655 is a 10-point projective capacitive touchscreen display. It delivers a smooth and natural writing experience and streamlined navigation. The VG1655 features an anti-glare screen to deliver a vivid viewing experience. Both portable monitors come with two USB Type-C ports, so users can quickly enable transmission of video, audio, and data, while also delivering up to 60 W of two-way power.

The recently announced Phillips 272B1G monitor features a 27 inch IPS 1080P screen, with a 4 ms (Grey to Grey) response time, 250 nits brightness, 1000:1 contrast ratio, and 76% NTSC/98% sRGB coverage. The IPS panel allows for wide viewing angles of 178º (H)/178º (V) and comes with an anti-glare, 3H, Haze 25% coating.

The monitor includes several energy-saving features such as PowerSensor and LightSensor along with a "Super-energy-efficient" design. PowerSensor uses an infrared sensor to detect the presence of a user and can automatically reduce screen brightness in the case of absence reducing power draw up to 70% while increasing monitor lifespan. The LightSensor feature uses a smart sensor to adjust the screen brightness depending on the light conditions in the room.

Xiaomi today soft-launched a new, high-refresh rate IPS gaming monitor on their Mi line. The Xiaomi Mi Display 165 Hz brings a 27", 8-bit IPS panel with a 2560 x 1440 resolution and a pretty impressive 95% DCI-P3 color space coverage. Response time is quoted at 4 ms (1 ms GtG, as most manufacturers insist on quoting their response time speeds). There is support for VRR technologies (AMD's FreeSync and NVIDIA's G-Sync Compatible), as well as Display HDR 400 certification (the lowest that can be had, but still, it's certified). Peak luminance in HDR is set at 400 nits, with typical brilliance standing at 320 nits.

I/O-wise, we're looking at 3x USB 3.0, 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort and 1x 3.5 mm headset port. The reported specifications, including the DCI-P3 color space coverage, should make this monitor interesting for users ranging from gamers to amateur/semi-professional photo and video editors. pricing, however, is the icing in the cake: Xiaomi will be selling this monitor for 2,199 yuan (which amounts to roughly $299) - a bargain when one considers the overall specifications on this monitor. The monitor will be available from June 17 in China, with international availability following.

In the times of growing need for monitors with bigger size, improved connectivity and image quality, display specialist AOC announces the new P2 series monitors for professional users. Covering an extensive range of display sizes from 21.5" (54.7 cm), 23.8" (60.4 cm), 27" (68.6 cm) and ultra-wide 34" (86 cm), AOC acknowledges its users' distinct needs and individual setups. Except for the 34" ultrawide CU34P2A with its curved (1500R) VA panel, all other models are equipped with flat IPS panels. They ensure true-to-life colour reproduction, wide gamut coverage, and wide viewing angles (178/178°) perfectly suited for content creation and editing. Selected models (24P2C and 27P2C) with USB-C port provide an easier display, data and power connection to mobile devices with a single USB-C cable. The KVM switch included in these models allows the user to switch the keyboard and mouse between two PCs (connected via USB-C and USB hub uplink).

Acer is slowly rolling out its new monitors at some Chinese retailers and today we get to see their specifications. The two monitors in question are named XZ270X and XZ320QX respectively. The XZ270X is a 27-inch curved model with 1500R curvature applied, while its bigger brother XZ320QX has a 32-inch panel with 1800R curvature. Both models rock a 1920x1080p VA-type panel with a refresh rate of 240 Hz. The VA panels in question are a new breed from CSOT and they feature 4000:1 contrast ratio.

The panels are advertised with 1 ms response time and 250 nits brightness. Both monitors offer 178-degree viewing angles and the ability to represent 16.7 million colors with sRGB (72% NTSC) color gamut. For I/O, Acer has equipped these monitors with one DisplayPort, one 3.5 mm audio jack, and two HDMI connectors. There are two 2 W stereo speakers as well. The Chinese retailer lists the 27-inch model for roughly $310 and the 32-inch model for around $420.

MSI today announced two new diagonally-different additions to its monitor lineup. Under the Optix branding, the Optix G241 and G271 monitors both feature a 1080p IPS panel ticking at 144 Hz refresh rates. 1 ms response time is featured in both monitors, as is support for AMD's FreeSync. Where both panels differ is in the color space they're offering: the 27" G271 offers a slightly narrower 92% DCI-P3 coverage (94% on the G241). Viewing angles (178º), maximum brightness (250 cd m²) and a 1,000:1 contrast ratio are equal between both monitors.

I/O-wise, we're looking at 2x HDMI 1.4b, 1x DisplayPort 1.2a, and 1x audio out. The Optix G271 is available starting from a very interesting $239, while the G241 is available for $189.99.

VIVIFY, a leading brand of premium fiber optic cables, is pleased to announce the PC edition VIVIFY ARQUUS W73ø, a fiber optic HDMI RGB gaming cable with Vnode, a new software to control and mix the cable's light-up effects, which also works with Razer Chroma. Available in 9 ft (2.7 m) length, the HDMI 2.0b W73ø received DPL Labs' 4K certification, the highest level of certification for true 4K products.

Whether on console or PC, using a gaming monitor and/or TV, the backward compatibility of HDMI 2.0b and a wide array of compatible devices offers an opportunity for gamers to connect whenever and wherever they want. With true 4K resolution (4096 x 2160) supporting refresh rate of 60Hz, the ARQUUS W73ø provides the performance necessary for gamers, to immerse themselves with vivid image quality and clean fast motion transitions. And thanks to the high-performance and high-quality of the optical fiber, there is minimal signal loss over longer distances.

Diamong Multimedia announced the V-Stream VS300M wireless HDMI set. As we continue to stay safe at home due to the Covid-19 coronavirus, it is becoming more important than ever to keep ourselves entertained and connected to our friends, family and colleagues. However, we can become overwhelmed when the kids are home from school and both parents are working from home. That is why we can use the peace and quiet that comes from having our own rooms to work, watch TV or simply to relax. Laptops, cable set-top boxes, DVD, Blu-Ray players, PCs, tablets or any other source with an HDMI output, can be connected to your TV. And we all know that the go-to way to achieve this is with a wired connection through the use of HDMI cables. HDMI transmits real-time video and audio through a single cable. However, if you'd rather not be literally chained to your TV with a physical, wired connection, there are ways to connect your device to a TV, and stream video and audio wirelessly. Diamond Multimedia offers a solution to do just that - to cut the HDMI wires and go wireless HDMI.

The beauty of wireless HDMI is, of course, the lack of cluttering up your living room, office, classroom or anywhere you watch and enjoy streaming from your laptop to a TV. That de-cluttering is essential to creating a more pleasant and stress-free atmosphere. When watching TV from a PC/laptop or other source, seeing a cable running from a coffee table to an entertainment center and constantly having to avoid tripping over it, is a huge hassle. In addition, we can increase this powerful ability to wirelessly stream from one HDMI source. As a result, we have the convenience of wireless streaming to TWO rooms with Diamond Wireless HDMI devices.