USB NIVO is a high-performance graphics system that connects monitors to PCs over USB 2.0. USB NIVO enables simple and cost-effective multi-monitor computing and is targeted at manufacturers of digital displays, personal computers, or PC accessories who are looking to take advantage of the simplicity and universal understanding of USB. NIVO technology enables high-quality display response over a USB 2.0 connection. This means that the user experience with mouse, monitor, and keyboard is comparable to a conventionally connected monitor. Static images in 24-bit true color are displayed without quality loss or color reduction and distortion while full-motion video plays in real-time. Connection is simple and intuitive via USB. The USB NIVO provides a breakthrough for fast and easy deployment of additional displays using USB. It is designed to break the cable bonds with an alternative that is plug-and-play and simple to use with high performance. It can bring multi-monitor applications into the mainstream. In addition to docking station and multi-monitor computing, USB NIVO opens up a range of new applications aimed at knowledge workers and road warriors who need to view multiple information sources at the same time, such as application-specific monitors that attach to the user’s main display and support a single application such as instant messaging, or lower cost real-time multi-tasking solutions for data-intensive workers that need real-time data access on four or more monitors. The NIVO solution is comprised of Virtual Graphics Card (VGC) software that runs on a Windows XP host PC and a silicon-based Hardware Rendering Engine (HRE) module that is connected to, or embedded into, a monitor. The VGC software processes a stream of display information using the company’s patented lossless graphics transport format and transmits it over a USB 2.0 link to the HRE device. The HRE then transforms the data back into pixels to be displayed on the monitor. It offers VESA-compliant scan and refresh rates and 24-bit true color depth at all resolutions. The VGC software supports all Windows XP desktop extend display modes as well as a desktop clone mode. It is silently installed using Microsoft digitally signed drivers and allows display management using the standard Windows Display Properties control panel
without a proprietary graphical-user interface. The HRE module has a VGA port and an application specific interface with USB signals, and power system control.ADVERTISEMENT