•
USB 3.0 Drive Docks & Adapters
•
USB 3.0 Flash Drives & Readers
•
USB 3.0 Solid-state Drives
•
USB 3.0 RAIDs
•
Optical Media Drives
•
Multimedia Devices
•
Networking
•
USB 3.0 Adapter Cards & Hubs
Compatibility
The good news is that USB 3.0 has been carefully planned from the start to peacefully co-exist with USB 2.0. First of all, while USB 3.0
specifies new physical connections and thus new cables to take advantage of the higher speed capability of the new protocol, the
connector itself remains the same rectangular shape with the four USB 2.0 contacts in the exact same location as before. Five new
connections to carry receive and transmitted data independently are present on USB 3.0 cables and only come into contact when
connected to a proper SuperSpeed USB connection.
Windows 8 will be bringing native support for USB 3.0 controllers. This is in contrast to previous versions of Windows, which continue to
require separate drivers for USB 3.0 controllers.
Microsoft announced that Windows 7 would have USB 3.0 support, perhaps not on its immediate release, but in a subsequent Service
Pack or update. It is not out of the question to think that following a successful release of USB 3.0 support in Windows 7, SuperSpeed
support would trickle down to Vista. Microsoft has confirmed this by stating that most of their partners share the opinion that Vista should
also support USB 3.0.
Super-Speed support for Windows XP is unknown at this point. Given that XP is a seven-year-old operating system, the likelihood of this
happening is remote.
HDMI 1.4
This topic explains the HDMI 1.4 and its features along with the advantages.
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is an industry-supported, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface. HDMI provides an
interface between any compatible digital audio/video source, such as a set-top box, DVD player, or A/V receiver and a compatible digital
audio and/or video monitor, such as a digital TV (DTV). The intended applications for HDMI are set-top boxes, TVs, and DVD players. The
primary advantage is cable reduction and content protection provisions. HDMI supports standard, enhanced, or high-definition video, plus
multichannel digital audio on a single cable.
NOTE:
The HDMI 1.4 will provide 5.1 channel audio support.
HDMI 1.4 Features
•
HDMI Ethernet Channel
- Adds high-speed networking to an HDMI link, allowing users to take full advantage of their IP-enabled
devices without a separate Ethernet cable
•
Audio Return Channel
- Allows an HDMI-connected TV with a built-in tuner to send audio data "upstream" to a surround audio
system, eliminating the need for a separate audio cable
•
3D
- Defines input/output protocols for major 3D video formats, paving the way for true 3D gaming and 3D home theater applications
•
Content Type
- Real-time signaling of content types between display and source devices, enabling a TV to optimize picture settings
based on content type
•
Additional Color Spaces
- Adds support for additional color models used in digital photography and computer graphics.
•
HDMI Micro Connector
- A new, smaller connector for phones and other portable devices, supporting video resolutions up to 1080p
•
Automotive Connection System
- New cables and connectors for automotive video systems, designed to meet the unique demands
of the motoring environment while delivering true HD quality
34
Technology and components
