Bright Idea: Eureka! Wireless VGA

It's a challenge often faced in education and corporate installations: finding a way for multiple users to connect computers to projectors or displays. If you've ever been stumped or you're not satisfied with your current solution, Cables to Go, a division of Lastar, may have an answer.

Cables to Go (www.cablestogo.com) recently introduced the TruLink Wireless USB to VGA Adapter Kit, which allows users to wirelessly display video from a computer to a projector or screen up to 30 feet away. Another company, Iogear (www.iogear.com), is also preparing to ship a $230 Wireless USB to VGA Kit.

“We've seen a significant demand for a wireless VGA solution in training, classroom, and conference room settings where customers want simple connectivity from anywhere in the room that supports multiple users,” says Bill Diedrich, president of Lastar. Up to six computers can share the kit's wireless display connection at a time. It also supports dual-monitor screen modes, as well as native mode for high-resolution playback.

The adapters come preconfigured, says Jennifer Crotinger, product manager for Cables to Go, so after installing the driver, “the host [USB] and the device [VGA] adapters will be associated and ‘talking' to one another. Just plug in and your video is now wireless.” The adapter uses Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology to provide a secure wireless connection to transmit UXGA and WSXGA video. While it's capable of streaming video up to 720p resolution, Crotinger says it's not intended for HD applications, so pixelation may occur.

The TruLink Wireless USB to VGA Adapter Kit will be available from Cables to Go partners in November.