News

VESA Endorses Alternative to Copper Cables - Enables Optical Video Interconnect in DisplayPort Standard (2/5/2007)

Luxtera Inc., the world leader in CMOS Photonics, today announced the results of its efforts with the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) DisplayPort(TM) Task Force. The new DisplayPort 1.1 standard has achieved an industry first by enabling Hybrid Devices, such as fiberoptic transceivers, to be recognized and utilized as an endorsed alternative to copper cables to connect PCs to flat panel displays and other applications.

The DisplayPort task force and subgroups, led by Luxtera and other member companies, unanimously approved the addition of Hybrid Devices to the specification as a standard alternative solution to copper cables. High performance optical video interconnect based on Luxtera's CMOS Photonics technology is now possible with the addition of Hybrid Devices to the standard resulting in an improved visual user experience.

"This addition is another technical advantage of the DisplayPort standard. It opens new opportunities for the industry to standardize and certify optical video interconnect solutions for longer reach display applications such as digital signage and projection systems," said Earl Joseph, Program Vice President of IDC's High-Performance Systems.

This is the first time the industry has recognized and approved high performance optical video interconnect technology, with the broad based support of the PC industry. For major PC and display manufacturers, a product must have a logo in order to be considered for sale. Now one of the biggest barriers to widespread adoption of optical video interconnect technology, such as Luxtera's CMOS Photonics, has been removed.

"No other digital video standard provides power to enable this kind of technology nor do any other video standards bodies allow optical based solutions to obtain a logo. Without Luxtera as a driving force, the standard would still allow only copper," said Eileen Robarge, Group Leader, DisplayPort Hybrid Device Subgroup. "Optical technology, particularly single mode technology, can most effectively address the longer reach market needs for digital signage, projectors, imaging, quiet office and digital home and support much higher performance picture quality for the end user at both short and longer distances. Luxtera is leading the charge in optical standards development for PC and CE industries, and will continue to work with VESA in future video standard development."

www.luxtera.com
www.vesa.org