15/05/2012
We Have Thunderbolt Cables!
We now have Thunderbolt Cables, ready for purchase!
If you've been following the various bits of news coming from the IT world in the last year or so, you've no doubt at least heard that a new, ultra-fast I/O interface was on the horizon. Thunderbolt™, which was developed by Intel® and is co-marketed by both Apple® and Intel, was initially available only on Apple computers, but has been picking up steam with recent announcements that Windows-based laptop and PC motherboard manufacturers would be including the interface on upcoming releases.
If you want to learn more about Thunderbolt and its very impressive technical capabilities, check out our StarTech University course dedicated entirely to the new interface.
For more information on the specific products we'll be offering, you could also check out the press release about their launch, or our newly added Thunderbolt cables category.
Ken
11/05/2012
Full control Video Switching!
Basic VGA splitters often lack customization or in most instances lack the ability to split signals at great distances. Far too often users are limited to short lengths or static control features. Our 2x2 VGA Matrix Video Switch Splitter with Audio (ST222MXA) has taken your standard VGA video splitter, and super-charged the functionality. The ST222MXA allows users to share two distinct VGA inputs and audio signals between two displays.
As an added bonus, we've included built-in amplification that allows installation of displays at distances of up to 213-feet (65 meters) away from the source device, all while maintaining flawless signal integrity!
Customization is the key, as users can have a different source showing on each display, or one source showing on both. Maximum flexibility and control with built in signal amplification make the ST222MXA one of the most beneficial and affordable VGA video splitters available.
Paul
04/05/2012
ConXit Connection Wizard Updates!
We've made some changes to our ConXit Connection Wizard, that should make it even easier to find the parts and connectors you're looking for!
More intuitive interface: The Connection Wizard is now easier to use! For example, ConXit will now automatically provide results if only a single option is available available for the corresponding host or device connection, which means the tool can often provide results in a single click!
Bi-directional selection: In the previous version of the Wizard, you'd have to select the device connection first, then the host connection, which could sometimes be confusing. The new version provides results regardless of whether the device or host connection is specified first!
Filtered results: Much like on our product category pages, now, when ConXit returns multiple product results, you can filter based on the specifics of the connection you're trying to make:

Visual Glossary: Now, you can still find the connector you need, even if you don't know the exact name of the port or connection you need, because you can scroll through a comprehensive list of connections by their appearance, all filtered by the application (e.g. Audio, Video, Power, etc.). It's as easy as clicking on the Visual Glossary button...

...To bring up a visual list and descriptions of the connectors...

Another not-so-small change we've made to the ConXit Wizard, is support for our international visitors in Spanish, Dutch, French, Swedish and Italian!
Enjoy!
Paul
02/05/2012
HDMI Micro Adapter for Television Connectivity!
Our HDMI Adaptation line continues to grow with revolutionary and handy converters and adapters. One of the limitations of modern Smartphones is though they have High Definition support; the output of these signals is generally limited to the Smartphone itself. With our HDADFM5IN High Speed HDMI with Ethernet to HDMI Micro Adapter Cable, you can quickly adapt Micro HDMI connections on your Smartphone into a standard HDMI connection on a TV, monitor, projector, and all sorts of displays!
This 5" HDMI to HDMI Micro Adapter Cable is an all-in-one cable design for transmitting digital audio and video through a single cable a simple solution that works with devices such as BlackBerry® PlayBook™ tablets or BlackBerry® Smartphones, which often feature an HDMI Micro connector.
Paul
24/04/2012
Legacy Television Support Through HDMI!
The modern HDMI® interface is universally supported and is often the connection of choice for virtually all High-Definition audio and video applications. TVs, monitors, BluRay players and many more devices all use and support HDMI connections.
While this standard is great for modern devices, it can sometimes be a limiting factor with legacy audio and video displays and devices.The solution is simple, with our HDMI to Composite Converter (HD2VID).
The HD2VID converts HDMI output connections to Composite audio and video, (the red, white, and yellow connections almost always found on older displays).
The adapter also supports input HDTV resolutions up to 720p (PC up to 1280x800). It’s the perfect device for presentations, tradeshows, conferences, retail, entertainment, and home video applications!
Ken
18/04/2012
Supporting USB Shortcomings!
USB connectivity has standardized peripheral connections into one universally supported connection. This has revolutionized the tech industry from both a support and performance standpoint. However, even universal connectivity can have its limitations, especially since standard USB cables are usually limited to about 16ft max distance.
We've alleviated that short cable run limitation with the USB2004EXT2 USB over Cat5 Extender, which lets you extend USB devices up to 330ft (100m) away from your computer over Ethernet cable! The adapter includes both a local transmitter and a remote receiver; the receiver actually features four USB 2.0 ports, which lets you connect USB devices as if attached to a hub.
The USB2004EXT2 fits a variety of applications where USB-enabled devices need to be located great distances away from a host computer, helping to reduce cable clutter or unnecessary mid-point USB hubs. The USB extender can also be used with existing in-wall network wiring, to extend USB connections between rooms, and it's really easy to set up, with no drivers or software required!
Paul
11/04/2012
Simple Serial Connectivity with Easy USB!
With new technologies, unfortunately serial (RS232) connectivity is often overlooked. It is one of the most common technologies that individuals require, but rarely have support in their existing PCs. In fact, many IT administrators, point of sale operators, or simple home users still require legacy serial support.
We strive to make adapting technologies easy! Check out the ICUSB232 USB to Serial Cable. This adapter is compact, easy to setup, and doesn't require any external power for operation. It is by far the easiest and quickest method to support older serial connectivity through the ease of USB 2.0, and a viable solution for connecting satellite receivers, serial modems, PDAs, POS machines, barcode scanners and more.
Paul
05/04/2012
Connect & Control 4 Hard Drives through USB 3.0!
As the USB 3.0 standard continues to grow and evolve, so do the devices that we are able to develop and connect. Perfect for IT professionals, system builders, or multi hard drive users, the StarTech.com 4 Bay USB 3.0 to SATA Hard Drive Docking Station for 2.5/3.5 HDD maximizes USB 3.0 capabilities!
The SATDOCK4U3 allows users to control and connect up to 4 SATA hard drives simultaneously! Support is included for 2.5" and 3.5" SATA drives, and we even have an adapter for legacy IDE hard drive support with our SAT2IDEADP SATA to IDE adapter.
The hard drive docking station uses SuperSpeed USB 3.0 connectivity, which is also backward compatible with USB 2.0. USB 3.0 means data transfer rates are up to 10x faster than USB 2.0. Also included are dual, built-in, variable-speed 60mm cooling fans with manual control, helping to keep the dock and connected hard drives cool. If you're in the technology sector, or a simple home user the SATDOCK4U3 will increase productivity, and streamline any task at hand!
Paul
03/04/2012
Add USB 3.0 support, even in older PCs!
SuperSpeed USB 3.0 is a growing standard for computer peripherals and connectivity. In fact, some devices are now being manufactured with USB 3.0 only. Typically, USB 3.0 connectivity has been limited to PCI Express expansion slots, making it difficult to adapter older PCs with the new USB 3.0 standard.
StarTech.com has launched our PCI USB 3.0 Card Adapter, the PCIUSB3S2, which lets you add USB 3.0 support through your computer's existing legacy PCI Expansion Slot. Using USB 3.0 devices with this card will allow data transfer rates at up to 1.3 Gbps, double the performance versus using USB 2.0 cards and peripherals.
Of course, the PCIUSB3S2 is still backward compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.x devices, making it the perfect expansion solution for adapting to future USB 3.0 devices, while providing the legacy support of older devices.
For even greater support, the card is equipped for full-size cases, but includes a low profile bracket that makes it suitable for a variety of desktop types and sizes.
Ken
02/04/2012
Connect an MHL-enabled device to a High-Def TV!
Smartphones such as Android-enabled mobile multimedia devices are revolutionary in the sense that users can download and view stunning HD video in the convenience of a portable storage device. StarTech.com wanted to extend that technology, by providing the ability to share this HD multimedia on a bigger scale, with ease - we've launched our MHL Adapter Converter (MHD2HDF).
This little adapter is phenomenal! It allows the ability to adapt the A/V output on MHL-enabled mobile devices into stunning industry standard HDMI audio and video signals. In fact, full 1080p video resolutions, and 7.1 channel audio is supported!
The MHD2HDF even simultaneously charges your connected device, while you stream full HD video to your projector, TV, or monitor, without draining your mobile device's battery!
26/03/2012
Bridging technology gaps: laptop serial support!
Whether you're an IT administrator, point of sale operator, or a simple home user, unfortunately new laptop technologies don't always adapt to legacy support. Serial (RS232) connectivity is the most common technology that individuals require, but rarely have support in their existing PCs.
So we've developed a new high-performance Express Card to Serial adapter for laptops! The 2-Port (54mm) Express Card RS232 Serial Adapter Card - (EC2S55254) takes an existing laptop Express Card slot, and converts it into two RS232 serial ports. The adapter features a single-chip design, which optimizes speed, reliability, and power.
To cable is included, which allows for spacing out the two serial ports and avoiding crowded peripheral connections. The EC2S55254 is a must have tool for a variety of applications; such as mobile administrators, POS locations, surveillance equipment, or if you simply just need a serial port!
Paul
16/03/2012
Microphone & Speakers through a single 3.5mm port!
Many newer PCs and MACs feature only a single (4-position) 3.5mm audio port to support both audio input and output. In many cases, this consolidated design is a convenient and compact solution. However, the same design also limits users the ability to connect audio in and out simultaneously.
The MUYHSMFF Headset Splitter Adapter is an innovative product, which provides two distinct audio ports from the existing consolidated port design often found on laptops. This gives users the ability to connect multiple audio devices, such as speakers and a microphone, into the single 3.5mm jack. A lightweight and compact design makes this adapter a handy addition in your laptop bag or around the home and office!
Ken
13/03/2012
Adding another display is simple with USB2VGAE3!
Adding a secondary computer display is great for productivity and makes day-to-day tasks much easier (and sometimes, even more enjoyable). Unfortunately, ensuring your computer has the capability to support another display isn't always as easy. We've once again simplified the popular multi-display solution, which would often require a second video card or a dual head video card, by supporting VGA displays through a computer's existing USB ports.
The USB2VGAE3 USB to VGA External Video Card Multi Monitor Adapter provides a VGA port for connecting a secondary display through a computer's standard USB 2.0 ports, and is specifically designed to support high resolution monitors (up to 1920x1200), which means there's no need to open your computer case or opt for more expensive and complicated display expansion solutions!
The adapter doesn't even require a power connection, since it can draw power from the computer! Just plug the USB2VGAE3 into an available USB Port, and connect your VGA display to the adapter...and you're done!
Ken
09/03/2012
No need to upgrade your DVI Monitor!
If' you've recently purchased a high-end or business class laptop computer, chances are you have a model that includes a DisplayPort output. More and more laptop manufacturers, including the biggest names in the business, are opting to include a DisplayPort output, in order to give their customers the option for high-definition output, as opposed to HDMI.
While DisplayPort boasts some very impressive capabilities, and is becoming more prevalent, the problem can sometimes be that having a DisplayPort output means having to upgrade a monitor/display in order to make use of the laptop video out. We have a solution - a cost-effective one, in fact!
Our DP2DVI DisplayPort to DVI adapter enables you to connect an older DVI-D display to your laptop, without having to spend the additional money to cover the cost of a new monitor. The adapter supports display resolutions of up to 1920x1200, which means you can take full advantage of single link DVI capability, making it (the DisplayPort-DVI adapter) that much more worthwhile as an addition to a laptop purchase!
Paul
07/03/2012
New PoE Ethernet Switch offers 15.4W per port
If you haven't already seen our new IES8100POE Power over Ethernet Switch, you should! It's a fantastic new product from our Networking I/O lineup, that offers an impressive 15.4 W of power (per port) plus 10/100Mbps of data throughput, to up to 8 PoE devices!
You can check out the Press Release for the IES 8100POE here!
Ken
28/02/2012
Quick and Easy Digital Signage Setup
If you're looking for an easy and cost-effective way to extend a VGA video signal to a remote display, our ST122UTPAL delivers everything you'll need for a quick digital signage setup.
This versatile VGA over Cat5 video extender delivers both audio and high resolution video (up to 1920x1080) to 4 locations (2 local, 2 remote), with remote monitors up to 950ft away from the video source PC. The extender system offers a complete solution, includes 1x local transmitter and 1x remote receiver, as well as a built-on control dial that enables users to toggle displays connected to the receiver on and off, and also adjust the volume of the audio being transmitted from the source PC.

The built-on control wheel can also be used to help fine tune video signals using RGB (Red, Green, Blue) SKEW calibration, as well as control of gain and brightness, helping to make sure your audience is shown your messaging as intended.
Ken
31/01/2012
HDMI to VGA Video Adapter with Audio!
Our HDMI to VGA Video Adapter (HDMI2VGA) Converter is the easiest solution to convert HDMI audio/video signals to VGA video (with the audio) - a really convenient and cost-saving way to connect your existing VGA monitor to an HDMI-output device. The HDMI2VGA is a straight forward approach to converting HDMI® or DVI video to analog VGA with built in audio support.
Plus, the HDMI-VGA adapter supports monitor resolutions up to 1080x1920 (1080p), making it the perfect solution for converting modern digital electronics to connect to VGA displays.
Ken
05/01/2012
An Easy USB Solution for Expanding your Desktop!
With some USB based video adapters, performance can be a limiting factor. However, with the StarTech.com USB to VGA External Video Card Multi Monitor Adapter (USB2VGAE3), poor performance won't be an issue!
The VGA adapter connects to an available USB port, and can provide high-resolution images up to 1920 x 1200. The small form factor USB2VGAE3 requires no additional power adapter and is simple to install. It is the simplest way to add additional displays to existing computer setups.
In fact, you can add up to five additional video sources to your computer’s setup using one USB2VGAE3 device for each additional display!
Paul