Connectivity solutions provider SMSC has released a USB 3.0 remote graphics technology for multiple displays. By utilizing ubiquitous USB connectivity as a display interface, ViewSpan brings versatility, expandability, and plug-and-play simplicity to the way consumers interact with their personal computers, according to SMSC.

USB is expected to be a preferred means to easily connect multiple displays to desktop and mobile PCs as well as to enable shared computing scenarios that are gaining popularity in classrooms. USB 3.0 or "SuperSpeed USB" offers a 10x data transfer speed increase and for the first time allows consumers to stream uncompressed high-definition content to their display via the USB port.

In a company statement, ," commented Dan Luster, vice president of SMSC's Computing and Connectivity Products Group, "As the personal computer evolves into more non-traditional form factors, the ecosystem of peripherals that surrounds it is evolving too."

 "USB 1.1 sparked a revolution in human interface devices 15 years ago and replaced serial and PS/2 ports for connecting keyboards and mice. USB 2.0 brought us a 480 Mbps data pipe to the PC and proliferated digital photography, consumer video and portable storage. The next evolution in USB technology, USB 3.0, is capable of transferring data at 5 Gbps and is expected to change how displays are connected to mobile and portable computers."

ViewSpan is a system solution consisting of a discrete USB device controller and enabling software running on a USB host system. The solution will be offered as ViewSpan and ViewSpan 5G for USB 2.0 high-speed and USB 3.0 SuperSpeed applications, respectively. Powered by unique content-aware, bandwidth-aware, and resolution optimized video processing algorithms, ViewSpan and ViewSpan 5G deliver smooth high-definition video, vivid static images, and clear text to large consumer and commercial displays up to 2048 x1152 resolution, according to SMSC.

"We believe the popularity of multiple display monitors in both the home and office will continue to rise and USB will connect a significant share of those displays," said Brian O'Rourke, Principal Analyst with In-Stat, in a statement released by SMSC. He added, "With USB 3.0 graphics technology, SMSC adds to a growing ecosystem of devices and peripherals that use the new standard and its high data transfer rate."