Asus Unveils Green, Wireless Monitors

News
By Kevin Parrish
published

Today at CeBIT, Asus not only unveiled its new "green" series of LCD monitors, but the world's first wireless monitor as well.

Earlier this morning, Asus revealed two different LCD models, each offering unique features that very well may cause buyers to pull out their hair. In one corner,  Asus offers the energy-efficient Green" monitors, the VH192C and the VH196, designed to conserve energy and protect the environment. However, in the other corner, Asus has brought forth a mighty contender, the world's first wireless LCD monitor utilizing a new generation of EzLink technology. It's certainly easy to be indecisive: take the cool wireless route, or save the world and pick up a Green LCD monitor? 

While the decision-making process may drive some consumers to drink, buyers may appreciate Asus' direction in creating an environmentally friendly LCD monitor. Asus said that it kept the environment in mind during the design process, utilizing low levels of mercury during construction and just two lamps to save more than 20 percent in power consumption. Both the Green Asus VH192C and VH196 make good use of an advanced optical film that provides brilliant image performance without sacrificing brightness. The Aspect Control feature even offers a 4:3 aspect ratio or full screen playback without distortion. Additionally, the Green Asus VH192C incorporates the Color Shine glare-type panel, "enriches" image color density and saturation, clarifies borders and improves image clarity. 

As for the EzLink wireless monitor, Asus provided very little detail, nor did it say when the monitor would actually become available on the market. However, the EzLink technology will enable users to connect displays either through a Wireless Host Controller Interface (WHCI), or through a Wireless USB HWA (Host Wire Adapter) which delivers the same performance as a conventional display. The EzLink series is ideal in the business environment, eliminating the need for professionals to worry about connecting a monitor to a PC or notebook. 

Given that both LDC models are just now appearing at CeBIT 2009, it's likely that consumers may not see these monitors for a few months. Hopefully, Asus will announce pricing and availability in weeks to come.

Kevin Parrish
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10 Comments Comment from the forums
  • grieve
    Wireless monitor, novel idea... what’s the response time on that?
    Also…. You have to plug it in still LOL….. So partially wireless.
    Reply
  • falchard
    I agree, plug>wireless. Latency will be a problem especially for people who insist on 2MS Response Time.
    Reply
  • Greatwalrus
    Why a wireless monitor? It sounds neat, sure. But who is actually going to be transporting their monitor around :p
    Reply
  • amdgamer666
    well... lan parties but then again, as mentioned, latency might be a problem and gamers would demand better
    Reply
  • crystal_tech
    i think that wireless monitors would better serve a company or school. i've seen places that have monitors placed around a building and 'if' they could use wireless they would only need one pc to broadcast and no need for all the wires to each screen or other pcs.
    Reply
  • Blessedman
    I am sure the distant on this thing is like 5-10feet. You can already stream 1080p at 24fps, so I am not sure that latency would be a problem with something that is designed just to carry a video stream. It might seem a bit disconnected though (mouse lag).
    Reply
  • neiroatopelcc
    ArticleEzLink series is ideal in the business environmentWell that statement surely isn't true with regards to security. You wouldn't want your important intel and business information displayed on a screen that runs wirelessly would you? It may look smart in the conference room, but it'll backfire when the competition knows what you're up to even before your own staff does.
    Reply
  • Zoonie
    neiroatopelccWell that statement surely isn't true with regards to security. You wouldn't want your important intel and business information displayed on a screen that runs wirelessly would you? It may look smart in the conference room, but it'll backfire when the competition knows what you're up to even before your own staff does.
    How would you tap into a stream with 5-10meters of coverage inside an office building..?
    Reply
  • neiroatopelcc
    ZoonieHow would you tap into a stream with 5-10meters of coverage inside an office building..?
    With better than average equipment ofcourse. If some nerds in a van can monitor regular crt monitors over a distance of 50meters and more using nothing but exploiting low grade cords between pc and monitor, what are the odds nobody has an antenna that can pick up those signals intentionally transmitted wirelessly?
    Reply
  • ssssss
    If the article below is true and factual, then Asus's monitor is not the world's first wireless monitor. Or is the article below an April mop?

    Bluetooth Monitor?
    Sony overcomes bandwidth problems for upcoming wireless LCD for Japanese market.
    by M. Wiley

    April 1, 2004 - Sony today announced the world's first Bluetooth monitor. Such a monitor was long dismissed as impossible because of the limited bandwidth of Bluetooth, but the Sony SDM-B101S makes it work. The actual display panel is a modified version of a high-end Sony 17-icnh LCD. The main challenge engineers faced was power management. The monitor plugs into the wall for power -- hey, it's a baby step -- but video data is transmitted via Bluetooth.

    The monitor ships with a USB 2.0 module that communicates only with the monitor. The locked pairing ensures that other Bluetooth devices won't steal the bandwidth.

    The monitor will ship in Japan Fall 2004 and will retail for roughly $4,000.00. An American model will ship April 1, 2009.

    http://gear.ign.com/articles/503/503671p1.html
    Reply