14 DAY TRIAL // Currently, the ATI EyeFinity technology is the best known solution for extending a single system's video output over multiple monitors. The technology has been optimized by AMD/ATI so that it performs well for both gaming and professional applications, where extra workspace and a larger display area are always welcome. Trying to compete in this field is Matrox Graphics Inc., a developer of specialized graphics solutions, which has revealed Graphics eXpansion Modules (GXMs) that promise to enable support for four to six monitors on a single system.
Matrox introduced a technological advancement that will enable support for multiple DualHead2Go and TripleHead2Go GXMs on a single system. Now, two such modules can connect to the same dual monitor graphics card. This means that four-monitor setups can be achieved through connecting two DualHead2Go GXMs, with six-monitor scenarios possible when using two TripleHead2Go units.
"Multi-GXM support offers a tremendous amount of flexibility by simply having to connect the GXMs externally to your system or workstation," Ron Berty, business development manager, Matrox Graphics, says. "Business professionals, for example, can now conveniently upgrade to a four- or six-monitor workspace to run additional applications for real-time viewing. Additionally, AV specialists can effortlessly build six-screen presentation or digital signage platforms to drive dynamic, digital messaging while benefiting from the natural synchronization of the screens being driven by a single GPU."
Multi-GXM support is now offered with the 2.06 (or above) GXM software suite. There are two conditions that need to be met if such configurations are to function. Only two GXMs may be connected and they must be of the same make and model. This multi-GXM stretched desktop mode will work with supported M-Series graphics cards, as well as models from ATI and NVIDIA. Further information may be found here.
The technology will be showcased at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2010, RAI, in Netherlands, from February 2-4. The Matrox DualHead2Go analog, digital and DP editions will sell for $169, $229 and $229, respectively, whereas the TripleHead2Go digital and DP editions carry price tags of $329.
