USB 2.0 To DVI / HDMI /SVGA Adaptor

English Hardware
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I want to play avi files from my netbook to the HDMI port on my TV screen at home.
I can buy a device that will do the job on windows, here’s a link to it: USB 2.0 To DVI / HDMI /SVGA Adaptor (USB-VIDEO) - Product Information

It uses software / virtual driver in windows to make a virtual display adapter which then drives the TV screen using the windows dual screen app in windows control panel.

Is there the same or a similar technology for Linux?

Thanks
swerdna

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I appreciate your inquiry swerdna! Just yesterday I was looking at netbooks to purchase and had the same question. Thank you for posting. I look forward to any insights that others will have as well.

What netbook do you have and specs? Did you put Smeegol on it?

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Hi newtosuse

I have an Acer Aspire One netbook. Processor N450@1.66GHz, 10.1" screen, 1Gb RAM, 250GB drive, 6 cell battery.

I put openSUSE 11.3 KDE on it, works fine. When I get time I’m going to reformat and install LXDE.

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You might like to check out

Lenovo USB-to-DVI Monitor Adapter - ThinkWiki

which mentions DisplayLink DL-195 devices (claiming to have basic Linux support).

I also found this unit which has Windows/Mac/Linux drivers:

USB 2.0 Video Card – Modes up to 2048×1152 (UGA-2K-A) | Plugable

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Thanks deano_ferrari. I followed that link to a blog that was very encouraging. There’s support for the device in our current kernel but YMMV from distro to distro plus some fancy footwork is needed to get an X server going, not for newbs like me.
Interesting stuff though, like this one: Update on DisplayLink Linux support (udlfb in 2.6.34) | Plugable
Maybe in another year.

I bought one of the devices and can plug it into usb, and link it to a HDMI monitor. I get the “green screen” display mentioned on the link, which shows ublfb is present and working. Putting something on top of that to get an X server is the missing link.

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Very interesting John. I only wish I had on e of these devices to play with. FWIW, I found this blog which may be useful to you in setting up xorg.conf to cope with this device. I guess it makes sense to test this via another linux install (dedicated partition) initially. The ‘green screen’ was encouraging. I sense another tutorial coming along… :slight_smile:

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Thanks Dean, very interesting. It will be good to see the future developments on that blog.

Tutorial? I’ve stopped writing for the last 6 months or so. Very busy with work. And revisions of tutorials are badly needed to keep them contemporary. Too much to do … mutter, mutter LOL.