Okay, so maybe Atlona Technologies' latest whiz-bang adapter isn't that awesome, but then again, it's pretty awesome. The AT-HDPiX USB-to-HDMI adapter does precisely what it says by enabling any PC / digital signage display to accept an HDMI cable so long as a USB 2.0 socket is currently unoccupied. The device supports resolutions up to 1,600 x 1,200 (or 720p), and because it takes audio from a 3.5-millimeter stereo jack rather than through the USB port, the full bandwidth of the USB connection is reserved for high-def video. Expect this miracle worker to start shipping next month for $179.

Looking for a video scaler? No, we mean a real video scaler? Enter Atlona Technologies' AT-LINE-EX, a 10-input scaler that's compatible with any input resolution including PC, SDTV, and HDTV. Essentially, it enables users to connect practically any device -- be a legacy unit or otherwise -- and have that content upscaled to 1080p via the integrated Analog Devices scaling chip. Granted, we're not so certain you'd even want that 1983 Independence Day bash blown up to 1,920 x 1,080, but at least the option is there, right? Expect it to begin shipping on August 28th for $429.

Just a few short weeks ago, Atlona threw in its support for DisplayPort by promising to deliver cabling for the freely licensable format. Lookee here, the AT16010-X cable lineup will be available at the end of the month in lengths from 1- to 10-meters, with either male or female terminations. Prices start at $39, which seems reasonable. The bigger question, of course, is whether DisplayPort will thrive in the HT marketplace; if it only exists alongside HDMI, its license- and royalty-free nature free-license nature is moot. As much grief as we give the HDMI connector, we don't relish the thought of swapping out equipment for a new cabling standard, either.

Make no mistake, Atlona's a bona fide supporter of HDMI, but it's making absolutely sure you know that it will also be throwing its support behind DisplayPort. Of course, all it's saying at the moment is that it will soon be providing DisplayPort cabling "for as long as one of its customers has a need for one," but it looks like we'll have to be patient before finding out what other sort of DisplayPort contraptions the firm has up its sleeve.

If you'll recall, Atlona Technologies was pretty proud of its flat HDMI 1.3b-certified cables, and now it's pausing to announce that it's replacing its entire inventory of 4X4 matrix switchers with versions that are 1.3 savvy. As expected, the units will feature a RS-232 control port, a remote and include all the luxuries -- 10.2Gbps of bandwidth, support for 1440p / Deep Color, etc. -- of HDMI 1.3. It should be noted that the new flavor is still priced at $1,099, but we've got a hunch you could score a fantastic deal on those leftover units that just become old hat.

Granted, this whole "1.3b certified" thing probably isn't as critical as it's made out to be, but for those who love assurances, Atlona's lineup of flat HDMI cables now sport the aforementioned label of certification. The cables, which are available in black and white hues and in lengths of up to 20-feet, are now guaranteed to transfer HD video at speeds of up to 10.2Gbps and high-resolution audio (Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD Master Audio) to boot. In layman's terms, these cables simply offer up enough bandwidth to support Deep Color and "higher frame rates," but considering that the cheapest one (that would be the three-footer) rings up at $39.99, we'd say Atlona's pretty darn proud of 'em.

As HDMI continues to make inroads into all things A/V, we find Atlona prepping to drop their first flat HDMI cables into the mix. Using a flat "twisted pair" construction with high-density triple shielding said to reduce crosstalk better than traditional round cables, these new Flat HDMI cables feature 24k gold plated connectors and your choice of 28/26/24 AWG High-Purity Oxygen Free Copper conductors for cable runs as long as 20-meters when choosing the latter. True, they bring down the thickness of the cable, however, unlike Atlona's claim that these will be "barely visible" on the wall, the new ribbon appears to have spread about twice as wide as before which should make it even more visible for "on the wall" runs dontchathink? The Atlona Flat HDMI cable is UL/CL2 certified for in-wall installations but come now, we know you're gonna just run 'em under the carpet. At least until wireless HDMI hits these tough HD streets. Available in black or white and "available soon" at an "affordable price." We'll see.