Make a monitor with only 1 cable leaving it

January 24, 2008

Posted By:  eaglewonj

36 Votes

Status: Partially Implemented

Promote

Currently, the monitor on my desk has several cables running to/from it. At the least would be 1 input cable and a power cable, but as you take advantage of the multitude of inputs, you get a mess. The plan would be to develop a system where only 1 cable leaves the monitor (carrying all the video, power, data, etc) to a small connection box that one could put under the desk or on the floor. This way, all the inputs, power and data could be connected there and only send 1 cable to the top of the desk. This reduces clutter and leaves some flexibility in placement of the monitor. I have it on an articulating arm and would love to have to only send 1 cable up and make one connection.

The challange will be to not have a huge cable that is impossible to bend.


DELL/ Status Update
DisplayPort offers video, audio, and soon USB carried over the same cable.

36 Votes | 9 Comments | Report Abuse

Please login to IdeaStorm to post a comment.

    Comments :
     

  • Apr 17, 2008     Comment Link

    Report Abuse

    Posted By: eaglewonj

    The implementation in the Dell Crystal Monitor is what I was talking about with this. One cable goes out to a remote location where all the connections can be made without cluttering the desk. The Crystal uses a split off method that may or may not be far enough away from the monitor for people. I had envisioned a box with all the connections on it that could rest on the floor or remote part of the desk. Either way, as long as the cable is long enough and effective, I'll take it as a method to declutter a desk. Combine this with a wireless keyboard and mouse, and it could mean only 1 cable on the desk.
    •  

  • Apr 17, 2008     Comment Link

    Report Abuse

    Posted By: smotchberry

    Merged Idea

    The all-in-one cable found on the Dell Crystal monitor goes to great lengths to ensure your desk remains clutter free, and simple to use. I propose that this single cable system, incorporating HDMI/DVI, USB, Power Cable and even a Sub Woofer-out ports should find it's way to other Dell monitors. While I do not agree that the plethora of ports found on "kitchen-sink" monitors like the 2408WFP, which have a firm place in the hearts of consumers, this system would work wonders in keeping the design of the more mainstream models, simple, thin and clutter-free. If you do decide to move this system to other monitors, replacing the sub woofer-out cable with a HDMI Audio-out cable might be more relevant. Perhaps even throw a DisplayPort cable in there too.
    •  

  • Mar 5, 2008     Comment Link

    Report Abuse

    Posted By: zanlok

    thank you, freemenow! I hadn't heard of dp yet.
    hdmi is a complete let-down, to me. but, this dp stuff looks truly awesome.
    •  

  • Mar 5, 2008     Comment Link

    Report Abuse

    Posted By: freemenow

    Yes, DisplayPort can help. Have a look at this idea: http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/10077942/Use_DisplayPort_everywhere_drop_HDMI_Prefer_freelibre_standards_over_closed_protocols
    •  

  • Jan 26, 2008     Comment Link

    Report Abuse

    Posted By: eaglewonj

    That would still be applicable. The power connector would go to the remote box rather than the monitor itself.
    •  

  • Jan 25, 2008     Comment Link

    Report Abuse

    Posted By: zanlok

    I personally don't want power bundled in. I don't want another proprietary connector. Especially not one that includes a power cable. I still want to be able to use my existing, very serviceable inventory of time-tested power cables!
    •  

  • Jan 25, 2008     Comment Link

    Report Abuse

    Posted By: eaglewonj

    Thank you for the quick and informative response. I didn't realize USB would be on display port as well. With usb, audio and video on there, that would leave just two cables to the monitor, which is still a great improvement over what I have going to it now.
    •  

  • Jan 25, 2008     Comment Link

    Report Abuse

    Posted By: matt_d

    Changed status to **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**.
    •  

  • Jan 25, 2008     Comment Link

    Report Abuse

    Posted By: matt_d

    DisplayPort gets close. Power is still separate, but video, audio, and soon USB, can be carried over the same cable. Dell started DisplayPort back in 2003, and products including DisplayPort, such as the 3008WFP LCD monitor are now shipping. Here are some links about DisplayPort. http://www.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/innovation/en/cto_display_port?c=us&l=en&s=corp http://www.displayport.org/simpler-setup/default.htm