USB 2.0 - Hi-Speed USB - FAQ

What is USB 2.0?
USB 2.0 is a complete overhaul to the Universal Serial Bus input/output bus protocol which allows much higher speeds than the older USB 1.1 standard did.

USB 1.1 allowed a maximum transfer rate of 12Mbits/second. That rate is now called 'USB.' Though some manufacturers label their products Full-Speed USB. Note that this seems a bit deceptive. Its easy to mistake Full-Speed for Hi-Speed.

As an aside, USB mice and keyboards need only 1.5Mbits/s to function. That performance level is also named 'USB' by the USB Promoter Group.

To sum it up, USB 2.0 specification incorporates three speeds: Hi-Speed, Full-Speed and Low-Speed. You as a consumer don't need to figure out all the jargons. Just keep in mind that only 'Hi-Speed USB' and 'USB' host and devices exist.

How do I know if my PC has USB 2.0?
You can identify whether your PC has Hi-Speed or not relatively easy. Open Device Manager and expand the Universal Serial Bus section. There should be an "Enhanced" USB host controller present.

Windows 98 systems may use a different name, because Hi-Speed USB drivers in these operating systems are not provided directly from Microsoft (Windows ME, 2000 and XP get their drivers through Windows Update).

These drivers are provided by the manufacturer, and may carry the maker's name (i.e. ADS, Belkin, IOGear, Siig, etc.). There should also be two standard version USB host controllers present as well. They are embedded in the USB chip which routes the differing USB speeds accordingly without user intervention.

There are currently 6 manufacturers of the Hi-Speed USB host silicon themselves:

• ALi (Acer Labs)

• Intel

• NEC

• SiS

• VIA

• nVidia (shows as "Standard" controller

Any other brand name that appears in Device Manager would likely be an add-in Hi-Speed USB PCI card. The makers above do not make add-in cards, but they do make the chips that are used in them.

How do troubleshoot "unknown device" error listed in Device Manager?

• The USB device or the USB adapter requires its own power source. If your USB device or adapter came with an AC power "brick", try connecting it.

• Here's a likely one - the front USB ports on your PC case may be misconnected. I've seen them that way from the factory. It's a good idea to check the connections against specifications. The standard order of connection is Red, White, Green, and Black. No more than 4 wires per USB bank are needed.

• Defective device. Do not assume that all PC components work correctly out of the box. I've seen many new USB devices that do not work. If you can, try the device on another PC.

• All drivers are not installed. Some devices will require installing the driver package before plugging in the device. Some devices will also require basic USB files from the Windows CD before the unit will function. The general rule is to always follow installation directions precisely and to have the Windows CD ready.

How fast is USB 2.0?
USB 2.0 has a raw data rate at 480Mbps, and it is rated 40 times faster than its predecessor interface, USB 1.1, which tops at 12Mbps. Originally, USB 2.0 was intended to go only as fast as 240Mbps.

How will consumers benefit from USB 2.0?
With speed 40 times more than that of USB 1.1, USB 2.0 broaden the range of external peripherals that can be used on a computer. Even with multiple high-speed peripherals connected to a USB 2.0 bus, the system will less likely to hit the bandwidth bottleneck. The new specification also inherits the current USB's Plug and Play and hot-swapping capability as well as providing backward compatibility for USB 1.1 hardware, allowing existing user base to upgrade seamlessly.

Do USB 2.0 & USB 1.1 hardware work interchangeably?
You may have heard that USB 2.0 is "backward-compatible" with USB 1.0/1.1 (Full-Speed USB). While that's true, USB 1.1 is also forward-compatible with USB 2.0. Whenever a system has USB 2.0 ports, you'll find the "Enhanced" USB controller in Device Manager, but you will also find two other USB controllers. These two to maintain backward compatibility to USB 1.1 devices. Each USB 2.0 host actually has 3 chips onboard. The USB controller routes signals to the correct controller chip depending on how a device is recognized. Where a device is physically plugged in has no bearing on how it is routed. All ports on a USB 2.0 motherboard can host any USB devices at all as long as the system and devices are healthy.

The vast majority of USB 2.0 devices will work on older PCs and Macs. None should flat-out fail unless there are other issues with the system. Hi-Speed USB devices will revert to Full-Speed operation when connected this way. Understand that Hi-Speed is at least ten times faster than Full-Speed in actual operation, so the speed difference is quite noticeable - unless you have never experienced Hi-Speed, of course.

When it comes to USB hub compatibility between USB 2.0 and USB 1.1, here some facts:

• A powered hub is always preferable to unpowered.

• USB hub ports are not as capable or flexible as real PC ports so it's best not to expect the world of them.

• USB 1.1 (obsolete) hubs will work fine on USB 2.0 ports, but they cannot utilize USB 2.0 capabilities. They will default to slower speeds.

• Hi-Speed and Full/Low-Speed USB devices can coexist nicely on USB 2.0 hubs. Connecting such a hub to a USB 2.0 port is recommended.

• USB 2.0 hubs can be used on older USB 1.1 computers.

• Although it is said that you can "cascade" up to 4 hubs, problems may start to arise after two hubs, it's best to minimize hub usage if possible.

• Many USB devices don't work well on hubs. Cameras, scanners and especially USB drives are known to have problems with hub connectivity.

• Remember that "active USB extensions" are really just one-port hubs.

Will USB 2.0 replace USB 1.1?
Not entirely, because many products such as generic keyboards, mice, joysticks and audio speakers do not require the faster speed of the new USB 2.0 technologies. Only bandwidth-hungry devices, such as web cams and high-capacity storage systems, will need all the speed. However, next-generation systems will come with USB 2 ports rather than USB 1.1.

How do I distinguish between a USB 2.0 and a USB 1.1 devices? New logos designed by the USB Promoter Group allow consumers to easily identify the new USB 2.0 products. The new colorful logo for USB 2.0 is labeled USB Hi-Speed, and the new logo for USB 1.1 is labeled with USB Basic Speed. However, most people won't miss it as manufacturers often label USB 2.0 READY Or 40 times faster than USB 1.1, on the boxes.

Will USB 1.1 devices run any faster on a USB 2.0 bus?
No. However, the new USB 2.0 archiclecture allows more high-speed USB 1.1 devices, such as web cams, audio devices, to share the bandwidth. Developers need to follow USB 2.0 spec in order to design higher speed peripherals that can take advantage of the extra bandwidth. USB 1.1 devices still operate at 12Mbps at full-speed and 1.5Mbps at low-speed on a USB 2.0 bus. Even though USB 1.1 devices won't run any faster, they can work alongside of USB 2.0 devices on the same bus.

What are USB Hi-Speed and USB Basic Speed logos?
These logos are part of USB Promoter Group's branding program that ensures the quality of USB products. The USB 2.0 certified products would display a blue, white and red logo, bearing the words Certified and Hi-Speed. The classic USB 1.1 certified products would display a black and white logo with the words USB and Certified.

Under a license from USB-IF, products must pass the compliance tests before manufacturers can use one of the two trademarked logos. The Promoter Group will take legal actions on manufacturers that label either logo on their products, which have not passed the tests.

What happen if a USB 2.0 devices are plugged into a USB 1.1 systems?
The entire bus under the USB 1.1 root hub will slow to 12Mbps. The operating system will probably notify the user about the sub-optimal configuration and recommend for a better course of action.

If several USB 1.1 hubs are connected to a USB 2.0 bus, then each of the USB 1.1 hubs will get a full 12Mbps bandwidth.

What is the max? Length of a USB 2.0 cable?
5m. however, if you cascade 5 hubs with 5m USB cables, this will allow you to connect a device 30m away.

What do I need to use a USB 2.0 device?
The requirement is similar to that of USB 1.1, but all components will have to be USB 2.0 compliant. A successful USB 2.0 connection requires a USB 2.0 host controller card, a USB 2.0 driver and a USB 2.0 peripheral.

How much will it cost to upgrade to USB 2.0?
Around $80 to $150. Currently, Orange Micro., Adaptec and IO Gear are shipping USB 2.0 PCI cards, some of which even have FireWire ports. Interestingly, almost all USB 2.0 PCI cards include an internal port, which is probably for connecting internal USB 2.0 IDE enclosure or USB 2.0 front panel.

Will USB 2.0 arrive on mobile computers?
Yes, but not in integrated solution on laptops. You will need a USB 2.0 Card Bus card. Orange Micro. is shipping USB 2.0 compliant 4-port Card Bus card. Eventually, notebook vendors will adapt to USB 2.0 technology, and we will see USB 2.0 ports on laptops. This transition won't happen until 2002 at the earliest.

Which operating systems support USB 2.0?
Microsoft has released the official USB 2.0 driver for Windows XP and Windows 2000. The version is 5.1.2600. The software is available on-line at Windows Update website. (If you don't have a USB 2.0 card installed in your system, Windows Update won't list the USB 2.0 driver as an update.)

The software company is still considering USB 2.0 support for Windows ME, but it already has decided not to bring USB 2.0 to Windows 98 and Windows 98 SE. If you have Windows 98, you will have to rely on 3rd party USB 2.0 support from USB card manufacturer.

Do USB 1.1 cables work with USB 2.0 devices?
Ideally, yes. USB 2.0 architecture uses the same cables and connectors as USB 1.1 compliant products. Unfortunately, only 3 out of 11 cables on the market are certified as USB 1.1 compliant. You may run into the cables that cause problems connecting high-speed peripherals. To avoid negative user experience, most vendors include USB 2.0 compliant cables with their USB 2 PCI cards and peripherals.

What is DSL?

DSL stand for Digital Subscriber Line. DSL provides high speed on already exiting telephone lines and same time you can use internet and as well as your line for phone. In DSL, both ends of connections require the network cards and DSL modems for data communication.

Your DSL connection to the Internet will always on, there is not need to dial your ISP each time to use internet. DSL is much easier to install and provides much faster data transfer rate. Its data transmission speed start from 128 Kbps up to 10 Mbps. DSL connections are more useful in applications like videoconferencing, to run online movies and upload and download heavy files. There are different flavors of DSL like ADSL, R-ADSL, HDSL, SDSL, and VDSL.

The ADSL and HDSL are very common in use, the former being more popular for home usage.

Color Rings - Bluetooth-rings

Bluetooth-headset were fairly widespread, and on new types of devices they think are not only producers, but the designers.

Quite unusual decision was embodied in the concept Color Rings, which is quite unusual accessory. Since recent studies have shown that conventional Bluetooth-headset is not very pleased with consumers, the designers decided to radically change the approach to the issue. Concept Color Rings - these are two rings, which can be on hand, as the most common ring. At the same time, they can serve as the Bluetooth-headset. In one of the rings built-in microphone, and the other speaker. To prevent any confusion, it is enough to remember their colors. It is difficult to say whether such a concept is embodied in life, but technically it is almost possible.

Genius webcam capable of capturing video in total darkness

Genius introduced its first web-camera capable of shooting video in total darkness. Built-in infrared sensors in the model of e-Face 1325R allows the camera to see a subject is even under conditions of minimal illumination. But if you sleep at night only by the light of day, e-Face 1325R also would be useless - the gadget is equipped with a 1.3 megapixel, built-in microphone, supports manual focus, JPEG and WMV.

So that you can freely positioned in front of a computer and does not depend on the webcam, e-Face 1325R can twist-twirl up and down within 100 º.

HP Wireless Vector Mouse

HP Wireless Vector Mouse equipped with precise optical sensor (800 dpi), a scroll wheel with four directions of tilt and two programmable keys.

The second mouse - HP Wireless Comfort Mouse - designed for women, as evidenced by the effervescent ornament on the body and a particular form of a gadget, well thought out specifically for a small women's hands. In the kit there is a small USB-receiver, which is ideal for both laptop and computer.

Another mouse from the same series - Wireless Comfort Mouse Special Edition Black. Here at the core is design and style. The glossy black surface profitable emphasizes blue backlight and rounded contours of the shell.

And, finally, not female mouse HP Laser Gaming Mouse is designed for harsh gamers. This is also a brutal design, and functionality - Resolution 3200 dpi (adjustable), the speed tracking 45 "/ s, acceleration of 20g. There were no additional programmable buttons and knobs weight mice - complete supply special weights.

Gresso Grand Monaco USB flash drive

The idea of phones Gresso Formula 1 proved to be not disposable: racing theme continued the new flash drive Grand Monaco. Drives will be included in the Grand Monaco Collection, where you can choose from two models: Double Security and Classic. Gadgets are made from reinforced, but at the same time, a lightweight titanium alloy, strengthened further ceramic layer. Decorative part is made of carbon fiber, used in the manufacture of cars.

TANDBERG PrecisionHDTM USB webcam for business-quality video

Company TANDBERG, a global manufacturer of production equipment for video conferencing (SCC) high definition (HD), making telepresence and mobile video communications, today announced the commencement of sales through partners Camera TANDBERG PrecisionHD USB. The camera is designed specifically for business-quality video, optimized to work with the decision of TANDBERG Movi client and Microsoft Office Communicator R2. This is the first web camera, providing high-definition quality 720p at 30 frames per second.

For cameras do not require additional drivers or software installation. You simply connect the camera to the USB-port, and you can immediately use the video client on your PC and participate in videoconferences with other subscribers. In addition to High Definition camera PrecisionHD USB supports different standard resolution to ensure the highest possible quality of communication for all participants.

Headphones by Sony noise-up 98,4%

Sony introduced, according to a press release, the world's first in-ear earphones with ambient noise suppression function. Model MDR-NC300D by existing processors can remove up to 98,4% of background acoustic noise. Objectives serves as the technology Auto Artificial Intelligent Noise Cancelling (artificial intelligent auto squelch, AINC), which continuously analyzes the sound space and provides the optimal mode noise. Function AINC by the user can be disabled. High-quality audio with digital S-Master amplifier and speakers with neodymium magnets. Power supply from a single AA battery up to 20 hours.

The second model, MDR-NC33, characterized by the battery life of up to 100 hours on one AAA batteries. However, the effectiveness of noise reduction slightly lower - 90%. Both products are silicone pads in three sizes. Available for purchase headphones MDR-NC300D and MDR-NC33 will be in October this year, the provisional value not reported.

X500V All-in-One from the Shuttle: 3,5-cm case, openSUSE Linux

As part of the exhibition held in Berlin IFA electronics company has introduced the Shuttle "ultrathin" system class "all-in-one" X500V All-in-One PC. The first distinctive feature is a computer operating system, as is the developers decided to install openSUSE Linux 11.1. Building a PC has a thickness of 3.6 cm hardware provided dual-core processor Atom 330 1.6 GHz, 1 or 2 GB RAM DDR2, hard disk capacity of 160, 320 or 500 GB and an integrated graphics GMA.

Diagonal touch screen is 15.6 "(1366 x 768). Network interfaces are Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi WLAN. To connect the peripherals you can use five USB ports and video output VGA; also has a card reader 4-in-1 5.1-channel audio, 1.3-megapixel camera.

Computer X500V All-in-One PC is made in two colors - white and black, two-year warranty and is available for purchase on the company's website at $ 752.

Creative ZEN X-Fi 2 multi media player

Recently the company Creative Technology introduced to the court consumers next-generation multimedia player ZEN X-Fi 2, equipped with a large 3-inch touch screen and supports technology high quality audio sound Xtreme Fidelity X-Fi. Premiere of new items at the event held Showstoppers Event, held in the IFA Berlin 2009.

Among the key differences from its predecessor noted the existence of TV output, which provides photo viewing and video material on your TV directly from the player, microSD slot, instead of using SD, which reduced the thickness of the device, an increase from 2.5 to 3 inches and is equipped with a touchscreen display . List of supported formats and codecs including MP3, WMA, AAC, Audible 4, FLAC, JPEG, BMP, WMV9, MPEG4-SP, DivX, XviD.

In shops soon there will be a model with a capacity of 8, 16 and 32 GB. The official Singapore online shop Creative already available 16 - and 32-GB versions for $ 230 and $ 280 respectively.