Club 3D SenseVision CSV-2000D USB to DVI Graphics Adapter Review

[wpcol_1half id=”” class=”” style=””]

We are in an era where digital media is everywhere around us. Whether we are at the shops, around a friends or simply sitting in our lounge at home we cannot escape the technological revolution.

As internet speeds increase, and laptop devices become common place all around the world, many people wish to use their personal computers as multimedia hubs. Music playback, video downloads, image libraries and Digital TV streaming are all popular activities shared by this global community. Computers become personal real estate with users wanting to customise their technology to maximise the viewing experience.

Today we are looking at a portable computer graphics interface. The SenseVision CSV-2000D is designed to expand your existing capabilities by adding additional monitors to your computer or Mac through your USB 2.0 interface.

However there are many applications for this technology including domestic computer to Television applications as well as presentation aids and gaming experiences. Manufactured by Club 3D, the CSV-2000D comes under the SenseVision range with its sister product being the CSV-2000H, a HDMI derivative of the interface.

Looking at the product on the shelf, the Club 3D SenseVision CSV-2000D comes in a plastic blister pack moulded to hold the device in the centre. The packaging displays the product in such a way that you can see the two end ports allowing you to choose the correct model. The packaging itself is very stark with the only colour coming from the Sense Vision logo at the bottom of the pack.

When cutting open the box you find a whole host of additional items. Firstly you discover the obligatory user guide with a multi lingual overview of the installation process. The driver CD also fits neatly into the slim line packaging, offering full installation support. In the lower section of the packaging a DVI to VGA converter is hidden, along with a USB cable to connect the device to your computer.

On closer inspection when getting the device out of the packaging it is clear the CSV-2000D is made from a sleek thermosetting plastic. The shell curves over the device and down the two sides giving the CSV-2000D an aesthetically pleasing look. A ‘Mini-B’ USB connector is located on one end of the device with a full size DVI connector at the other

The Club 3D logo adorns the top giving the module a stylishly simple appearance. Looking at the connection accessory provided, the DVI converter allows analogue Displays to work with the digital interface through a VGA connection. This allows older monitors or televisions to work using this interface.

Portability is also a key consideration. At only 7:6:2 cm in size and taking all of its power from the connected USB 2.0 interface, it does not require any bulky transformers or additional power solutions. This makes the SenseVision CSV-2000D ideal for travelling applications.[/wpcol_1half] [wpcol_1half_end id=”” class=”” style=””]

Installing the device for the first time was extremely easy, to begin I had to connect the CSV-2000D SenseVision module to the USB interface on the Computer. Once the device was detected, using the installation driver disk, the operating system installed the device in a matter of minutes.

Installing internal graphics hardware can be a daunting prospect for most of us. This plug and play installation was far easier to use and navigate and allowed a second graphics display in minutes with minimal fuss.

The module also comes with a software utility which allows you to access enhanced features such as switching between desktops depending on your type of usage.

Each SenseVision module can handle one output, however for those of you who enjoy seeing life that little bigger you will be pleased to know a total of six CSV-2000D devices can be run from a single PC computer.

This makes for an impressive Panoramic commuting experience, giving you a large workspace for general applications or a dynamic visual experience for you gamers out there.

The Mac community out there will also not be disappointed, with four CSV-2000D’s compatible, giving a large workspace for OSX displaying the unequivocal image quality that apple are notorious for.

Many of you may be thinking to yourselves “why would I need more than one screen on my computer”. Here at eTeknix we like to find ways to make your life easier and more efficient. The CSV-2000D is one such device that would enhance your computing experience, allowing you to perform multiple tasks concurrently. Your extended desktop expands your visual real estate, making your interface experience easy and enjoyable.

Gone are the days of flicking between applications or web pages. The CSV-2000D allows you to view it all at the same time through drag and drop functions onto the relevant screens. We believe the CSV-2000D is ideal for home computing applications where you wish to utilize the power of your computer to be more efficient or upgrade to Panoramic commuting to maximise your viewing experience.

The CSV-2000D uses a virtual driver which allows the device to work alongside your existing graphics card. Looking at the technology behind the product we find that the SenseVision range is based on the award winning DL-195 Chipset technology.

This uses a Dual Core decode engine combined with compression techniques to deliver high resolution video graphics. At only 2.5 watts maximum load the CSV-2000D  is also one of the most economical devices on the market. Combining this energy efficient design with a passive cooling solution, the device is ultra-silent when on.

The CSV-2000D is compatible with a wide range of computers including Netbooks, notebooks, laptops, desktops and Intel-based Macs. This makes the device extremely versatile and suitable for a whole range of applications. Extended display modes are also supported with various layouts and orientations available in the software utility.

With a price tag of £45 the CSV-2000D is a competitively priced contender for portable graphics applications. With the equivalent hardware installations costing three times this amount we believe the CSV-2000D is a cost effective way to extend you computers visual real estate without breaking the bank.

[/wpcol_1half_end]