Background of the Invention A computer sends one video signal (which may have one of various different resolution standards, such as VGA, SVGA, XGA, UXGA etc) to its monitor.

However, in certain applications it is desired to split the video signal from computer to two displaying devices (such as monitor and a large video projector) at the same time. In order to do that, a video distribution amplifier is required which will receive one video signal from a computer and send two identical video signals to two displaying devices. In this case, both output signals from distribution amplifier should have an individual buffer.

Such function can be fulfilled by an external signal splitter device in the form of a set top box with one input and two outputs. However, such an external box is bulky and requires an external power supply.

Recently, there has become available a cable which has same function as the above external signal splitter device. Such cable has a micro circuitry built into a molded connection end and requires no external power supply. However, this cable works only with video signals and connectors in compliance with the VESA standard DDC-2AB.

Description of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to overcome the problems of the prior art and to provide a compact video signal distribution device designed to allow the connection of a computer video output to two individual displays simultaneously and which can handle both signals in accordance with and not in accordance with the VESA standard DDC-2AB.

This problem is solved according to the present invention by a cable as set forth in claim 1. Preferred embodiment of the present invention may be gathered from the dependent claims.

In a preferred embodiment, the cable offers long-lasting, durable molded connectors-a male 15-pin HD connector on the computer side with finger- adjustable lock down screws, and two female 15-pin HD connectors on the output side. This allows the direct connection of a monitor and VGA type cable with a standard male to male configuration to a distant display. The two outputs of the cable are both buffered, boosting the computer video signals over cable runs up to 30.5 meters (100 feet) in length. This is accomplished by special micro-circuitry built in to the molded connector of the cable.

The cable of this invention requires no external power adapter when using computer video outputs that comply with VESA standard DDC-2AB, making it a perfect low-weight, low-profile solution for the traveling presenter and for installations with tight space limitations. In addition, the cable of this invention may be used not only with computer video outputs that comply with VESA standard DDC-2AB (released August 1998) or later, which requires +5 Volts of power on pin 9 of the 15-pin HD connector with at least 100 mA of current capacity, but also with low-power notebook computers which do not comply with this detail of the VESA standard. Therefore, the cable of this invention has a DC power plug to supply power for computer video outputs that do not comply with VESA standard DDC-2AB, and, for example, a brightly illuminated red LED indicator on the cable of this invention indicates that it is receiving power with

enough current capacity. According to a preferred embodiment, if the computer video card is not VESA DDC-2AB compliant (no LED illumination) or if the current is insufficient (red LED illumination), then the indicator of the cable of this invention turns red when the unit is receiving power, and it turns green when the input senses an active signal. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, equalization controls, preferably each having 16 selectable positions, for the Red, Green, and Blue video components are provided for gain and equalization adjustment that can be used when driving signals over long cable runs from the computer video outputs. It is further preferred that, on each end of the cable, the cable of this invention has a male to female 3.5mm Stereo Mini Audio cable which is ideal for direct connection of audio from a portable or stationary computer or projector to products with a 3.5 mm connection.

Brief Description of the Drawings Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon studying the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention when taken in combination with the drawings.

Fig. 1. is a side view of a cable in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the connector on the input side of the cable of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the connector on the output side of the cable of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is another perspective view of the connector shown in Fig. 3; and Fig. 5 is another perspective view, similar to a top plan view, of the connector shown in Figs. 3 and 4.

Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment Taking reference to Fig. 1, there is shown a cable 1 according to the present invention. While the cable is shown to have a certain length, it will be understood that the length of the cable is not restricted to the size shown, but could be of any desired length up to approx. 30.5 m (100 feet). The cable itself is preferably a high resolution coaxial cable.

The cable 1 has an input end 2 and an output end 3. At the input end 2, a connector housing 4 having a male 15-pin HD connector 5 with finger- adjustable lock down screws 6 is provided for connection with a computer as is shown in Fig. 2. At the output end 3, as shown in Figs. 3 to 5, a connector housing 7 including built-in circuitry and two female 15-pin HD connectors 8 and 9 is provided for connection with two display devices such as a local monitor and a video projector or beamer.

The connector housings 4 and 7 are preferably integrally molded with the cable 1. However, it would equally be possible to use two half-shells connected to each other for one or both of the connector housings. The cable exits from each connector housing 4,7 at a rear side thereof. Also at the rear side of each connector housing 4,7, a respective 3.5 mm Stereo Mini Audio cable 10 and 11 is provided which is ideal for direct connection of audio from a portable or stationary computer or projector with a 3.5 mm connection.

The connector housing 7 at the output end 3 has a somewhat flat construction with a top wall 7a, a bottom wall generally parallel to the top wall 7a, and a sidewall 7b connecting the top and bottom walls. The connector housing 7 is preferably, but not necessarily generally symmetric about a central plane 12 which is generally perpendicular to the top and bottom walls and bisects the connector housing 7 from the rear end where the cable exits to an opposite front end. At the front end of the connector housing 7, the two female 15-pin HD connectors 8 and 9 are provided, forming part of the sidewall 7b and each

forming an angle a with said central plane 12. Preferably, the angle a is in a range of 10° to 80°.

An LED indicator 13 is provided on the connector housing 7. As seen best in Figs. 4 and 5, the LED indicator 13 is provided at a central portion of the top wall 7a near the front end of the connector housing 7. However, the LED indicator is just one of several possible indicator means for distinguishing between two different states and could take other forms. Moreover, the LED indicator could be provided at any other suitable location on either of the connector housings 7 or 4. The LED indicator 13 performs dual functions: it turns red when the unit is receiving power, and it turns green when the input senses an active signal.

In order to provide the capability of using computer video outputs that do not comply with VESA standard DDC-2AB, a DC power plug 14 is provided. The DC power plug 14 is provided in the sidewall 7b near the rear end of the connector housing 7. However, like with the LED indicator 13, the DC power plug 14 could be arranged at any suitable location on either of the connector housings 7 or 4.

The connector housing 7 accommodates built-in distribution amplifier micro circuitry. In the top wall 7a of the connector housing, there are provided 16- position equalization controls 15, preferably manual control switches connected to the built-in micro circuitry, for gain and equalization adjustment of red, green and blue video signal components so as to compensate for losses caused e. g. by long cable runs.

While the present invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it will be understood that the above description is not intended to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.