Intel Corporation today announced the availability of Thunderbolt technology, a new high-speed PC connection technology that brings together high-speed data transfer and high-definition (HD) display on to a single cable.<\/p>\n
Running at 10Gbps, Intel boasts that Thunderbolt technology can transfer a full-length HD movie in less than 30 seconds.<\/p>\n
Intel said that it was they who developed the technology but did so through a technical collaboration with Apple. Thunderbolt will be available first on Apple’s new line of MacBook Pro laptop computers, Intel said.<\/p>\n
According to Intel the vision for Thunderbolt technology (formerly codenamed “Light Peak”) is to move media faster, simplify connections between devices, and foster new ways to build and use PCs.<\/p>\n
Combining high-speed data and HD video connections together onto a single cable is instrumental to achieving that vision, they said.<\/p>\n
Thunderbolt technology delivers this via two communications methods, or protocols — PCI Express for data transfer and DisplayPort for displays.<\/p>\n
Intel explained that PCI Express has the flexibility to connect to almost any type of device, and DisplayPort can drive greater than 1080p resolution displays and up to eight channels of audio simultaneously.<\/p>\n
Thunderbolt technology is compatible with existing DisplayPort displays and adapters. All Thunderbolt technology devices share a common connector, and let individuals simply daisy-chain their devices one after another, connected by electrical or optical cables.<\/p>\n
“Working with HD media is one of the most demanding things people do with their PCs,” said Mooly Eden, general manager, PC Client Group, Intel. “With Thunderbolt technology, Intel has delivered innovative technology to help professionals and consumers work faster and more easily with their growing collection of media content, from music to HD movies. We’ve taken the vision of simple, fast transfer of content between PCs and devices, and made it a reality.”<\/p>\n
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Intel to bring the groundbreaking Thunderbolt technology to Mac users,” said Bob Mansfield, Apple’s senior vice president of Mac Hardware Engineering. “With ultra-fast transfer speeds, support for high-resolution displays and compatibility with existing I\/O technologies, Thunderbolt is a breakthrough for the entire industry and we think developers are going to have a blast with it.”<\/p>\n
Thunderbolt technology is powered by an Intel controller chip, and uses a small connector suitable for mobile devices that will be included in products supporting the technology.<\/p>\n
According to Intel several companies have announced Thunderbolt technology-based products, or currently plan to support Thunderbolt technology in upcoming products, including Aja, Apogee, Avid, Blackmagic, LaCie, Promise, and Western Digital.<\/p>\n
Intel said that it is working with the industry on a range of Thunderbolt technology-enabled products including computers, displays, storage devices, audio\/video devices, cameras, docking stations and more.<\/p>\n