Using compiz with "USB 2.0 Universal Docking Station"?

Discontinued Products UD-160-A
1

I can use compiz (linux) efects using the “USB 2.0 Universal Docking Station” and what limitations might be?

2

Thanks for the question! In short, no, it does not support Compiz 3D desktop composition on Linux today.

The main open source kernel framebuffer driver (udlfb) and X server(s) that run on this hardware (xf86-video-displaylink and xf86-video-fbdev) don’t provide the 3D functions that compiz needs. All 2D apps work, but there’s no 3D (OpenGL, etc.) functionality in there.

There is, however a prototype Intel X server developed by Roberto DeIoris which renders (using it’s own GPU) to this kind of device as an additional output – but that work has not been finished. In theory, there’s no reason why Linux can’t use another CPU or GPU to do the 3D rendering, then send the final pixels to the device.

This is how Windows and Mac drivers support their composited desktops on this hardware.

3

Well i have a laptop toshiba L505-S5969 and i’m using my linux with compiz in 2 monitors, using this hardware can activate the compiz in 2 monitors and the third monitor without OpenGL aceleration? is posible?

4

What is the name of the project being developed by Roberto DeIoris? or where I can go to review its development? pd. I am advanced user of linux =), use “ubuntu 10.04”

5

Cool. Here’s the latest we have from Roberto, from back in October (from the libdlo mailing list): http://lists.freedesktop.org/archives…

6

Thanks for everything, here in Venezuela everything is 300% more expensive, and I would not pay $300 for the docking + another 300$ or more for the extra monitor without this work on my favorite OS. i’ll seek a way to run a third monitor without affecting my system. read you later and thanks =)

7

Note that Plugable products are not currently available outside of the USA. We’re looking to secure worldwide distribution in the future.

8

I’m not sure how Compiz handles that case. In theory, it seems like it could work, but we haven’t tried it here (at Plugable, we use the UD-160-A on Linux as a USB terminal, each with its own X server, but 2D only, and not running Compiz. See http://plugable.com/category/linux/ for details). I also haven’t heard of anyone running a similar setup on Linux - so I fear you’d be forging new ground.

It’s important to note that while on Windows and Mac everything is plug-and-play – on Linux getting USB graphics running requires editing of configuration files and other fairly technical steps. So, for now, Linux is only recommended for fairly advanced and technical users who are comfortable getting their hands dirty. This statement applies to any DisplayLink or other USB graphics hardware on Linux.