Onkyo WL-TR100 streams video over WiFi
By Marc Perton 
posted August 31st 2005 4:30PM
posted August 31st 2005 4:30PM
We've seen a few products designed to
stream video over WiFi, but few
look as simple — or costly — as the Onkyo WL-TR100, which is expected to be out in Japan next month for a mere ¥84,000
($765). The base unit plugs into a video source, such as a DVD player or DVR, and the remote plugs into another TV.
Video is compressed to MPEG-2 for transmission, and Onkyo claims a range of about 160 feet. Onkyo also claims the
device uses 802.11a, which we find surprising, given its typically shorter transmission range. Then again, if this is
going to be used in a typical small-scale Japanese home, range may not be an issue.
Is there something special about these besides using wi-fi? How do they differ from the $100 video repeaters you can buy at Radio Shack?
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F003%5F010%5F001%5F000&product%5Fid=15%2D2572
Just wondering.
Is there any way to control the video from the receiving unit? If not, then isn't this just a really expensive A/V cable?
Oh, wait, it's wireless... I see. That's worth over $750.
X10 makes these, but they run 2.4Ghz. The X10 models are also about $75. I have a set and they work, but 802.11b/g messes with them since they talk on the same frequency.
I have a similar product (~$120) that works OK except on certain TV channels. Also, the remote control has to be pointed at this infrared wire thingy which sort of defeats the purpose of having your cable box in a different room.
I'm waiting for HomePlug to release their A/V shiznit:
http://www.homeplug.org/en/news/press081905.asp
I have this: http://reviews.cnet.com/TERK_Leapfrog_LF_30S___wireless_audio___video_delivery_system/4505-7847_7-30469253.html
It works, but is only 480i, and often has interference from other devices in the same frequencies (I live in a condo...). I would love something that can do 720p as well.
Any suggestions?
Just found this: http://www.rflinkusa.com/products_AVS5811.html
Anyone have it?
- Jon
Difference between this and the sub-$100 devices is that this streams the video as a digital stream (MPEG2 encoding it and using WiFi technology). The lower cost devices use analogue FM techniques and thus reduce the video quality a bit.
802.11a is used in preference to 11b or 11g because although it may be shorter range, the frequency band 11a uses is "cleaner" (no analogue video senders, microwave ovens or bluetooth phones sharing the space) - so a reliable connection at a decent speed is apparently easier to establish.
What would like to have, and I wonder if this does this, is have a video router that will plug right into the wall coax (no cable box), and allow any reciever in the house to pick up the signal. Like a regular wifi network. This way anyone can watch and change channels, etc.