Inching us one step closer to a cable-free world (and boiling baby brains?) Avocent just launched the Emerge MPX1000, the first HD Multipoint Extender to move high-definition content from one source to multiple wired or wireless destinations. HD video sources up to 1080i and computer graphics up to a 1280x768 rez can be connected via HDMI and DVI inputs and then pumped over the wire, or up to 150 feet (1000 feet line of sight with optional directional antenna) wirelessly to a maximum of eight wireless or LAN connected receivers. It'll even blast the IR control data but lacks the ability to push multi-channel audio -- you'll have to settle for stereo audio, for now anyway. Unfortunately, Avocent is mum on the wireless deets --
wireless HDMI,
HDMI over UWB, or (hopefully not) 802.11a/b/g/
pre-n, who knows? Hell, there's not even a hint as to which bands are used. So if anyone is attending CEDIA Expo next week in Denver where this will be on display, please, drop us a line. Oh, and maybe drop a hint to Avocent on how to hype a new product properly for early adopters while you've got their attention. Thanks.
[Via
AVReport]
posted Sep 8th 2006 9:41AM
This is the right direction, but not a home-run without better audio transfer. Other than that it's perfect... my tv is 720p and runs off the max pc resolution this box supports, but I'm not moving my HTPC out of the living room until I can get my 5.1 surround beamed in along with the 720p video signal.
So, for the non audio/videophile, is this something I could use to connect my HD cable box in one room to my HDTV plasma in another room, sans cable? Any idea on the price tag?
Big question is whether this will support HDCP at all?
What I've heard yesterday when I was given a quick overview of the product, was in referance to using it for digital signage, ala Corporate, Casino and Hospital TV networks. It uses M-JPEG and multipul units can be daisy chained and ran independantly, ie, advertising on one screen, and the big game on the other. Also, I believe its designed to be on a scale of greater than 8 recievers. It can run off an existing network, but is not reccomended when using more than one reciever. Thats the deets I heard yesterday, and the one I heard it from was very excited in the future possibilities this will offer.
I was just talking with a friend on the bus last week about making a product like this. I would find the best use is to work on my laptop from the couch with no cables. Too bad it doesn't support 1080p or 1920 resolution.
the doc "Avocent's Emerge MPX1000 (unspecified) wireless HDMI Extender"
thank you