WirelessHD group plans to replace cables using 60GHz band

Six of the world's largest consumer electronics companies have joined with startup SiBEAM to form the WirelessHD interest group. They expect to complete the WiHD spec by spring of next year, using the unlicensed 60GHz frequency to stream digital information at multi-gigabit rates. The advantages of using SiBEAM's solution is that such chips can use higher power levels without overlapping other frequencies, yet are limited to a short range and won't penetrate walls. With the backing of LG, Matsushita (Panasonic), NEC, Sony and Toshiba, this standard could easily overtake WiFi- and UWB-based solutions others are working on. Its backers expect HDTVs, DVD players, receivers and other devices based on the technology to start rolling out in 2008, leaving us wondering: why can Sony and Toshiba cooperate on this high definition standard, but couldn't make Blu-ray and HD DVD work together?

[Via Yahoo News]

[par @ Oct 31st 2006 12:19PM]

I'm not really fond of high power radio transmisions. I know this won't be microwave oven high power but still I don't feel like taking such a risk over a few cables.

[thecal @ Nov 1st 2006 9:35PM]

High frequency is not the same thing as high power.

[RyanTV @ Oct 31st 2006 12:21PM]

This sounds really cool - as long as its cost effective. I'd love to have the back of my home theater unit all tidy, but I wouldn't pay a 20%+ premium for it, though i must say this sounds promising.

[Merkidemis @ Oct 31st 2006 12:30PM]

It can't go through walls? What the hell is the point then? Is one HDMI cable REALLY that bad?

[Q @ Oct 31st 2006 12:45PM]

Yeah, not transmitting through walls would be a deal breaker for me.

[Justin Gehring @ Oct 31st 2006 1:07PM]

Think about it... if it goes through walls, what happens when you have 2 tv sets... or 3... or 4.... See the problem?

[John Stracke @ Oct 31st 2006 1:29PM]

No. That's the same as, say, 4 people in the same room all using Bluetooth headsets.

[par @ Nov 2nd 2006 9:58AM]

from the post:
"The advantages of using SiBEAM's solution is that such chips can use higher power levels"

[NutMac @ Oct 31st 2006 2:26PM]

I hope the technology is adopted for transmission between speakers and receivers/processors. That's what my wife finds most objectionable anyway. For many, in-wall/ceiling speakers are not a viable option. I suppose "wireless" speakers would have to be either self powered (similar to most computer speakers or subwoofers) or connected to remote wireless poweramp. Regardless of the solution, I highly anticipate such solution.

[Marhood @ Oct 31st 2006 2:29PM]

Yea, no walls, no deal.

[ben andersen @ Oct 31st 2006 7:15PM]

My Blu-Ray/HD DVD conspiracy theory: The two technologies were developed together, and each company/consortium has just as much stock in the opposition as it has development in its own.

The battle between two standards definately gives positive publicity to both sides, and ensures one winner where seperate formats may both have lost.

Case in point: VHS/BetaMax vs Laserdisc, the two similar formats eventually had one winner, whereas the all-around winner in terms of ease of use, reliability, cost of production and features(laserdisc) lost the battle.

There are many formats that only need the financial backing to get them off the ground that would be superior by far to either current HD format. Why do the big companies win, because they are awsome and own whole countries (Sony recently bought zambia and australia).

[010111 @ Nov 1st 2006 12:06AM]

"Case in point: VHS/BetaMax vs Laserdisc, the two similar formats eventually had one winner, whereas the all-around winner in terms of ease of use, reliability, cost of production and features(laserdisc) lost the battle."


Laserdisc was a recordable format capable of timeshifting material? news to me.