WirelessHD group plans to replace cables using 60GHz band
By Richard Lawler 
posted Oct 31st 2006 11:35AM
posted Oct 31st 2006 11:35AM
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]
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.
High frequency is not the same thing as high power.
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.
It can't go through walls? What the hell is the point then? Is one HDMI cable REALLY that bad?
Yeah, not transmitting through walls would be a deal breaker for me.
Think about it... if it goes through walls, what happens when you have 2 tv sets... or 3... or 4.... See the problem?
No. That's the same as, say, 4 people in the same room all using Bluetooth headsets.
from the post:
"The advantages of using SiBEAM's solution is that such chips can use higher power levels"
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.
Yea, no walls, no deal.
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).
"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.