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Gefen hedges its bets, announces UWB and WHDI-based wireless HD solutions
For awhile now, ultra-wideband (UWB) has been on the way down in terms of popularity, and all the while, AMIMON's WHDI technology has been racking up an unprecedented amount of support. At this year's CEDIA conference, we've got adapter manufacturer Gefen backing both sides by introducing separate wireless HD solutions built around Tzero's UWB tech and the aforesaid WHDI. It's hard to say if both of these formats will continue to be supported (though if we had to guess, we'd say WHDI has the upper hand), but at least for now, Gefen's playing it safe rather than casting a vote. We've a term in Washington for your kind, Gefen, and that term is fencesitter.Read - Gefen supports WHDI!Read - But wait, Gefen supports UWB!
Gefen gears up for CEDIA with Matrixes / distribution amplifiers
It's nearly that time of year again folks -- the hunt for the playoffs begins, school gets back in session and Gefen goes absolutely berserk. It's already gearing up for this year's CEDIA Expo in Denver by revealing details about an 8x4 HDMI Matrix -- which "allows up to eight high-definition video sources to be accessed at any time from any one of four HDMI displays" -- and a self-explanatory 4x4 Component Audio over CAT5 Matrix. Furthermore, the outfit is introducing the 1:2 and 1:4 Component Audio over CAT-5 Distribution Amplifiers, which "enable audio / video systems using the component format to split and deliver two or four identical signals." Pricing remains up in the air, but all that should be cleared up here in just a few weeks.Read - HDMI Matrixes, etc.Read - Distribution amplifiers
Gefen's latest extender sends HDMI, RS-232 and IR over CAT5
If you've been on the hunt for a multifaceted extender to handle just a bit more than HDMI, look no further. Gefen's HDMI RS-232 Extender is able to casually transmit HDMI, RS-232 control commands and IR signals up to 150-feet at 1080p (300-feet at 1080i) over standard CAT5 cabling. As expected, the device is HDCP-compliant, and it'll play nice with any IR unit you feel like attaching. Unfortunately, such convenience demands a serious premium, as this five-pound box will erode your savings account by $599. %Gallery-22330%
Ask Engadget HD: When will wireless HD / HDMI take off?
This week's Ask Engadget HD question is near and dear to our hearts, and quite frankly, it's one of the best inquiries we've heard thus far. After a veritable onslaught of wireless HD, wireless HDMI, WHDI and other cord-free HD apparatuses were introduced and trumpeted at CES 2008, the hubbub has completely died in the months after. Sure, we realize many firms were simply showing off unreleased kit back in January, but it seems the push for untangling one's components has been (at least momentarily) halted. Check out Jeff's concerns for yourself:"When is wireless HD finally going to hit the market? Philips introduced a wireless HDMI product that never saw the light of day; now Belkin (FlyWire) and Gefen have announced similar examples at CES, but there's no word on when either will hit the market. Yes, this technology comes with a large price tag, but when will those willing to pay for a clutter-free setup have the chance to?"Beyond all that, we're wondering if these kinds of products will even impress once unleashed. In our experiences, transmitting loads of data over any form of wireless setup has been prone to dropouts, hiccups and all sorts of annoyances. Heck, even PowerLine has yet to overcome the stigma attached to it -- and it's a wired technology! Personally, we're hoping companies with wireless HD wares are taking the time to perfect them rather than handing them over unpolished, but still, will you be willing to subject yourself to possible early adopter woes when this stuff finally greets retail floors en masse?Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Gefen's USB-to-DVI adapter handles UXGA
Certainly not the first to conjure up such wares, Gefen is hopping in the USB display adapter game with its own USB-to-DVI adapter. The unit supports screen resolutions up to 1,600 x 1,200 and plays nice with all 32-bit versions of Windows as well as OS X. As you're probably well aware, up to a half dozen of these critters can be connected to a single PC at a time, and any attempt to use seven or more will likely cause a catastrophic meltdown. Unfortunately, these things are still a tad pricey, and even Gefen's will set you back a stiff $129. Full release posted after the jump (which affirms OS X support).
Gefen unloads two new component video distribution amplifiers
Shortly after dishing out a v1.3-compliant 1:10 HDMI distribution amplifier and 1:5 HDMI splitter, Gefen is hitting us up with two new signal pushers for the component lovers in the house. The 1:4 Component/Audio CAT-5 Distribution Amplifier and the 1:8 Component/Audio CAT-5 Distribution Amplifier each enable component video to be delivered to a multitude of displays (four for the first, eight for the second); additionally, each box is equipped with RCA, S/PDIF and Toslink optical audio jacks. The duo promises to carry both audio and 1080p video signals over CAT5 cables to displays some 1,000 feet away, and while they'll run you $799 and $1,499, respectively, receivers are sold separately at $200 a pop.
Gefen TV Scaler Pro: Realta HQV 1080p upconversion for $699
How can Gefen improve its GefenTV line of equipment? Adding Silicon Optix's Realta HQV processor and pricing it at $699 would appear to be a good start. Originally shown at CES, the Home Theater Scaler Pro takes any source via its dual HDMI 1.3, component, S-video or composite inputs and upscales to 1080p with the same video processing usually reserved for high end equipment like Denon and Marantz's Blu-ray players. True 1080i-to-1080p deinterlacing and per pixel detail enhancement mean your SD sources will look as good as possible -- and not depend on your 1080p HDTV's scaling ability or possible lack thereof -- whenever this box hits shelves.
Gefen intros v1.3-compliant 1:10 HDMI Distribution Amplifier and 1:5 HDMI Splitter
If you think you've seen these wares before, simmer down. Gefen has most certainly cranked out a 1:10 HDMI Distribution Amplifier in the past, but its latest iteration sports a slightly updated design and includes full support of HDMI v1.3. As expected, the aforementioned HDCP-compliant, rack-mountable device allows a single HDMI source to be distributed to 10 different displays, and the 1:5 HDMI 1.3 Splitter possesses the same HDCP certification and aims to dish out a sole HDMI source to half as many outputs. Gefen goes on to mention that things work best when the source and destination displays share matching resolutions, and while we're not given a definitive ship date on either, they can be pre-ordered now from the firm's website for $749 and $499, respectively. Peek the full release after the break.
Gefen, Pulse~LINK team up for HDMI Over Coax Extender
Quite frankly, we're being bombarded with ways to pass HDMI around the house -- and we absolutely love it. This go 'round, we've got Gefen teaming up with Pulse~LINK -- which is also partnering with Westinghouse on a wireless HDTV -- to create the HDMI Over Coax Extender. While details are still scant, the two firms are claiming that the aforementioned device will finally enable consumers to stream HDMI sources over in-house coax, nixing the need to run all new wires throughout your abode. As expected, the duo will be showcasing the technology at CES, and it will reportedly be capable of delivering "high quality, visually lossless video along with multi-channel digital audio" simultaneously. Hopefully we'll get an actual look at the April-bound unit when next week rolls around.
Gefen's CES lineup: switchers, PVRs, scalers, cables and more
We've seen Gefen get all riled up and unleash a barrage of new kit all at once, and sure enough, the outfit is doing just that once more. For starters, we've got the TV Switcher, which enables consumers to connect and access four HDMI sources from a single HDTV. Next up is the TV Splitter, which allows users to channel a single HDMI source to four displays -- and yeah, both of the aforementioned units play nice with HDMI v1.3a. Moving right along, we've got a pair of updates to the PVR lineup; the HD PVR records in MPEG4 and can store material on the 80GB HDD or an SD card, while the SD PVR records content onto USB storage devices. Over on the sound side, the Gefen TV Audio Processor takes a single HDMI source and delivers it to a display and an external audio receiver; furthermore, it reportedly "decodes the HDMI signal to provide an audio signal along with six discrete RCA connectors." Lastly, the firm is doling out v1.3 / Simplay HD-certified HDMI cables in 6-, 10- and 15-foot lengths, but unfortunately, it didn't bother handing out price tags for any of the goods here.
Gefen introduces Wireless USB 2.0 Extender
Now that you've already shelled out for Gefen's wireless USB hub, how's about another gizmo from the company to tempt your USB-lovin' soul? The Wireless USB 2.0 Extender requires no drivers, works with Windows, Linux, and OS X-based systems and promises to transmit up to four USB 2.0 signals one hundred-feet through the air. Gefen stated that you'll recognize USB speeds "up to 54Mbps," and while we're all about ridding our work area of unnecessary wires, the $399 asking price still seems a bit steep.[Via SlashGear]
Gefen's CEDIA booth tour
Thankfully, it looks like Gefen has stepped up its efforts since exhibiting at last year's CEDIA, and this year's display was larger, much more organized, and actually up on the top (read: main) floor. Granted, most of the gizmos there have been around the block a time or two, but it was definitely pushing wireless HDMI by utilizing the technology on its wall-hung displays.%Gallery-7093%
Gefen producing 1:10 HDMI Distribution Amp
Just in case you had the hankering to create a bar like atmosphere somewhere in your home, Gefen has the final piece of your puzzle. Previously, component cable was the only way to route that high-def football game to all those screens off one HD source but not any more thanks to Gefen's 1:10 HDMI Distribution Amplifier. This $650 magic box takes one HDMI signal and sends it out, with HDCP intact, via 10 outputs. Honestly we don't see this device making into many residential home theater systems (if any) but rather brick and mortar A/V stores employing it for their displays. Still, how sweet would it be utilize this amp and 10 HDTVs all over your house - living room, hallway, bathroom, on and in the fridge - so you never miss a second of the game?
