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THX throws its weight in behind Radiient for wireless audio
Very few folks enjoy the installation of multichannel wired speaker setups, let alone the appearance of cables snaking through the living room. Radiient's UWB-based Roomcaster technology for sending audio bits to and fro might just gain a foothold thanks to its new partner, THX. That THX name is a kind of benchmark for quality and definitely resonates with consumers, and with the ability to deliver 8-channels of 24-bit uncompressed audio should make for happy users. Now if only something can be done about the high price of entry, this might have a chance at catching on.
Radiient to demo UWB-based Roomcaster: makes your entire 5.1 system wireless
We've already seen one product headed for CES that makes any corded 5.1-channel surround system a wireless one, but now you've got one more option. Radiient Technologies is debuting the Roomcaster at CES 2009, a similar setup but based on the ultra-wideband (UWB) protocol. The Roomcaster Early Adapter Kit, which is the rig that will be shown in Vegas, will consist of a single transmitter and six speaker adapters, and we're assured that it can deliver "uncompressed, 24-bit, up-to-eight-channel digital audio at an up-to-96 kHz sampling rate." Radiient has employed a mesh network to ensure dropout-free performance, but you can bet it won't come cheap. In fact, it's downright ludicrous. Wouldn't you call $1,999 ludicrous?
Radiient offers up 4-port HDMI switch / hub
While we've taught you how to craft your own component video switch (not to mention your own cables), there will (probably) come a time in your 1080p-needing life where that sole HDMI port on the rear of your television just won't cut it. Enter Radiient's HDMI Switch Select-4, a 4-port HDMI hub that doesn't deviate too far from the other alternatives already out there, but cuts out the audio ports altogether while adding in an RS-232 control port. Also, this device features a bevy of colorful LEDs, sure to enthrall some users who want to control things with the lights out while enraging others who like things pitch black when catching a flick. Nevertheless, the Select-4 supports HDCP, DVI (via adapters), and all your standard HD resolutions right up to 1080p. Notably, this sucker doesn't seem to support the recently-unveiled 1.3 spec, which means you'll miss out on some of the extra niceties on that shiny PlayStation 3. Still, Radiiant apparently feels its HDMI switcher is worth its weight in gold, as this bad boy will run you a whopping ¥69,300 ($592). Update: These things have a $299 US asking price (at least as of right now). Thanks Jacobim.[Via Akihabara News]
