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Ask Engadget HD: Is there a good wireless HDMI option yet?
In the yeeeeear two thousand... and ten, are we seriously still restricted to the demands of physical connections to get our HD fix? While wires have gotten it done for most of us so far, there's more than a few looking to make the jump to wireless HDMI solutions but unsure how to take the first step. We'll let Greg tell us about his situation: "Currently my setup has wires running around the corner from my display to a media closet stocked with DVR, Blu-ray player, game consoles and the like, but I'd really like to shift my HDTV to a wall across the room without light shining directly on it. Unfortunately that would put it around 15 feet away from where all my HD sources are and drilling through the walls/ceiling is not a desirable alternative, and I want to know if any of the many wireless HDMI extenders or integrated TVs are worth buying. A Panasonic Z1 might be out of my price range, but one of the new HDTVs from Vizio, Toshiba or LG coming this year definitely an option. Otherwise, a dedicated streamer might be my best option, but is there one worth the money available now?" When we last considered this question a couple of years ago, the immature wireless HDMI market offered only expensive options that compressed the signal and didn't work very well. By now, prices have come down and technology has improved greatly. We haven't gone cable-free in our setups yet but we're sure someone out there has tested the wireless HDMI waters, any advice for our friend Greg is certainly welcome. 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.
GefenTV Wireless for HDMI Extender does one to one, or many streaming
Gefen's silver coated WHDI towers may have taken a little longer than expected to get here, but for $899 they might do wireless HD streaming differently enough to arouse your interests. Using Amimon's 5 Ghz tech, it can switch from one to one streaming with HDCP for tossing Blu-ray or upconverted DVDs around, or switch over to broadcast mode, supporting up to 5 remote receivers getting the same video stream, albeit without HDCP. Maximum range is 100 feet line-of-sight and it supports resolution up to 1080p30 with Dolby 5.1 surround audio, that enough to get your credit card out? Picture of the back is after the break, specs beyond the read link.
Sony ready to debut WHDI with the DMX-WL1T
Details around the wireless edition of Sony's Bravia Internet Link kit -- most notably peeped during CES -- are coming into focus. Using that WHDI tech the kids are so into these days, this system is for Sony's Digital Media Extender-equipped HDTVs, and according to Sony Insider will debut for a price between $350 and $500 at the IFA conference in Berlin. Unfortunately, SI's info suggests we may only be spec'd for 1080i streaming of up to 5 feet, a bit less than the 200 foot range originally expected -- for only the fraction of the price of Monster Cables. Punch the read link for the rest of the details on the DMX-WL1T, while the rest of us hope Sony can turn the distance up enough to make it worthwhile.
