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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.
Avocent offers up Emerge MPX1500 wireless HDMI extender
It's been a tick since we've heard a noticeable peep from Avocent, but the firm has recently unveiled the true successor to its Emerge MPX1000. The aptly-named MPX1500 is still a high-definition multipoint extender at its core, but rather than relying on swappable output modules, this unit packs a single DVI-D output and uses adapters to output HDMI, component, S-Video, VGA and composite. Additionally, this newer iteration comes in a much smaller enclosure and offers VGA resolutions up to 1,360 x 768 (while HDMI / DVI still goes to 1080i). Reportedly, users can still expect to see signals transmitted sans wires up to 150 feet through walls, and if interested, can pick one up as we speak for $995.
Hitachi's Ultra Thin LCD lineup to boast Tzero's UWB technology
We knew Hitachi's Ultra Thin HDTV family would boast ultra-wideband technology, and while little was said about this aspect during CES, we've now learned that Tzero will be responsible for handling the aforementioned UWB duties. As expected, the UT HDTVs will "be able to receive high-definition video wirelessly from any HDMI equipped audio / video component," as Tzero promises that users will see transmission speeds of up to 480Mbps. Interestingly, we're told that the UWB-equipped sets are available in Japan right now, but only time will tell if those luscious wireless abilities will make the trip stateside in Q2.
EZfetch Wireless HD Digital Media Player gets reviewed
Truth be told, we were pretty intrigued by the sheer quantity of features and the very respectable price tag affixed to the EZfetch Wireless HD Digital Media Player, but according to a review over at Networking Audio / Video, there's a lot left to be desired. Of course, the device seemed to have no qualms playing back video over a wired connection, but the lackluster audio streamer and underwhelming photo viewer started putting a real damper on the party. Worst of all, reviewers never could get the unit to function as advertised over a wireless network, which we assume would be a huge selling point for many. Granted, we suppose another unit in another setting may set up just fine, but we'd recommend giving the review below a once over and doing a bit more digging for user experiences before pulling the trigger on this one.
HD over power lines: more sensible than wireless
After waxing rhapsodic in our last podcast about how dodgy the issue of wireless HDMI / wireless HD really is, we're beginning to wonder if passing along 1080i / 1080p content on existing power lines is an acceptable (or flat out better) alternative. Granted, PowerLine applications haven't had the best of luck over the years functioning as advertised, but given that PowerLine-enabled HD media streamers are already seeing reality, we're hoping the technology can advance beyond its flawed past. Another example of said technology moving forward is the debut of several PLC (Power Line Communication) adapters from Sharp, which can be used to connect an AQUOS Net HDTV (among other devices) to the internet via electrical wiring. Truth be told, we're crossing our fingers that this stuff can really take off -- after all, you'll still be stuck figuring out a way to run a single wire to an AC outlet regardless of everything else. Of course, only time will tell if DRM-laced, uncompressed HD content will flow unimpeded through a home's electrical infrastructure, but this corner is definitely rooting for it.[Image courtesy of X10]
Hands-free with Panasonic's Wireless HD
After attending the kickoff Panasonic keynote earlier today at CES 2008, Engadget headed over to the Panasonic booth to check out the Wireless HD, 150-inch behemoth, and ultra-thin plasmas. The Wireless HD setup was, of course, a befuddling open space between a set-top box of some sort and a TV. A loop video played demonstrating the signal using "beam steering" to bounce around obstructions, much like our cameras trying to get around the gaggle of people huddled around Panny's products.%Gallery-12940%
Panasonic gets official with WirelessHD transmission system
We already knew Panasonic was linked in with WirelessHD, but the outfit is choosing CES to come out in the open and trumpet its development of a transmission system. Apparently, it partnered up with SiBEAM to dish out a system that will enable "HD video transmission in uncompressed format," and while Panny gloats quite heavily about the use of a 60GHz band, it's really not all that surprising. 'Course, it seems we've got awhile before this stuff hits en masse (in actual products), but at least we've got yet another corporation on board, right?
Toshiba's next generation featuring Cell & WirelessHD
Toshiba's presence at CES isn't limited to just LCDs due in the first half of the year, we've also got a look at a few products with no definite release date. First up are Cell B.E.-equipped Qosmio (Cell-less current model pictured) and standalone HDTV prototypes designed for video upconversion, with the usual gamut of realtime video transcoding demonstrations. Also on tap is the next generation of Regza Link based on WirelessHD and a Direct Methanol Fuel Cell for mobiles.
WHDI technology to be showcased in wireless HDTV
Amped up about the onset of CES? Stoked about the possibilities of wireless HD? If you answered yes to even one of the aforementioned questions, here's a tidbit sure to keep you salivating. Apparently, a not-yet-named "leading consumer electronics manufacturer" will be showcasing a WHDI-enabled HDTV at CES, which will reportedly be able to receive "uncompressed 1080p 60Hz HD video streams wirelessly." The chipset handling the dirty work is the AMIMON AMN2110/AMN2210, and while there's little more to say beyond that, you can rest assured that we'll be looking to find out more about this elusive set as soon as it gets unveiled.
Belkin's FlyWire Wireless HD solution ready for CES
As the war between wireless HD solutions heats up, AMIMON is looking to make a splash by partnering up with Belkin. Reportedly, the firm's Wireless High-definition Interface (WHDI) -- which was just recently HDCP certified -- will be the heart of the Belkin FlyWire aimed at streaming HD DVD / Blu-ray (among other uncompressed content) to television sets sans wires. Unfortunately, little more is known beyond that (aside from the price range, set at $499 to $599), but here's to hoping that we'll get a closer look in just a few days.
WirelessHD version 1.0 is complete
WirelessHD (WiHD) is back, originally announced in late 2006, the 1.0 spec has been pronounced fit for consumption and will be released later this year. What's changed in the last 14 months? HD dream team Intel, LG, Matsushita (Panasonic), NEC, Samsung, SiBEAM, Sony and Toshiba have added 40 other companies as well as approval from DRM watchdogs MPAA and DTLA for their 60Ghz-based standard. Move over cable vs. satellite, downloads vs. disc and HD DVD vs. Blu-ray, with UWB-equipped HDTVs already on the way, a battle to replace the still-tricky HDMI connection is the new HD battleground for 2008.
AMIMON's WHDI solution gets HDCP certification
If you've been wondering why you haven't heard anything about AMIMON's Wireless High-definition Interface since just before CES last year, it's probably because no Blu-ray / HD DVD material can be delivered through it. Now, however, the company is hoping that its WHDI solution will be much more attractive, which isn't too far fetched considering the HDCP certification that it just received. Reportedly, the technology is now considered an Approved Retransmission Technology (ART), and since that hurdle has finally been cleared, we're elated to see that a number WHDI-enabled products should be headed our way courtesy of "several original equipment manufacturers in 2008." The possibilities here are fairly limitless, and needless to say, we're quite interested to see what AMIMON has to offer at CES 2008.
LG's 52-inch 52LG71 LCD TV boasts WiFi for HD streaming
Life's just too good to only unveil one new television in a sitting, right LG? Apparently the firm is in total agreement, as it has decided to also shed a little (and we stress little) light on its (similarly designed) forthcoming 52-incher. The 52LG71 LCD TV claims to be the "world's first 1080p LCD with an integrated 802.11 Wireless System," and while we've certainly seen a few sets doin' the WiFi thing before (yes, even an LCD TV), you won't find us kvetching about newfound competition. Interestingly, we're not told what flavor(s) of 802.11 this thing supports, but considering that it can supposedly handle HD streams without a single hiccup, our bets are on 802.11n. Nevertheless, we'll hopefully be finding out the specifics soon enough, but for now, let this serve as motivation to start packing away any extra pennies as you wait for this to grace store shelves.
EZfetch Wireless HD Digital Media Player gets official
We certainly haven't been starved for media streamers of late, and if you reckoned the feature-packed EZfetch Wireless HD Digital Media Player would be priced right out of your league, guess again. This multifaceted unit, which appeared just days ago on the FCC's website, is now officially available to anyone interested -- and for $249, no less. Yep, for the price of a (likely sold-out) Wii, users can can pick up a snazzy streaming box that pulls in content from Nokia N-series mobiles, PCs, NAS drives and a slew of WiFi-enabled devices in order to light up your living room TV. Furthermore, the gizmo plays nice with more formats than you can shake a stick at, and it's shipping now to those who simply can't resist.[Via eHomeUpgrade]
Hisense and Metalink ready to stream multiple HD feeds over 802.11n
For those of you yearning for a little more oomph in your wireless HD options, Hisense and Metalink have heard (and answered) the call. The two firms are collaborating to unveil solutions to HD streaming that "enable the wireless transmission of multiple HDTV streams from centrally-located DTVs, PVRs and STBs to any room in the house." Based around Metalink's WLANPlus chipset, devices sporting the newfangled technology will be capable of supporting up to 300Mbps transmission speeds using both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands; moreover, Metalink claims that this creation offers "more than twice the reach of competing 802.11n solutions" due to its implementation of a Maximum Likelihood (ML) decoder combined with advanced Forward Error Correction (FEC) scheme and the use of Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) technology. A lot of jargon, we know, but cramming chipsets that can handle a bevy of HD streams on a vanilla 802.11n network into gateways and access points makes perfect sense to us.
SiBEAM details WirelessHD-compliant WVAN technology
We'll bet you aren't alone if you were starting to wonder if you'd ever hear from SiBEAM again, but after an extended pause, the company is back to fully unveil its WirelessHD streaming solution. Reportedly, the company has developed 60GHz chipsets for non-line-of-sight applications, and has also stated that its OmniLink60 wireless semiconductor technology would be WirelessHD-compliant and "deliver AV connectivity for wireless applications at the 60GHz band." Built using standard CMOS manufacturing techniques, this system will purportedly allow users to enjoy Wireless Video Area Networking (WVAN), which could consist of an HDTV, HD DVD / Blu-ray player, HD DVR, etc,. and while specific integration details were solely absent, the firm seems quite adamant that its newfangled technology will have no issues fitting in (whenever it actually ships, that is) with your current setup.[Via ExtremeTech]
Sanyo debuts "world's brightest" PLC-XF47 and PLC-XP100L projectors
Sanyo's got some high claims here, boasting of the "world's highest light output" on its new 15,000 lumen PLC-XF47 projector (pictured), and the "brightest portable LCD projector" in its 6500 lumen PLC-XP100L. Both projectors feature 2000:1 contrast ratios and inputs aplenty. It's not just the lamps getting fancy here, Sanyo has packed wireless HD streaming into its PLC-XF47, which can do uncompressed 720p and 1080i video up to 100 feet away with less than a millisecond of latency. The resolution is a mere 1024 x 768, so super HD cinema is a bit of a non-starter, and the $30k pricetag is always a turnoff, but if you need this kind of muscle behind a projector, we're guessing you'll figure out a way to scrounge up the cash. The PCL-XP100L matches the resolution, but thirds the pricetag, at $10k. The PLC-XF47 will be out in October, preceeded by the PLC-XP100L in September. If all of this is just too much for you, Sanyo also has the PDG-DXT10L coming in September for $7k and featuring 5200 lumens and a 2100:1 contrast ratio.Read - Sanyo PLC-XF47 and PLC-XP100LRead - Sanyo PDG-DXT10L
Sanyo booth tour
Sanyo had a bit of a twist this year at CES -- it was making a push for the environment. In between displays of HD camcorders and wireless projectors were numerous low consumption devices and solar powered chargers. Keep reading to see what you may have missed among the plethora of products that were on display this year.
AMIMON to showcase WHDI on Sanyo's wireless HD projector at CES
Okay, so we had a sneaking suspicion that this whole "uncompressed streaming of high definition video sans wires" was a bit too good to come true at CES 2006, but once again AMIMON is promising to showcase its WHDI (wireless high definition interface) at next week's Vegas extravaganza. Providing a little backbone to the claim is Sanyo, which is slated to showcase the "world's first wireless HD projector" using AMIMON's technology. The demo will utilize a yet-to-be-named Sanyo PJ and will reportedly beam unadulterated imagery via an "802.11a/n RFIC chipset" from an HD DVD player without the help of wires, and the quality should look exactly the same as if you were using a DVI / HDMI cable. Current developer platforms allow connections from any device outputting in HDMI, component, S-Video, composite, or VGA, and WDHI operates in a "5GHz unlicensed band" which enables video streaming "of up to 3Gbps" from 100 feet away. Sure, even today this still sounds mildly unbelievable, but if both firms keep their word, we'll be seeing just how truthful these bold claims are in a matter of days.
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]
