Wireless HDTV Guide

The next step in the evolution of HDTV may not be in improved picture quality or thinner TV panels, but rather in the way that the HD signal is transmitted to your HDTV. Although this technology is only slowly making its way to the U.S. and to Europe, it is gaining a lot of traction in the Japanese market and is likely to be expanding worldwide in early 2009.

What is Wireless HDTV?

Essentially it is a wireless transmission of high-definition video and multi-channel audio.

What are the benefits of Wireless HDTV?

For most users, the most obvious benefit will be elimination of audio and video cables. Simply put, there will be no need to connect an HDMI cable from your HDTV to your cable box, satellite box or Blu-Ray player.

Equally important for a lot of users will be simplified installation. No cables means you have much more freedom in where you choose to mount your display. You will no longer need to route cables through walls, for example, to mount an LCD or plasma TV set.

What are the drawbacks of Wireless HDTV?

As you will read below, there is no single standard that has been adopted yet by all major electronics manufacturers. This is the biggest issue right now that is delaying the adoption of wireless HDTV products from becoming more widespread in the market.

Additionally, there is no assurance that legacy products (existing A/V equipment) will be compatible with the new wireless HDTV systems.

This means that you may or may not be able to buy a wireless HDTV system and expect it to be "plug-and-play" with your current HDTV and home theater equipment.

Is there a Wireless HDTV standard?

There are currently two competing technologies vying for the crown as the de-facto wireless HDTV standard. They are loosely named as WirelessHD and WHDI. These names are actually the name of the groups that have been formed to back each of the technologies. If you are already starting to groan as you remember the agonizing Blu-Ray vs. HD-DVD format war, you can breathe a small sigh of relief as Sony and Toshiba are both backing WirelessHD. However, Sony is hedging its bets and is also supporting WHDI as well.

WirelessHD uses the 60 GHz band and is backed by Broadcom, Intel, LG Electronics, Panasonic, NEC, Samsung, SiBEAM, Inc., Sony Corporation and Toshiba Corporation.

WHDI uses the 5 GHz band and is supported by AMIMON, Hitachi, Motorola, Samsung, Sharp and Sony .

What Wireless HDTVs / adapters are already available?

Mitsubishi has already unveiled a two part wireless HDTV system. The system will comprise of a very thin LCD screen and a separate Blu-ray drive that transmits wireless signals to the TV. The Mitsubishi HDTV will incorporate WHDI wireless technology. The product is planned to release in the Japanese market this fall, and you can expect to see it in the U.S. in the first half of 2009.



Sony has a wireless HD transmission module with the flagship Bravia brandname already available. Using the WHDI standard, the DMX-WL1 module can be ordered online now and it retails for $799.99 USD.



Panasonic has a version of its Viera HDTV in the works that will use 60 GHz WirelessHD technology. No expected ship date has been announced by the company.



LG is developing a 1080p wireless HDTV in 50-inch and 60-inch PG70 plasma versions. Both of these models are expected to ship in August 2009.

Belkin has developed a wireless 1080p product called FlyWire™ that uses 5.8GHz RF (radio frequency) transmitted by this cool looking box to a receiver mounted on the back of the TV that can be between 50 and 100 feet away. It'll be available in September for around $600.

Conclusion

Wireless HDTV still has a way to go before it will be a mainstream technology, and then there is that pesky standards war between WirelessHD and WHDI going on. Until that gets sorted out, there is not going to be a whole lot of widespread adoption of either format as most manufacturers will stay on the sidelines. But expect to see more and more products available as the 2008 Christmas season gets into full swing, just don't expect them to be affordable yet. In 2009, wireless HDTV will need to drastically drop in price before it can become the new standard for hi-def connectivity.