October 8, 2008 Cords and wires are the bane of any technophile’s existence. They are a pain to set up and inevitably form an unruly tangle that's just plain messy. The introduction of HDMI went a long way to reducing the unsightly clutter running from behind the lounge room AV set up by combining high definition sound and video in one convenient cable. But now connectivity solutions company Gefen has gone one step further with their Wireless for HDMI Extender, which comprises a local sender unit which is paired to a receiver unit at a remote location.
The no-cable extender uses Tzero Technologies' ultra wideband (UWB) technology to deliver wired-quality audio and video from Blu-ray players, set-top boxes, digital video recorders and gaming systems to high definition televisions at ranges greater than typical cabled HDMI solutions. With built-in interference cancellation technology it is designed to be immune to noise from nearby wireless technologies such as cordless phones, Wi-Fi networks and cellular phones.
The Gefen Wireless for HDMI Extender allows users to place their HDTVs in remote or hard to reach locations without being tethered to cabling, thereby streamlining installations while providing a reliable method of transmission. Resolutions up to 1080p with 5.1 surround sound multi-channel audio are supported at 10 meters (33-feet) in distance for line of sight – less when going through a wall. The unit also doubles as a High Definition video switcher with three HD inputs, two HDMI and one component, that are selectable by the transmitting unit.
In addition to two HDMI inputs, the Wireless for HDMI Extender up-converts legacy component video and analog audio inputs to the HDMI format and offers Consumer Electronic Control (CEC) support and a traditional IR back channel for control, which relays remote control commands back to the source if the wireless receiver is located in another room. It is WiMedia Alliance compliant, HDMI forum compliant, FCC certified and DCP certified for “Hollywood Approved” wireless content transmission.
The Gefen Wireless for HDMI Extender is available for pre-order at UDS$999 through Gefen’s website.
See also: TZero.