HDMI cables are a great thing - video and audio combined into a single thin cable. How much better can it get for a home theater enthusiast? How about wireless HDMI connections? That’s the promise behind Gefen’s latest product, the Wireless for HDMI Extender which utilizes the WiMedia specification (WiMedia is an ultra wideband wireless specification). Gefen claims the device is able to wirelessly transmit 720p/1080i content over a range of 10 meters (or 33 feet). Now you can have your video source equipment in one location while setting up your flat panel display and receiver in a totally different location without worrying about cumbersome cables - even if they are just HDMI cables. Gefen’s extender has a throughput of 480Mbps and the package comes with a wireless HDMI extender, one 6 foot HDMI cable, two 5V Power supplies, and a user’s manual.

Here’s the feature list from Gefen’s website:

• Guaranteed bandwidth reservation: Full Quality of Service (QoS) based on WiMedia Alliance MAC specification
• Real-time, visually lossless HD compression
• Multiple video formats: 480p, 720p, and 1080i @ 24/30 resolution
• High error resiliency: Wavelet transform provides high-quality image under varying channel conditions
• Dynamic bit rate adjustment: Predictable, on-the-fly control of channel bandwidth consumption
• Fully compliant family of HDMI/HDCP products

Here are the specs:

• Data rates : 53.3 to 480
• Frequency band: : 3.1 - 4.8 GHz
• Resolution support : 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i
• HDMI v1.2a: Compliant and interoperable
• Consumer Electronics Control (CEC)
• Tzero RF Radio Chipset
• ADI JPEG 2000 visual lossless compression
• Power Supply: 5V DC
• Power Consumption: 20 watts (max)
• Dimensions: 8.75″W x 1.625″H x 5.875″D
• Shipping Weight: 6 lbs.

My only complaint - lack of 1080p support via wireless connectivity.

You can pre-order the Gefen Wireless for HDMI Extender right now for $699. Not exactly cheap is it?

[Check it out via CrunchGear]

Technorati Tags: Gefen, Wireless for HDMI extender

Last Modified: Monday, June 25th, 2007 @ 01:24

This entry was posted on Monday, June 25th, 2007 at 1:24 am and is filed under Wireless Networks, HDMI, Wireless HD. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.