Wireless HDTV

Going Wireless With HDTV

There are a variety of options for going wireless with HDTV. You'll still have to plug your TV into a nearby power source, but the goal is to get rid of all those bulky cables (coax, HDMI, composite, component) that run between the TV and your set-top box, DVD player and other multimedia equipment.

By beaming the audio/video signal from the entertainment center to the TV via wireless, you not only eliminate the unsightly bundle of wires, but you're also free to put your HDTV anywhere there's a power outlet, move it from room to room, or even provide a signal to more than one TV, without running cables all over the house. As a bonus, you'll learn how to stream content from your computer and the Internet directly to your HD TV -- all without wires.

HDTVs with Wireless Capability

While wireless HDTV itself is not a new concept, companies such as wireless chip designer SiBEAM recently announced that they would be working with LG, Panasonic and Toshiba to incorporate their SB9120 WirelessHD HRTX Transmit Network Processors and SB9121 WirelessHD HRRX Receive Network Processors. While this is still an early pronouncement, HDTVs from the CES 2009 with SiBEAM's technology were spotted.

For example, Panasonic's Z1 VIERA (pictured above) features SiBEAM wireless. The TC-P54Z1 boasts a 54-inch screen that's a mere 1-inch thick. The sleek 1080p plasma screen has a 40,000:1 contrast ratio and SiBEAM's wireless technology built in. Just released were details on the set, which comes with a $6000 price tag and Summer 2009 availability.

Also announced at CES 2009 was the LG LHX, another 54-inch HDTV with wireless receiver built in. The LHX has 1080p resolution, a stunning 2000000:1 contrast ratio, and a 240 Hz refresh rate. HDTVs with the faster 240 Hz refresh promise to make motion sequences even smoother. The wireless capability allows the HD video signal to be beamed from a compatible LG media box. Pricing and availability dates have not yet been announced.

If you want to retrofit an existing HDTV with wireless capability, the Belkin FlyWire is one solution. The FlyWire is a pair of boxes, with a receiver that mounts behind your TV, and a transmitter that connects to your set-top box, DVD player, Blu-ray player, and even video-game consoles. FlyWire is capable of transmitting a high-definition 1080p signal 50 to 100 feet, and since it operates in the 5GHz band, it can penetrate walls and AV cabinets. And gamers, if you're worried about video lag, fear not. The FlyWire does not compress video, so video games should perform well over this wireless connection. Belkin's FlyWire was initially slated to be available in September 2008, but now the company is saying you'll have to wait until the second half of 2009. Prices will range from $700 to $1400.

The Gefen Wireless HDMI Extender is a similar product that can transmit HDMI signals wirelessly over 30 feet (less when going through walls). The wireless HDMI kit supports 720p, 1080i and 1080p signals. Just connect the transmitter to your cable box and other digital sources, then connect the receiver to your HD TV display. Aside from the limited range, one big difference between this product and the Flywire is that you can actually buy it! The Gefen unit retails for $999 but I found it at Sewell Direct for $725.

Streaming Movies Wirelessly From Computer to HDTV

Netgear's EVA8000 set top box, recently introduced at CES, streams movies, videos, music, images and Internet radio to your TV and it does so wirelessly in HD. The Digital Entertainer connects via its component video and audio outputs if you would like to set it up to your home theater. The EVA8000 allows you to wirelessly stream from your computer to a set-top box, which then connects via HDMI cable to your TV. The EVA8000 will set you back about $350.

VUDU went wireless last summer. They now offer a Vudu Wireless Kit to go with their box that comes with a base station that plugs into your Internet router then into the box to a secure 802.11g WiFi network. The Kit will set you back $79.00, while an entire package (box and kit) can be purchased for $349.95.

See my companion article Internet-Connected HDTVs for more information on new HD TV models that can connect directly to your Internet router to bring you online movies and other interactive service.

It will undoubtedly not be long before technology gets smaller and all-inclusive. Wireless will be standard, just as HD is now. Technology moves fast... I can still remember the days before remote controls. Got a comment or question on wireless HDTV? Post it below...