Gefen Backs Both Horses: UWB and WHDI

Folks looking for wireless high-def video solutions have been waiting for the dust to settle between UWB and WHDI...now Gefen has decided to back both technologies.

Home theater fans who have been looking for a way to push their high-definition video around their systems (and to different rooms) without the hassles of stringing cables (or drilling holes in the walls) have faced a choice between Ultra WideBand (UWB) and Amimon’s Wireless HDMI (WHDI) technology. Although WHDI has been garnering industry support recently, video connectivity developer Gefen has gotten tired of waiting for a resolution, so it has decided to offer both UWB and WHDI products for folks who just can’t wait to be wireless.

First up, the GefenTV Wireless for HDMI Extender is a two-box system with a sender unit connected to a high-definition video source, with a receiver unit connected to a high-definition display. The system can handle 1080i video with HDCP with performance delay no worse than wires system. In addition, the solution doesn’t require line-of-sight between the two units, so its ideal for situations where equipment needs to be out of sight or in awkward locations. The WHDI technology operates in a 5GHz unlicensed band and has a range of up to 30 meters

Now don’t get confused by the name: Gefen’s Wireless for HDMI Extender uses UWB technology from Tzero Technologies; it lets users push 1080p video with 5.1 multichannel audio wirelessly over distances up to 10 meters, and includes interference cancellation technology so the system won’t be tripped up by nearby Wi-Fi networks, cordless phones, and other devices. The Gefen Wireless For HDMI Extender can also upconvert standard definition video, and complies with specs from the WiMedia Alliance, the HDMI Forum, the FCC and is even “Hollywood Approved” for copy protection.

As a solutions provider, Gefen may be making a solid business decision to let its customers choose what technology they want to use, rather than coming down on one side of the fence or another. However, we do wish they would announce availability and pricing information.