Sharp X-Series TVs Get Wireless HD

Sharp's new X-series LCD televisions will be available with optional WHDI wireless high-definition video from Amimon.

Last January, Sharp updated its LCD TV with a mammoth unveiling of 20 new sets, including new X-series that feature a slimmed-down bezel, offer a 15,000:1 contrast ratio, and 120 Hz refresh rates. When they were announced, Sharp said the X-series would be available with an optional wireless HD technology that would let users stream uncompressed HD content directly to the televisions, making for neat, cable-free installations. Now, Amimon has announced it is supplying the wireless HD solution for the X-series sets, with WHDI (wireless high-definition interface) specs that exceed Sharps’ initial proprietary wireless offering.

“WHDI is becoming the technology of choice for wireless HDTV,” said Amimon CEO and chariman Dr. Yoav Nissan-Cohen, in a statement. “With Amimon’s WHDI technology, consumers can enjoy wireless ultra-thin TV displays that are easy to install and easy on the eyes.”

Amimon says their WHDI solution has quality equivalent to HDMI, is good to a range of 100 feet (30m), is capable of beaming through multiple walls, and has a latency of less than one millisecond. Sharp intially promised a wireless solution capable of beaming uncompressed high-def video about 20 feet, but that wouldn’t make it through walls.

Sharp’s X-series LCDs were to have gone on sale in Japan in early March; the wireless HD package is an optional add-on. Sharp hasn’t said when it will begin offering the X-series in international markets.

Amimon is located in Herzlia, Israel, with offices in Santa Clara, Tokyo, and Seoul.