Recently, Gefen announced its new wireless HDMI extender that uses wireless technology to extend the reach and use of an HDMI audio/video source up to 60 feet. This cable-free extender delivers HDTV and digital multichannel audio from a source, such as a DVR/cable box to a remote entertainment center.

The high-definition media Interface (HDMI) is becoming the interface of choice for connecting HDTV sources, such as satellite set-top boxes, HD DVD players and gaming systems. Audio and video is extended wirelessly up to 20 meters (60 feet) with perfect replication of high-definition visuals (720p and 1080i in U.S.; PAL in Europe) and full digital and analog audio support.

This new entertainment extender is not a Wi-Fi-based product. It is an ultrawideband wireless technology that is designed and tuned for this application to ensure reliability and quality for HDTV.

This is but one product and example of what is emerging from manufacturers for what is perceived to be a large market. Manufacturers have been on the hunt for communications technologies that can truly deliver on reliability and quality of service for video/audio ‘wire stretching’ applications.

It appears that there are only a few technologies that seem to meet these requirements for robustness and quality: ultrawideband wireless, MoCA (multimedia over cable) and HomePlug AV standard-based powerline communications technology (HP PLC).

Ultrawideband technologies have more than enough bandwidth with channel rates of more than 450 Mbps, considering that one HDTV w/audio channel requires only approximately 20 Mbps. For many applications, the limited coverage associated with this solution may not be a problem.

MoCA offers a channel rate of around 200 Mbps over the coaxial cable infrastructure throughout the home. With an actual throughput rate of about half that, it is more than enough for several HD streams.

HomePlug AV standard-based technology also offers a channel rate of about 200 Mbps with actual throughput dependent upon power line conditions. This technology also works over other wires besides power wires. Over coax cable, its performance is comparable to MoCA.

Some manufacturers are using Intellon Corporation’s 85 Mbps Turbo-PLC technology to create standard-definition (SD) video/audio wire stretchers.

Entertainment system wire stretchers using these technologies are starting to appear in stores. Many of these devices will also come with remote controls to take full advantage of your centralized DVR’s capabilities. Just think, complete entertainment centers in several rooms all being served from one central DVR/set-top box.

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