Wireless HDMI is the
wireless
Wireless communication (or just wireless, when the context allows) is the transfer of information (''telecommunication'') between two or more points without the use of an electrical conductor, optical fiber or other continuous guided transm ...
transmission of high-definition audio and video signals between devices, using
unlicensed radio frequencies like 5 GHz, 60 GHz, or 190 GHz. This technology eliminates the need for an
HDMI cable, allowing users to transmit signals wirelessly between the component device and the display device. Wireless HDMI converts the
HDMI cable signal into a
radio frequency
Radio frequency (RF) is the oscillation rate of an alternating electric current or voltage or of a magnetic, electric or electromagnetic field or mechanical system in the frequency range from around to around . This is roughly between the u ...
which is broadcast across the
wireless spectrum
The radio spectrum is the part of the electromagnetic spectrum with frequencies from 3 Hz to 3,000 GHz (3 THz). Electromagnetic waves in this frequency range, called radio waves, are widely used in modern technology, particularl ...
. This allows for video source and display device to be in different rooms, without the need for cables. The technology emerged in the early 2000s.
Examples
* Proprietary protocols for wireless transmission, e.g., LG "Wireless 1080p", Philips "Wireless HDTV Link", Sony "Bravia Wireless Link", Asus "Wireless Display Connectivity", etc.
* Proprietary
video compression
In information theory, data compression, source coding, or bit-rate reduction is the process of encoding information using fewer bits than the original representation. Any particular compression is either lossy or lossless. Lossless compression ...
schemes that work over
802.11n
IEEE 802.11n-2009, or 802.11n, is a wireless-networking standard that uses multiple antennas to increase data rates. The Wi-Fi Alliance has also retroactively labelled the technology for the standard as Wi-Fi 4. It standardized support for multi ...
and similar wireless interfaces
*
WirelessHD WirelessHD, also known as UltraGig, is a proprietary standard owned by Silicon Image (originally SiBeam) for wireless transmission of high-definition video content for consumer electronics products. The consortium currently has over 40 adopters; k ...
*
Wireless Home Digital Interface
Wireless Home Digital Interface (WHDI) is a consumer electronic specification for wireless HDTV connectivity throughout the home.
WHDI enables delivery of uncompressed high-definition digital video over a wireless radio channel connecting any vid ...
*
WiGig
WiGig, alternatively known as 60 GHz Wi-Fi, refers to a set of V band, 60 GHz wireless network protocols. It includes the current IEEE 802.11ad standard and also the IEEE 802.11ay standard.
The WiGig specification allows devices to co ...
*
Asus
ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (, , , ; stylized as ASUSTeK or ASUS) is a Taiwanese Multinational corporation, multinational computer, phone hardware and electronics manufacturer headquartered in Beitou District, Taipei, Taiwan. Its products include deskto ...
WAVI (Wireless Audio Video Interaction) wireless HDMI use 4 x 5 MIMO-channels with Two-Way Wireless USB Control.
* In 2010, Toshiba began marketing the first Wireless HDTV (aka
WiDi
Wireless Display (WiDi) is discontinued technology developed by Intel that enables users to stream music, movies, photos, videos and apps without cables from a compatible computer to a compatible HDTV or through the use of an adapter with othe ...
) device.
History
Wireless HDMI systems emerged in the early 2000s. In 2006, TZero Technologies and Analog Devices created a wireless HDMI interface consisting of a transmitter and receiver, expected to cost less than HDMI cable. At CES in 2007, Philips debuted the first publicly available wireless HDMI system.
Modern developments
Wireless HDMI systems have steadily grown in popularity. Supporters of this technology claim that it's beneficial for the use of projectors – citing its low cost compared to custom projector mounting solutions, as well as its ease of use.
However, with the introduction of streaming sticks such as Amazon's Fire TV and Google's Chromecast into the market, users are also opting for this option.
Streaming sticks come with their own remotes and user interfaces, allowing them to function as an all-in-one solution, something wireless HDMI systems cannot do.
Despite the advent of streaming sticks, there are still developments in the area of wireless HDMI technology. For example, in 2020, a patent was sought by Shenzhen Lenkang Technology for a new form of Wireless HDMI system.
This new device is to be smaller, utilizing a pin layout rather than a traditional power supply.
The HDMI transmitter would be able to receive power through a custom HDMI interface, eliminating the need for a separate power supply, and reducing the size of the unit.
See also
*
WirelessHD WirelessHD, also known as UltraGig, is a proprietary standard owned by Silicon Image (originally SiBeam) for wireless transmission of high-definition video content for consumer electronics products. The consortium currently has over 40 adopters; k ...
*
Wireless Home Digital Interface
Wireless Home Digital Interface (WHDI) is a consumer electronic specification for wireless HDTV connectivity throughout the home.
WHDI enables delivery of uncompressed high-definition digital video over a wireless radio channel connecting any vid ...
*
WiGig
WiGig, alternatively known as 60 GHz Wi-Fi, refers to a set of V band, 60 GHz wireless network protocols. It includes the current IEEE 802.11ad standard and also the IEEE 802.11ay standard.
The WiGig specification allows devices to co ...
*
WiDi
Wireless Display (WiDi) is discontinued technology developed by Intel that enables users to stream music, movies, photos, videos and apps without cables from a compatible computer to a compatible HDTV or through the use of an adapter with othe ...
version 3.5 to 6.0 supports
Miracast
Miracast is a Wireless, wireless communications standard created by the Wi-Fi Alliance which is designed to transmit video and sound from devices (such as laptops or smartphones) to display receivers (such as TVs, monitors, or projectors). It uses ...
; discontinued
*
Miracast
Miracast is a Wireless, wireless communications standard created by the Wi-Fi Alliance which is designed to transmit video and sound from devices (such as laptops or smartphones) to display receivers (such as TVs, monitors, or projectors). It uses ...
(wireless display technology), now a subset of the larger
Wi-Fi Direct
Wi-Fi Direct is a Wi-Fi standard for wireless connections that allows two devices to establish a direct Wi-Fi connection without an intermediary wireless access point, Router (computing), router, or Internet connection. Wi-Fi Direct is single-hop ...
certification
IP based
*
Chromecast
Chromecast is a discontinued line of digital media players developed by Google. The devices, designed as small dongles, can play Internet-streaming media, streamed audio-visual content on a high-definition television or home audio system. The u ...
(proprietary media broadcast over IP:
Google Cast
Google Cast is a proprietary protocol developed by Google for playing locally stored or Internet-streamed audiovisual content on a compatible consumer device. The protocol is used to initiate and control playback of content on digital media pla ...
for audio or audiovisual playback)
*
AirPlay
Airplay is how frequently a song is being played through broadcasting on radio stations. A song which is being played several times every day (spins) would have a significant amount of airplay. Music which became very popular on jukeboxes, in n ...
(proprietary IP based)
*
Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) (IP based)
Cables for mobile equipment
*
Mobile High-Definition Link - MHL
* SlimPort (
Mobility DisplayPort), also known as MyDP
References
External links
The Main Wireless HDMI Transmission Protocols and Their Typical Products
{{AVconn
Wireless networking
Television technology