LG Electronics Inc., Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
(Panasonic), NEC Corporation, SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS, CO., LTD, SiBEAM,
Inc., Sony Corporation and Toshiba Corporation today announced that
they are working as a special interest group called WirelessHD to
develop a specification for a wireless high-definition digital
interface (WirelessHD(TM) or WiHD(TM)), that is intended to enable
high-definition audio video (A/V) streaming and high-speed content
transmission for consumer electronics (CE) devices. In addition to
actively promoting the new format throughout the industry, WirelessHD
will present the format available for adoption as soon as the
specifications are completed, in Spring 2007.
The migration to high-definition content along with the
proliferation of digital source devices has intensified consumers'
desire to simply and flexibly connect to highest quality,
high-definition displays and consumer electronics systems. In-Stat
notes that global sales of devices with a high-speed digital A/V
interface is expected to grow from 60M units in 2006 to 495M units in
2009.
"Emerging as the first consumer electronics industry initiative
for wireless uncompressed digital video transmission, WirelessHD will
provide consumers wireless flexibility and ease of use while
preserving the benefits traditionally associated with popular wired
alternatives for point-to-point display, such as HDMI and DVI," said
Brian O'Rourke, a Senior Analyst with In-Stat/MDR. "The data rates (or
bandwidth) that WirelessHD will support are truly impressive."
WirelessHD, which intends to specify the unlicensed, globally
available 60 GHz frequency band, will enable wireless uncompressed
high-definition, high-quality video and data transmission and is first
targeted to be built into HDTV's as well as a wide range of audio
video (A/V) devices, both fixed location and portable.
"The availability of high-definition wireless connections stands
to eliminate the morass of cables, switches and other complexities
traditionally needed to support the wide variety of devices consumers
have and will continue to buy, such as HDTVs, HD disc players, digital
video cameras and game consoles. With high-definition wireless links,
media streaming and transmission from any source to any display or
recorder is dramatically simplified by removing the need for a
hard-wired connection. WirelessHD will provide a high-speed wireless
digital interface that will enable customers to simply connect, play,
transmit and port their HD content in a secure manner," stated John
Marshall, Chairman of WirelessHD.
The participants' commencement of WirelessHD relates to
acknowledgement that industry support is critical. In addition,
commencement of WirelessHD relates to the recent availability of
several new technologies that make it possible to achieve the
multi-gigabit data rates required for uncompressed video streaming.
Such breakthroughs enable low cost, better image quality, and higher
performance wireless A/V systems. The key characteristics and focal
technologies include:
-- High interoperability supported by major CE device
manufacturers
-- Uncompressed HD video, audio and data transmission, scaleable
to future high-definition A/V formats
-- High-speed wireless, multi-gigabit technology in the
unlicensed 60 GHz band
-- Smart antenna technology to overcome line-of-sight constraints
of 60 GHz
-- Secure communications
-- Device control for simple operation of consumer electronics
products
-- Error protection, framing and timing control techniques for a
quality consumer experience
"After its launch, WirelessHD has great potential to be adopted
rapidly in the consumer electronics segment. WirelessHD should first
appear in adapter products, followed by digital televisions and
projectors, DVD players, and set-top boxes. Other potential markets
include game consoles and portable devices," said O'Rourke of
In-Stat/MDR.
The convergence of these industry leaders with a common
application focus, accompanied by the latest advances in wireless
technology and available spectrum, represents a unique opportunity for
the industry that stands to change the way consumers access and manage
high-definition digital content today and tomorrow. In the development
of this industry initiative, WirelessHD looks to build momentum at
this time by issuing a call for additional interest. Interested
companies can visit www.WirelessHD.org or email info@wirelesshd.org.
About WirelessHD
Formed in 2006, LG Electronics Inc., Matsushita Electric
Industrial Co., Ltd (Panasonic), NEC Corporation, SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS
CO., LTD, SiBEAM, Sony Corporation and Toshiba Corporation, have
joined together to create the next generation wireless interface
specification for HD media streaming and transmission. WirelessHD will
facilitate technical advancement by creating a specification focused
on fixed and portable devices. WirelessHD is the first consumer
electronics and technology industry-supported, high definition digital
wireless interface for simplified media streaming and HD content
portability. For more information on WirelessHD, please visit
www.wirelesshd.org.
