CES 2008: Belkin's FlyWire to Deliver Wireless HDMI Signals

Belkin has run a series of wireless experiments at the Consumer Electronics Show with its FlyWire high definition video streamer. The device is the result of the joint work between Belkin and wireless specialist Aminom and is the wireless equivalent of the HDMI switching boxes that have already emerged on the market.

FlyWire works in the 5GHz wireless spectrum and streams signals from a transmitter attached to a common high-definition appliance. The streamer cam transmit uncompressed 1080 px HD video from up to six sources.

Belkin has demonstrated a FlyWire device that featured two HDMI inputs, two component inputs, a composite/S-video AV set, and a SCART input, but the latter will be dropped and replaced with a third HDMI input for the devices aiming at the North American market. The built-in connectors should be enough to connect all the high definition gear (such as PS3, HD DVR, Xbox 360, DVD recorder and/or Nintendo Wii).

"Belkin is committed to delivering well-designed and easy-to-use products that seamlessly integrate technology into your lifestyle," said Hanoz Gandhi, director of product management for Belkin. "WHDI is the only technology we've seen capable of wirelessly delivering flawless uncompressed HD video streams over a long range. This was key in our decision to integrate AMIMON's technology."

The device does not use the Wi-Fi specifications, but a proprietary wireless protocol especially developed for it, called WHDI. The WHDI video-modem technology allows constant uncompressed HD video streaming in the 5 GHz unlicensed band. The signal is efficient within a 30 meter range and can penetrate walls, at a latency cost of under one millisecond.

"WHDI is setting a new standard for wireless HDTV connectivity that signifies a new era of the digital home entertainment experience," said Noam Geri, AMIMON's vice president of marketing and business development. "In 2008, consumers can expect a full range of WHDI-based products to be available by several leading manufacturers, including TVs and projectors embedded with WHDI, and aftermarket WHDI video accessories lead by Belkin's wireless HD solution."

The FlyWire will become widely available starting the second quarter of this year, at an estimative price of $499-599.