Thanko Intros HDMI Over Ethernet Streaming Solution

Even though wireless video streaming solutions seem to pop just about everywhere nowadays these are still to expensive for the average consumer while image lag and transmission range can still prove to be a problem so Thanko developed an adapter that sends HDMI video or audio pver to your HDTV via Ethernet.

Ethernet connectivity aside, this works pretty much like your standard wireless video transmission kit, coming with two units (a receiver and a transmitter), one of these being attached to your laptop, PC or any other type of HDMI enabled device while the receiver gets connected to your HDTV.

Once setup, video can be transmitted over Ethernet, Thanko's solution being able to stream 1080p content up to 150 feet (about 45 meters) away from the source, a pretty impressive feat when you compare it with present day wireless video streaming technologies.

The device can also be controlled via a little RF Transmitter that offers basic functionality such as raising or lowering the volume or setting up the video connection via a built-in menu.

Although this definitely won't get rid of all the cables that you have lying around your home, Thanko's solution definitely comes as a pretty easy way of streaming video content over an impressive distance, more than what you will be able to muster with todays wireless streaming devices or with a HDMI cable.

Unfortunately, Thanko doesn't say if the AV HDREL 2 will work with DHCP protected content, although I am assuming this to be the case since the transmitter connects to your system via HDMI.

Ultimately, it all comes down to price, Thanko's kit being available for 9800 Japanese Yen (about $122 US) a bit to steep for such a solution, especially since you can employ a media streaming unit, such as a Roku, for far less while also getting added functionality. (via akihabaranews)