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Gefen Launches Wireless HDMI Extender Featuring Cable-Free High Definition Extension up to 60 Feet (11/9/2006)

Booth 483, CEDIA US Expo 2006

CEDIA attendees will be among the first to attest to the convenience and ease of Gefen's new Wireless HDMI Extender, offering cable-free extension of high definition video plus multichannel digital audio delivered through HDMI connectors.

As HDMI becomes the increasingly popular choice for connecting HDTV sources, such as satellite set top boxes, HD DVD players and gaming systems, Gefen delivers a plug and play method of extending audio/video wirelessly up to 20 meters (60 feet) in distance, with a perfect replication of high definition visuals (720p and 1080i in US; PAL in Europe) and full digital and analog audio support.

Gefen's HDMI Extender allows installers and consumers to curb some of the costs associated with HDMI and fiber optics cable runs. Compact sender and receiver units deliver HDCP-compliant high definition video in resolutions up to and including 1080p. Audio is bundled with the video, compressed, encrypted and then decompressed before delivery to the HDMI connector on the display or projector.

Featuring a performance unimpeded by line-of-sight operations, source signals are capable of transmitting through walls to accommodate multiple room installations. Wireless transmission speeds are achieved up to 480 Mbps, supporting even the most stringent demands of high-definition video.

To accommodate system integration scenarios, the sender accepts video from component and composite sources with a separate analog audio input. The receiver outputs in HDMI 1.2a, essentially functioning as a format converter for incorporating legacy components.

Integral to the design of Gefen's wireless high definition audio/video sender and receiver system is Tzero Technologiesâ wireless HDMI offering, boasting breakthrough ultra wideband (UWB) technology that delivers the same quality of service as wired products. As a result, Gefen's Wireless HDMI Extender relies on airwaves to transmit compressed audio/video data that delivers data without interference from surrounding electronics. Encoding and compression are achieved with Analog Devicesâ JPEG 2000 compression technology.

"It's exciting to work with Gefen, a company that shares our vision for creating a completely wireless audio/video experience throughout the home," said Mike Gulett, president and CEO of Tzero. "Their product will dramatically simplify the installation of high-definition, flat panel TVs by eliminating expensive and difficult to install cables. The end result being greater flexibility and adoption for HDTV displays and services."

With a retail price of $499, Gefen's Wireless HDMI Extender (EXT-HDMI-Wireless) is a cost-effective alternative to wired extenders.

www.gefen.com