Another CES press release, this time the WirelessHD consortium is announcing the release of the 1.0 version of the WirelessHD, or WiHD, specification. The consortium consists of Intel Corporation, LG Electronics Inc., Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (Panasonic), NEC Corporation, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, SiBEAM, Inc., Sony Corporation and Toshiba Corporation. Initially announced in October 2006, the specification is finally ready for use in consumer products. WiHD uses unlicensed 60GHz spectrum to transfer data at speeds of 4Gbps to stream HD video wirelessly between devices in the home. It is intended to provide a standardized way to wirelessly connect HD source devices – DVRs, Blu-ray players, HD DVD players, cable STBs, etc – to HD displays, replacing wired connections such as HDMI. It would additionally allow users to view HD content on portable displays, within the range of the transmitter.
We may see WiHD in devices later this year, but it isn’t the only proposed system for wirelessly connecting HD displays. But with the backing from major vendors WiHD has, it has a good chance of becoming the de facto standard.
The press release:
Jan 03, 2008 00:01
WirelessHD(TM) 1.0 Specification Launches With Widespread Industry Support
WirelessHD Encouraged by Industry Involvement and Support From CE Industry, Test Equipment Manufacturers, DTLA and MPAA
SUNNYVALE, Calif. –(Business Wire)– Jan. 3, 2008 WirelessHD, currently comprised of Intel Corporation, LG Electronics Inc., Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (Panasonic), NEC Corporation, SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS, CO., LTD, SiBEAM, Inc., Sony Corporation and Toshiba Corporation, today announced it has completed the development of the first wireless specification for high-definition baseband video transmission and will present the format to Adopters in early 2008. Additionally, since the October 2006 WirelessHD announcement, it has grown to include 40 Early Adopter and Promoter companies as well as technical support with regards to content protection for WirelessHD 1.0 from the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and technical support for DTCP content protection from the Digital Transmission Licensing Administrator (DTLA).
WirelessHD or WiHD(TM), is a wireless high definition digital interface standard operating in the unlicensed and globally available 60 GHz frequency band and represents the first consumer application of 60 GHz technology. It is suitable for a wide range of devices including televisions, HD disc players, set-top boxes, camcorders, gaming consoles, adapter products, as well as other source devices.
Completion of the WirelessHD specification enables CE manufacturers to focus on their WirelessHD-based product development efforts. WirelessHD’s 4 Gbps high-speed wireless digital interface and secure content protection technology ensures that future products developed based on the specification will provide consumers with a secure, quick and easy way to connect, play, transmit and port their HD content among a wide range of devices. The specification also includes provisions for universal remote control of all WirelessHD compliant devices.
Recognizing WirelessHD’s prioritization of content protection, the Motion Picture Association of America will work with the special interest group to protect film copyrights during wireless in-room transmission.
“The major motion picture studios are actively engaged in the development of innovative new solutions that give consumers greater flexibility and more choices for how and where they access and enjoy movies and television shows,” said Jim Williams, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). “As this process evolves it is imperative to foster a secure environment that protects this high-value content from rampant theft and illegal redistribution. WirelessHD has worked closely with us in meeting these critical goals, and we are encouraged by WirelessHD’s commitment to foster content protection in the wireless, digital age.”
“With the completion of the WirelessHD specification, consumer electronics manufacturers can focus on their WirelessHD-based product development efforts,” said John Marshall, Chairman of WirelessHD. “This important industry initiative will change the way manufacturers develop and market devices, as well as reshape how consumers interface with these products.”
WirelessHD has commenced development of its compliance program and associated test specification plan. WirelessHD is also preparing a logo usage and license program that will permit consumers to properly recognize interoperable WirelessHD products. In conjunction with this program, WirelessHD has garnered support of major test equipment manufacturers.
“Industry response to the creation of the WirelessHD group has significantly surpassed expectations and we look forward to broad industry adoption,” stated John Marshall, Chairman of WirelessHD.
In the development of this industry initiative, WirelessHD looks to build momentum at this time by inviting interested companies to join WirelessHD as Adopters. Interested companies can visit http://www.WirelessHD.org or email info@wirelesshd.org to learn more about how to become a WirelessHD Adopter.
About WirelessHD
Formed in 2006, Intel Corporation, 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 http://www.wirelesshd.org.
WirelessHD Primary Contact: Stearns Johnson Communications Joshua Steinfeld, 415-397-7600 jsteinfeld@stearnsjohnson.com Pamela Njissang, 415-397-7600 pnjissang@stearnsjohnson.com or Intel Corporation Megan Langer, 503-712-4305 Megan.e.langer@intel.com or LG Electronics Inc. Jeon Beom Jin (Paul), +82-2-526-4065 bjjeon@lge.com or Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (Panasonic) Akira Kadota, Corporate Communications, +81-3-3578-1237 Panasonic News Bureau, +81-3-3542-6205 or NEC Corporation Diane Foley, +81-3-3798-6511 d-foley@ax.jp.nec.com or SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS, CO., LTD Seockdeock Hong, +82-031-200-3843 sd.hong@samsung.com or SiBEAM, Inc. Lianne Caetano, 408-245-3120 ext. 132 lcaetano@sibeam.com or Sony Corporation Shinji Obana, Corporate Communications, +81-3-5448-2200 Shinji.Obana@jp.sony.com or Toshiba Corporation Corporate Communications Office Yuko Sugahara, +81-3-3457-2105 http://www.toshiba.co.jp/contact/media.htm
