WirelessHD 1.0 Specification Launches With Widespread Industry Support

(Top News, 8 Jan 2008)

WirelessHD, currently comprised of Intel Corp., LG Electronics Inc., Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd (Panasonic), NEC Corp., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd, SiBEAM Inc., Sony Corp. and Toshiba Corp., recently 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, is a wireless high definition digital interface standard operating in the unlicensed and globally available 60GHz frequency band and represents the first consumer application of 60GHz 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 4Gbps 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.

"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," said Marshall.

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