Philips Ships Wireless HDMI HDTV System

Greg Tarr -- TWICE, 10/21/2009

Stamford, Conn. - Philips Electronics said Wednesday it is now shipping its Wireless HDTV Link, which wirelessly connects high-definition components to an HDTV display.

The Wireless HDTV Link SWW1800/27 will send a wireless signal in up to 1080p high-definition resolution wirelessly to a TV display from a source device as far as 75 feet away.

The Wireless HDTV Link is said to be an in-room solution based on 5 GHz WHDI technology, which enables signals to be sent across a room so that source devices can be stored out of sight without the need to run cables to the set.

The system consists of a transmitter, which is designed to resemble a source component, such as a Blu-ray Disc player, and a compact wireless receiver, which is small enough to be stored behind a flat-panel TV mounted on a wall.

The system connects up to two HDMI source devices and/or two component video devices.

Typical source devices for the system include HD cable set-top boxes, HD satellite receivers, Blu-ray Disc players and video game consoles.

The Wireless HDTV Link SWW1800/27 carries a $799 suggested retail and is available at launch through e-commerce retail partners including Amazon.com and Dell.com.

Nico Riggio, Philips Consumer Lifestyles parts and accessories A/V multimedia VP, said distribution for the system is expected to ramp up to brick-and-mortar retail accounts nationally in the late fourth quarter.

The system is also to be sold at Sam's Club, SamsClub.com and Costco.com beginning in November.

Although the system was designed for DIY setup, Riggio said he expects the SWW1800/27 to be a good option for custom installers as well.

"Wireless HDTV Link is technology that consumers are demanding - and Philips' wireless product provides solid HD performance and improves aesthetics of the home without the cost or hassle of a custom installation," said Riggio.

Riggio said the system was designed for optimal picture and sound quality. The signal is never compressed and retains all the attributes as if it were transmitted through a standard HDMI cable, he added.

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