Consortium develops first wireless HD specs

The WirelessHD consortium of major electronics firms has completed development of the first wireless specification for HD baseband video transmission.

WirelessHD is a 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 and other source devices.

The group currently comprises Intel, LG, Panasonic, NEC, Samsung, SiBeam, Sony and Toshiba.

Since forming in October 2006, WirelessHD has grown to include 40 'Early Adopter' and 'Promoter' companies.

The group also has technical support for content protection for WirelessHD 1.0 from the Motion Picture Association of America, and digital transmission content protection from the Digital Transmission Licensing Administrator.

"With the completion of the WirelessHD specification, consumer electronics manufacturers can focus on WirelessHD-based product development," 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 boasts a 4Gbps high-speed wireless digital interface and secure content protection technology, and aims to provide a secure, quick and easy way to connect, play, transmit and port HD content among a range of devices.

The specification also includes provisions for universal remote control of all WirelessHD compliant devices.

The MPAA has said that it will work with WirelessHD to protect film copyright during wireless in-room transmission.