CES Theme: Wireless HDTVs

Several manufacturers showed wireless high definition televisions. The idea is that full HD (1080p, uncompressed) video as well as audio can be transmitted to the television. This frees you from having to run an HDMI cable to the display. Theoretically this makes for a cleaner installation if you hang the TV on a wall. But of course you still have to get AC power to the display.
 
Here is Panasonic's press release on the subject:
 
 
PANASONIC PREMIERES WIRELESS HDTV

 
VIERA Z1 Series Debuts One-Inch Thin Design, New Screen Size and Expanded VIERA Cast Functionality

 
LAS VEGAS, NV (January 7, 2009) – Panasonic Corporation of North America (NYSE: PC), the industry leader in high definition and Plasma HDTV, today introduced its flagship1080p one-inch thin Z1 Plasma series. The NeoPDP HDTV features, in addition to the one-inch design and separate tuner box configuration, WirelessHD™ technology to deliver the ultimate in sleek, uncluttered panel cabling setup and an expansion of last year’s innovative internet enabled VIERA Cast™ functionality, that now incorporates Amazon’s Video-on-Demand service. The Z1 series will be available in the summer of 2009 in the new 54-inch class (54”measured diagonally) TC-P54Z1.
 
 
WirelessHD technology can transmit full HD video signals, and audio and control signals wirelessly. This wireless transmission system was developed by Panasonic in collaboration with SiBEAM Inc.  It can transmit uncompressed 1080p full HD content wirelessly with no deterioration in quality by using 60GHz millimeter wave radio.  The picture on the screen goes undisturbed even when people interrupt the wireless communication path, and overcomes the highly directional nature of millimeter wave radio. This is achieved by incorporating beam steering technology.  The Z1 will be certified with the WirelessHD Compliance Test, which meets the standard, procedures and equipment specifications established by the WirelessHD Promoters to assist Adopters in verifying WirelessHD product compliance.* Also, VIERA Link™ functionality is available via this wireless connection, allowing users to control all interconnected, compatible components using only the TV’s remote control.
 
 
             
The NeoPDP VIERA Z1 produces a brighter picture, deeper blacks, improved native contrast ratio (40,000:1) and 1080 TV lines of moving picture  resolution. VIERA CAST was introduced in 2008 to critical acclaim, and for 2009 it has been extended to three VIERA model series. The addition of Amazon’s VOD service on VIERA CAST allows the consumer to stream video from Amazon’s extensive library. The Z1 model features 1080p resolution; is a THX® Certified Display; Infinite Black contrast; 600Hz Sub-field Drive; the VIERA Image Viewer™ function that can play back both digital still images and H.264 HD video recorded on an SD Memory Card, and VIERA Link, a technology that allows the user to operate all of their compatible home entertainment components with a single remote.
 
 
 
 
“The Z1 series continues Panasonic’s commitment to technological advances that are geared to provide the consumer with the best possible entertainment experience and value,” said Bob Perry, Executive Vice President, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “At Panasonic we have always prided ourselves on listening to our customers and wireless connectivity is a technology that constantly rated high on the consumer’s wish list. With that in mind and the recognition that design now plays a vital role in the development of television, our engineers developed the Z1 with its beautiful one-inch design and wireless capability.”
 
 

* To learn more about Wireless HD Compliant Test, please visit www.wirelesshd.org.
 
Here is LG's press material on wireless HD:
 

What makes the LHX series even better is that there is no clutter of cables to distract the viewer, thanks to LG’s world first wireless 1080p Full HD TV technology. In LG’s premium LHX and LH85, the company’s wireless technology delivers completely uncompressed, 1080p “Full HD” picture quality. There is only a single power cord that plugs directly into the TV – all of the rest, from DVD players to game consoles and set-top boxes are attached to a separate unit that can be placed up to 30 feet away from the TV and still wirelessly transmit perfect picture quality.
“Consumers don’t need to sacrifice picture quality for more convenience,” said Mr. Kwon. “The LHX and LH85 play the latest Blu-ray discs and video games at the highest quality with LG’s outstanding wireless 1080p Full HD TV technology, because we want our consumers to be absolutely satisfied with every aspect of the TV viewing experience.”