The technology behind wireless TV routers is still in the process of being fully developed. However, Apple has announced its intentions to manufacture a product known as iTV. This is essentially a wireless TV router that will allow users to download movies from a system, such as iTunes™ and then play those movies on a standard or high-definition television set. While this can be done now, it requires connecting a computer by wires to the TV set.
Another technology in development is known as WHDI, or wireless home digital interface. A number of companies are responsible for developing this technology. They include: Sony, AMIMON, Hitachi, Motorola, Samsung and Sharp. Together, these companies are setting a standard for a new type of wireless TV router that will cater specifically to high-definition applications.
The demand for a fully functional wireless TV router is growing. With TVs becoming flatter and lighter, the locations where they can be placed continues to expand. However, unsightly wires make some locations impractical, or unattractive, without a great deal of additional work, such as running wires behind walls.
Further, with more TVs in more rooms of the home, it may take a lot of extra cable to fully outfit each set. With a wireless TV router, the hardware setup would become as simple as plugging the router in and making sure each television was connected. However, before this happens, there are still some obstacles to overcome.
As with any new technology, standardization will be a big key in order to get such products on the market in an affordable and acceptable form. For those waiting for such technology, it should be encouraging that WHDI has so many industry leaders working on a product together. This helps with standardization.
Another obstacle will be existing televisions, which are not outfitted to receive wireless signals such as the kind that will be utilized by a wireless TV router. In order to take advantage of such technology, users will either have to replace television sets with sets that can receive those signals, or buy an adapter for existing televisions. So even after buying the wireless TV router, there is likely to be some additional expense.
