UWB, wireless HDMI developer TZero shuts down
updated 12:10 pm EST, Thu February 12, 2009
TZero ceases operations
A company that focused on developing a wireless HDMI technology and standard, TZero, is out of business, a Thursday EETimes post notes. The company has been developing wireless HDMI technology using ultra-wideband (UWB) but has been forced to close prematurely by the poor market conditions that began last year. TZero joins Intel and others that have stopped their own in-house development of UWB.
Intel hasn't given up on the format but has decided to outsource UWB parts to Staccato, which merged with Artimi, while start-ups similar to TZero, like UWB proponents WiQuest and Focus Enhancements, are now extinct. Texas Instruments has similarly quit its UWB chip development. The few who do survive include smaller firms Wisair and Alereon as well as larger companies RealTek, ST/NXP Wireless and CSR.
TZero's exit from the industry comes somewhat as a surprise, as chief technology officer Rajeev Krishnamoorthy just last week announced the company has been planning to launch a low-voltage ultra-wideband chip for use in mobile devices. Samsung just this week beat TZero to market with word of its own Wireless USB moblie chip.



