Thursday, June 12,2008 @ 4:15pm
Monster Cable goes wireless with HDTV transmitter
Monster Cable announced today it will offer a wireless transmitter for HDTV signals that will connect a home theater's TV set with a digital signal box or DVD player. The wireless system is comprised of a receiver that plugs into the HDTV's HDMI port along with a transmitter unit that will hook up with the signal source. Called Monster Digital Express HD, the set-up will also upscale non-HD signals to HD resolution.
The system is able to transmit a video signal up to 30 feet away using the ultra-wideband (UWB) technology from Sigma Designs. Earlier this year, Westinghouse showed off an LCD TV with built-in UWB technology for wireless HDTV streaming as well. Other companies are developing similar technologies, that are either faster (WirelessHD) or less costly though less reliable (Wi-Fi) than UWB.
Monster Cable made its name in high-quality interconnects and speaker wire, a segment hi-fi audio component manufacturers have traditionally ignored. The company's new system will have connections for a coaxial cable to extend its range up to 330 feet. The Monster Digital Express HD boxes will be available this October, priced at nearly $300.