Ultrawideband gizmo transmits PCs widely

AN INVENTION that helps you broadcast messages from your PC onto big display screens could prove a double edged sword. It could put your work on public display when you don't want it to.

But, as Nikki.net reports, you won't have to worry just yet. It relies on ultrawideband being available in your office.

Silex Technology has developed a prototype system that uses wireless communications in the ultrawideband (UWB) spectrum to transmit signals from a personal computer to other nearby display systems so that the same high-quality images can be viewed in multiple places at virtually the same time.

The prototype system takes advantage of the greater bandwidth that UWB provides to display streams of HDTV-class video in multiple locations with no discernible time lag.

The system uses a chipset developed by Israeli firm Wisair Ltd. to compress and transmit the signals to receivers stationed 5-10 metres away. The receivers decompress the signals and convert them to analogue for display with projectors and on televisions and monitors.

Since the system is wireless, multiple displays can be set up in commercial facilities and event halls without the time and cost involved in laying cables.

Other wireless systems have been developed, but they work by first converting the video data into a file for transmission, so there is a time lag. In addition, special software is required on the receiving end.

Silex, a leading manufacturer and marketer of print servers, aims to have a commercial version of its system ready next year. µ