Radiospire Networks announced it has successfully implemented the consumer electronics control (CEC) functionality into its AirHook wireless HDMI technology. CEC is an optional part of the HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) specification that uses the industry standard AV Link protocol and allows a user to control multiple CEC-enabled boxes with one remote control and allows individual CEC-enabled boxes to command and control each other without user intervention.
The AirHook system requires 1.7 GHz of unlicensed spectrum to achieve a 1.6 Gbps transfer rate, which is sufficient to send uncompressed HDTV, without the complexity of MIMO or beam-forming technology. Radiospire Networks’ AirHook chip set is designed to operate in any unlicensed RF spectrum where there is sufficient bandwidth.
Quantum Data is the creator of the HDMI-CEC Development and Compliance Suite used by Radiospire.
“Radiospire’s inclusion of the CEC feature in its AirHook technology will be very helpful in expanding wireless connectivity in the living room, as well as increasing its attractiveness to display and other CE manufacturers,” said Mark Stockfisch, Quantum Data vice president and chief technology officer. “CEC functionality is a real bonus for consumers and our HDMI-CEC test solutions have been instrumental in bringing CEC to market without interoperability problems.”
Paul Powers, the CEO of Radiospire, noted that CEC compliance is becoming increasingly more important to consumers, due to the growth in the number of remotely controlled entertainment devices making their way into the home.
“Although the number of entertainment peripherals in the average living room continues to grow, the number of remote controls and complexity in commands should not have to,” said Powers. “As HDMI cables make it easier for devices to communicate both with each other and with the user’s single remote, wireless cable replacement solutions must do the same. AirHook is designed to replace HDMI cables with a better, more cost-effective and attractive solution—which means delivering not only the same picture quality, but the ease of use that comes from the ability to utilize the CEC channel as well.”
