I'm sure everyone here has seen their share of optical wireless transmission systems in their lifetime...
Oh, that's right, probably nobody has!

As far as wireless optical transmission systems go (I love saying that, it just sounds so technical), I'm under the impression that this new JVC system is towards the top of the pack. Yeah, it will cost you about $2000 USD to not lay a cable, but this is an uncompressed 1080i signal we're talking about here.

Japan Victor Corporation will release the "LW-HDW1," a wireless optical transmission system trasmitting both audio and 1080i HD video, in late November. Though it is listed as Open Price, the estimated retail price is around 210,000 yen. The nickname for the product is the "Luciole."

Using a wireless optical transmission technology with a throughput of 1.5Gbps, this is a wireless transmission system that can send/receive uncompressed HD-quality video. The transmission range is 1.5m ~ 10m, and it is intended for use in home theater rooms or living rooms. By being able to wirelessly connect tuners, DVD players, and other equipment used to display things, it is said that "you can construct a smart viewing environment."

The setup consists of four components: optical sending unit, transmission unit, transceiver unit, and optical receiving unit; video signals are inputted to the transmission unit. A cable runs from the transmission unit to the optical sending unit, and it is wirelessly connected to the optical receiving unit using an infrared laser. By using a cable that runs from the optical receiving unit to the transceiver unit, video is then output.

Supported transmission signals are 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i. Video signals other than 1080i will be upconverted to the format using an independently developed digital format. Video input ports o­n the transmission unit are Component, S-Video, Composite, and analog audio. Output ports o­n the transceiver unit are Component and analog audio.

Furthermore, since the laser is scattered using the "Eye Safe Optical System," the system maintains a level of safety in regards to people's eyes. Also, the signal employs an individual encryption system, so copyrights and privacy can be maintained.

The optical transmission unit features an automatically adjusting optical axis, so even during times of unexpected optical axis shifts, it will automatically adjust and match the optical axis again. Setup guides appear o­n the screen, and early setup steps are simplified in the manual.




Inspired by:
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20040916/victor.htm

News Release:
http://www.jvc-victor.co.jp/press/2004/lw-hdw1.html