A new tri-chip called AR9004TB – originally developed by Qualcomm-acquired Atheros in conjunction with start-up Wilocity, is expected to significantly change the way HDTV videos are directly streamed from smartphones and tablets. Built on the existing WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0 technologies, the new chip adds support for the 60-gigahertz wireless frequency that is needed for high-speed transmission of high-definition videos.
As watching movies and television shows on-the-go using smartphones and tablets become increasingly popular, consumer electronics manufacturers are always looking for ways to converge and interconnect devices – allowing streaming of media and seamless integration of devices within networks. Currently, these devices use WiFi to stream content to HDTVs, but as more people use wireless transmission, WiFi speed is affected and video quality is haphazard at best. Besides, experts predict that by 2015, WiFi traffic will surpass wired networks and network bandwidth overloading may ensue if current trends continue.
The AR9004TB – the first standards-compliant multi-gigabit wireless chip – is expected to prevent such overloading, as instead of using WiFi’s 2.5-gigahertz and 5.0-gigahertz bands, videos will be exclusively streamed on the 60-gigahertz spectrum to assure faster transmission and consequently, better viewing experiences. The only requirement is for the chip to be installed on smartphones, tablets and televisions for these to work together seamlessly within a network.
HDTV manufacturers must upgrade existing WiFi hardware to support 60-gigahertz transmission, and the possibility of increasing wireless transfers by as much as ten times the current speeds is a good incentive by itself. However, a more compelling rationale for using the Qualcomm chip is the likelihood of being left out in the cold. The development and eventual adoption of the chip is supported by the Wireless Gigabit Alliance, that includes major players like Cisco, Microsoft, AMD, Intel, Samsung and Panasonic. The AR9004TB will be available for sampling beginning this summer.
