UWB monitor link demonstrated

Fast wireless connection could transform digital home - not to mention mobile computing

A Cambridge company has demonstrated a monitor and PC linked by Ultra Wideband (UWB) wireless technology which was recently approved for use in Europe – though new or amended legislation is required before it can be used in the UK.

The technology, from DisplayLink, could finally eliminate the much-eroded distinction between a TV and a monitor because it could allow any device to use any screen within range. This could have a profound knock-on effect on device design (see How the death of TV sets could change mobile computing ).

DisplayLink specializes in designing compression chips for video-streams over a variety of links. Its UWB link demonstration at the 3GSM show in Barcelona used two modules, the DL-120 and DL-1260, designed respectively for streaming to 1.5-megapixel and 2-megapixel displays.

They were used in conjunction with Intel's WiMedia UWB chips. A company statement said the links delivered real-time, full motion DVD-quality playback in 32bit colour, though DL-1260 specs indicate that it could stream HDTV.

DisplayLink, formerly Newnham Technology, is one of many companys that have sprung up around Cambridge University in the area known as Silicon Fen. Its research facilities are till based in Cambridge thought the company headquarters are now in Palo Alto, California.