Could 2008 be the year where we finally see CD quality wireless audio? I know.. we’ve been hearing it for years now yet wireless audio has been thoroughly disappointing. However, according to this video report from Michael Kanellos of News.com, 2008 just might be the year of the wireless thanks to a new low-cost high-yield wireless chipset from a company called Avnera. Direct from their website – “Avnera makes ICs and modules for both wireless transmitters and receivers for manufacturers to build into their products.”

How is Avnera capable of creating wireless audio chipsets capable of producing CD quality sound? Well there were a couple of factors:

• They created their own “real-time streaming transmission technology designed specifically for music”. Basically they created their own spec – forget existing specs which are ideal for data but not sound
• Avnera created a small spectrum footprint in the 2.4 GHz spectrum. This allows the system to choose from any of 40 possible channels – making it more resilient to interference. It also uses “a dynamic frequency selection algorithm to choose the optimal channel for communication.”
• It made the chipset CHEAP (for both receivers and transmitters). According to the News.com video report, they cost only $14 dollars!

Some of the first products to use Avnera technology include Acoustic Research wireless headphones (model AWD210) and the Rocketfish Wireless Rear Speaker Kit. Yes.. Rocketfish – the brand sold by Best Buy. Not the most extravagant looking device but according to Electronic House – rather effective!

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Avnera, Rocketfish, Acoustic Research, Wireless Audio