In an era where we’re constantly adding more and more channels for a fuller surround sound experience, it’s interesting to see a device designed to cater the opposite direction – going from multi-channel sound back down to stereo (left/right) sound.

The device in question? The GefenTV Digital Audio Decoder with Dolby Digital.

What does it exactly do? Converts Dolby Digital 5.1 signals into analog two-channel output.

You’ll find two inputs on the Digital Audio Decoder – a S/PDIF input and a TOSlink input. The unit then converts the signals into two-channel analog audio output. Users can switch between the two inputs using a selector on the decoder box.

The GefenTV Digital Audio Decoder is available now for $129 dollars.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: GefenTV Digital Audio Decoder

Just spotted a new PC Magazine review of that Gefen Wireless HDMI Extender system that began shipping last week. Unfortunately it appears the system could use a bit more tweaking.. but before I get into that, here are some interesting tidbits from the review:

• Easy setup – always a good thing
• Transmitter has a built-in auto-switching HDMI switch (2 HDMI ports)
• Supports up to 1080p/24p video
• Supports two-channel PCM up to 48kHz and Dolby Digital/DTS 5.1 channel audio
• It’s apparently pretty easy to interfere the wireless signal – bleh
• Moving video was OK up to about 30 feet
• Unfortunately some full motion scenes can cause video artifacts to be introduced
• Gaming adds about 85 to 90 ms audio/video delay  – booo

OK.. so here’s the bottom line from PC Mag:

“Gefen’s Wireless HDMI Extender is the first wireless HDMI we’ve tested, but its video-compression scheme can add distracting artifacts that hurt picture quality—plus it’s pricey.”

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Gefen, Gefen Wireless HDMI Extender

Gefen announces their UWB (Ultra-wideband) Wireless for HDMI Extender solution is now shipping. This particular wireless HDMI solution supports 1080p/24 fps video and 5.1 surround sound audio at distances up to 10 meters (33 feet). The solution consists of a sender and a receiver with the sender unit featuring two HDMI inputs and a component input with two-channel audio. This also means the sender acts as a source switcher – supporting up to 3 audio/video sources.

The only downside with wireless HDMI technologies thus far? The price. The Gefen UWB Wireless HDMI Extender system can be purchased for $999. Yeah.. that’s the price of a 40+ inch flat panel these days…

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Gefen UWB Wireless for HDMI Extender

It’s simply not enough to release one wireless HDMI product line – Gefen has gone ahead and announced three new wireless HDMI extenders – the “Wireless for HDMI UWB Extender”, the “GefenTV Wireless for HDMI 5GHz Extender”, and the “GefenTV Wireless for HDMI 60GHz extender”. All three use technology from different vendors to deliver full HD 1080p signals wirelessly. Here’s a quick rundown on the new product announcements from Gefen:

Wireless for HDMI UWB Extender:

• Utilizes TZero Technologies ultra-wideband to deliver 1080p/30 HD video with digital surround sound and two channel analog audio
• Up to 10 meter range
• Sender comes with two HDMI inputs and one component with analog audio input – auto switches for up to three HD sources
• All three sources output video in HDMI 1.2 on receiver end. Full forward compatibility for HDMI v. 1.3 sources and displays
• Users can also manually select sources using IR back channel remote or by selecting source on the device
• Full HDCP compliance
• Support for Dolby 5.1 surround sound
• IR blaster and IR receiver jacks
• Resolutions: 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i and 1080p@24Hz, 25Hz, and 30Hz
• Measures 6″ W x 2″ H x 4″ D
• MSRP of $999

GefenTV Wireless for HDMI 5GHz Extender

• Utilizes Amimon 5GHz Wireless HDTV technology
• Delivers 1080p/30 and 5.1 digital surround sound with two channel analog audio up to 30 meters in distance
• Sender and receiver both have one HDMI input and output – delivering point to point method of long distance HDMI transmissions
• Audio and video is delivered in uncompressed format
• HDCP compliance
• HDMI 1.3 forward compatibility
• Measures 6.5″ W x 1.5″ H x 6.5″ D
• MSRP of $899

GefenTV Wireless for HDMI 60GHz Extender

• Utilizes SiBEAM technology to deliver 1080p full HD with 5.1 digital surround sound and digital S/PDIF audio up to 10 meters in distance
• Uncompressed transmission of HDCP compliant signals
• No pictures nor price as of yet

Technorati Tags: Gefen, Wireless HDMI extenders