The best hdmi adapters for TV. Wireless WiFi adapter for TV. What, why, how much and where. Who needs it

If you have a TV, but it does not have a built-in Wi-Fi module, but you want to connect the TV to your home network and watch movies and other media content, transmitting them via Wi-Fi, or connect a phone or tablet to the TV and duplicate their content, whether then photos or videos on a large screen, that is, it is possible to connect an external HDMI Wi-Fi adapter. Instead of a TV, a regular monitor can also be used if it has an HDMI input.

How to connect and duplicate content from your phone or tablet?

The test TV, the functionality of which we will expand, will be Philips 32PFL7403D/12.

  1. We connect ours to a free HDMI connector on the TV and remember the number of this HDMI (1, 2, 3, etc.).
  2. We connect the USB cable from Anycast to the corresponding port on the TV for power.
  3. Turn on the TV and select HDMI as the data source (I have the Source button on the remote control) with the number to which Anycast is connected. One of the menus should appear on the screen as in the photo below. Switching between menus is done with the “Fn” button, which was discussed above.
  4. You need to switch to the mode where Mode: Miracast.

Settings - Display - Display (on Android 4.2.2) or

Settings - Media Output (Android 4.2.2 on HTC)

Settings - More - PlayTo (on Android 4.4.2)

Settings - More - Projector (Android 5.1 on Meizu)

As you can see, for different versions of Android and different devices the path is slightly different, but the essence is the same, in the settings you need to find the menu item through which you can connect to other screens. Our HDMI Wi-Fi adapter should appear in this menu item; for me it was displayed as anycast-d400ff. Next, you need to select the found adapter and after 7-10 seconds, screen duplication will begin.

How to connect and play content fromWindows?

Here we will look at connecting a PC running Windows 8.1 using DLNA technology. The first three points (see above) are the same as when connecting a phone or tablet.

  1. Next, use the “Fn” key to switch to Mode: DLNA/Airplay/Airmirror.
  2. Now we turn on Wi-Fi on the computer and look for our anycast-d400ff device. We connect to it as a regular access point, using the password: 12345678. The red cross between the connection of mobile devices and the Anycast image should disappear on the TV screen.
  3. Open the browser and go to the address indicated under the QR code on the TV screen. The adapter settings page should open.
  4. Click on the first circle with the image of Wi-Fi, on the page that opens, click on the circle with the image of the locator and the caption “Scan”. After scanning, your home Wi-Fi network should appear in the list; you need to select it, enter its password in the Password field and click Connect. If everything works, the word Connected will appear next to the home network name, and the red cross between the Anycast connection and the image of the Wi-Fi router will disappear on the TV screen.
  5. Now we launch the media file in Windows Media Player, right-click on the file name in the playlist and select PlayTo and anycast-d400ff from the menu that opens. The connection will occur and the file should play on the TV.

8.1 Not all files are supported by the Windows player; for example, a movie with the MKV extension cannot be played through it. In order not to limit yourself to the capabilities of a standard Windows player and view other files, you can install a special program Home Media Server (UPnP, DLNA, HTTP), it is free and designed specifically for transferring photo, audio and video files to home network devices.

8.2 Generally speaking, you can also mirror a computer screen onto a TV, just as it works with a phone or tablet. I found online how to do this. In short, the essence of the method of such connection is to perform steps 1 - 7, then you need (under Windows 8 (8.1)) to call up the right slide-out menu - then “Devices” and here our connected Anycast device should appear. But because This method didn’t work for me, I can’t describe it in more detail. If you managed to duplicate your computer screen onto your TV, share your method in the comments.

P.S. You can also connect a mouse and keyboard to your phone or tablet and at the same time duplicate the image on the TV screen. It will turn out to be a kind of mini computer based on your gadget, but with a large TV screen. I’ll write how to do this next time (). Subscribe to blog updates so you don't miss out.

HDMI is a widely accepted audio and video transmission standard that is a high-definition multimedia interface that has revolutionized audio and video interfaces and has almost completely replaced analog technologies. The fact that over 4 billion HDMI devices have been sold is an undeniable testament to its success.

The idea behind the interface was to eliminate the clutter caused by too many connecting wires. Previously, there was a separate cable for video and one for each audio channel, and the connectors themselves were not very beautiful. HDMI has become a panacea, replacing many cables with one.

But what if you completely abandon wires and use all the features of the standard in a wireless connection? This is possible, and our article is intended to help users resolve this issue.

Every time a new product hits the market, manufacturers offer a variety of options. When it comes to wireless streaming over HDMI, there are a few things you need to take note of in order to come to the right decision.

Variety of standards

HDMI cables appeared in 2003. If you look at it from a technology lifecycle perspective, the interface has definitely reached a level of maturity and it's time for something new.

As with cables, there are several options for wireless HDMI streaming. WHDI, WirelessHD and WiGig technologies are competing for industry leadership.

WHDI provides uncompressed HD video over the radio. In technical terms, it uses a 20 MHz wide channel at 5 GHz. Increasing the bandwidth proportionally increases the transmission speed and reduces the coverage area. The signal reception radius reaches 30 m.

The advantages of the standard include the ability to transmit through walls, furniture and windows, as well as support for 4K resolution. Its disadvantage is the lack of support from the main market players.

The Kramer KW-11 Wireless HDMI Transmitter is an example of a WHDI implementation. This is an HDMI stick that connects to the interface directly or via a cable. The receiver is powered from an AC power supply or via a direct connection to a computer via a miniUSB connector. After turning on, both parts of the kit must find a free channel and establish communication, which will be indicated by the corresponding LED indicator. After this, a connection to the source signal is established. This is indicated by the “Video” indicator lighting up.

Wireless HD

WiHD operates similar to 802.11ad on 4 2.16 GHz wide channels in the 57-64 GHz frequency range and provides video, audio and data transmission. The advantage of the technology is the ability to broadcast uncompressed audio and video at extremely high speeds. 3D and 4K are also supported. Its disadvantages include a limited operating range (up to 10 m) and the need for line of sight between the transmitter and receiver due to the absorption of electromagnetic radiation by surrounding objects. To overcome this, technology is used to generate a directional signal and reflect from walls. Since the wavelength is 5 mm, the components are small enough to fit into tablets, smartphones and cameras along with antennas.

In addition, the standard replaces DisplayPort and 3G HD-SDI. It allows you to broadcast up to 4 video streams with a maximum data transfer rate of 28.5 Gbps. This is enough to operate a wireless HDMI 4K transmitter.

WiGig

Members of the WiGig alliance include some of the biggest names in the technology industry such as AMD, Apple, Nvidia, Nokia, Intel, Sony, etc. This specification allows devices to communicate at 60 GHz at speeds of several gigabits per second. Wireless HDMI video transmitters based on WiGig technology support all 3 frequency bands currently in use, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 60 GHz. The minimum size band is capable of broadcasting in 1080p/60 format with minimal compression at a speed of 3 Gbit/s. To avoid interference, multiple connections can be established using directional signal technology.

What options are available?

All wireless HDMI solutions can be divided into 2 large groups.

Most solutions of the first type require a wireless HDMI transmitter connected to the source, such as a PC, and a receiver connected to the TV. These devices use the standards mentioned above. The advantages of this option are obvious. Unlike wireless HDMI transmitters that operate at 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, these devices use the less cluttered higher frequency bands. This makes them very reliable. Higher frequencies allow uncompressed signals to be broadcast.

The disadvantage of this approach is the need to connect the transmitting and receiving devices. Since this requires either an HDMI port or a USB port, this solution is not suitable for smartphones and tablets. There is a need for adapters.

An example of devices of this type is the wireless HDMI transmitter U-140 A. The kit is designed for broadcasting high-definition video and stereo or 5.1 audio in digital format over a distance of up to 10 m. The transmitter does not require additional power, and the receiver is connected via a network adapter or USB port. Once connected, you need to install the DisplayLink drivers.

HDMI transmission over Wi-Fi

This is a very widely used solution. Nowadays, most TVs and display devices come with Wi-Fi support and this can be effectively used to stream content. Not all of them are equipped with built-in network cards. This is where products like Airtame come into play. This is an HDMI receiver for streaming over your existing wireless network or your own WiFi connection. All you need to do is install the app on the source device you want to stream content from and connect it to the same network as Airtame. The computer is connected to the TV by pressing a single on-screen button.

This solution does not require connecting an external wireless HDMI signal transmitter. It's much easier to set up. Since the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency band is used, the coverage area is much larger. The signal can be transmitted effectively through walls without the need for additional equipment. Moreover, devices like Airtame work on all platforms such as Mac, Windows, ChromeOS, Android, and iOS.

Other examples of 802.11a/n Wi-Fi systems capable of broadcasting high-definition video signals include Apple TV, Chromecast (Google), Miracast, WiDi and AllShareCast (Samsung).

A wireless HDMI transmitter is required if your display device does not support Wi-Fi. The data is slightly compressed due to the use of 2.4/5 GHz frequencies. But this only becomes noticeable when broadcasting to a very large display. However, in areas with moderate to high Wi-Fi activity, this type of connection is prone to dropouts and intermittent operation. This is due to the limited number of communication channels and the use of a basic level Internet video transmission protocol. As a result, there is a delay in the signal and devices must buffer it.

Wireless HDMI transmitter DNS T-007 is based on DLNA and Miracast technologies. It is a miniature device the size of a flash drive. Connects to an HDMI connector to receive data from a smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc. Powered via the miniUSB port. Wireless HDMI transmitter DNS T-007 provides broadcasting in 1080p format from sources running on the Android 4.2 platform and higher, which support Wi-Fi Miracast.

Devices using the Wi-Fi Direct standard provide more reliable transmission. Over short distances there will be less interference from other 802.11x sources.

Another standard, 802.11ac, promises even faster transfer speeds by combining multiple channels to create 40, 60, 80, and 160 MHz bands with multi-channel speeds of 1 GB/s and channel throughput of up to 500 Mbps. This solution requires significant data compression.

Is wireless streaming necessary? There are many arguments in its favor. Below are some situations where wireless transmission is an easy and convenient alternative to HDMI cables.

Situation No. 1: several TVs in different rooms

Owners of large houses often have 2 or more televisions in rooms far apart from each other. Before the advent of wireless HDMI video transmitters, it was almost impossible to deliver content without cables. But now everything has become simpler. If you have a wireless HDMI transmitter and receiver, then just connect the first to the device broadcasting the content, and the second to the TV. When one display is in the living room and the other in the bedroom, you only need to reinstall the receiver on the other one to be able to receive the signal in a different location. If you use wireless data sending over a Wi-Fi network, then you just need to connect a TV and a transmitting device to it.

Situation #2: Game console

When you want to play your favorite computer game with friends, but the TV usually used for this is busy, then thanks to new wireless solutions you can transfer content from the game console to any other screen.

The connection procedure is similar to situation No. 1, except that broadcasting using applications through the game console is not possible. Please note that the wireless HDMI transmitter and receiver must be positioned so that the signals can travel long distances without attenuation. It is also necessary to keep in mind that this solution creates delays that are unacceptable for some games.

Situation #3: Presentation in a conference room

Instead of having everyone sit around a screen, you can show off your work in the office on a large TV display or using a projector. The presentation will be seen by everyone, which will facilitate the perception and understanding of the ideas presented.

Situation #4: Use in classrooms and meeting rooms

Wireless streaming via HDMI has brought significant changes to many educational institutions. In the past, most institutions had projectors that only supported VGA or S-Video. With the increasing number of equipped classrooms, it has become difficult to manage the large number of cables. And with a new trend growing around the world, institutions have started encouraging students to bring their own laptops for presentations. The problem is that most new models don't have VGA or HDMI ports.

In such a situation, wireless streaming has proven to be a boon for educational institutions. This not only reduced cable connection problems, but also reduced troubleshooting time. Beyond classrooms, wireless technology has made its way into university and college conference rooms, where presentations and group work have become more attractive.

Situation #5: Want to get rid of all cables

This situation may resonate with many as the point of wireless streaming is to reduce the number of wired connections. Everyone wants their surroundings to look attractive, be it the living room or the boardroom. The increase in the number of cables is not conducive to maintaining a clean space. Wireless transmission via HDMI port is intuitive and innovative. It helps you organize everything without worrying about multiple cables.

Flaws

As a rule, almost every good thing has its drawbacks. When HDMI was first introduced, almost all major companies adopted the standard, despite its obvious shortcomings. These include distance limitations, switching delays, and higher cost compared to analog solutions. Nevertheless, the standard was accepted by everyone.

The first and most obvious disadvantage of wireless solutions is the price. They tend to be more expensive due to the technology and equipment used. Another disadvantage is the limitation in range and quality of reception. Higher frequency bands provide better quality but shorter range, while lower frequency bands provide better coverage, albeit at lower data rates. To choose the optimal option, you need to achieve a balance between the operating range and the required signal quality. It's also worth keeping in mind that some devices are designed for home use, while others are designed for business use.

The solution is based on WHDI wireless technology, which delivers 3 Gbps speeds in the 5 GHz frequency band, also used by 802.11n routers, with very low signal latency to allow mouse and keyboard input to be displayed quickly.

WAVI consists of two parts. The wireless HDMI transmitter is installed near the PC and connected to it. The receiver is located near the TV, connects to it via the HDMI port and has 2 USB connectors. After installing the drivers, just turn on both devices, change the input to the HDMI port, and the PC screen will appear on the TV display.

According to user reviews, the installation procedure is complicated by the fact that the included drivers on the CD are outdated, so you have to download new files from the manufacturer’s website. However, even with new drivers, there are problems with the USB connection for working with a wireless keyboard and mouse, as well as with a wired mouse. The signal is too weak for a stable image even at a distance of 15 m. Even in one room 10 meters away it drops by 20%, although there are no delays or lost frames.

The image quality is excellent. Although ghosting is visible around the mouse pointer, 1080p movies don't suffer from lag or other artifacts. The game's graphics are great, but gamers will notice lag when using mouse input.

The main concern is the price. The Asus WAVI Wireless HDMI Transmitter is a very expensive way to display the contents of your PC screen on your TV. There are much simpler solutions. For example, using game consoles or a media streamer that provides access to multimedia content on the home network. Some TVs come with LAN and DLNA support for direct access to network resources.

The only unique thing that WAVI allows is remote gaming on a PC using a large TV screen. With (slightly unreliable) keyboard and mouse support, this wireless HDMI TV transmitter is a unique, if very specialized, offering.

This is a wireless HDMI transmitter and receiver that broadcasts the signal over a distance of up to 30 m, even through walls. LEDs indicate the connection between the source and the display, as well as the transfer of video between them. The transmitter automatically selects the best available frequency, so there's no need to worry about interference. 128-bit AES encryption ensures the signal remains private. Infrared remote control is supported.

The signal can be received by 4 receivers simultaneously with a maximum speed of 6.75 Gbps. And one receiver can be connected to 3 transmitters.

If there is no signal for 3 minutes, the Kramer KW-14 goes into sleep mode. Multi-screen and HDCP media content protection technology are supported.

Atlona LinkCast

This solution is based on WHDI technology and can combine up to 5 sources. The Atlona LinkCast Wireless HDMI Transmitter is compatible with any home theater system, HDTV, HD monitor or video projector, as well as PCs, DVD and Blu-ray players, network media players and other devices with both HDMI and USB inputs -port. Provides video broadcasting with resolution up to 1080p in 2D or 3D. The wireless transmission range reaches about 12 m. Audio in Dolby Digital/DTS or PCM standards is supported.

The kit includes HDMI and USB cables, as well as a small remote control that allows you to switch between different signal sources. According to user reviews, the image appears after 2-3 s, and the sound after another 1 s.

Overall, while not a perfect device, the Atlona LinkCast is a flexible and cost-effective solution.

I have repeatedly come across information that you can connect a smartphone or tablet to a TV using such a thing as Airplay/DLNA/Miracast, I became interested, bought it, tried it and decided to tell you :)

In general, this purchase was partly due to the fact that there were a relatively large number of points left in the store account and there was information that by the end of March they could “burn out”, it was a pity to lose and decided to buy something useful along the way.

Actually, I’ll start with what this thing actually represents in a simplified form.
A small box in the format of a flash drive, but with an HDMI plug, is plugged into a TV or monitor, if there is USB, then we take power from it, if not, then plus a small power supply.
Then we connect it on a smartphone or tablet via WiFi and use it as a second screen. Actually, this is what I needed, you can turn on a movie on your smartphone and watch it on TV, but at the same time have the ability to have full control, blunder :)

But I will try to tell (and show) all this in more detail in the review, but for now the technical characteristics of this device.
CPU: AM8252, Single Core
RAM: 128MB,DDR3
ROM: 128MB

Decoder Format: "HD MPEG1/2/4,AVS,H.263,H.264,H.264/AVC,H.265,HD MPEG1/2/4,HD MPEG4,RealVideo8/9/10,RM/RMVB
Video format: AVI,DAT,DIVX,MKV,MP4,MPEG1,MPEG2,MPEG4,MPG,RM,RMVB,TS,WMV
Audio format: AAC,MP3,OGG,WMA
Photo Format: BMP,JPEG
Support 5.1 Surround Sound Output: No

5G WiFi: No
Power Supply: USB Port
Interface: HDMI
Language: Multi-language
HDMI Version: 1.3

The device comes in a neat white box.

On the back of the package there is information about the availability of an HDMI output with 1080p support, as well as the address of the manufacturer’s website.
The delivery set is spartan, the device itself, instructions and power cable.
The instructions are colorful, in English, there is a version on the website.
Well, the power cable is about one meter long, and although the device only needs power, the cable included is complete. When connected to a computer, it displays a message that an unknown device was found.

As I said at the very beginning, it looks like a flash drive, although full-fledged computers are now being produced in this form factor.

On one of the long sides there is a power connector, on the other the only control is a button. The button is only needed to switch the Airplay/Miracast operating mode; the device turns on automatically.

The housing cover can be moved towards the connector, although this function is not entirely clear to me. If it’s used as protection for the connector, then it’s useless; dust will still get in; if it’s used as an extractor to make it easier to remove from the TV connector, then it’s also unlikely.

I won’t beat around the bush, I’ll go straight inside.
To disassemble, you must first remove the cover, and then separate the halves of the case, they are latched.

Inside there is a relatively simple board, although by and large it is a weak microcomputer. On top is the processor (SoC), RAM and WiFi module.

Below are flash memory, power converters and antenna.
Yes, so modestly, 128MB of RAM and flash memory, processor, WiFi and power :)

A little more about the filling.
1 . Processor (SoC) AM8252B, operating at 600 MHz, maximum resolution 1920x1080. And although the processor did not have a heatsink, I did not find it overheating.
2 . 128MB SKhynix RAM
3 . WiFi module based on the RTL8188 chip manufactured by Realtek. It only works at 2.4 GHz. Although the communication frequency is indicated in the software, it is quite possible that there are devices with 5 GHz, but not in this case.
4 . Printed WiFi antenna. The connection behaves a little strangely, but more on that towards the end of the review.
5. Flash memory made by Toshiba, quite good. In general, I was a little surprised that branded components were used; I expected to see nameless RAM and Foresee flash.
6. Three converters are grouped next to each other, based on the same chips, on the other side of the board there are three identical chokes, nice and simple.

The first (as well as any other) inclusion. The screen displays:
Airplay/Miracast operating mode, I think the difference is clear from the pictures.
Device SSID and password for connection.
Connection status, displays the connection status of the smartphone to the device and the device to the router.
Device IP address and QR code in Airplay mode.

Connecting a smartphone or tablet running Android (which is what the device was used for). The connection is made in Miracast mode.
There are two options here, either you won’t be able to do this at all or everything will be extremely simple.
The fact is that the connection requires WiFi support for the monitor, but not all smartphones have it. For example, my Doogee X5 Max does not have it, nor does Cubot rainbow, but Vernee Thor has it and works great.

And so, the connection is made in five clicks, go to the settings menu.
1. Go to the menu - Screen.
2. Find in the list - WiFi monitor
3. In the upper right corner, enable this operating mode
4. Click on the line that appears with the name of the device.
We wait 10 seconds for connection, that’s it.

For some phones, this mode may be called - Broadcast, also if the phone or tablet supports FullHD (Vernee thor only 720p), then the broadcast resolution setting will be available. Please note that as the resolution increases, the device will be more demanding in terms of communication quality.

On the TV screen you will then receive a copy of the screen of your smartphone/tablet. Don’t be alarmed if it’s vertical, the image on TV completely matches the screen of your device; if you move your smartphone to a horizontal position, the same thing will happen on the TV.

I carried out the first part of the tests on a TV, because its resolution is somewhat different from the usual FullHD and, in addition, the image from the smartphone almost does not fit into the screen. but it shows quite well.

There are also no problems with the video, everything is fine. Moreover, I tried the video playback option from YouTube. Those. the video was played online, and then sent to the TV via the same WiFi, the lag was about 0.2--0.3 seconds depending on the distance.

A small demo video showing the process of connection, operation and disconnection.

Although I didn’t need to connect the tablet under Windows, curiosity got the better of me and I decided to try it too, there are a little more possibilities here, but the connection is also more complicated.

DLNA mode first.
We open the list of available access points and find PTV-xxxxxxx there, connect, the connection password is on the TV screen.

After this, the Playback Device will appear in the list of devices.
The barcode scanner is not mine, I found it by accident when I tried to look for the device in a different way, apparently one of my neighbors has it :)))))

Extended information about the device.

If you now go to the address indicated on the TV screen, you will get to the device settings menu.
The language was initially set to English, but it can be switched to Russian without any problems, and the translation is not in the “Aliexpress style”.

Since the device can work as part of a network, there is a menu for connecting to the router. Since initially I was only interested in Android, I didn’t use this function, but if you’re interested, I can check it out.

The default boot mode is where you select the mode in which the device will start. In order not to have to press a button on the device, you can immediately select the desired mode and every time you turn it on, this will be done automatically.

Available permissions. The mode was initially set to 720p, later I switched to 1080p.

But I found it not very convenient to use in DLNA mode, although if you use the device only to watch videos, it will work.
Right click on the video file and select - Transfer to device.

The player will start on the computer, and the movie itself will be displayed on the TV.

There are also options for video streaming mode, but to be honest, I couldn’t figure them out.



I was more interested in the possibility of simply connecting the TV as a second monitor; there is also a manufacturer for this.
In short, we first switch the device to Miracast mode, in which case the WiFi connection will be disconnected, then we start searching for new equipment.

Click on the device name and a connection window will appear. In general, a password should have been entered here, but I can’t remember if I entered it.

All. Now your TV is connected as a projector, then there are standard settings options as with an additional monitor.

I completely forgot an important feature; when testing the operation of the computer, the device was connected to the monitor via an HDMI-VGA adapter, this can be seen in the screenshot. Those. This device can also be used with TVs that only have a VGA connector, but for this work you will have to use a converter, although initially I didn’t think it would work like that.

Available operating modes:
1. Clone, on the TV screen the same as on the computer screen
2. Extended screen, the second screen is a continuation of the main one (or vice versa).
3, 4. Only the first or only the second screen.

In clone mode there is a slight difficulty: the image is displayed on an additional screen in a resolution of about 1280x720, but what’s worse is that it is displayed “pixel by pixel”, i.e. Doesn't take up the entire screen area. But I tried it with a regular monitor, not a TV. The TV will most likely stretch to fill the entire screen.
The resolution of the tablet is 1920x1200.

In extended desktop mode, the image is displayed on an additional monitor in normal resolution, in this case 1920x1080. Those. the device completely “emulates” a second monitor, but without a cable.

Now a little about the bad, the quality of communication.
The device behaved strangely. At first I tried it in conjunction with the Vernee Thor smartphone, the connection worked perfectly within 5-7 meters, but I didn’t test it further.
When working with a tablet it was also not bad, but the range was shorter, although the resolution was noticeably higher.
But when I tried to watch a video from another smartphone, a problem appeared: literally 1-1.5 meters away, the connection deteriorated greatly, the image scattered into squares and was very slow. The operating mode was 1080p.

The device is noticeably warm during operation. What’s interesting is that it’s not the processor that heats up more, but the part in the area of ​​the power converters and WiFi module.

That's all, then a summary and some details.
Advantages
Extremely simple connection to Android devices.
Good image quality.
Ability to work in several modes - Airplay/DLNA/Miracast.
Quite informative website of the manufacturer.

Flaws
Not a very large communication range and highly dependent on the resolution and device.
No password prompt when connecting to a smartphone.

My opinion. The device itself is interesting; when testing it with the Vernee Thor smartphone, I got high-quality performance and a relatively large communication range. I would like to say that I was satisfied with everything, but the problem is that, out of ignorance, I did not first clarify the possibility of working with my Doogee X5 MAX. It turned out that not all smartphones can work with this device, which is a pity. I was pleased with the ease of setup, connecting in literally a few clicks, but this is also a disadvantage, because a neighbor can also connect to your device just as easily.
But I see only one minus, not a very large communication radius, especially depending on the resolution of the output video. True, the second part of the tests took place after disassembly, but the same Vernee Thor worked the same before and after it.
There is indeed a delay when outputting video, so some games will not be comfortable to play, but this didn’t bother me much, because I downloaded it only for video.

I bought the device for $8.62 ($10.99 minus points), since the store is currently running all sorts of promotions, the current price without points is $9.99, I could have waited a little and bought it for $7, but then I didn’t know that there would be a discount.

That’s it, I’m waiting for comments, advice and questions :)

I'm planning to buy +63 Add to favorites I liked the review +66 +120

Modern television equipment can independently connect to the Internet - for this, a wired connection is usually used, which allows you to make the device part of a local network. But using wires is very inconvenient, given that the TV may be located at a considerable distance from the computer and other devices that are also capable of accessing the global network. That is why more and more modern TVs can connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi wireless networks. However, not all devices are equipped with a built-in receiver and do not always have their own operating system that allows you to access high-quality content. To connect them to the network, you will need to purchase a Wi-Fi adapter for your TV - we will tell you about the principles by which you should choose such a gadget.

If the TV does not have standard devices for connecting to a wireless network, this problem can be solved in other ways

Connection method

Owners of TVs labeled Wi-Fi Ready are most fortunate - they support Smart TV and are already adapted to install a wireless module. The receiver for such equipment is a small card that complies with the PCMCIA standard or its equivalent. The wireless module is installed in a special slot, due to which it does not protrude out and does not occupy free connectors. Accessing the global network with its help is extremely simple - the Wi-Fi receiver only needs activation, which can be done in the TV system settings menu.

A set-top box connected to HDMI is very easy to use - but only if you choose a device that has the appropriate characteristics. To connect your TV to the Internet and not face traffic restrictions, give preference to a device that supports the Wi-Fi N connection standard. If you are going to often open sites created using modern technologies, use multimedia content, and also run a variety of applications, HDMI- The attachment must have the following minimum characteristics:

  • Modern dual-core processor with an operating frequency of over 1.2 GHz;
  • From 512 MB of built-in RAM;
  • Separate video chip.

An HDMI set-top box, which allows you to connect your TV to the Internet, is relatively inexpensive - you can purchase a device in the price range of 2,500–10,000 rubles.

Specifications

It was already mentioned above that a computer connecting to television equipment via an HDMI connector must comply with the Wi-Fi N connection standard. This recommendation also applies to a regular receiver, which can be connected to the device using USB, RJ-45 or an expansion slot. In addition, you should pay attention to the power of the antenna through which you connect to the wireless network. The optimal value for the Wi-Fi receiver power is 17–20 dBm, which provides a good operating range and stable connection.

Additionally, the receiver you choose must support the same encryption standard as your router. Experts do not recommend purchasing devices that can encrypt a signal exclusively using the WEP method - unlike WPA2, it is outdated and can significantly limit the bandwidth of the communication channel used. If the receiver is connected via USB, make sure that it supports the same version of the interface as the TV. Wireless modules that comply with the USB 3.0 standard are beginning to appear on the Russian market - of course, they will be able to work with the second version of the connector, but the data transmission speed will be limited.

The simplest solution for wireless connection between a TV and a router

If you own a TV made by Sony, Samsung, LG or Toshiba, it is better to abandon the idea of ​​purchasing a third-party adapter. Of course, a proprietary receiver connected via USB or in the form of a card will cost much more, but only it will guarantee stable operation. The world's largest manufacturers are concerned about maximizing profits, so they block the ability to connect additional modules from other brands. Do not rush to rejoice if the adapter you purchased works contrary to the above - most often the connection becomes impossible after the next firmware is released.

Subtleties of connection

An increasing number of televisions are equipped with Wi-Fi transmitters at the factory, and this applies even to budget models that are available to a wide range of consumers. However, devices that can only be connected to the network using additional modules are still widespread. When choosing adapters for them, pay attention to the compliance of these devices with various standards, as well as to the transmitter power, on which the detection range and stability of the connection depend. If your TV does not have an operating system, you can purchase an HDMI set-top box for it, which will allow you to access the Internet, use online content and various applications.

WiFi HDMI adapters are usually equipped with two devices - a signal transmitter and a receiver, and the price for such pleasure is somewhere in the range of $30-400. Moreover, you will most likely have to buy abroad, since in Russia the choice, to put it mildly, is “not very good.”

The future is wireless. But, there are certain problems that do not allow wireless HDMI to “go to the masses” - competing standards, technological limitations, as well as cost make WiFi solutions less popular than HDMI cables.

But, if you don't want or can't use cables in your home, then a wireless HDMI bridge may be the only right solution. This leads to the next question.

Who needs it?

There are three main needs for the application of wireless transmission of HD content:

  • If the TV and the signal source are located at different ends of the room, then you can implement interaction between them using a wireless signal, and not using long cables that will have to be hidden under the floor, baseboards or in the walls;
  • If you want to mount your TV into a wall, you will need to run a power cable and an HDMI cable to the device. If you have wireless HDMI, then you only need to worry about power, since the signal from the sources (for example, a Blu-ray player) will be sent to a small wireless signal receiver connected to the jack on the TV;
  • Wireless HDMI can be used to play content from a source located in another room. For example, you have a TV in the living room to which some signal source is connected (let's say a computer), and you wanted to play content on the TV in the bedroom. The ideal option would be to connect a WiFi HDMI adapter.

It is worth understanding that the wireless HDMI adapter is intended for those devices that have a video/audio signal output via an HDMI connector - Blu-ray players, personal computers, laptops, STB set-top boxes, etc.). This device is not for transmitting streaming traffic, like the Cromecast, but simply a device for replacing HDMI cables with a wireless connection.

If you have one of these needs, then you should consider purchasing WiFi HDMI. Let's move on.

A few words about wireless HDTV solutions

Almost every wireless HDTV model can transmit video in 1080p format from source to receiver, and this also applies to other HD standards (480p, 720p, 1080i). Support for 4K (Ultra HD) is also present in some models, but you should worry about this only when you have something, and on what it is 4K, to watch. Most devices also support IR signals, which means using a remote control.

What is the difference between different WiFi HDMI adapters?

The main differences between products in this product group on the market are the number of HDMI inputs and the technology used to transmit the wireless signal with high-definition resolution.

If everything is clear with the number of inputs on the transmitter (the more inputs, the more devices you can connect), then it’s worth dwelling on the technologies a little more, because each of the three has its own pros and cons, and knowing them, you can more accurately select WiFi HDMI for your needs.

WirelessHD

Transmits a signal at a frequency of 60 GHz, without compression. It can work with 4K resolution, but mostly devices transmitting signals using this technology work with the 1080p standard and below.

For stable operation, as a rule, direct visibility is required, and the maximum distance is limited to 10 meters, since the signal can easily be blocked by absolutely any obstacle, well, just anyone - a wall, a door, a closet, your body (seriously). The higher the frequency, the shorter the distance over which WiFi operates, for example, conventional WiFi routers usually operate at a frequency of 2.4 GHz, but here it is already 60. The way WirelessHD works is reminiscent of a remote control, very similar.

In general, WirelessHD is great for high-quality transmission of uncompressed images, including Full HD, but you must be sure that the receiver and transmitter have a good line of sight.

WHDI

WHDI operates at 5 GHz. Most wireless networks near you (routers, TVs, smartphones) operate at 2.4 GHz, so the likelihood of interference from them is reduced to zero.

WHDI has good performance and range, even through walls and other obstacles (up to 30 m). The standard easily copes with image transmission in 1080p resolution, and WHDI 2.0 has 4K support.

The only downside is that WHDI technology compresses the signal. But, don't worry, compression flaws may only become apparent if devices are running at the limit of the wireless bridge's bandwidth.

WiGig

It has approximately the same pros and cons as WirelessHD, having high throughput, as well as sensitivity to obstacles. It also operates at the unlicensed 60 GHz frequency.

Example

Let's take for example devices such as DVDO Air ($140+shipping) and Optoma WHD200 ($200+shipping). These devices operate according to the WirelessHD standard and are capable of transmitting uncompressed video. Unfortunately, they only work great when there are no obstacles to the wireless signal between the transmitter and receiver, such as walls and cabinets. In other words, they are suitable for placing the signal source and the TV in the same room.

At the same time, there are devices like the IOGear Wireless HD Digital Kit ($190+shipping) and Actiontec My Wireless TV ($230+shipping), which have multiple HDMI inputs and operate at distances of up to 45 meters. But such adapters compress the original signal for transmission from the transmitter to the receiver. Thus, it is likely that some interference can be detected over significant distances.

You can find them on Amazon.com.

Conclusion

If you want to simply and reliably deliver an audio/video signal from the source to the TV, then use an HDMI cable. It will cost a few dollars and will do an excellent job of transferring HD content to the TV screen. The only drawback of the cable is its inconvenience.

But if you want to get rid of wires, keep in mind that there is such a solution.

19 Oct 2016 13722

Discussion: there is 1 comment

    It's better, of course, to use a cable. Firstly, it is cheaper, and secondly, the quality will not suffer. But if it’s impossible to stretch the wire, then yes, the only correct option is a WiFi adapter.

    Answer



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