The rapid growth of high-definition (HD) home entertainment systems has made the connections between an increasing number of sources and displays more difficult. High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) cables support a limited distance, and content protection restrictions preclude most of the traditional interconnect solutions. Unlike other approaches, Analog Devices’ HDAnywhere networked entertainment solution works with any source, over any common transport. It enables connections to wall-mounted displays without cables, ceiling mounted projectors without putting wires through the walls, and televisions in other parts of the house without running any new wires, said ADI.

HDAnywhere is based on ADI’s Wavescale compression; similar to JPEG2000-based technology used in digital cinema and broadcast television systems, said the developer. According to ADI, Wavescale technology provides unique advantages in video quality, transmission robustness, scalability, low latency, and instantaneous data rate adjustment, noted ADI. The HDAnywhere system compresses video in real time, encrypts the stream, and provides it to a UWB, WiFi, powerline, phoneline, or coaxial modem – all without visual interruptions. The receiver decrypts and decompresses the stream and produces an HDMI output, ready to be connected to any HD display. It can accept video and audio in any common format, including standard definition composite and component, and HD content in analog component or an uncompressed digital form. This addresses evolving entertainment systems which incorporate a mix of HD and legacy components, added ADI.

The HDAnywhere reference design includes schematics, PCB layouts, and firmware for a complete system design. It can be configured to support resolutions up to 1080i or, with additional hardware, 1080p video. It can be easily modified to add or delete input and output ports to meet specific cost and functionality targets. One end of the link can be embedded into a video source or display, adding interconnect flexibility to the device while minimizing overall cost. “Different video transport options offer various advantages: some are good for in-room transmission, while others may provide better coverage for an entire house,” said Bill Bucklen, director, Advanced Television Segment, Analog Devices. “The HDAnywhere networked entertainment platform is the only solution that adapts to all wired and wireless networking technologies while maintaining optimal video quality.”
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