While many media consumers have connected laptops, desktops, and small form factor PCs to their large plasma and LCD monitors for years, these setups typically required either a direct video connection or the use of clunky media extender boxes, with limited functionality and file format compatibility.
Intel aims to radically change this equation with its new Wireless Display technology, also known as "WiDi."
The process involves taking a WiDi-enabled laptop with one of Intel's new Core-series CPUs, and wirelessly connecting it to an adapter box that plugs into the HDMI port of any display.
Intel describes the process as follows:
"Intel Wireless Display requires a laptop PC based on select 2010 Intel Core processors, Intel HD Graphics, and Intel Centrino wireless with Intel MyWiFi Technology enabled. In addition, the laptop needs to have Intel Wireless Display preinstalled. Finally, an adapter featuring Intel Wireless Display is required to receive the signals from the PC and display them on the TV. This adapter is connected to the TV via either HDMI (preferred) or standard AV cables".
We've seen the technology in action behind closed doors, and it certainly seems promising, although our early hands-on experiences were a bit laggy, so not ideal for PC gaming, which we can see as major future selling point.
Intel expects WiDi systems from several PC makers to be available in US stores this months with Australian availability TBD. The adapter that connects to your TV is being bundled with select systems, and the first to be announced is Netgear's Push2TV due in March for AU$149.
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