Last updated on January 23rd, 2024 at 02:18 am
When we talk about High-Definition video we almost always talk about HDMI.
HDMI dispensed with the need to connect multiple cables to send AV signals.
With HDMI you need only a single cable to transmit audio and video.
That’s alright if you have a source and receiver device nearby.
What if you connect a cable TV box to your HDTV room meters away?
Your only option is to send HDMI over WiFi.
There are several ways to send HDMI signals over WiFi, depending on your specific needs and available equipment. Here are some options worth considering.
Wireless HDMI Transmitter and Receiver
These devices are designed specifically for transmitting HDMI signals over WiFi.
To use them, you will need to connect the transmitter to the HDMI output of your device (such as a DVD player or gaming console).
You would then have to connect the receiver to the HDMI input of your TV.
The transmitter and receiver will communicate wirelessly to send the HDMI signal from the source device (Blu-ray player, TV box, etc)to the TV.
This is the option we shall be discussing in this post.
Smart TV with Built-in WiFi
You may also use a smart TV or streaming device with built-in WiFi.
Many newer HDTVs and streaming devices have built-in WiFi connectivity.
This feature allows you to stream content from the Internet or your home network directly to your TV.
Computer with HDMI Output
With a computer with an HDMI output, you can send HDMI signals over WiFi to a TV or other display.
Just connect the computer to your WiFi network. Then use software or hardware (such as a wireless HDMI transmitter) to send the HDMI signal from the computer to the TV.
Wireless Display Adapter
Examples of wireless display adapters include Google Chromecast and Amazon Fire Stick. These devices work by connecting to your WiFi network and allowing you to stream content from your phone, tablet, or computer to your TV.
That said, you may also want to know why you ought to use the wireless HDMI option as opposed to wired.
Wired HDMI Disadvantages
The wired HDMI option sounds sensible, but you may not want to embrace it for the following reasons.
Wire Clutter
If you use a wired HDMI extender, you would have to put up with wire clutter. Also, extending cables would look unsightly.
Cost
It’s going to cost you a bit to bring in someone to do the wiring for you.
Inflexibility
Once you place your TV in a room and then want to move it somewhere else, then you would have to remove the wiring and do it all over again. It would be back to drilling through walls and so on.
By contrast, a wireless HDMI has the following benefits.
Wireless HDMI Benefits
Ease of Setup
You avoid having to deal with lengthy cables. All you have to do is connect your TV to the receiver and your playback device to the transmitter.
Placement Flexibility
You have the freedom to place your playback device and TV in your preferred position. It would be a breeze to move your TV to another room, or to a room where a wired connection isn’t possible.
In short, no more physical limitations.
Setup Time
It would be much easier and quicker to set up a wireless HDMI connection compared to a wired one.
All you need is a one-time connection. You can then move your display device almost anywhere you wish.
No WiFi Needed
You may think that wireless HDMI would need Wi-Fi. That’s not true. It works without WiFi. So you don’t have to worry about using your WiFi bandwidth if you’re on a metered connection.
Wireless HDMI Disadvantages
Despite the ease of setup and placement flexibility, wireless HDMI comes with certain disadvantages.
Slight Latency
Compared to a wired HDMI setup, you experience a slight delay. This could be anywhere from 1 millisecond to 500 milliseconds.
Still, this latency in most instances will not be noticeable to the naked eye.
So, wireless HDMI may not be suitable for gaming.
Reliability
Signal quality may be an issue depending on the structure of the building. Walls and other obstructions may cause signal interference.
The solution to this is to get high-quality wireless HDMI extenders.
Cost
Wireless HDMI extenders may cost you more, especially if you’re buying a high-quality one. But then the overall setup cost is usually lower than wired HDMI extenders.
Wireless HDMI Extender Buying Guide
When buying a wireless HDMI Extender consider the following factors.
Playback Support
Be aware of the limitations of a wireless HDMI extender. You aren’t going to get HDR video or smoothly play 4K video games with high frame rates.
You may not also get to enjoy multichannel audio if you’re choosing a basic unit.
Multi or Single Room
You may want your wireless HDMI setup to extend to more than 1 room. Some extenders will allow you more than one display unit.
There’s the one that operates on the 5GHz band. They work with walled structures. However, HDMI signals come with compression, and picture quality may suffer.
If you want superior picture quality, then you would want to opt for the WirelessHD option.
These units use the 60 GHz band. The video quality delivered is uncompressed. However, you require line-of-sight between the transmitter and receiver units.
Video Resolution
As mentioned earlier, you can forget about 4K video resolution when dealing with wireless HDMI extenders.
So, what optimum video resolution can you get when sending HDMI over WiFi?
Your safe bet is 1080p/60. In other words, 1080p resolution at 60 fps (frames per second).
Some latest wireless HDMI extenders support 4K resolution. However, they can do up to only 30 frames per second.
However, if you have a projector set up, you want to opt for the 4K option.
Stereo vs Multi-Channel Audio
Standard wireless HDMI systems would offer you stereo sound. However, if you need multi-channel audio, you can choose one that supports an AV receiver or soundbar.
USB Connectivity
If the transmitter and receiver units come with USB ports then you can use them to power your units. It saves you the trouble of moving your wireless units close to an AC power source.
Also, they’ll be powered on or off with your display unit. Most units come with USB support only at the transmitter end, however.
Infra-Red Pass-Through
Infrared (IR) pass-through is a feature that allows a device to transmit an infrared signal from a remote control to an external device, such as a cable box or DVD player
This allows you to control the external device using a remote control, even if the device is not within direct line of sight.
IR pass-through is commonly found on devices such as universal remote controls, home theater systems, and HDMI extenders.
It is typically accomplished using an IR receiver and transmitter, which are connected to the device and allow it to receive and transmit the infrared signal.
IR pass-through is useful in situations where it is not practical or possible to use a remote control directly, such as when the device is located behind a cabinet or in a different room.
It is also useful for simplifying the setup of a home theater system by allowing you to control multiple devices using a single remote control.
Here are some wireless HDMI extender buying ideas to stream video from your cable box, Blu-ray player, DVR, PS4, or Xbox to your HDTV or projector.
AV Access Wireless HDMI Extender
This wireless HDMI works well for distances up to 200 meters, as claimed by the manufacturer.
Video resolution of up to 1080p@60Hz is supported,
There’s also a wired HDMI extender option which works well up to 120 meters or 394 feet.
Low latency of up to 100ms instead of the standard 300ms.
Learn more about the AV Access wireless HDMI extender.
Daigie Wireless HDMI Extender
If you want to transmit HDMI to a nearby room, you don’t have to spend a fortune on a wireless HDMI extender.
You can choose this Daigie unit.
It will transmit 1080p/60 up to distances of 30 meters or 98 feet.
The 5G antenna assures you of a stable video transmission experience.
You also have the option of switching between up to 6 different devices.
Check out the Amazon’s Choice Daigie Wireless HDMI Extender.
Actiontec Wireless HDMI Extender
This wireless HDMI extender sends HDMI over WiFi up to 150ft away.
You get to wirelessly stream 1080p video with 5.1 surround sound to your TV or projector.
You may also pair your remote control with the device’s infrared pass-through feature.
Check out the Actiontec Wireless HDMI Extender.
Nyrius Aries Pro Wireless HDMI Extender
Looking to stream videos from Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime to another room?
This Nyrius HDMI extender will do the job for you.
Enjoy 1080p video up to 100 feet away from your main source.
Enjoy high-quality video through walls, floors, and ceilings. You’re promised minimum or no interference from Bluetooth and WiFi devices.
This wireless HDMI extender comes with Mini USB connectivity as well.
Check out the Nyrius Aries Pro Wireless HDMI Extender.
IOGEAR Wireless HDMI Extender
This extender comes with support for 3D 1080p video.
Support is also available for 5.1 channel audio.
You can get a clear video with zero latency up to 100 feet away from your main source.
The IOGEAR Wireless HDMI Extender has an HDMI pass-through feature. It allows you to connect the source device directly to the display device.
You can do this even when the transmitter and receiver units are connected. You get to switch between a wired and wireless connection as needed.
Check out the IOGEAR Wireless HDMI Extender.
You’ve learned how you can send HDMI over WiFi. Now, go ahead and use the ideas discussed here.
