WirelessHD: Features, Architecture and Comparison with WiFi

This page describes what WirelessHD is and its features, comparing it with WiFi and highlighting the key differences.

About WirelessHD Technology

WirelessHD operates at the 60 GHz frequency band, supporting a large bandwidth (10 to 28 Gbps). This allows the transmission of uncompressed video, audio, and other data clearly and without any loss. This provides consumers with a seamless home entertainment experience without needing audio or video cables.

Moreover, WirelessHD delivers the same image and audio quality as wired connections. Many consumer products from LG, Intel, Sony, Philips, Panasonic, and Toshiba incorporate WirelessHD technology. These products include Blu-Ray players, digital cameras, portable games, digital A/V players, PCs, laptops, digital video recorders, portable media players, HDTVs, and display devices.

Features of WirelessHD Technology

The following are the key features of the WirelessHD protocol:

• Streams uncompressed audio and video with 1080p resolution, 24-bit color format, and at 60 Hz refresh rates.
• Supports compressed A/V streams and data information.
• Operates at 60GHz RF frequency and covers 10 meters for high-resolution A/V.
• Employs smart antenna technology, enabling operation even in Non-LOS (Non-Line of Sight) mode.
• Supports data security for user-generated content.
• Supports different data rates and latency for various applications.

Wireless-HD Network Architecture (WVAN)

Figure 1: Wireless-HD network architecture

The Wireless-HD network architecture consists of two types of devices: coordinator and station. A network has one coordinator and one or more stations. A display could act as a coordinator, while smartphones, tablets, and players can be stations.

HRP (High Rate PHY) supports multi-Gbps throughput, while LRP (Low Rate PHY) supports a multi-Mbps bidirectional link. Both HRP and LRP links cover a distance of 10 meters. HRP uses a high directional antenna, and LRP uses an omni-directional antenna.

As HRP and LRP use the same frequency bands, the Wireless-HD MAC layer manages them using TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access). This Wireless-HD network is also known as a Wireless Video Area Network or WVAN.

Functions of Wireless-HD Coordinator

• Controls timings across the piconet network.
• Tracks WVAN network devices.
• Can transmit/receive using the LRP link.
• May transmit/receive data over the HRP link.

Functions of Wireless-HD Station

• Can transmit/receive over the LRP link.
• May initiate streaming connections over the WirelessHD link.
• May transmit/receive data over the HRP link.

Wireless-HD vs WiFi - Difference

The following table compares Wireless-HD and WiFi, highlighting the key differences: