With the introduction of various forms of the technology by a number of mainstream manufacturers, 2009 is set to become a reality for wireless HD.

Formed in 2006, the wireless HD consortium introduced standards for the new technology which included an operating distance of up to 10 metres without signal break-up. Wi HD has been designed to provide full HDMI functionality with no loss of quality once cables have been replaced.

The Wi HD standard also guarantees a 3Gbps data rate through which the transmission of uncompressed 1080p HD material can be achieved.

Panasonic's Z1 is one of the mostly hotly anticipated products of the new breed of Wi-Fi enabled flat panel TV's. With a wireless 'media' box, the Z1 can send uncompressed 1080p material wirelessly to the screen. At this years CES (consumer electronics show) in Las Vegas Panasonic also introduced a prototype screen with integrated wireless HD.

LG's first foray into wireless HD comes in the shape of the 55inch LG LHX and the LH85 models (55in and 47in sizes) which offer built-in wireless HD capability. LG's Wi HD screens, rather than employing a separate 'media' box integrate the technology into the panel itself.

Toshiba meanwhile are developing adapters which connect to your existing Blu-ray kit to stream wireless content. Although Toshiba's 'Regza Link wireless HD adapters' are still in prototype form they should emerge as full blown consumer products late 2009.

Although at an earlier stage of development than wireless HD video, high definition audio formats such as Dolby TruHD are set to receive the wireless treatment in the not to distant future.

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