DVDO Air3 Wireless HD and Matrix6 4k Switcher Preview

DVDO Air³

The Air³ is the industry’s first WirelessHD adapter that delivers full 1080p60 HD content not only from HDMI and DVI sources, but also from MHL-enabled smartphones and tablets to a big screen.  It is ideal for gamers and home entertainment enthusiasts to play their favorite video games or watch action-rich full HD video content on a big screen without stringing a cable across a room.  The Air³ is available with an MSRP of $199.99 through authorized DVDO distributors, dealers and online partners.

60GHz WirelessHD Technology

WirelessHD is the leading standard optimized for multi-gigabit data rate wireless connectivity based on 60GHz technology, which enables the highest-quality HD video with no visible lag that doesn’t sacrifice reliability.  Based on Silicon Image’s Gen3 60GHz WirelessHD chipset, the Air³ transmits HD content up to 10 meters in-room without any interference from Wi-Fi, and features RF (Radio Frequency) beam forming, auto input sensing, auto standby, near-zero latency, and auto rate negotiation to deliver cable-like reliability and performance.

MHL Connectivity

As more and more consumers connect their mobile devices to their home theater systems for an immersive experience, it has become critical to deliver a seamless and robust connectivity solution for interactive video applications.  MHL allows consumers to view full HD content of their MHL-enabled smartphone or tablet onto a large display while simultaneously charging the mobile device.  With MHL, users also can utilize the TV remote control to control the MHL-enabled mobile device for a consumer friendly viewing experience.  This allows mobile gaming and media applications to be easily integrated into the home theater system with maximum video and audio quality.

On Site Reactions

We saw the Air³ in action at CEDIA 2013. The problem with using the 60GHz frequency is that is it essentially line of sight. They tried to tell us that it will bounce around like an IR signal and that the Air³ scans so that it captures all the wireless signal. The fact is (as you can see in the picture with Cliff above), it is designed to be mounted to the back of your TV but raised. This allows a better line-of-sight. We saw it in action and it works great. But if you're thinking you'll be able to tuck this out of sight, you're probably wrong. We're hoping to get one in for review to test it out.

Matrix⁶

Developed for easy integration into whole home theater control systems, the Matrix⁶ switcher displays two 4K sources simultaneously on two TVs or projectors, removing the need for additional investment in source equipment.  It features six HDMI-compliant inputs and two HDMI outputs with 4K Ultra HD and is the first matrix switcher on the market that also supports MHL connectivity.  Two digital audio outputs are also provided to enable connections to A/V receivers and soundbars.  The Matrix⁶ will be available in Q4, 2013 at an MSRP of $499.99 from authorized DVDO distributors, dealers and online partners.

Simultaneous 4K Ultra HD Switching

Matrix⁶ supports two independent 4K Ultra HD streams while providing digital audio to an attached AVR, making it easy to view content in another room or on a second display without sacrificing performance or additional investment.

MHL Connectivity

MHL inputs on Matrix⁶ allow the user to mirror the content of their MHL-enabled smartphone or tablet on multiple displays, while charging the mobile device at the same time.

On Site Reaction

DVDO is preparing for the future with the Matrix⁶. While there will be a few high-end installations that will need this, they are likely to be few and far between at this time. The Matrix⁶ is a device targeted directly at custom installers and not to residential consumers. For those that are rocking two 4k displays (i.e. the price of a Lexus), they'll want this so they don't have to duplicate sources. Or maybe they don't because they use $100 bills to wipe their noses.

For more information, please visit www.dvdo.com.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.