Sony developing wireless power for HDTVs

Wireless HDMI is a developing technology that will be able to transmit high-def video directly to a screen without running any cables from the video's source. Unfortunately, it still leaves the issue of actually providing power to the screen; even with wireless HDMI, an HDTV needs to be plugged into a wall socket to actually work. Sony is trying to change that.

Sony has just announced that it has developed a wireless power technology that can transmit 60 watts over a distance of half a meter. The technology uses magnetic resonance to wirelessly transmit electricity with up to 80% efficiency. According to Sony, since both the transmitter and receiver would have the same unique resonance, the transfer would remain consistent, and wouldn't affect objects placed between the two devices. It's still in its early stages, but applications for home theater use seem obvious, when Sony demonstrated the technology using an LCD screen.

60 watts is still pretty low power for most HDTVs, but as the technology matures and as screens become more efficient with technologies like LED backlighting, we could see totally wireless screens in a few years.

— Will Greenwald

[Source: Gizmodo]

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Sony is somewhat late to the party. There are already some players in this arena who has developed the technology and have first movers advantages (Check out http://wirelesspowersupply.net/ for a list!) But who knows, Sony might kill the competition with its might. Some more electronics giants are likely to come up with their offering as well. It is all good for the consumers, those waiting to achieve wireless nirvana!