Super-extended HDMI cables

One of the common challenges encountered while setting up a home theater projector is the longer-than-usual video interconnect. Routing sensitive HD signals through these cables further compounds the issue, resulting in undesirable soft visuals and distracting artifacts. These may soon be a thing of the past with a new breed of HDMI cables we chanced upon today at BroadcastAsia2007.

Editors' note: This article has been updated with the latest product specifications and pricing.

A new product from Malaysia-based Giraffe Digital AV Solution, the 1080p-rated PCOM Giraffe G4222-series HDMI 1.3 cables ship with an integrated HD signal booster and interference-resistant triple-shielding design. The former is powered by a compact universal adapter enabling an extended length of 15 to 45m without compromising audio and visual quality. These will soon be available at its Singapore retailer Sound Decisions. Pricing starts from US$300 to US$1,200.

Also on demonstration was its commercial-grade Giraffe optical solution. This is capable of relaying 1080p signals in excess of a staggering 500m using a combination of optical cable and companion electro-optic adapters. A complete kit of similar length will go in the range of US$6,700 and is currently deployed by its regional customers including satellite TV operator Astro All Asia Networks.

More CommunicAsia 2007 coverage here.

Ultra Wideband: Short range, high bandwidth

At CommunicAsia 2007, Singapore's research agency A*STAR, as part of the WiMedia Allianace, showcased its latest solution for short-range, high-bandwidth communication.

Developed by the WiMedia Alliance, the Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology offers a significant performance increase over other short-range wireless standards like Bluetooth and Wireless USB. Capable of streaming even high-definition videos, UWB offers a bandwidth of up to 480Mbps and a range of over 10m. Bluetooth 2.0 allows for only 3Mbps transfer rate at a maximum distance of 10m. Wireless USB has a top speed of 480Mbps, but the range is also capped at 10m.

Little wonder that the next revision of the Wireless USB protocol and Bluetooth 3.0 will ride on the UWB technology. In the near future, connecting peripherals and portables will be a breeze as UWB devices are able to handle the demands of multiple secured connections wirelessly without interfering with current Wi-Fi networks.

Watch out for this new standard as UWB devices may soon be making their appearence later this year.

More CommunicAsia 2007 coverage here.

Sky Voice: Free local calls over VoIP

With broadband penetration reaching new heights, everyone wants to get a piece of the VoIP action, and Sky Voice is no exception. Similar to other VoIP services like Skype and pFingo Talk, Sky Voice provides free audio calls over the Sky Voice Network. If you require calls to mobile or fixed lines, a monthly subscription fee of S$15.75 (US$10.36) gives you free local calls, though international numbers require additional charges ranging from S$0.07 (US$0.05) to S$0.30 (US$0.20) per min.

Sky Voice networks can be accessed through a virtual Softphone on your Windows system or via handsets retailed by the company. The Softphone application is a free download available on its Web site. The SkyVoice S282 (pictured) is a combination GSM/Wi-Fi device which allows you to connect to either the VoIP network or normal mobile phone lines. The Wireless IP3000 does not have a GSM radio, hence it's usable only in areas with wireless Internet connection.

The two handsets cost S$598 (US$393.42) and S$188 (US$123.68), respectively.

So how does Sky Voice rate against its competitors? Skype offers Mac compatibility and video calls, features which are missing from Sky Voice. Moreover, until it releases a Java version of its Softphone, you cannot use Sky Voice on other Wi-Fi enabled handhelds, something which Skype also covers. For SMS addicts, pFingo is a better option, as Sky Voice does not have messaging functionality at this point. However, Skype does not give free local calls and pFingo does not allow dialing to international numbers.

More CommunicAsia 2007 coverage here.

Bluetooth headsets made retractable

Think everything's been done for Bluetooth headsets? Think again. We spotted two retractable earpieces that allow for easy stashing away. Simply pull out the earpiece to fit in your ear and clip on the main unit to your shirt or collar. To store the cable, repeat press the auto-winding button. Usage is pretty straightforward.

The bulkier UA-11 model delivers stereo sound. There was only a dummy set so we could not get a feel of it. For the specifications, the unit runs on Bluetooth v1.2, has a 6 hour talktime and weighs 30g. It is able to seamlessly auto-switch between music playback and phone calls and, of course, there's A2DP capability.

The sleeker UA-02 unit comes with mono output and has one earpiece. It supports Bluetooth v2.0 and weighs a lighter 26g.

According to manufacturer Channel Enterprises, the mono earpiece is expected to retail for around US$35 in July 2007. No price was set for the stereo headset as of press time though it is expected to hit the shops in October 2007. Retail locations are not specified as yet.

More images of UA-11 and UA-02:


More CommunicAsia 2007 coverage here.