Monday, October 22, 2007

"IBM Chipset Promises HD Downloads In Milliseconds"

IBM Chipset Promises HD Downloads In Milliseconds

Dubbed mmWave, the computer component will use so-called millimeter wave radio technology to transmit the data.


IBM disclosed Monday that it has teamed up with Taiwanese vendor MediaTek to develop computer chipsets that the companies say will allow consumers to wirelessly zap high-definition content to televisions and other devices at push-button speeds.

Dubbed mmWave, the chipsets -- which comprise computer chips and high-speed interconnects -- will use so-called millimeter wave radio technology to transmit the data.

The technology employs ultra-high radio frequencies capable of sending and receiving large amounts of data at extremely high speeds to create what IBM and MediaTek are calling "revolutionary multimedia wireless products."

Devices utilizing the technology would be capable of receiving a 10-Gbit file in about 5 seconds, compared to 10 minutes using current Wi-Fi systems. "This collaborative effort will enable consumers to wirelessly transfer large multimedia data files around their home and/or offices in seconds," said T.C. Chen, VP for science and technology at IBM Research, in a statement.

The technology could be used in applications like home theater, where a wireless DVD player could stream high-definition movie content to a television in near-real time.

IBM said it will work to integrate its mmWave radio chips, antenna, and package technology with MediaTek's expertise in digital baseband and video processing.

Still, tech enthusiasts shouldn't rush down to their local Circuit City or Best Buy in hopes of finding such products just yet. IBM officials say it will be at least three years before they can commercialize the technology. "We don't have a projected date for making a prototype available," said IBM business development executive Saif Aziz, in an interview.

The technology is also expected to compete with Ultra Wideband as a localized networking technology.

Earlier this year, IBM disclosed research it's undertaking into high-speed optical chipsets.

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