The Retailer's View

Last week, ultra wideband was one of the hot topics of conversation at the RetailVision, a Gartner Group event that attracts 200 or so buyers from national and regional chains.  Tzero's ultra-wideband-based Wireless for HDMI won Best New Technology underscoring the growing interest in the application of wireless high-definition video and UWB products in general.

Even more telling were the comments from these retail buyers.  One buyer commented that Wireless for HDMI was "a game changing solution."  Others remarked that they could see it easily fitting into their line and that selling these products was a "no brainer."   In other words, they get the value proposition -- the world is going wireless.  They've seen it in the data world and now they're on the verge of it for video. Replacing the tangle of cables behind the media cabinet and simplifying installation will solve  huge problems for their consumers, and those are very good things.

One cautionary note was sounded by these buyers.  Their concern was over proprietary products and implementations.  They want standards-based solutions that ensure interoperability.  Our advice to retailers, make sure you ask if the solution you're considering is WiMedia compliant.