08.03.2007 — With new construction flat, the retrofit market is hot. So there's no better time than now to introduce wireless A/V products to the marketplace, which is what Applied Wireless plans to do from their CEDIA Expo booth.

The company, which has roots in the commercial, industrial and military markets, is coming out with "wireless products specifically targeted for the upper-end home theater market to make the installer's life easier," says Lee Fleishman, director of marketing.

At the 2007 show, Applied Wireless is focusing on a new line of wireless audio products for home theaters and multiroom applications. (Video products will be shown, but primarily for digital signage and other commercial apps.) Applied uses its own RF technology in the 900 MHz spectrum, which is better suited than today's 2.4 GHz solutions, Fleishman asserts.



"There's certainly not as much traffic [in the 900 MHz band]," he says, "and because of the basic laws of physics, the 900 band provides better ability to get through the walls."

He also says that the analog transmission can provide "virtually zero latency," lacking the potential phase delay of a digital solution that can result in a room-to-room echo.

Applied Wireless is not the first to market with wireless A/V products. At least a dozen companies showed similar products during January's Consumer Electronics Show. So why does the company think it will succeed in the residential market?

"We hope to impress people with all of the experience we have in the wireless domain," says Fleishman. "We're not newcomers. We have been doing it for very, very demanding applications."

He adds that Applied technology is "keeping troops safe" overseas.

And if that's not demanding enough, Applied's RF products can be found throughout the fitness industry, driving wireless audio stations for avid exercisers.

The AT900-32 transmitter and AR900-32 receiver, retail for $199 and $149 respectively. Applied Wireless is selling directly to dealers, and the company will launch a nationwide dealer program later this year.