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How to transmit an HDMI signal wirelessly
Short answer: a wireless HDMI extender has two units: the TX (transmitter) plugs into your source (computer, Apple TV, camera, player) and the RX (receiver) plugs into the TV or projector. Power both, press the button, and when the light is solid the picture appears. The one I tested works at 1080p 60 Hz (not 4K) with a maximum distance of 30 m, almost 100 ft.
Are you tired of HDMI cables running around everywhere? Here I test one that I just bought, using my Apple TV and my 65 inch TV, so you can see how it works and decide if it fits your conference room, church or living room.
What a wireless HDMI extender is
A wireless HDMI adapter sends video from your computer, camera or player to a TV or projector across the room, without running a cable. The box says it works with everything: Windows, Mac, PlayStation and other devices with an HDMI port. I paid $65 for mine, if I'm not mistaken.
The two units look exactly the same and are all white, so it's hard to read the labels. Look closely: one says TX (the transmitter) and the other says RX (the receiver).
What comes in the box
- The transmitter and the receiver.
- A short manual (it doesn't say much).
- Adapters for micro HDMI and mini HDMI, useful for cameras.
- A USB-C to HDMI adapter, so you can plug it into a Mac or Windows computer with USB-C.
- Power cables for both ends.
Some of these products come with only the transmitter and receiver. I picked this one because of the adapters: it costs a little more, but since this was for a customer, I wanted to be able to connect anything.
How to connect and pair it
- Plug the TX into the source (in my case the Apple TV) and the RX into the TV.
- Connect the power cable to each unit. You can power them from the TV or the computer USB.
- Use the button to connect or disconnect. When the light is solid, it means it's working.
It works right away. When I push the button the Apple TV screen shows on the TV, and if I push it again it disconnects. Reconnecting is very, very fast; I was surprised. When it is disconnected the TV shows a QR code, which is just a link to the manual.
Real resolution: 1080p, not 4K
The website said 4K, but the manual says 1080p. I tried 4K and it didn't work, so it works only with 1080p at 60 Hz. The manual lists a max resolution of 1080p and HDMI version 1.3.
Common problems and fixes from the manual
- Connection fails or drops: it may not be getting enough power. Some TVs have a USB port that doesn't have enough voltage or amperage. Use a regular power brick instead; this happened to me with another product.
- Too many wireless networks: if you live in a city or a building where many people use Wi-Fi, you can have issues.
- Image delay or stuck picture: usually Wi-Fi interference; the unit may be switching Wi-Fi channels.
- Phones: it supports computers, laptops, TV boxes and cameras with HDMI, but only some smartphone models.
- Distance: maximum transmission distance is 30 m, almost 100 ft. Walls between rooms matter and line of sight helps a lot.
I also looked at another model with a bigger antenna that says it works on 2.4 and 5 GHz at 1080p with a much longer range, around 250 m. I haven't bought that one.
Real use: a coin shop with no cables to run
I used this for a customer's coin shop. His DVR is in one area and his TV in another, so he couldn't see anything where he needed to. The plan was to install the TV in the other spot, so people can see themselves on the screen, without running cables. Another option I offered him was a monitor showing the surveillance cameras on one half and the price of gold and silver on the other half; I'll show that in another video.
Frequently asked questions
Does a wireless HDMI extender work in 4K?
The one I tested is advertised as 4K, but the manual says 1080p and 4K didn't work. It works only at 1080p 60 Hz.
How far can a wireless HDMI transmitter send the signal?
This one has a maximum transmission distance of 30 m, almost 100 ft. Walls and Wi-Fi interference reduce it; line of sight helps a lot.
Why does my wireless HDMI keep disconnecting?
Often it's power: some TV USB ports don't provide enough voltage or amperage, so use a regular power brick. Too many Wi-Fi networks nearby can also cause problems.
Does it work with phones?
Only some smartphone models. It is made for computers, laptops, TV boxes, cameras and other devices with an HDMI port.