REVIEW – Devices with wireless capability have become an assumed feature in today’s technology word. However, some wireless capabilities present more challenges than others. The ability to transmit audio and video wirelessly from source to a display has usually been offered with a large price tag attached to it. The Nyrius ORION streaming device promises the same capability but with a reasonable price tag. Let’s see what it delivers.

What is it?

The Nyrius ORION streaming device is a component package consisting of a transmitter and receiver and offers 1080P HD wireless transmission of video and any associated audio between the two components up to a 40′ range within line of sight.

What’s in the box

1 x Digital Wireless HD Transmitter
2 x External IR Remote Extender
1 x Digital Wireless HD Receiver
2 x AC Power Adapters
1 x 5ft HDMI Cable
2 x Screws/Screw Anchors
1 x Instruction Manual

Design and features

Specifications

Supported Video Resolution: 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 576p, 480p (will support 4K content that has been downscaled to 1080p by source device)
3D Compatible: Yes
Audio Formats Supported: PCM 2CH, Dolby 5.1
Transmitter Ports: HDMI input, HDMI Loop-Through (Output), Micro USB (for power), 2.5mm Jack (for IR Emitter)
Receiver Ports: HDMI Output, Micro USB (for power), 3.5mm Jack (for IR Emitter)
Wireless Range: 40ft (streaming line of sight results in maximum range)
Transmission Frequency: 802.11 a, b, g, n; 5.8GHz (Band 1 & 4)
System Latency: Less than 500ms (average 150ms)
IR Frequency: 30-60 KHz
Wireless Technology: ORION GigaXtreme
Source Compatibility: Any source containing an HDMI output port
Display Compatibility: Any high-definition television or projector with HDMI input
Wall Mountable: Yes, Transmitter and Receiver have built-in keyhole slots
Multiple Receivers: Yes, Maximum of 4
Adapter Compatibility: Nyrius does not recommend using Digital to Analog Adapters with their Orion products. However, HDMI to mini-HDMI/micro-HDMI adapters are compatible
TX/RX Channel: 1 TX / 4 RX

This system consists of one Transmitter and one Receiver device that accept HDMI connectivity. They are identical in size, and measure approximately 3 1/4″ x 3 1/4″ x 1″. On the connectivity side of the receiver as shown below there is the HDMI Out port, an IR In port and a micro USB AC adapter port. The HDMI Out connects to an external display.

On the Transmitter as shown below, there is the HDMI In port, the HDMI Out port, an IR Out port, and a micro USB AC adapter power port. The HDMI In port is used to connect the source device to the transmitter and the HDMI Out allows for the direct connection to another monitor/device. This is a loop-through feature.

Both components have the pairing button as seen below that you press to make the connection between them.

Performance

The connection of these devices was straightforward and easy, and within a couple of minutes, I was transmitting wirelessly between my laptop and an external monitor.

When the Receiver is connected to the output display, the screen below is displayed as it awaits a signal from the Transmitter.

The LED indicator on each component lights steady white when the 2 are successfully connected and blinks red when they are not.

There is a slight lag between the source video and the remote display and there tends to be a bit more lag the further away from the source you are. Overall, it works quite well especially within the 20′ to 30′ range that I was able to perform my tests. I tried it on streaming devices, a PC laptop, and a MacBook.

If you are streaming from a media source that is in a different room than your display and you are receiving the audio/video signal with no problem, the IR extender feature allows you to control your streaming/media device like a streaming box from the display, by simply pointing the media device remote and the IR Extender and using the remote as you would when in front of your media/streaming device.

What I like

• Size of Transmitter and Receiver
• Operational range
• Eas of set up and connectivity
• Consistent connectivity

What can be improved

• In terms of its specification and what it promises to do, it works as intended.

Final thoughts

The Nyrius ORION streaming device seems to be perfect for sitting on your couch with a laptop or even another streaming device and watching the content on a larger display without having to run wires between the source and the display. The fact that it is able to do so while displaying content at 1080P HD is also a nice feature. While there is a bit of lag, it is not noticeable if the output display is not compared to the input via another display that is connected to the source or the loop-through port, so this is really not an issue. The Nyrius Orion certainly has its niche, and for the features, the price, and how it performed during my tests, it is a good value.

Price: $149.99
Where to buy: Nyrius website and Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Nyrius.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: Audio, HDMI, TV, Video

Nyrius ORION streaming device review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 17, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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REVIEW – Devices with wireless capability have become an assumed feature in today’s technology word. However, some wireless capabilities present more challenges than others. The ability to transmit audio and video wirelessly from source to a display has usually been offered with a large price tag attached to it. The Nyrius ORION streaming device promises the same capability but with a reasonable price tag. Let’s see what it delivers.

What is it?

The Nyrius ORION streaming device is a component package consisting of a transmitter and receiver and offers 1080P HD wireless transmission of video and any associated audio between the two components up to a 40′ range within line of sight.

What’s in the box

1 x Digital Wireless HD Transmitter
2 x External IR Remote Extender
1 x Digital Wireless HD Receiver
2 x AC Power Adapters
1 x 5ft HDMI Cable
2 x Screws/Screw Anchors
1 x Instruction Manual

Design and features

Specifications

Supported Video Resolution: 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 576p, 480p (will support 4K content that has been downscaled to 1080p by source device)
3D Compatible: Yes
Audio Formats Supported: PCM 2CH, Dolby 5.1
Transmitter Ports: HDMI input, HDMI Loop-Through (Output), Micro USB (for power), 2.5mm Jack (for IR Emitter)
Receiver Ports: HDMI Output, Micro USB (for power), 3.5mm Jack (for IR Emitter)
Wireless Range: 40ft (streaming line of sight results in maximum range)
Transmission Frequency: 802.11 a, b, g, n; 5.8GHz (Band 1 & 4)
System Latency: Less than 500ms (average 150ms)
IR Frequency: 30-60 KHz
Wireless Technology: ORION GigaXtreme
Source Compatibility: Any source containing an HDMI output port
Display Compatibility: Any high-definition television or projector with HDMI input
Wall Mountable: Yes, Transmitter and Receiver have built-in keyhole slots
Multiple Receivers: Yes, Maximum of 4
Adapter Compatibility: Nyrius does not recommend using Digital to Analog Adapters with their Orion products. However, HDMI to mini-HDMI/micro-HDMI adapters are compatible
TX/RX Channel: 1 TX / 4 RX

This system consists of one Transmitter and one Receiver device that accept HDMI connectivity. They are identical in size, and measure approximately 3 1/4″ x 3 1/4″ x 1″. On the connectivity side of the receiver as shown below there is the HDMI Out port, an IR In port and a micro USB AC adapter port. The HDMI Out connects to an external display.

On the Transmitter as shown below, there is the HDMI In port, the HDMI Out port, an IR Out port, and a micro USB AC adapter power port. The HDMI In port is used to connect the source device to the transmitter and the HDMI Out allows for the direct connection to another monitor/device. This is a loop-through feature.

Both components have the pairing button as seen below that you press to make the connection between them.

Performance

The connection of these devices was straightforward and easy, and within a couple of minutes, I was transmitting wirelessly between my laptop and an external monitor.

When the Receiver is connected to the output display, the screen below is displayed as it awaits a signal from the Transmitter.

The LED indicator on each component lights steady white when the 2 are successfully connected and blinks red when they are not.

There is a slight lag between the source video and the remote display and there tends to be a bit more lag the further away from the source you are. Overall, it works quite well especially within the 20′ to 30′ range that I was able to perform my tests. I tried it on streaming devices, a PC laptop, and a MacBook.

If you are streaming from a media source that is in a different room than your display and you are receiving the audio/video signal with no problem, the IR extender feature allows you to control your streaming/media device like a streaming box from the display, by simply pointing the media device remote and the IR Extender and using the remote as you would when in front of your media/streaming device.

What I like

• Size of Transmitter and Receiver
• Operational range
• Eas of set up and connectivity
• Consistent connectivity

What can be improved

• In terms of its specification and what it promises to do, it works as intended.

Final thoughts

The Nyrius ORION streaming device seems to be perfect for sitting on your couch with a laptop or even another streaming device and watching the content on a larger display without having to run wires between the source and the display. The fact that it is able to do so while displaying content at 1080P HD is also a nice feature. While there is a bit of lag, it is not noticeable if the output display is not compared to the input via another display that is connected to the source or the loop-through port, so this is really not an issue. The Nyrius Orion certainly has its niche, and for the features, the price, and how it performed during my tests, it is a good value.

Price: $149.99
Where to buy: Nyrius website and Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Nyrius.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: Audio, HDMI, TV, Video

Nyrius ORION streaming device review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 17, 2018 at 9:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

Given that we’re all probably carrying around more video and photo data than graced the entire planet 20 years ago, I’m sure we’ve all been somewhere and wanted to show a group of more than 2 people a great shot. Perhaps you’ve wanted to actually present to a group, and you only had a phone with a pdf and a TV, and no cable to connect them. The folks at AirTame have seen your plight and have concocted a solution, in the form of an HDMI dongle that needs no setup other than with your phone or another device. It fits in the space of your earbuds, but it has a lot more hidden superpowers than this….

Note: Photos may be tapped or clicked for a larger image.

What is it?

The AirTame is a black dongle 3”x1.5”x.5” with an HDMI plug on one end. It looks like an HDMI thumb drive. On one of the sides, there is a microUSB port for power, and opposite the plug, there is a small button to power it on. When it’s connected and powered on, your device’s images show up on your HDMI display. Once it’s on your wireless or Ethernet network, however, it is also available to be seen by full computers (Mac, Windows, Linux) or ChromeOS. These devices can share full screen live screens.

What’s in the box?

AirTame device
USB-A< ->microUSB power cable (1m)
USB power brick with plugs for US, UK, and EU (US only is shown above.)
7.5” HDMI extension cable

Design and features

The AirTame is easy to set up, easy to carry along, and easy to use. I’ll cover the setup below. Once it’s set up, there’s little to do. As long as you are connected to the same network, you can send PDF and JPG files to any HDMI source from your iOS or Android device, using their app. If the files are on your device, you give the AirTame app permission to read them, and you’re off to the races. If you want to store them in a DropBox account, the design is there to allow you to access that account. (During testing, I ran into a snag with changes that are happening with the DropBox app, but I feel sure this will be worked through in due course. The solution is to open the PDF in your device’s PDF reader, and “Open In” AirTame. This will copy the document to the Files section of the AirTame app, where it can be accessed and displayed.)
For computers and ChromeBooks, the dongle is much more powerful. You can do full-screen sharing. You can use the app to find any AirTame on your network, and send your video to it. This is fantastic for tech support, training, or viewing remote computers (servers, network monitors, etc.).

Setup

Setup is simple. Connect to an HDMI port on your display of choice and connect the AirTame to power using a microUSB cable. These things can be problematic, however, due to the placement of the display, or other cables that are already in place. There is an extension cord in case the HDMI of your display won’t allow the wide and long AirTame to attach directly. In many conference rooms and boardrooms, you may need to invest in a gender changer, since the only option available may be an HDMI plug, rather than a port. Other than private displays, I can’t remember the last time I had access to the port itself.
AirTame’s idea, however, is to have organizations put one of these devices on every HDMI screen in an organization. The pricing model changes rapidly from 1-3 to 4-9 and more than 10. Being able to remotely log in to any display in your company or campus and show your screen can make for quick resolution of issues where groups need to be shown something. (Audio can be turned on or off.)

Performance

I found the performance to be acceptable. Since video files are not supported with iOS/Android devices, the display rate isn’t going to be a problem. Bringing up a multi-page PDF document allows a PowerPoint / Keynote-like screen on your device where you see the current and next thumbnails, rather than the full screen being the current image. If you export your slide deck to PDF, you’ll only lose the animations and sound/video links, but those have lost favor of late. (Clicking the green button in the multi-page PDF document below leads to a screen-by-screen slide deck presentation.)

For computers, there is a bit of a lag over Wifi. (The company offers ethernet adapters that will allow direct connection to a router, which will speed up screen motion and video display. I was not sent this to test.) It’s not really that bad unless you’re trying to show video or any other high-frame-rate media.

What I Like

• Very easy setup and installation
• Fast, clear display
• Supports virtually all platforms

What needs to be improved

• Device gets hot after 30 minutes or so
• Limited file formats supported on iOS/Android
• Would benefit from a battery that lasted 15-20 minutes for traveling users

Final thoughts

Presenting to a large screen seems to be the modern curse, and I see no end to it in our current businesses. Presenting from something other than a full computer, however, is quite nice, and this device covers the basics of getting an image before a group with little to no roadblocks. If you need sound, animations, active video display (for training or visualization of content), this device paired with any modern computer will most likely fill the bill. If you can be happy with images and PDFs from your handheld, this is a worthy consideration.

Price: $299.00 (quantity discounts available)
Where to buy: Manufacturer website and Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by AirTame.

The post AirTame HDMI display enabler review appeared first on The Gadgeteer.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: Audio, HDMI, TV, Video

AirTame HDMI display enabler review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on June 29, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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