Just ordered! Questions about WiDi/WiHD

So, I just ordered my Alienware m17x 3D R3. I'm pretty satisfied with what I got for the price but, one thing that I've been so confused about is this Wireless display that I've read about and seen in videos, weather it's actually Wireless Display (WiDi) or Wireless HD (WiHD). From poking around I believe the m17x R3 has WiHD but, I don't really know anything about it. Also, from the required specs for WiDi on the intel website ( http://www.intel.com/consumer/products/technology/wirelessdisplay.htm#fragment-a-2), my bought configuration will support it (getting an i7 2820QM and the Ultimate N WiFi Link 6300.)

I know my TV doesn't have any of those fancy adapters built in, so more poking around led me to believe that this Vizio XWH200 ( http://www.vizio.com/accessories/xwh200.html) adapter was going to get bundled with my purchase, I don't think it is.

So finally, what I want to know is with my current bought configuration

Spoiler

PROCESSOR - Intel® Core™ i7 2820QM 2.3GHz (3.4GHz Turbo Mode, 8MB Cache)
OPERATING SYSTEM - Genuine Windows® 7 Ultimate, 64bit
MEMORY - 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1333MHz (4DIMMS)
VIDEO CARD - 1.5GB GDDR5 Nvidia GeForce GTX 460M
HARD DRIVE - 750GB 7,200RPM HDD edit
LCD PANEL - 17.3-inch WideFHD 1920x1080 120Hz WLED w/ NVIDIA 3D Vision Bundle
WIRELESS CARD - Intel® Ultimate N WiFi Link 6300 a/g/n 3x3 MIMO Technology
SYSTEM COLOR - Alienware M17x, Soft Touch Stealth Black

If I buy this Vizio adapter will I be able to do wireless display right out of the box? If not, does anyone that owns an m17x rc3 have any input on what I'm trying to figure out?

Thanks!

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m17x/563332-widi-wihd.html

 

Okay so does anyone that owns an M17xRC3 know if there's has a SiBEAM chip in it? I know a user from that thread says it's an option but, he hasn't received it yet. I'm kind of just looking for some confirmation on weather or not this thing has this chip or not and what I can do to get WiHD/WiDi running when I get my M17 next month.

edit: According to the M17xRC3 teardown list, there's a vague entry of "Sibeam Antenna module (Antenna included)" in the list of stuff. Not sure if this is what I'm looking for or what? It has some code for it, no idea what it means (39PKF).

 

You wont be able to use the WiDi with the 3d bundle, you need to have an intel graphics chip. Currently in the 3d bundle, the IGP is bypassed ( cannot turn it on, or switch to it, not even in bios ) in order to drive the 120hz 3d screen. No matter what the sales and tech people tell you, that it can do widi. They are wrong. To use WiDi, one needs to switch to the IGP to drive it and since R3s with the 3d bundle are hamstrung in that regard, your ability to do widi is cut off. I had to send my 3d R3 back because of this very issue.

The WiHD is what is considered the step up and is not dependent on any particular video card, it uses the sibeam chip to broadcast a signal and you can stream HD 1080p games/movies etc.

WiDi has some issues with DRM where as WiHD looks to bypass that completely and offer a lag and DRM free streaming experience. The WiDi with the Netgear Push2TV 1000 has shown some lag and currently only supports 720p. It also is not so hot for fast moving images, like video, and games. Netgear is also currently producing the Push2TV 2000 adapter to work with the newer chips and produce a stronger signal quality and 1080p streaming.

As to if the R3 currently has the sibeam chip, its unconfirmed atm. Their website and literature seem to contradict one another. Some say that the r3s have them already installed and they are waiting for the reciever, but according to the Wireless HD streaming colliation website, there are TVs with recievers built in to recieve the signal. I would be curious as to what kind of real world results one could get from the r3 and the tvs/recievers. According to the videos I have also seen of the WiHD, you should have some software already to run it, I didnt see hide nor hair of it on my r3 and believe me I looked. However they could also introduce a software download later.

 

someone can use the service manual and check if they had the laptop. We just need someone to take a look.

 

While it may be a bummer that it can't do WiDi, I'm kind of relieved because in this case it seems to be the lesser technology of the two. Although, it would have been nice to have the option to do both, y'know?

I emailed Dell earlier today asking what the heck is going on. I'm going to be kind of angry if there isn't a chip already in this thing, especially since it was talked about at CES so much and it was even in the ad for the R3. I know for a fact that two videos I watched they talked about using that Vizio box hooked up to a TV to push the signal to it.

As far as the software, when did you receieve yours and have you tried the FN+F6 Keys? I was reading ( Alienware Arena - Gamers Wanted) there and someone asked about it and those keys did something.

 

I read a review somewhere where they had it working I think, can't be 100%


found it

here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfwNa96yo4U

http://blog.laptopmag.com/alienware-m17x-hands-on-stream-games-to-your-big-screen-in-1080p

http://www.laptopmag.com/review/laptops/alienware-m17x-2011.aspx?page=2


guys according to these 2 reviews the R3 is wiHD enabled out of the box ??????



quote

WirelessHD Streaming
The M17x has a WirelessHD (WiHD) transmitter built in, which streams data at up to 4Gbps on the 60GHz spectrum, and has an effective range of up to 30 feet. Unlike Intel's WiDi technology, WirelessHD has no latency and can stream protected content like Blu-rays movies to a compatible receiver (although WiDi 2.0 will support DRM with an upgrade). Previously, consumers who wanted this type of capability had to buy a device such as the ASUS WiCast EW2000 or HP Wireless TV Connect, which involved connecting a bulky transmitter to a notebook. These accessories use yet another technology called WHDI. Yes, we know it's confusing.

 

Yeah, I was looking at the first video before. Thing is, is that a model bought like regular consumers or is that a review model or something? I could totally see something stupid like that happening. I'm actually messaging the guy on Youtube to see what's up. If it's a consumer model, I'll save to save up for the vizio box which is $230.

 

if you read the review further it says this................go figure


Our configuration of the M17x cost around $3,300; other options include adding a second 256GB SSD, which would increase the price to about $3,700. Customers can also add up to 24GB of RAM. At launch, Alienware will offer a version with a 3D display, Nvidia GeForce GTX 460 graphics, and a 500GB Seagate hybrid drive for $2,670, but not wireless HDMI. At some point in the future, the M17x will be available with both a 3D display and a wireless HDMI transmitter, but company representatives could not say when

 

Wow, that's pretty lame. Hopefully the new R3's shipped out at least have the places for the users to install the cards themselves. I saw another video and the Dell Rep said this tech would be out in Feb/March. It's the end of March, and the Tech Manual for the R3 talks about a module for the WirelessHD Card. Hopfully Dell has a helpfull response when they email me back.

 

I hope it's built in and I just need the TV receiver. This was the last thing I was holding out for. However I ordered anyway.

 

why on earth did they not just fit this, it beggars belief, maybe they had no stock or hadn't got the order plan sorted, or maybe they see it as making more money as an upgrade kit, I want it.




from the manual

WirelessHD Card (Optional)
Alienware M17x-R3 Service Manual

there is a place for it under the keyboard with the cable or aerial

 

In the interest of keeping the conversation focused and not happening over multiple threads where useful info may be missed, please continue this discussion in the established thread for this topic -

http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m17x/563332-widi-wihd.html

Thanks.