There is a common misconception that wireless is the future and that very soon everything will be wireless. This simply is not the case at least in the foreseeable future.  There are technologies around, such as WiFi which computers use to transfer data between 2 points. This technology, while good for this application, is not suitable for others (e.g. High Definition Video).  In fact with the changes in digital TV and how people watch TV, the need for cables has increased.  For example MyStar now needs 2 coaxial cable runs instead of just the one to enable the user to record 2 shows at the same time.  TiVo needs an internet connection so that it can download extra information to the unit (e.g. Electronic Program Guide, Season Passes, etc.) .  

Wireless devices use radio frequency to transfer information from one point to another.  Just like any radio frequency device, wireless transmissions are subject to interference. Some of these are common sources found in homes - like microwaves, cordless phones and baby monitors.  As interference increases, signal strength will decrease and wireless speeds decrease with it.  This will at best cause intermittent or unreliable operation in a product or, in the worst case scenario, a total lock-up of the product which would need to be reset to remedy.

Wireless speeds are also (depending on equipment used) slower than their wired counterparts.  Wireless speeds are typically between 1-108Mbit/s while common wired network speeds are typically 100Mbit/s to several thousand.  

However, there are several companies who are developing widely different technologies, each hoping that their particular system becomes the wireless HD standard.  Each of these standards have their own name, e.g. Belkin Flywire, Sony Bravia Wireless, and Airhook, just to name a few.  Each of these wireless technologies are still susceptible to interference and, worst of all (because they are competing technologies)  they are not compatible with each other.

Some of the problems that we have had by using wireless technologies include:

    *  Stuttering music playback

    *  Streaming video breaking up

    *  Unreliable control systems

    *  Lower quality sound

    *  Heavy artifacting on video

So while wireless technology in the correct application can be a great convenience, one must remember that it can still be quite limited in other applications where large amounts of information needs to be transferred.  Will wireless find itself into the home and replace the good old fashioned cables?  Only if they are stable, reliable and work as specified but, until that happens it is always better to run a cable if possible.  

So if you are building a new home or office, you should definitely think about pre-wiring during the building stage so that all audio, video and data points are covered and save yourself the frustration of troubleshooting a weak wireless signal.

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