Haier’s wireless TV is not available in the market yet but it is an indication of what is coming. Televisions have already gotten ultra slim and can produce HD video without using very little space in your living room. However, TVs are still somewhat “wired” and you connect the DVD players, power cords and other cables although you could use some costly alternatives to reduce to the clutter to some extent. It is a good sign that manufacturers are coming up with electronics without cables.

Wireless Powered TV

The wireless power system was supplied to Haier was developed by Witricity. Power transfer is made possible through a coil on the back of the TV that receives power from another device plugged into a wall socket that resonates and the energy is transferred using a magnetic near field.

This TV also features Wireless Home Digital Interface (WHDI), which can stream 1080p content at 3 Gbps. It works at distances up to about 100 feet away. So there’s no need for video input cables either. The company did not provide a time-line for a consumer release. It appears it may take 6 months to an year before you can purchase it for your home.

This product was chosen to receive a 2010 CES “Product of the Future Award” from POPULAR SCIENCE.

The technology at the core of WiTricity’s approach is called magnetic coupled resonance, which can provoke an energetic response at a distance between two coils, one powered, the other not. If the two coils are correctly tuned to one another, energy flows from the connected one (installed, say, on the ceiling of a room) into the other (inside, say, your laptop). Giler presented a demo of it at TEDGlobal  2009.

Common electronic equipments are supported through 8 “tips” currently provided. Tips support common charging options such as Mini USB, Micro USB, DS Lite, Apple tip etc. You can purchase additional tips to hook up more devices. Company does not make it clear if all kinds of devices are supported, although most commonly used devices such as iPod, iPhone and mobile phones are supported.

The Powermat wireless charger costs about 100 dollars. You also need to buy charging cases for each your gadget so the power Mat can transmit electricity to your devices. Cases for phones, MP3 players typically cost 30 to 40 dollars each.

Power Mat is now sold at Amazon

How does it work? A transmitter, such as a tray or pedestal, is plugged into a wall outlet. A receiver (charging case) attaches to the back of your gadget, such as a silicone case for your iPod. When the transmitter and receiver are near each other, a small magnetic field is created, which the receiver turns into power to charge a battery.

It works through the technique of magnetic induction. Each device requires a separate charging case receiver that is connected to the device and rested on the mat. The magnetic induction process takes care of all the charging while the receiver regulates the process. Currently, it looks as though the wireless receivers–which double as protective cases or backing–are limited to a few select devices such as iPhones, Blackberries and Nintendo DS units. Other devices can be connected with the included Universal Powercube, which includes 8 separate tips.

Power mat charging tips

Following tips are currently supported

Mini USB (default receiver tip)

• BlackBerry (all models that use Mini USB)
• Many Motorola® phones
• Many HTC® phones
• Many Bluetooth® headsets
• Many GPS devices

Micro USB Tip

• Many Motorola® phones
• Many LG® phones
• Many Palm® phones
• Many Bluetooth® headsets

Apple Tip

• iPod® (all generations)
• iPhone™ (all generations)

DS Lite Tip

• Nintendo DS® Lite

DSi Tip

• Nintendo DSi™

LG 1 Tip

• Many LG® phones

Samsung 2 Tip

• Many Samsung™ phones

Sony PSP Tip

• Playstation Portable®
• Some Kodak® cameras

The Wireless electricity technology is new and there are relatively fewer companies in the market. As the competition heats up to sell wireless power cords, consumers can expect more choices with lower prices.

UPDATE: Powermats are now available in US. Please check our Powermat review page for product features

Wireless Power Mats Providers
Powermat USA