A Guide to Wireless HDMI: What You Need to Know

If you need to hide some cables or stream audio from a device, our sound engineers highly recommend an HDMI transmitter. Using HDMI is a clever way to clean up those messy cable connections.

This technology has been around for several years, but not many people know what it is or how to use it. Here, we explain the technology’s capabilities alongside its caveats.

What is Wireless HDMI?

Wireless HDMI enables you to watch video content or stream audio from devices like game consoles and computers to your projector or TV with an HDMI output. Like modern-day technologies, HDMI is also straightforward to use. 

How Does it Function?

This wireless technology can stream content due to electromagnetic waves. These waves are invisible signals that travel through the air at certain speeds or frequencies, which can be sound or light. 

These waves are the video and audio signals that emerge from a TV or projector. Cell phone signals, radio broadcasts, and even Wi-Fi are electromagnetic waves. You can tell these signals apart by their speed, measured in hertz. 

These days, manufacturers have started to make routers with two separate networks instead of one in order to accommodate Wi-Fi. Aside from preventing congestion, having two different networks ensures that connection speed is maintained. 

Now that our team has established what electromagnetic waves are, how does wireless HDMI function? When you connect your transmitter to the console or computer, the signal is converted into wireless by virtue of an onboard computer and then broadcasted to the TV or projector. 

An HDMI transmitter creates its network and frequency, with the signal passing through it to the other end of the receiver connected to the TV. 

Why Use Wireless HDMI in Your Setup?

Clean and Easy Setup

Nobody likes the sight of a crowded audiovisual setup. Having a clean and crisp living space where all the wires are carefully tucked away is the dream of many, and that’s what a wireless HDMI is a great option.

However, you need to provide storage space for the equipment that transmits video to the television. The good news is the storage space doesn’t have to be in the same room as the television. 

It’s also convenient running a projector setup through wireless HDMI because you can project one source to several screens simultaneously. People that run HDMIs on a TV or projector do so because of the ease of use, audio/video quality, and absence of cables.

Access to Multiple Screens

With wireless HDMI, you can project one source to multiple screens. It means you don’t have to rely on one screen to view content or need to be in the same room, provided you have more than one projector. 

Using Wireless HDMI with Wi-Fi

As you may know already, an HDMI transmitter creates a wireless network. This could interfere with your already pre-installed Wi-Fi, especially if entangled on the same spot. Audio and video flickers could happen and may take time before they stabilize.

The solution is to spread them out. Place the wireless transmitters in separate locations. If they have their own space, things will get better.

With Remote Control

Can you use wireless transmitters with a handheld remote control? This is a big question, considering that consoles, for example, support wireless game controllers. 

When initiated, handheld controllers use infrared transmitters to execute an action [1]. It happens when the infrared lines up well with that on the receiver. The good news is many wireless kits come with infrared, so you can point the remote at it, and there would be a response no matter where you are.

Wireless HDMI Vs. Streaming Sticks (Chromecast, Fire TV Stick, etc.)

Many people think an HDMI is the same as a streaming stick, given that both enable you to stream video when plugged into the HDMI port. However, they are not, and here are the differences.

A streaming stick like Chromecast doesn’t send the video to the main screen. It streams directly from the internet. On the other hand, HDMI transmitters stream video or audio from your computer and project it unto the main screen. 

Which Should You Choose?

That depends on the user. Each has its pros and cons. Stream sticks are less costly and easier to set up because you only need to connect them to the internet to stream. 

However, you can’t stream video or audio content from a console or computer. Plus, slow internet speeds can affect the streaming stick. It makes the HDMI transmitter a better option based on this factor.

FAQ

Is wireless HDMI laggy?

Wireless HDMI can get laggy if other wireless connections are next to it.

Conclusion

Wireless HDMI is a cutting-edge technology that comes in handy when you want to stream content or audio. It solves many problems, such as hardware placement and multiple screens projections. If you’re confused about getting it or the streaming stick, our technical engineers suggest considering your existing setup and preferences.

The post A Guide to Wireless HDMI: What You Need to Know appeared first on The Product Analyst.

from The Product Analyst https://theproductanalyst.com/wireless-hdmi/

Why Does My Firestick Keep Restarting? + 10 Surefire Ways to Fix It

Amazon Firesticks allow you to stream content over Wi-Fi. Like any other electronic device, it’s impossible not to experience some issues, such as frequent restarting. If you are experiencing this, you may be looking for solutions to stop it.

Your Firestick keeps restarting due to hardware issues, power supply, or a cable malfunction. Here, our experts explain ten surefire ways to fix the problem.

Why Does a Fire TV Stick Keep Restarting?

Your Fire TV Stick keeps restarting due to poor and damaged cables, improper connection, inadequate power supply, or hardware/software glitches. The reasons could go beyond these, but the good news is you can fix those problems using our engineer’s tweaks.

If you encounter any problem, there’s no need to panic. At least, not until after you follow the steps enumerated in this post.

How to Fix a Firestick That Keeps Restarting?

Let’s get started with how to solve this problem of a frequent restart.

Fix #1: Inspect for Damage

To answer your question, “why does my Firestick keep restarting?” you need to inspect what the damage could be first. Without doing this, you won’t know how to approach the issue. Checking for damage is the first step here.

Fix #2: Try Plugging the Adapter Directly into the Socket

USB ports don’t provide enough power for your Firestick to function normally. The same goes for extensions. Extensions and USBs can cause some power issues. 

If the gadget is malfunctioning, and it’s connected to your television via USB and power extensions, try plugging the adapter directly into the socket instead if possible. 

Fix #3: Try a 2-Amp Power Adapter

Most Firesticks, especially the original ones, come with a 1-amp power adapter out-of-the-box. This adapter may cause some issues, such as frequent restarts. Most times, this problem can be solved by switching the adapter to a 2-amp one. 

Fix #4: Disconnect Other Devices Connected to Your TV’s HDMI Ports

Modern TVs come with multiple HDMI ports to enable you to connect several devices. Sometimes, attaching two or more devices simultaneously to your TV could reduce the quantity of power going into the connected gadgets, including the Firestick.

Our technical experts mentioned earlier that insufficient power could cause the Firestick to restart frequently. So for this fix, try disconnecting other connected devices to see if your Firestick can operate normally.

Fix #5: Deactivate HDMI CEC

Most TVs arrive with the HDMI CEC functionality, which allows you to control devices connected to the TV via HDMI ports with a single remote. Sometimes, gadgets have their way of interacting with this function, which could make them misbehave. Our team suggests you deactivate it for the time being.

To do that, go to “Settings > Display and Sound > HDMI CEC.” Deactivate the feature. 

Fix #6: Update Your Firestick Software

Amazon Firesticks run on software. Therefore, expect them to have a bug. Outdated firmware can cause your gadget to reboot, but a simple update can resolve the issue. Updating the Stick’s firmware can fix most faults, not just the frequent restart. 

To update the firmware, locate “Settings” on the Firestick TV, scroll to “About” and select “Check for System Update.” If there’s a new firmware version, kindly update.

Fix #7: Try Using Another Firestick

Sometimes, your Firestick could be incapacitated and beyond repairs. Therefore, you should try using another one. If you keep experiencing issues, the fault could come from the power and not the hardware. 

Fix #8: Delete Cache

A cache is simply temporary storage of files and data. Clearing the cache can free up some memory and performance space. 

To do this, go to “Settings > Applications.” Select “Manage Installed Applications.” A list of apps will be displayed. Select each app to clear the cache.

Fix #9: Delete Unnecessary Apps

You may have to do away with some apps installed on your Firestick. Too many installed apps eat the device’s memory, causing the system to load more slowly. Removing extra applications can fix the issue of rebooting.

To delete applications, go to “Settings.” Click on “Applications > Manage Installed Applications.” Choose the app you want to remove and select “Uninstall.”

Fix #10: Do a Factory Reset on Your Firestick

A simple factory reset could be the solution to your Firestick problems. When you have tried other options and the issue lingers, you should format or perform a factory reset [1]. 

The best way to perform a factory reset is to follow this method. Navigate to “Settings” and select. Click “My Fire TV” and choose “Factory Reset.” Note that all your downloaded apps will be lost once this process is completed.

Conclusion

It is annoying to see your Firestick restart abruptly, especially when watching some of your favorite TV shows or movie. This post by our technical team has explained some solutions to fix your Firestick when it starts rebooting. We hope this article has answered your question, “why does my Firestick keep restarting?” and provided ample solutions to this dilemma.

The post Why Does My Firestick Keep Restarting? + 10 Surefire Ways to Fix It appeared first on The Product Analyst.

from The Product Analyst https://theproductanalyst.com/why-does-my-firestick-keep-restarting/