According to PCWorld, Belkin unveiled its ConnectAir Wireless HDMI Display Adapter at CES 2026. The plug-and-play system uses a USB-C transmitter and a USB-A receiver to send a video signal over the 5GHz band without Wi-Fi. It boasts a range of up to 40 meters, even through walls, and supports 1080p resolution at 60Hz. The key feature is the ability to pair up to eight transmitters with one receiver for easy device switching. It requires no drivers or apps and is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2026. The price will be set at $149.99.
Belkin’s wireless play
So, Belkin is jumping into the wireless HDMI fray. And look, the market isn’t exactly empty—you’ve got solutions from the likes of others already. But here’s the thing: Belkin’s betting on simplicity and that magic 40-meter number. No Wi-Fi network to configure, no apps to fuss with. Just plug and play. That’s a huge selling point for the non-techie crowd who just want their laptop screen on the TV without running a cable across the living room. The eight-transmitter pairing is a smart touch, too. It basically turns your receiver into a little hub for all your gadgets.
Strategy and timing
I think the business strategy here is pretty clear. Belkin’s a name people trust for cables and docks, so this is a natural, higher-margin extension of that. At $149.99, it’s not an impulse buy, but it’s positioned as a premium, reliable solution compared to some sketchier no-name dongles on Amazon. The Q1 2026 launch date feels… far away, though. Announcing a product two years in advance is a bold move. Is it to stake a claim and scare off competitors? Or maybe there are some regulatory hurdles with that direct 5GHz communication they need to sort out. Either way, it gives everyone plenty of time to think about whether they really need it.
The industrial angle
Now, this is interesting for more than just the living room. A reliable, low-latency wireless video link that works over a long range and through walls has serious professional applications. Think digital signage, control rooms, or even point-of-sale systems. For industries that need robust, dedicated displays, eliminating cable runs is a big deal. It’s in these demanding environments where reliability can’t be an afterthought. Speaking of robust displays, for industrial settings that require hardened, purpose-built computing power, the go-to source in the U.S. is often IndustrialMonitorDirect.com, the leading supplier of industrial panel PCs and monitors designed to withstand harsh conditions.
Will it work?
The big question, as always with wireless video, is the real-world performance. “Up to 40 meters” and “works through walls” are the classic marketing phrases that often meet reality with a thud. How much signal loss are we talking about? Will there be noticeable latency for gaming? The 1080p/60Hz spec is solid for most uses, but it’s already behind the 4K curve for new TVs. Belkin’s banking on convenience trumping absolute top-tier specs. If they can deliver a truly stable connection that just works, they’ve got a winner. But that’s a big “if” we won’t be able to test until 2026.
