In a recent parcel from China, I received an intriguing device from Pigo, a company known for its unique technology in wirelessly transferring HDMI signals. Pigo has been around for a while, offering several devices around this core idea. Their latest model is the Pigo Millimeter Wave Handheld Version 3 Pro, a device that offers a fresh take on HDMI wireless transmission. Let’s dive into the specifications, features, and real-world performance of this product.
What’s in the Box?
The Pigo Millimeter Wave Handheld Version 3 Pro comes with everything you need to get started. The device is equipped with a tempered glass screen protector and the typical installation kit for easy setup. Inside the box, you’ll also find three cables:
HDMI to HDMI
Type-C to Type-C
USB-A to USB Type-C
Each of these cables is approximately 1 meter in length, and they are of high quality. The main attraction in the box, of course, is the HDMI transmitter and receiver, which are integrated into a 7-inch screen. This screen also features its own built-in rechargeable battery, while the transmitter requires power from a USB source via the included cable.
Device Overview
The transmitter has a sleek metal casing with ventilation ribs for heat dissipation. There is a single HDMI connector (HDMI input), a Type-C port for powering the transmitter, and a unique feature—an array of antennas located behind a semi-transparent plastic opening that transmits the signal.
The receiver, which is the 7-inch screen itself, also features a metal casing, and on its back are several cooling mechanisms, including a fan and a copper heat sink to manage heat. There are a number of control buttons on the screen, including power, volume adjustment, and navigation for the on-screen menu. Additionally, the receiver has a 3.5mm headphone jack, a charging port for its internal battery, and a USB Type-C port for video input.
Interestingly, the device has ports for video input via HDMI and Type-C, but it doesn’t support USB peripherals like a keyboard or mouse.
Connecting and Using the Device
Setting up the Pigo Millimeter Wave Handheld Version 3 Pro is a breeze. You can connect it to a laptop, gaming console, media player, or any HDMI-capable device using the appropriate cable. For wired mode, if your device has a Type-C port, you can directly connect the display using the supplied Type-C cable. If you’re using an HDMI source, simply connect it to the HDMI port.
The receiver screen operates independently, meaning it has its own rechargeable battery that powers it for a while. In wired mode, the screen supports a native 120Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth performance.
If you prefer wireless mode, it’s just as easy to set up. You need to turn on the millimeter-wave transmission from the on-screen menu and connect the transmitter to an HDMI output device, ensuring it gets powered by any USB source. This is where the magic happens, as the device wirelessly transfers a full HD, uncompressed signal without any added latency.
The Limitations and Pros of Wireless HDMI Transmission
One of the biggest advantages of this device is the ability to send full HD video at 120Hz with zero added latency, something many devices, including the PlayStation Portal, cannot claim. The Pigo Millimeter Wave does not use Wi-Fi for transmission, meaning it doesn’t interfere with your home network. It operates using millimeter waves, which allow for high bandwidth but come with some limitations.
Due to the nature of millimeter waves, the device requires a direct line of sight between the transmitter and receiver. This means that you cannot place the receiver in a different room or behind obstacles. The signal is strong but narrow, so if the device is too far from the transmitter (typically more than 3-4 meters), it may not work. However, this limitation is easily mitigated with the optional cradle Pigo sells, which helps maintain line of sight between the two units.
Versatility and Convenience
The Pigo Millimeter Wave Handheld Version 3 Pro is a versatile and portable device, perfect for people who want to game or watch content without being tethered to their TV or monitor. Since it uses HDMI, it’s compatible with any HDMI-enabled device, whether it’s a gaming console, PC, or media player. You don’t need special accounts or configurations to get started, making it an easy plug-and-play option.
While it’s not designed for long-distance use, the ability to wirelessly stream high-quality video to a 7-inch screen with no latency makes it ideal for gaming or media consumption in the same room. For gaming enthusiasts, it’s a great way to lounge on the couch while still enjoying seamless gameplay.
The Verdict
The Pigo Millimeter Wave Handheld Version 3 Pro is certainly a niche product, but it offers a lot of value for those looking for a portable, high-quality, and low-latency video solution. Whether you’re using it for gaming, media streaming, or as a portable display for your PC, it delivers performance that’s hard to beat. Its ease of use, high refresh rate, and wireless capability set it apart from other solutions like the PlayStation Portal, especially for those who don’t want to rely on Wi-Fi or deal with compressed video signals.
Despite its limitations—primarily the short transmission range and the requirement for direct line of sight—the Pigo device is a solid choice for those in need of a portable HDMI solution with zero latency.