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Switched On: Connected Electronics Show

Ross Rubin — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST

Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.

Compared to CES 2011, which featured an explosion of tablets and high-powered smartphones poised to jump on emerging 4G networks, this year's edition of Gear and Gloating in Las Vegas was a more muted affair when it came to mobile devices. Sure, Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile trotted out a few devices and there were even a few standouts, such as the Transformer Primesque Lenovo IdeaTab S2 with its its docking keyboard as well as the heavily promoted Galaxy Note, coming soon the U.S. after launching in Europe.

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Switched On: Connected Electronics Show originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HomePlug Alliance AV2 specification promises gigabit class networking over electrical wires

Zachary Lutz — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST

It's been a long time coming, but the Homeplug Powerline Alliance is introducing a new class of home networking technology known as AV2, which is meant to better facilitate HD content transmission over electrical wiring. With MIMO functionality (multiple-input and multiple-output) at its core, the new specification features gigabit class speeds and comes from a decade of field tests. What's more, the new standard promises to bring greater in-home coverage beyond WiFi capabilities while maintaining compatibility with existing HomePlug AV / IEEE 1901 products. Whether consumers are willing to embrace yet another new specification from the HomePlug group remains to be seen, although we can imagine a few Netflix junkies will be downright giddy. For the complete deets, the PR follows the break.

Continue reading HomePlug Alliance AV2 specification promises gigabit class networking over electrical wires

HomePlug Alliance AV2 specification promises gigabit class networking over electrical wires originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HomePlug Alliance keeps plugging away at powerline communications

Terrence O'Brien — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 06:40:00 EST

Try as it might, the HomePlug Alliance just can't seem to get its foot in the proverbial door of consumers' homes. Now the organization is eying a different target market -- utilities. Its new Netricity Powerline Communications program aims to get utility companies and makers of smart meters to adopt the 1901.2 standard for sending data through existing electrical wiring and march us into the smart grid future. The low-frequency, narrow-band PLC won't do anything to help you stream HD video around your home, but it should be more than enough for monitoring your energy consumption. Check out the PR after the break for a few more details.

HomePlug Alliance keeps plugging away at powerline communications originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 06:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Switched On: No new wires, one new caveat

Ross Rubin — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 20:14:00 EST

Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.

In the decade that WiFi has blanketed home networks across the United States, several technologies aimed at using existing wiring in the home have met with limited success. These have included MoCA (Multimedia over Coax, which has been adopted by some service providers for implementing multi-room DVRs) and HomePNA (originally for phone lines but later expanded to coax cable as well). At least three dueling standards have also sought to bring high-speed connectivity over electrical wiring. HomePlug, the most successful of these, has had several iterations. The latest - HomePlug AV - is rated at a theoretical throughput of 200 Mbits/sec. However, power line technologies have been held back by high prices and occasional interoperability problems.

But a new approach seeks to be the one protocol to rule them all, operating over phone lines, power lines or coax. Dubbed G.hn, the ITU standard promises up to 1Gbps theoretical throughput, with real-world usage over electrical lines expected to reach between 250Mbps and 400Mbps. If that sounds appealing to you, you're not alone. Service providers like the idea of G.hn since it allows them more flexibility than previous efforts. In fact, they like it so much that -- despite G.hn's capacity -- they have insisted on quality of service standards that could limit or prevent consumers from installing it themselves after they buy adapters from retailers.

Continue reading Switched On: No new wires, one new caveat

Switched On: No new wires, one new caveat originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 25 Sep 2011 20:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HomePlug and IEEE want our home networks to play nice, talk to each other

Terrence O'Brien — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 19:39:00 EST

HomePlug hasn't exactly struck it big on the home networking scene but, with so many disparate options (none of which play very nice together) it's not hard to see why. The Powerline Alliance is throwing its support behind a new IEEE standard, P1905, that may ease our consumer pain and make the outlet connectivity tech a better fit for our ~~dungeons~~ living rooms. The goal is to create a layer that sits atop the various wired and wireless hookups that blanket our homes and let them easily share data. Bridging the gap between HomePlug, HomePlug AV, Ethernet, WiFi, and MoCA is an ambitious task to tackle, but we've got faith our gadgets can get along.

Continue reading HomePlug and IEEE want our home networks to play nice, talk to each other

HomePlug and IEEE want our home networks to play nice, talk to each other originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 19:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sigma Design's 'ultra thin' TV box design promises HD in a tiny package

Richard Lawler — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 05:22:00 EST

It's not much bigger than many of the wall warts currently filling outlets in your power strip, but this reference design from Sigma Designs could be your next cable box. With HomePlug networking, Z-Wave RF remote control technology and the ability to process multiple 1080p streams at once built in, it only needs to be plugged in to the wall (and connected to a TV via HDMI) to get to work. connect to the network and pull in video from the internet, feeds from an IPTV provider like U-Verse (or Comcast eventually), or multiroom streams from a connected DVR. At its heart is the SMP8670 chip unveiled at CES that's optimized for XBMC, Adobe AIR and Flash which could make it an ideal extender for someone like TiVo or Boxee, if Sigma can get them to bite on the concept. Until then, all we can show you are a few pics of the bare internals in the gallery and a press release after the break.

Gallery: Sigma Ultra-Thin set-top box

Continue reading Sigma Design's 'ultra thin' TV box design promises HD in a tiny package

Sigma Design's 'ultra thin' TV box design promises HD in a tiny package originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 05:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW, Porsche, others announce support for HomePlug's EV networking spec

Amar Toor — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 14:50:00 EST

The HomePlug Powerline Alliance already wants to tether your entire household to the Internet, and it may soon extend its reach to your garage, as well. At Computex today, the company announced that Audi, BMW, Daimler, Porsche and Volkswagen have all agreed to support its HomePlug Green PHY (GP) technology as their EV charging interface of choice. The networking specification would allow electric car owners to link their plug-ins to the Smart Grid via the same ports used to charge their batteries, opening up new, Powerline-based possibilities. Once your EV hooks up to the network, it may be able to conduct system checks in real-time, for instance, or provide instant feedback on performance or the condition of your battery. The low power GP spec will also be interoperable with HomePlug's forthcoming AV2 spec, though it's still not clear when we can expect to see Germany's automakers incorporate it into production. Zip past the break for the full PR.

Continue reading BMW, Porsche, others announce support for HomePlug's EV networking spec

BMW, Porsche, others announce support for HomePlug's EV networking spec originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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D-Link outs hybrid powerline / wired / wireless router, does Atheros proud

Sean Hollister — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 18:24:00 EST

Many moons ago, Atheros had a dream, of a future where a single device could simultaneously extend Ethernet, WiFi and powerline connectivity to any part of your home. Well, gents, the future is now, as D-Link has taken the idea (and presumably a presumably paid a hefty licensing fee) to bring just such a device to market. The $130 D-Link DHP-1320 does 802.11n WiFi at up to 300Mbps, sends up to 200Mbps through your house's electrical system and sports three 10/100 LAN jacks as well. Oh, and never you mind that Netgear did something similar a couple months ago. PR after the break.

Continue reading D-Link outs hybrid powerline / wired / wireless router, does Atheros proud

D-Link outs hybrid powerline / wired / wireless router, does Atheros proud originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 06 Mar 2011 18:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HomePlug Powerline Alliance and Wi-Fi Alliance align, hope for wireless home nirvana

Darren Murph — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 02:02:00 EST

Ah, now we're talking. Over the years, HomePlug and wireless HD / HDMI haven't exactly "taken off." Routing internet signals over a home's power network has been hampered by subpar transmission rates, and using wireless in the home for anything other than basic web duties has shown to be either too costly or too much hassle. Now, however, the HomePlug Powerline Alliance and the Wi-Fi Alliance have seen the light, and they're joining hands in order to jointly push their technologies to homeowners. Focused primarily on " facilitating interoperability of smart grid applications," these organizations are fixing to enable SEP 2.0 applications to operate across a diverse mix of wireless and wired networks, and hopefully they'll reach out to product manufacturers while they're at it. Here's hoping they'll be able to nail it -- the demand is certainly there, but the execution thus far has been downright depressing.

Continue reading HomePlug Powerline Alliance and Wi-Fi Alliance align, hope for wireless home nirvana

HomePlug Powerline Alliance and Wi-Fi Alliance align, hope for wireless home nirvana originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 02:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Atheros Hybrid system merges WiFi with powerline networking in one tidy bundle

Tim Stevens — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 21:20:00 EST

Network routers are increasingly becoming our portals to the world, and the latest model from Atheros, the Hybrid Router, is making that doorway wider than ever. Naturally it supports 802.11 WiFi and Ethernet, just like any good bit of networking kit, but it also adds in HomePlug AV powerline networking. By just plugging the thing's AC adapter into the wall you're extending your network signal throughout your abode and, by plugging in one of the company's Ethernet or WiFi adapters, you can extend your access to places that even microwaves fear to tread. Atheros hasn't announced pricing for the Hybrid Router or either the wired or wireless powerline range extenders, but all are said to be shipping before the end of the year, so we'll all be finding out soon enough.

Continue reading Atheros Hybrid system merges WiFi with powerline networking in one tidy bundle

Atheros Hybrid system merges WiFi with powerline networking in one tidy bundle originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 21:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WD intros HomePlug-compatible powerline networking package

Joseph L. Flatley — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 20:42:00 EST

Western Digital's bread and butter is (and will likely remain) storage, but as we all know, all the storage in the world is useless if you can't access it. It only makes sense, then, that the company would get behind the HomePlug bandwagon for networking all your connected devices over your home's existing electrical power lines. The WD Livewire Powerline AV Network Kit includes two HomePlug AV adapters with four Ethernet ports each, boasting data transfer speeds up to 200 megabits per second. And it's HomePlug compatible, meaning your previous investments in the technology won't go to waste. Available now for $140. PR after the break.

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WD intros HomePlug-compatible powerline networking package originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 20:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HomePlug Powerline Alliance reveals features of new HomePlug AV2 spec

Ben Bowers — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 13:06:00 EST

After a few years of teasing and smoke blowing, the HomePlug Powerline Alliance has finally released the skinny on major enhancements we can expect to see integrated into the HomePlug AV2 powerline networking specification that's scheduled for finalization in Q1 of 2011. Chief among them is MIMO (Multiple-Inputs Multiple-Outputs), which will expand home coverage by increasing the throughput speeds, and transmission ranges, without additional signal power or requiring more spectrum -- but you knew already that didn't you, MacGyver? Compounding this efficiency gain will be the expansion of the operating spectrum by an order of magnitude. Tallied together with other upgrades, the end result for consumers will be a "reported" 5x increase in performance, not to mention support for bigger, more reliable networks. Oh, and it'll also play nicely with original HomePlug AV technology, too. Frankly, that's jolly good news for our dreams of pushing 1080p HD video streams to every room in our house with an outlet -- including the pantry. Doing the same thing for 3D and 4K HD content... well, that's just brilliant! For more details peep the PR below the break.

Continue reading HomePlug Powerline Alliance reveals features of new HomePlug AV2 spec

HomePlug Powerline Alliance reveals features of new HomePlug AV2 spec originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 13:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IEEE P1901 powerline networking standard passes key hurdle

Donald Melanson — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 08:44:00 EST

You may not realize it, but powerline networking is growing up before your very eyes. It's latest milestone comes courtesy of the IEEE P1901 Working Group, which largely relies on HomePlug AV as its baseline technology, and has now seen its initial sponsor ballot pass with a whopping 80% support. That, according to the HomePlug Powerline Alliance, offers clear evidence that there is "overwhelming industry support" for the standard, and that final ratification of the standard could come as soon as the third quarter of this year. In fact, the draft standard is already so far along that companies can purchase it from the IEEE store, and get to work on products that will comply with P1901.

Continue reading IEEE P1901 powerline networking standard passes key hurdle

IEEE P1901 powerline networking standard passes key hurdle originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Innoband HomePlug AV+802.11n AP Starter Kit review

Darren Murph — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:59:00 EST

HomePlug has been around for years now, nearly as long as mobile broadband, Windows Mobile and sliced bread... combined. Unlike any of those three, however HomePlug hasn't exactly caught fire in the industry. For those unaware, the general principle with these devices is to send network signals (or other signals, we suppose) over a home's existing power network. In theory, this would prevent someone from being forced to run a 50 foot Ethernet drop, instead using the 50 feet (or more) or power wiring that already resides within the walls of a given abode to transmit the same signals. For whatever reason, early models were plagued with flaky performance and speeds that were far less than advertised. Granted, things have progressed quite aways since the HomePlugs of old, but has the tech finally reached a place where it could be adopted en masse?

We recently had the chance to test out Innoband's HomePlug AV+802.11n AP Starter Kit, which is a two-piece solution that consists of a transmitting unit (which connects to your router or modem via Ethernet and plugs into a nearby wall outlet) and a 802.11b/g/n WiFi transceiver, which is designed to be plugged into a different wall socket where you need an Ethernet connection or extended wireless coverage. Curious as to how things stacked up? Tap that 'Read More' link for the rest of our review.

Gallery: Innoband HomePlug AV+802.11n AP Starter Kit

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Innoband HomePlug AV+802.11n AP Starter Kit review originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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brite-View LinkE pipes content to four Ethernet sources over existing powerline network

Darren Murph — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:59:00 EST

The market is darn near flooded with HomePlug AV-compatible powerline solutions, but Zinnet has seen fit to one-up the networking mainstays by dishing out a product that serves not one, but four Ethernet-packin' devices simultaneously. Designed for use with its brite-View CinemaTube (but fully capable of working with game consoles, Blu-ray players and media streamers), this two-piece kit allows internet content to flow through your home's existing powerline network and hit up to four devices on the other end. Simply plug the solo port adapter into a wall socket beside your router or broadband modem, and the four port adapter in your home theater room (or den, for the simplistic among us). From there, you can connect your Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Roku set-top-box, Blu-ray player, CinemaTube deck or any other AV device that benefits from a wired internet connection; just like that, you've got a makeshift connection to four devices, and you'll never have to worry over WiFi dropouts again. All that's required to bring this joy into your life is $89.99 and a basic understanding of online checkout procedure, both of which we're sure you can handle.

brite-View LinkE pipes content to four Ethernet sources over existing powerline network originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netgear brings the goods to CeBIT: HD streamers, HomePlug AV adapters

Darren Murph — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:45:00 EST

Another month, another blockbuster trade show. CeBIT's show floor doesn't open up until tomorrow (and yeah, we'll be storming it like no other), but Netgear's wasting precisely no time in unveiling its latest wares. The two pieces that are nearest and dearest to our hearts are the WNHDB3004 and WNHDB3004, the former of which is an 802.11n HD Home Theater Kit and the latter of which is a universal WiFi adapter that adds wireless support to any AV product with an Ethernet jack. Users interested in streaming "multiple, simultaneous, jitter-free 1080p HD video streams wirelessly throughout the home" should certainly give the first a look, as it enables instant wireless streaming from your existing router to any component with an Ethernet port; think of this as the beautiful alternative to running a 50 foot patch cable through your living room and simultaneously eroding your relationship with Mr. / Mrs. Significant Other. The outfit also doled out a few SMB-centric ReadyNAS devices and a couple of HomePlug AV boxes with AC outlet passthroughs, all of which are detailed there in the source links.

Gallery: Netgear brings the goods to CeBIT: HD streamers, HomePlug AV adapters

Netgear brings the goods to CeBIT: HD streamers, HomePlug AV adapters originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Two new patents show Apple getting into the energy tracking game, killing power bricks

Tim Stevens — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 09:56:00 EST

Apple may already be the favored child of Greenpeace and platform of choice for eco-minded gadgetistas worldwide, but it isn't resting on its laurels. The company looks like it's pondering an entrance into the home automation/energy tracking markets, filing for a pair of patents that would enable devices to register their power usage and communicate with each other using HomePlug Alliance standards. Users would be able to monitor the charging status of connected devices and delay their charges to occur during off-peak hours. There's even a new type of plug that could internally perform AC/DC conversions and automatically provide the appropriate amount of juice to any supporting device. The end of the ubiquitous power brick? Sounds nice, but something tells us it'll be a few decades before we can reclaim that precious space in our carry-ons.

Two new patents show Apple getting into the energy tracking game, killing power bricks originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netgear intros EVA9100 media streamer, DGN2200M WiFi / WWAN modem and more at CES

Darren Murph — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST

Some crazy stuff is going down in Vegas -- fancy that, right? Netgear is doing its darnedest to make its own scene with the introduction of three new items here at CES, so we won't waste any time in breaking 'em down. Up first is the now-available $249 Digital Entertainer Express (EVA9100), which incorporates the media prowess found in the EVA9150 in order to give users instant access to "Blu-ray quality digital video up to 1080p, MP3s and high-resolution digital photos from PCs, Macs or NAS devices." Portals to YouTube, Flickr and RSS feeds will be readily available, and the free trial of PlayOn will provide access to Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Video On Demand, BBC iPlayer and CBS.

Next, we've got the $179.99 DGN2200M wireless router (available in April), which actually pulls double duty as an 802.11n-enabled DSL modem and a WWAN modem. Hailed as the only wireless-N product on the retail market with dual WAN capabilities, this one can get users online via a 3G or 4G USB dongle whenever they leave their home broadband connection. Finally, the $159 Powerline 200 AV+ Adapter (XAV2501) -- which will ship early next month -- enables homeowners to create a 10/100 Ethernet connection from any ordinary electrical outlet that already supports a powerline network. This one's also a HomePlug AV-certified device, so it should have no issues pushing through data at up to 200Mbps. We'll be scouring the show floor for a little hands-on action, so stay tuned!

Gallery: Netgear intros EVA9100 media streamer, DGN2200M WiFi / WWAN modem and more at CES

Continue reading Netgear intros EVA9100 media streamer, DGN2200M WiFi / WWAN modem and more at CES

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HomePlug fires back with powerline IEEE P1901 Draft Standard adoption

Steven Kim — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:19:00 EST

Highly variable real-world performance aside, the lack of a well-defined standard for powerline networking isn't helping the technology take off; but sticking consumers between the warring G.hn and HomePlug AV factions doesn't help anybody. In the latest round of the fight, the IEEE P1901 reached Draft Standard acceptance, and -- wouldn't you know it -- the onus of coming up with compliance and interoperability testing for products will fall upon the HomePlug Powerline Alliance. Just to raise the stakes, the Draft Standard is aiming for backward compatibility with existing devices. Sounds like herding cats to us, but with finalization of the Standard slated for 2010, it looks like things are going to heat up in the coming months.

Filed under: Industry, Cables, Other hardware

HomePlug fires back with powerline IEEE P1901 Draft Standard adoption originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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dLAN Audio World streams audio over HomePlug

Nilay Patel — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 08:01:00 EST

We've never been huge fans of HomePlug -- 5GHz WiFi is our preferred obscure networking tech -- but the new dLAN Audio system from Arkados and devolo AG might have us reconsidering. The various dLAN components all simply plug into power outlets and connect to each other, instantly creating a whole-house audio streaming system. Arkados and devolo are hyping iPod compatibility, but we don't care about sources, really -- we just want to see how crazy speaker and radio designs can get when both power and signal are coming from one plug. Sadly, there are no pics, pricing, or availability yet, but we'll keep our eyes peeled.

Filed under: Other hardware

dLAN Audio World streams audio over HomePlug originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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dLAN Audio World streams audio over HomePlug

Nilay Patel — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Networking

dLAN Audio World streams audio over HomePlug originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Intellon ships 26 million HomePlug-based Powerline ICs -- who's buying?

Darren Murph — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:18:00 EST

Intellon, the outfit responsible for providing HomePlug-compatible integrated circuits for all manners of applications, is pretty jovial today. Just this month, it surpassed the 26 million mark in terms of IC shipments, which have apparently gone to manufacturers of home networking, networked entertainment, Ethernet-over-Coax (EoC) and smart grid equipment. While all that may be fine and dandy, we're wondering just how many people outside of Intellon (and its tightest group of friends) actually care. To date, HomePlug is still struggling for recognition outside of the hardcore custom install market, and with wireless technologies gaining traction each day, we're left to wonder if HomePlug even has a shot at a second (or are we at third now?) life. Anywho, don't let us halt the party, but Intellon might want to divert some of that celebration cash to marketing.

[Image courtesy of PCW]

Filed under: Industry, Cables, Other hardware, Ports

Intellon ships 26 million HomePlug-based Powerline ICs -- who's buying? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DS2 shows off embedded powerline module

Darren Murph — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 09:52:00 EST

While powerline as a whole still has quite a ways to go before it's considered mainstream, DS2 is apparently hoping to bring it a touch closed by embedding it in places we'd least expect. At CES last week, the company was spotted showing off an embedded PLC module which gave powerline capabilities to whatever item it was integrated into. Now, let's see DS2 convince router companies and the like to follow suit.

Filed under: Misc, Media streamers, Other formats, Other hardware

DS2 shows off embedded powerline module originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Jan 2009 09:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HomePlug Alliance hits some milestones, rallies the troops at CES

Steven Kim — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 03:17:00 EST

We've been disappointed by the fits and starts that powerline technology has suffered in the past, but an honest look over the past year's HomePlug Alliance achievements isn't without bright spots. Growth in the install base (now at 25 million devices), products and vendors (18 new members) are nothing to sneeze at, and HomePlug AV2's promise of 600Mbps speeds sounds promising going forward. Kicking of at CES this week and moving forward, the alliance wants to see lots more household connectivity for HDTV, HDMI and all manner of data transfer you want to get done without tearing down the sheetrock in your home. Could this be the year that HomePlug really takes off, or will disappointing real-world performance continue to dog the technology? Hit the link for the alliance's rosy view and let us know your predictions in the comments.

Continue reading HomePlug Alliance hits some milestones, rallies the troops at CES

Filed under: Industry, Other hardware

HomePlug Alliance hits some milestones, rallies the troops at CES originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 03:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HomePlug Alliance hits some milestones, rallies the troops at CES

Steven Kim — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:10:00 EST

Continue reading HomePlug Alliance hits some milestones, rallies the troops at CES

Filed under: CES, Home Entertainment, Household, Networking

HomePlug Alliance hits some milestones, rallies the troops at CES originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netgear's CES showcase: powerline / MoCA gear, Internet TV player

Darren Murph — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST

Netgear isn't kidding around here at CES, and if you thought three new routers was the extent of it, you're sorely mistaken. The company is also debuting its new Internet TV Player (ITV2000; pictured), which is essentially an internet set-top-box that brings online media to the TV with all sorts of elegance. It'll be able to stream content from CNN, ESPN, NBA, TMZ, YouTube, Google, Yahoo and MetaCafe, though we're going to need a little Hulu mixed in before we take it seriously. We're also being reintroduced to the Digital Entertainer Elite (EVA9150) box, and in slightly less interesting news, we've got the XAV1004 Powerline AV adapter with 4-port Ethernet Switch holding it down within you walls. Lastly, we've got the MCAB1001 MoCA coax-Ethernet adapter kit and the WNMR834 Wireless-N MoCA router, both of which enable users to rely on their existing in-home cabling to distribute signals over Ethernet. All the gory details (minus price and availability, naturally) are just past the break.

Gallery: Netgear's CES showcase: powerline / MoCA gear, Internet TV player

Continue reading Netgear's CES showcase: powerline / MoCA gear, Internet TV player

Filed under: Media streamers, Other hardware, Others

Netgear's CES showcase: powerline / MoCA gear, Internet TV player originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HomePlug's powerline technology incorporated into IEEE P1901 standard

Darren Murph — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 13:02:00 EST

Powerline technology has been hanging around for years, but due to a combination of subpar real-world performance and a general lack of structure around the tech, it never really managed to take off. Now, it appears that we've stumbled upon yet another format war, this one over the power cabling within your walls. Within the very same month, we've seen the ITU ratify G.hn as the global standard for HDTV home networking and the IEEE bake HomePlug technology into its P1901 draft standard. Rob Ranck, president of the HomePlug Powerline Alliance, said about the development: "The formation of a ubiquitous IEEE standard will help to unite the industry, create even faster market growth and provide strong benefits to the consumer." Right, except now we're in the midst of yet another war of the protocols (or so it seems).

Filed under: Industry, Cables

HomePlug's powerline technology incorporated into IEEE P1901 standard originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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STMicroelectronics and Arkados join up on HomePlug AV SoC

Darren Murph — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 16:09:00 EST

HomePlug AV has been around for what seems like eons, but regardless of how hard it tries, it never seems to really take hold in the market place. That being said, two big names in the industry are teaming up to give it yet another push, as STMicroelectronics and Arkados join hands to "develop and manufacture a 200Mbit-per-second HomePlug AV wideband powerline modem System-on-Chip (SoC)." If all goes to plan, it'll become the world's first HomePlug AV SoC, and it's being designed to "power applications ranging from simple Ethernet-to-powerline bridges to full-featured products as wide ranging as HDTV distribution, digital set-top boxes, IPTV, whole-house audio, networked digital picture frames, surveillance systems, etc." We'll see if anyone notices when it ships in mid-2009.

Filed under: Misc, Cables, Ports

STMicroelectronics and Arkados join up on HomePlug AV SoC originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 01 Nov 2008 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NuVo Renovia delivers whole-home audio over powerline

Darren Murph — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 08:45:00 EST

Faults notwithstanding, powerline is still mighty scrumptious in theory. Evidently NuVo Technologies agrees, as it's cranking out what's possibly the planet's first whole-home audio system that relies on existing A/C wiring. The Renovia can deliver audio and metadata throughout the house by simply tapping into the power wires already within your walls, and in case you couldn't guess, it's using the HomePlug 1.0 specification in order to do so. The central hub has AM, FM and Sirius-ready tuners already on board, and owners can plug in a pair of iPod docks along with two analog sources to boot. In case that's still not enough to get your drool a-flowin', it'll also stream "virtually any digital content on the network via NuVo's Music Port module." There's no word just yet on an MSRP, but judging by NuVo's past, we'd assume that it'll be somewhere between grossly and obscenely overpriced.

Filed under: Misc, Cables

NuVo Renovia delivers whole-home audio over powerline originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HomePlug AV II specification nearing release

Darren Murph — Tue, 27 May 2008 02:02:00 EST

We really can't comment on the curious timing here, but just after CopperGate picked up the HomePlug AV Powerline business from Conexant Systems, along comes word that the HomePlug AV II specification is just over the horizon. Reportedly, the HomePlug Powerline Alliance is planning to release its next-gen home networking specification "later this year, with first silicon sampling in 2009." We're told that the new spec would simply "build on the existing HomePlug AV specification, developed in 2005, which offers a theoretical bandwidth up to just under 200 Mbits/s." Regrettably, no one could pry a new target speed from the mouths of execs just yet, but you can rest assured it will be at least somewhat speedier (duh).

Filed under: Industry, Other hardware

HomePlug AV II specification nearing release originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 May 2008 02:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CopperGate buys HomePlug AV Powerline business

Darren Murph — Sun, 11 May 2008 11:07:00 EST

Let's face it -- HomePlug AV has had a pretty rough go of it, and while we wouldn't consider the technology dead just yet, we can't imagine it ever rising to prominence at this point. Our negativity isn't stopping one CopperGate Communications from following its heart, however, as it just announced this week that it would be taking the business off of Conexant Systems' hands. The pickup makes CopperGate the "the first semiconductor company with home networking technologies supporting all three wire types (coax, phone and power lines)." The deal gives the new owner "all relevant power line technology and silicon products, related patents, appropriate licenses, and requisite personnel," which sounds to us like everything including the kitchen sink. Of course, there's no way of knowing what kind of impact the acquisition will have, but CopperGate's hoping that it will "better prepare the company for the new ITU home networking standard, G.hn." Check out the read link for more details.

Filed under: Industry

CopperGate buys HomePlug AV Powerline business originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 11 May 2008 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ZyXEL intros DMA1100P HomePlug AV digital media adapter

Darren Murph — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 14:00:00 EST

HomePlug's had a rocky past, but ZyXEL's looking to take the technology to new heights with the DMA1100P HomePlug AV digital media adapter. Dubbed a "simple solution" to enable consumers to share content on an HDTV via power lines, the "world's first" DMA with integrated HomePlug AV Powerline technology includes support for 1080i streaming and HDMI output. Purportedly, users can toss content around on their home power lines at around 200Mbps and it also "automatically discovers all media files from DLNA supported devices and makes them available for browsing and playback." Granted, we'd be a wee bit gun-shy about pulling the trigger on this one, but the brave souls out there who believe that this stuff will deliver can grab it next month for $269.99.

Filed under: Home Entertainment

ZyXEL intros DMA1100P HomePlug AV digital media adapter originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ZyXEL intros DMA1100P HomePlug AV digital media adapter

Darren Murph — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Media streamers, Others

ZyXEL intros DMA1100P HomePlug AV digital media adapter originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Conceptual UNI enables compartmentalized computing

Darren Murph — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 18:09:00 EST

Those who find difficulty in cracking open a typical tower to replace that aging DVD writer with one that burns in high-definition should adore Richard Choi's UNI concept, which exemplifies compartmentalized computing and takes the stress out of upgrading. Apparently, the "Think" module would act as the core computer and handle the essentials, while a variety of other plug-in modules would provide additional outputs (HDMI, DVI, optical audio, USB, etc.), hard drive space, and optical drives. Granted, this could get out of hand for those who get UNI-stackin' fever, but we'll certainly pass along kudos to the idea. Click on for one more shot.

[Via YankoDesign, thanks Martin]

Continue reading Conceptual UNI enables compartmentalized computing

Filed under: Desktops, Misc. Gadgets, Home Entertainment

Conceptual UNI enables compartmentalized computing originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Aug 2007 18:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sharp's HN-VA40S HomePlug AV 4-port Ethernet HUB: HD streaming over electrical wiring

Thomas Ricker — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 05:09:00 EST

High definition video streaming over power jacks? We say bring it Sharp, if you can. Meet the HN-VA40S pair, a HomePlug AV 1.1 PowerLine Computing (PLC) solution with the promise of an effective 85Mbps (200Mbps theoretical) across your home's electrical outlets -- ample bandwidth and QoS to stream HD video throughout the home. The ¥17,000 (about $137) HN-VA10 adapter feeds whatever data you bung down its Ethernet jack to the 4-port, ¥13,000 (about $105) HN-VA40 Ethernet hub plugged into any outlet up to 150-meters away. Better yet, save a few bills and buy the set for about ¥24,000 (about $194) when these ship August 24th in Japan. Don't be shy now; you can connect up to 16 units to the same network although we'd suggest waiting for a review before dropping that much dough.

[Via Impress]

Filed under: Networking

Sharp's HN-VA40S HomePlug AV 4-port Ethernet HUB: HD streaming over electrical wiring originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Jun 2007 05:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NEC intros Aterm CA2100P WiFi router and power line adapter

Darren Murph — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 02:22:00 EST

Just weeks after teasing us with succulent 802.11n gear, NEC is hitting back with an interesting WiFi / power line adapter combo dubbed the AtermCA2100P set. The AtermCR2500P WLAN router sports four Ethernet ports, the usual host of IP and security features, and purportedly works in conjunction with the AtermCA2100P HD-PLC wall adapter (shown after the jump) to provide a wireless extension anywhere you can find a nearby AC outlet. Additionally, NEC claims that throughput of 190Mbps is doable, but judging by the ho hum reaction to the power line alternatives that have come before it, we wouldn't be so sure. Still, the two devices can be purchased together for a price of ¥25,000 ($206), or you can pick up the router (¥20,000; $165) and HD-PLC adapter (¥13,000; $107) separately if you so desire.

[Via AkihabaraNews]

Continue reading NEC intros Aterm CA2100P WiFi router and power line adapter

Filed under: Wireless, Networking

NEC intros Aterm CA2100P WiFi router and power line adapter originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Jun 2007 02:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DirecTV testing the broadband over power line waters

Darren Murph — Tue, 15 May 2007 08:13:00 EST

While analysts have long questioned how satellite television providers would answer the challenge of cable companies offering up bundled services with such little hassle, both DirecTV and EchoStar have traditionally partnered with DSL providers to tempt users to the dish, but change may finally be on the way. Reportedly, DirecTV's CEO recently suggested that it "may test delivering high-speed internet service through power lines in a major US city within the next year," meaning that broadband over power lines could be comin' down the pike. Notably, the company fessed up and stated that it "wasn't the only one" in talks to get such a plan in action, and while prospective test areas weren't named, the firm did say that it would probably aim for a "top 50 city where you're covering at least half the city." Of course, the talk of mergers was quickly shot down, but it's hard to think that a partnership isn't at least in the cards.

Filed under: Networking

DirecTV testing the broadband over power line waters originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2007 08:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Linksys announces HomePlug AV PowerLine adapter

Omar McFarlane — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 05:15:00 EST

Linksys announced the PowerLine AV Ethernet Kit, its first HomePlug AV release. The bundle includes two PLE200 PowerLine AV Ethernet adapters and companion cables, and allows data to flow around your house as fast as 100Mbps (as in Ethernet, theoretically enough to support HD streams). Currently a HomePlug AV network will support up to 16 devices, and can "combat electrical noise generated by appliances, electronic [products] and halogen lights." A quick refresher for those unfamiliar with the concept, PowerLine allows you to create a home network via electrical outlets rather than running CAT-5 cables up and down the stairs. You plug any internet ready device into one adapter, and connect the other adapter to your router, plug both adapters into a wall socket, and like magic you've got internets. It is backwards compatible with PowerLine 1.0 (a sigh of relief for early adopters) and the kit and additional adapters are available now for your enjoyment.

[Via Crave]

Filed under: Wireless

Linksys announces HomePlug AV PowerLine adapter originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Jan 2007 05:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vidanti chooses Intellon to offer HD IPTV via Powerline

Darren Murph — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 02:39:00 EST

Vidanti is hoping to shake things up in the HD IPTV game by offering up a product line devoted to networking your HD streaming home devices without laying down for fancy new cabling and a weekend's worth of installation charges. The company has chosen to base its forthcoming lineup on Intellon's INT6000 HomePlug AV, which utilizes the power lines already ran throughout your home to distribute HD audio / video. Intellon claims that its technology beneath the hood will allow Vidanti's product line to realize 200Mbps, but we all know that transferring bits and bytes through the power lines hasn't exactly lived up to expectations. Nevertheless, Vidanti is now hoping to "offer service providers an HD IP set-top box (pictured) whose power and connectivity to the broadband gateway are both supplied through a standard power cord," and if all goes as planned, it should be listed under its future BBTV4000 lineup of goods.

Filed under: Cables, Media streamers, Other formats, Other hardware, Others

Vidanti chooses Intellon to offer HD IPTV via Powerline originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Jan 2007 02:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XAVi announces DS2 200Mbps Powerline HD lineup

Thomas Ricker — Wed, 07 Jun 2006 08:21:00 EST

XAVi of Taiwan just announced their new product lineup exploiting the DS2 200Mbps Powerline HD chipsets shown as a reference design to the right. Just like Netgear's hardware, XAVi promises the ability to stream high-definition video to any room of the house via your existing electrical wiring -- something promised by first generation HomePlug devices but never quite achieved. XAVi says they'll begin shipping their XP302A and XP302H wall adapters starting this month with their XP302D -- a power supply integrated with the DS2 chipset -- shipping later in the summer. It's not clear from the press release but we assume that some magical combination of the devices will allow simultaneous access to high-definition TV streams, internet access, and voice over IP services when the XP302D is mounted or plugged into XAVi's lineup of xDSL and cable customer premise equipment. We'll just have to hold on for a bit to see where XAVi is taking us with all this.

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment, Networking

XAVi announces DS2 200Mbps Powerline HD lineup originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jun 2006 08:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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