HomePlug Powerline Alliance Boosts Adoption Of HomePlug Technology And Reaches New Milestones

San Ramon, CA - Driving the worldwide acceptance of high-speed networking over powerlines, the HomePlug Powerline Alliance announced that it has achieved a number of organizational and product-related milestones in 2005. One of the most notable achievements for HomePlug was the ratification of HomePlug AV, a standards-based connectivity solution that enables simultaneous high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) video distribution, whole-house audio, VoIP, IPTV and data networking. HomePlug developed the global industry-standard specification, HomePlug AV, as the high-speed broadband backbone in homes.

Additionally, the HomePlug Alliance added several top-tier companies to its board of directors including industry heavyweights such as Cisco-Linksys, GE Security, Intel, Motorola Inc. and Sony. Intel's Matt Theall, powerline initiative manager, was also named as the Alliance's new president. Matt joins Alliance officers from Arkados, Inc., Cisco-Linksys, Comcast and RadioShack. These players had a strong presence at the HomePlug Alliance's inaugural technology conference in San Francisco this past September. Nearly 250 industry professionals attended the kick-off conference to discuss emerging issues in consumer technology and networking to hear about HomePlug technology plans from companies such as Bell Canada, Comcast and Sharp.

"From a consumer standpoint, HomePlug technology really makes a lot of sense. It promotes interoperability and we view it as a convenient way to share broadband Internet services throughout the home," said Mark Francisco, senior director of advanced technology products, New Media Development, Comcast Corporation. "Consumers already have a number of broadband-enabled devices in their homes, and we anticipate HomePlug playing an even greater role in the future as additional products and services come to market."

In-Stat research shows that the HomePlug standards are receiving renewed support this year. In 2005, the Alliance's initial specification, HomePlug 1.0, continued to achieve mass adoption. Earlier this year, the HomePlug Alliance surpassed its three millionth HomePlug powerline communications product shipped.

There are more than 60 different products embedded with HomePlug 1.0 technology. Some of the companies that have announced HomePlug-compatible products this year include Intellon, NComputing, NETGEAR, Sling Media and Telenet. Building on this momentum, the HomePlug Alliance plans to engage in broader educational efforts in 2006.

SOURCE: The Ardell Group for HomePlug