Innovations in home networking continue

The following are some of the innovative home networking solutions promoted at the NXTcomm trade show in Las Vegas 2008:

Comtrend’s PowerGrid902, an Enthernet adapter which plugs into a home outlet and connects to an IPTV set-top box via an Ethernet cable. Considered innovative because it enables self-installation of IPTV, unlike other solutions using Multimedia over Coax (MoCA) or Home Phone Networking Alliance (HPNA), which require technicians to install IPTV and associated wiring. Compliant with the Universal Powerline Association (UPA), the solution is already being used by European companies such as BT and Telefonica. The company is now targeting the US market.

Actiontec has released the zControl system which is considered innovative because it addresses the problem of how to connect other devices to a home network to increase functionality. Using Z-Wave (a wireless mesh technology common in many home devices such as light adapters, motion detectors, thermostats etc), it is a in-home automation controller that sets up PCs, Internet-enabled TVs or mobile phones to control home network functions for the home.

For further information see separate report: Global - Digital Media - Home Media Centres.