Since most electronic devices already use power outlets, the HomePlug Alliance was formed to interconnect devices in the home using AC wiring.
The HomePlug Powerline Alliance today announced that more than 40 products have passed its HomePlug AV compliance and interoperability testing. Their interoperability testing ensures that different vendors’ products will interoperate.
HomePlug AV provides a convenient and cost effective method of distributing HDTV in the home without new wires. HomePlug AV is not the fastest technology, but it will support over 100Mbps and goes through walls. Optional wireless connections can link the last 30 feet or so to the AC outlet.
Competing wireless technologies, using 802.11n (WiFi), UltraWideBand, and 60 GHz, may have higher data speeds, but they can’t penetrate walls very well or travel as far as HomePlug’s technology, using AC wiring for transmission.
