Show me the Power.
Within the digital home Intel still state that a wired 'hard' backbone is important. Whilst using the powerlines within the home is not a new idea, the Homeplug alliance is taking it to the next level.There is Broadband over Powerline, HomePlug AV, and Home Automation within the group. The HomePlug AV specification has been decided and partners are already deploying this within products. Silicon samples will be in Q4 05 and the Products will be coming out in Q1 06.
Currently Broadband is not delivered over Powerlines, but the concept and specifications have been drawn up and it loks like this will be ratified by mid 2006. This could be a way of getting Broadband to regions who don't have phonelines up to the bandwidth requirements.
Intel Captial has invested within Intellon Corp which is now selling HomePlug powerline chipsets to the market.
