A few weeks ago we mentioned the release of Linksys’ new Powerline networking gear, which allows you to run an ethernet based network simply using your electrical sockets.
Rival Netgear this week announced the release of their equivalent kit, which was announced at CES, but has taken a good while to get to market.
First up is the Powerline HD Plus Ethernet Adapter Kit (HDXB111) which is designed for users seeking to stream HD video around the home.
Network speeds are described as “up to 200 Mbps” (meaning nowhere near 200 Mbps) and this adaptor comes with a pass through electrical socket, meaning that you don’t lose one of your electrical outlets when you use the adaptor. Nice. Netgear claim that data transfer speeds with the HDXB111 are up to 12 times faster than previous Powerline releases thanks to built in QoS (Quality of Service).
The Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit (XAVB101) looks very similar to the last revision of Netgear’s Powerline kit and also offers speeds of up to 200 Mbps.
It doesn’t offer the fancy QoS tricks of the HDXB111, but still looks like it can push your HD video around nicely.
The HDXB111 is available in the US now, priced at $169.99 with the XAVB101 coming in slightly cheaper at $149.99
More Info: HDXB111 Powerline HD Plus | XAVB101 Powerline AV Adapter Kit |
November 20th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Hi Terry - wondered if you can tell me whether you can use powerline adapters with Windows Home Server? I’d like to set up my home server away from my phone point and router in another room.
Thanks,
Stephen
November 20th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Hi Stephen
Yes, you certainly can. I stream music and video from my home server to a HP Mediasmart Connect in the lounge over powerline and it works really well.
Cheers
Terry