HomePlug moves toward AV-capable spec

The HomePlug Powerline Alliance , today announced availability of its market requirements document (MRD) for the HomePlug AV specification. HomePlug AV's target is distribution of both data and multi-stream entertainment via normal AC power wiring.

The new spec's objectives include the ability to support high-quality video distribution (including HDTV), secure connectivity, robust control of Quality-of-Service (QoS), and friendly co-existance with HomePlug 1.0 devices.

The MRD serves as a guide to companies submitting technology proposals to the HomePlug Technical Working Group, which is chartered with selecting HomePlug AV's base technology.

Completion of the AV specification is expected in 15 to 20 months , so it will be awhile before products hit the shelves, if ever. With such a long period of time before the spec is completed and higher speed wireless LAN technology such as 802.11a and 11g gunning for the same multi-stream multimedia distribution job, HomePlug could find itself the odd-man out.