The HomeGrid Forum merges with the HomePNA Alliance-- forming a single, larger organisation (under the HomeGrid Forum name) easing the transition of current wireline home networking to G.hn "any wire" technology.

While primarily designed to promote G.hn-based products the organisation also promises to continue support for HomePNA OEMs and customers, whose installed base totals at around 40 million devices.

“HomePNA is a mature, field proven technology, and continues to be selected by large service providers worldwide for IPTV deployments,” the HomePNA Alliance says. “Service providers over 4 continents have achieved great results with HomePNA-based products and we have gained considerable experience in deploying home networks. However, the obvious future direction for all wireline home networking is to migrate to G.hn. Therefore, it made sense for us to merge the HomePNA Alliance with the HomeGrid Forum at this time, providing a clear, strong vision to existing and new customers.”

Over 70 members make the merged HomeGrid Forum, including 28 service providers and a number of large OEMs, ODMs and retailers.

Go HomeGrid Forum and HomePNA Alliance Merge

WyreStorm announces an update on the MX1616-HDBT matrix-- the MX1616-PROAV-010-- a 16x16 matrix able to process audio, video, ethernet, control and low-voltage power over up to 100m of single Cat5e/6 cable from 16 sources to 16 displays.

Using redundant power supplies and integrated KVM switching, the MX1616-PROAV-010 switches HDMI, VGA, HDBaseT and audio sources before output on either HDBaseT (Cat5) or HDMI (simultaneous) with 2-way IR control.

It also offers a choice of x8 different multi-format transmission cards, allowing customers to tailor the matrix to theirr own specifications with any combination of cards using the system builder available on the WyreStorm website.

The matrix handles HDCP and EDID internally, and deals with any conflicts between connected devices through manual settings within the EDID management that encourage communication between devices, regardless of equipment used.

The MX1616-PROAV-010 will be available from Q4 2013.

Go WyreStorm

Linksys reveals a pair of additions for its Smart Wifi router range-- the AC 1200 and AC 1600, both promising easy setup (via web browser) and SimpleTap connections through QR code or NFC tag.

The two devices support 802.11ac, IPv6 and beamforming technology, providing wireless speeds up to x3 faster than Wireless-N according to the company. Linksys Smart Wifi apps allow remote home network access, while ports include gigabit ethernet and USB 3.0.

The AC1200 promises bit rates of 867Mbps on the 5GHz band and up to 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, making it able to handle 3-5 connected devices in small homes.

Being the more powerful option, the AC 1600 handles 5-7 connected devices with 1300Mbps on the 5GHz band and up to 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band.

Linksys says the AC 1200 is available now, while the AC 1600 should start shipping by end May 2013.

Go Linksys Smart Wifi Routers

Netgear announces the first products supporting its Beamforming+ technology-- the R3600 802.11ac dual-band gigabit router and the A6200 802.11ac dual-band wifi USB adapter.

Beamforming+ is the Netgear implementation of the Beamforming signal-focusing technology standard. According to the company it improves wifi performance and range by recognising wireless device location(s) before directing wifi signals right at them.

The targeted approach adjusts transmitted signal phase, delivering stable wifi connections for faster downloads, clearer voice calls and smoother streaming video.

“With Beamforming+, we raise the bar further by providing significant improvement in performance, especially at long distances where connection speeds and reliability are challenging," Netgear says. "Our test data demonstrates that when we enable Beamforming+ on our R6300 WiFi Router, we see performance increase by 60% at a distance of around 15m when connecting to an 802.11ac device.”

Beamforming+ is available now as a free firmware upgrade for current R3600 and A6200 users.

Go Netgear 802.11ac Router Goes Faster and Farther with Beamforming+

As customers use more connected devices, home networks must provide steady internet connections, Gartner reports-- providing robust, reliable and fast fixed broadband access.

“Until 3 or 4 years ago consumers primarily accessed the Internet through PCs and laptops but at the beginning of 2013 the picture is very different,” the analyst says. “Consumers use multiple screens to perform various activities that require both fixed and mobile Internet connectivity... Consumers are screen-agnostic-— they will use whichever screen is convenient, as long as it is ‘connected.’”

According to Gartner in 2013 the average home houses 10 "potentially internet-enabled devices" used not only for video sharing and viewing but also home protection, monitoring, security, fitness and health monitoring. The analyst estimates annual WW wifi-only home device (mostly tablets) growth will reach 60 million units until 2016, while global mobile device CAGR (not counting smartphones on a mobile data plan) should total over 8% for the same period.

Savant Systems adds Niveo Professional to the Partners in Excellence program-- an initiative aiming for compatibility between Savant control systems and a number of of manufacturers.

Making part of the initiative are companies from the audio, video, lighting control, HVAC and security industries, as well device and subsystem makers from many related markets.

"We are seeing more and more distributors and integrators using Savant in Europe," Niveo CEO Arthur de Jager says. "Savant's Partners in Excellence program seemed like the ideal tool at the right time for our organization and will ensure essential product compatibility for our dealers in the field."

Built on the Mac OSX operating system, Savant technology supports various communications protocols and offers high speed AV switching, scaling and processing. This makes it ideal for Niveo Professional, maker of networking devices optimised for AV components both residential and commercial applications.

Go Savant Adds Niveo Professional to Partners in Excellence