The CES video buzz continues this morning with a headline in the SF Chronicle "Videoconferencing for the masses." These are not the video conference calls of yesteryear with highly pixelated, choppy low resolution images. No, these are high definition video calls. Cisco, Panasonic and a number of other companies demonstrated the technology this week. Still others showcased 3D television. And Gartner analyst Van Baker rightly points out, "It's a very compelling experience but it takes a whole lot of bandwidth."
The next-generation wired networking technology G.hn created some buzz of its own at CES, demonstrating how it can solve the bandwidth problem created by the continuing evolution of interactive and IP-based video. Courtesy of HomeGrid Forum and DS2, the first G.hn semiconductors capable of delivering the performance and quality of service necessary for high-definition video and video conferencing were demonstrated.
These prototypes provided throughput of 4X to 5X over current generations of wired networking technologies over all media -- phoneline, powerline and coax cable. The improvements over existing products were nothing short of dramatic. Reactions from service providers, PC manufacturers and others were also dramatic. Comments ranged from "this is exactly what we're looking for, we're tired of multiple approaches for home networking" to "how quickly can we get products."
This demonstration marks another milestone towards production silicon later this year.
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