Sharp Corporation Introduces HN-VA40S and HN-VA10S PLC Adapters

JCN Newswires, June 26, 2007

Osaka, Japan, June 25, 2007 - (JCN Newswire) - Sharp Corporation is releasing the HN-VA40S and HN-VA10S, two PLC (power line communication) adapters that allow people to easily build home networks by using household electrical power wiring as a transmission medium. Based on the international standard (HomePlug(R) AV1.1) for high-speed power lines, these are the Ccmmunications industry's first[1] 4 LAN ports type adapters.

As communications infrastructure rapidly moves towards broadband, there is a proliferation of devices to connect to the Internet, including PCs, networked game devices, and audio/visual equipment. This is creating a pressing need for new ways to build home networks. But with wired LANs necessitating installation of new wiring and wireless LANS generally being complicated to set up, people are looking for better ways to build these networks.

These Sharp PLC adapters are based on the HomePlug AV1.1 international standard for high-speed transmission over electrical power wiring established by the HomePlug Powerline Alliance[2], an industry trade group of major companies. By connecting devices to a Sharp PLC adapter and then plugging it into a socket, users can easily set up high-speed, reliable home networks.

Sharp has adopted HomePlug, a standard used by over nine million devices sold*3 worldwide and the leading technology for home networks of digital appliances and other equipment. Sharp plans to use the HomePlug standard as a basis for expanding its lineup of PLC adapters.

Major Features

1. Uncluttered and easy network setupsimply plug it into the power socket

2. Two types to choose from, depending on the number of devices to be connected, including the industry's first PLC adapter with 4 LAN ports (HN-VA40)

3. Uses the HomePlug AV1.1 international standard

4. Reliable, high-speed networks at (actual) speeds of up to 85Mbps[4]

5. High level of security (AES 128-bit encryption)

For specifications, please visit http://sharp-world.com/corporate/news/070625.htmlb

[1] For PLC adapters based on the HomePlug AV1.1 standard; according to Sharp research (as of June 21, 2007).

[2] Founded in 2000 by leading technology companies from around the world, the HomePlug Powerline Alliance is a trade group that aims to provide a forum for the creation of specifications for home power line networking products and services. ( http://www.homeplug.org/home/ )

[3] According to the HomePlug Powerline Alliance. (as of May 2007)

[4] Maximum actual transmission speed during UDP transmission. Actual transmission speeds will depend on the powerline environment (type of equipment and length of wiring, for e.g.), other electrical equipment, and the network environment.

About Sharp Corporation

Sharp Corporation (TSE: 6753) is a worldwide developer of innovative products and core technologies that play a key role in shaping the future of electronics. As a leader in liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and digital technologies, Sharp offers one of the broadest and most advanced lines of consumer electronics, information products and electronic components, while also creating new network businesses. Sharp Corporation employs about 22,949 people in the world (as of December 31, 2005) and recorded consolidated annual sales of 2,797,109 million yen for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006. For more information, please visit www.sharp.co.jp.

Source: Sharp Corporation

Contact:

Sharp Corporation
Public Relations Division
Osaka:  81-6-6621-1272
Tokyo:  81-3-3260-1870

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