HomePlug(R) Powerline Alliance Announces Executive Seminar in Japan on Powerline Communications for Consumer Electronics Markets.

SAN RAMON, Calif. -- HomePlug Leaders Will Present Technical Details and Business Opportunities for HomePlug's Globally Proven Open Standards

The HomePlug Powerline Alliance will conduct a special program in Japan on the uses of HomePlug powerline communications standards in the growing consumer electronics and communications markets. The meeting will be held on November 16 at the Makuhari offices of SHARP Corporation in Chiba-city, Japan.

With millions of HomePlug-enabled products in use on six continents, HomePlug's standards address the rapidly growing market for powerline communications. The HomePlug Executive Seminar will provide detailed information to engineers, developers, business leaders and regulators about the technologies and competitive selection process behind the HomePlug standards, HomePlug's commitment to global regulatory compliance and how companies are using HomePlug-based products to benefit consumers.

"Consumer electronics products have exciting digital entertainment capabilities not possible several years ago, and users are demanding that those be able to network together. This networked experience will be brought to consumers through the efforts of international companies who agree to support a single open standard," said Matthew Theall, powerline initiative manager from Intel Corporation, who also serves as president of the HomePlug Powerline Alliance. "Buyers expect that consumer electronics devices will work seamlessly together. The HomePlug Alliance seeks to ensure that."

Currently available HomePlug-certified products support audio, home theater, Internet sharing, security, VoIP and other applications. Using powerline communications, every HomePlug-certified product makes connecting to a data network as easy as plugging in to an electrical power outlet. The new generation of HomePlug technology, appropriately called HomePlug AV (audio video), provides a 200-megabits-per-second solution with advanced QoS (quality of service) features geared towards distribution of high-definition digital video throughout a home. Products based on HomePlug AV will begin shipping in the first half of 2006.

Topics to be covered in the HomePlug Executive Seminar include:

--  Introduction to the HomePlug Powerline Alliance
--  An overview of HomePlug networking standards
    --  HomePlug 1.0 for Internet connection sharing and home
        networking
    --  HomePlug AV for whole-house high-definition entertainment
    --  HomePlug broadband over powerlines (BPL) for to-the-home
        Internet connections and utility applications
    --  HomePlug Command & Control for home automation and other
        applications
--  HomePlug AV technical reviews
--  HomePlug BPL and command & control specification reviews
--  Case studies of successful HomePlug technology deployments
--  HomePlug's ability to avoid interference concerns and meet
    regulatory requirements worldwide
--  HomePlug's commitment to interoperability and effective
    co-existence
--  The exciting future for HomePlug standards

In addition to describing the HomePlug technologies and their role in the global market, the seminar will address their suitability for the unique Japanese domestic market.

Those interested in attending the conference should submit their contact information online at www.homeplug.org or send an email message to [e-mail]. The seminar is free of charge; however, early registration is encouraged as seating is extremely limited. Lunch will be provided for those who attend.

All interested parties are invited to join the HomePlug Powerline Alliance and contribute to the development of its specifications and broaden the growing list of applications. Companies interested in receiving information about the HomePlug Powerline Alliance are invited to contact Executive Director Rob Ranck ([e-mail]) for details on membership and activities.

About the HomePlug(R) Powerline Alliance:

The HomePlug Powerline Alliance, Inc. is an industry-led initiative established to create specifications for home powerline networking products, command & control among platforms within the home and broadband access services to the home. Additionally, the Alliance is chartered to foster and accelerate demand for HomePlug-enabled products and services worldwide through the sponsorship of market and user education programs. Membership in the Alliance has grown to include about 50 industry-leading companies. HomePlug Sponsor companies include Cisco (CSCO); Comcast (CMCSK); EarthLink (ELNK); GE Security, Inc., an affiliate of General Electric Co. (NYSE:GE); Intel Corporation (INTC); Motorola (MOT); RadioShack Corporation (RSH); Sharp (SHCPFM); and Sony (SNE). Contributor members include Arkados, Inc., a subsidiary of CDKNet.com, Inc. (OTCBB:CDKN); Conexant (CNXT); and Intellon Corporation. Additional information about the Alliance, including a complete listing of certified products, is available at http://www.homeplug.org.

HomePlug is a registered trademark of the HomePlug Powerline Alliance, Inc. All other trademarks, trade names and service marks mentioned and/or used belong to their respective owners.