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While the CES show always buzzes with the latest big TVs, 3D, convergence devices, and Microsoft and Intel, some of the home networking products continue to get more creative in dealing with the type of data getting into the home, be it streaming HD or Internet TV. This year at CES 2010 D-Link had a pretty impressive line up of networking peripherals along with some new devices that are all centered around the home. Their booth was very organized and brings some of their products into the living room setting where they would be used. They also had displays where some products are running real time.
Networking
D-Link has a lot of new wireless networking devices out on the show floor this year, from the latest refresh on their wireless N routers to a new Powerline Wireless N router. With wireless becoming more efficient and increasing in throughput speeds, D-link has introduced new routers that take advantage of these new technologies.
First the D-Link Rush (DAP-1560) starts off as an Xtreme N 600 Duo HD Media Bridge kit that the company claims is designed to provide the fastest, farthest reaching wireless network yet by Dlink, but also is able to provide high levels of performance for streaming high-definition content, videos, photos, and more. The device is dual-band selectable and transmits in both the 2.4 and 5GHz spectrums to provide wireless bands that provide separate networks for Internet browsing and HD media streaming.
Next we looked at D-link's Touch (DIR-865). This is their newest 802.11n Wi-Fi router that brings in power, range and functionality, but also is energy efficient, which is a hot topic on this year's show floor. The Touch has a 3-inch interactive touch screen that provides easy setup, management, and status of the router. This router sports both the 2.4 and 5GHz band radio capabilities and offers support for three data stream rates up to 450Mbps, all of which provide two wireless environments that can separate Internet browsing from HD streaming.
Another new router to enter D-link's line up is the Wireless N Pocket router. The router is small, compact, and a great travel companion for almost anyone on the road. Its multi-mode functionality allows the router to either create a 802.11n Wi-Fi network or to add Wi-Fi to an existing wired network. The router also includes SharePort technology for the sharing of USB devices. The lastest features, wireless security, 802.11n performance, and a travel case make this router great for the travelling businessman, or individual who wants to create a wireless network where there is already a wired connection provided.
Availability of these new networking products is set for the first half of 2010 through online and store retail outlets, while pricing will be announced as the products ship.
Still in the networking category D-link is also introducing their first Powerline router that is set to combine both wired Ethernet and Wi-Fi networking technologies, allowing the user to expand their home network into the far reaches of their home where Wi-Fi signals might not be strong enough.
D-link is also introducing two new tools that are designed to help users have a hassle free and easy set up experience of their networking products. NetEasy and mydlink are designed to cut out the technical set up and management of setting up a new network. NetEasy is new software that makes setup easy, faster, and almost automatic, while mydlink is created to reduce the technical jargon that some people are afraid of when it comes to networking.
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| There was no shortage of 3D glasses |
Home Entertainment
D-link has teamed up with Boxee to bring media and social connectivity to the living room. The Boxee Box by D-link is a great device that brings together not only your home media on your computers, but thousands of popular TV shows, movies and other media that can be found on the Internet, into your living room. But with Boxee software running the show, the Boxee Box also brings in your latest social networking posts from sites like Facebook and Flickr, as well as music from Pandora, shoutcast, and last.fm. Best of all this is all run wirelessly through 802.11n Wi-Fi networking.
With about a $200 price point and no monthly fees, the Boxee Box by D-link is a great addition to any home that likes their TV shows and has movies and music on their computers but wants to bring it to the living room with ease. The Boxee Box is scheduled to ship the first half of 2010 through online retailers and in stores.
Also in home entertainment D-link is introducing the Pebble that offers media playback from home media libraries as well as from USB thumb drives and SD and other flash memory cards. It will ship in the first half of 2010 at a price point of $119.99
Home Security and Monitoring
Home automation, security, and green efforts are another major focus of this year's show and to go along with home security and automation D-link has introduced its new Home Monitoring Starter Kit. The kit offers new levels of security to homeowners. The system is run completely on your home wireless network and can be accessed remotely, monitored, and controlled, through a user's account at mydlink.com. The system can be expanded to wireless IR sensors, cameras, door/window sensors, keypads, keyfobs, and carbon monoxide, fire, and water leak detectors. All of these sensors can provide alerts to users through email or to mobile phones. The Control Unit connects to a user's home network via Ethernet cable and reports all alarm and other activity to a user's mydlink.com platform.
D-link is also introducing a Home Energy Monitoring Starter Kit and a 3G Door Phone this year. The energy monitoring kit monitors your home energy consumption, and can be linked to the Home Monitoring Starter Kit. The 3G Door Phone offers a 0.1 megapixel CMOS camera that captures images of visitors to their front door and allows homeowners to see from far and away.
The Monitoring Starter Kit, $149.99; the Energy Monitoring Starter Kit, $99.99; and the 3G Door Phone, $199.99 are all expected to be available second quarter of this year in both online and retail environments.
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Related Newsletter: CEN - Gadgets Newsletter
