DLNA and HomeGrid Forum Signs Liaison Agreement

HomeGrid Forum, a global, non-profit trade group promoting the United Nations' International Telecommunication Union's (ITU-T) G.hn standardization efforts, today announced that it has signed a liaison agreement with the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) setting the stage for collaboration between the two organizations and the approval of G.hn as a DLNA-recognized Physical Layer technology for the next-generation of home networking products.

The G.hn standard is aimed to deliver a single unified technology for the wired home network that addresses key issues of service providers, electronics manufacturers, and consumers alike. Through one worldwide standard, G.hn will unify the networking of content and devices over any wire -- coax cable, phone and power lines. With it, ITU enables service providers to deploy new offerings, including IPTV more cost effectively; allows consumer electronics manufacturers to provide powerful devices for connecting all types of entertainment, home automation, and security products throughout the house; and greatly simplifies consumer purchasing and installation processes.

By working with DLNA, HomeGrid Forum will be able to further assure that new services and products using G.hn can be easily connected to create high-quality, entertainment experiences. DLNA and the organization's interoperability guidelines are recognized throughout the industry for successfully uniting various consumer electronics, personal computer (PC) and mobile device technologies and standards into a cohesive home networking environment.

"Collaborating with DLNA is a significant and progressive step for G.hn, as the standard continues to gain traction with consumer electronics manufacturers, PC companies and service providers," said Matt Theall, president of the HomeGrid Forum and technology strategist at Intel Corporation. "Networking devices around the home is often a daunting task for consumers. Our work with DLNA should greatly simplify the process and fuel adoption and market growth."

DLNA joins a growing list of industry-leading organizations that are working with HomeGrid Forum. Global leaders in the service provider, computing, and consumer electronics industries also support the adoption of G.hn through their participation in the ITU-T. For a complete list of HomeGrid Forum members, visit www.homegridforum.org.

"G.hn is a technology that could provide more flexibility and consumer choice in how devices in the home are interconnected," said Scott Smyers, president of DLNA. "If G.hn is approved as an alternative PHY in the DLNA guidelines, it will demonstrate that the DLNA membership welcomes the expanded connectivity options that G.hn offers."

About HomeGrid Forum
HomeGrid Forum is a global, non-profit trade group promoting the International Telecommunication Union's G.hn standardization efforts for next-generation home networking. HomeGrid Forum promotes adoption of G.hn through technical and marketing efforts, addresses certification and interoperability of G.hn-compliant products, and cooperates with complementary industry alliances. To learn more about becoming a HomeGrid member, please visit www.HomeGridForum.org/join.

Source: http://www.marketwire.com