Press Release

devolo HomePlug innovations at CeBIT 2004

Aachen, March 10, 2004 - The devolo AG of Aachen, Germany will present its extensive product portfolio at this year’s CeBIT in hall 15, booth C21. Along with the renowned MicroLink analogue modems for the home and industry, ADSL modems and networking products, the Aachen-based networking specialist will focus on the MicroLink dLAN product line (“direct Local Area Networking”) that uses house-hold electrical wiring for networking. The highlight for this year’s CeBIT is the new HomePlug adapter MicroLink dLAN Audio, an innovation that makes it possible to transmit music over in-house power circuits.

Music from any power socket with MicroLink dLAN Audio

HomePlug technology is now firmly established as a home-networking alternative for interconnecting computers and gaming consoles via the existing household power circuit. “There’s no need to drill through walls or ceilings and lay new cables”, reports Heiko Harbers, CEO of devolo AG in Aachen, which is the main reason for the recent boom in this technology. Music lovers who want to connect their PC and hi-fi system—or even their audio system to active loudspeakers in another room—are impressed by the installation without dirt, noise and inconvenience. “Many people have their audio system in the living room and want to hear music in the bathroom too. Now they need nothing more than two MicroLink dLAN Audio adapters and a pair of active loudspeakers”, says Harbers.

That is why Germany’s market leader for HomePlug components is releasing the new product MicroLink dLAN Audio at CeBIT 2004. The recommended retail price including VAT will be Euro 149.90 per adapter. This product, developed entirely by devolo, is subject to a pending patent and is unique worldwide. The new adapter can be plugged into any power socket and features RCA, mini-jack and microphone sockets for connecting hi-fi systems, microphones or loudspeakers. These sockets offer both analogue and digital input and output.

Two of these adapters are enough to build up a simple audio network—even without a PC. If a PC is integrated, the audio stream transmission takes place via the MicroLink dLAN Ethernet or MicroLink dLAN USB on up to four different channels. “This plug&play product makes it easy to listen to Internet radio stations or Internet-based MP3 files on your living-room hi-fi system,” emphasises Harbers. The range for transmitting audio depends on the condition of the electrical wiring, but 200 metres is typical.

The integration of a computer or a DSL modem requires the use of a MicroLink dLAN adapter featuring either an Ethernet or a USB interface. Suitable starter kits with two devices and easy-to-operate configuration software are available from devolo for Euro 169.90. Even the operation via wireless networking (WLAN) is possible with the appropriate MicroLink dLAN Wireless adapter.

The integrated encoder and decoder allow the MicroLink dLAN Audio to playback MP3 / WMA files in stereo with audio data rates of up to 192 kbps in CD quality. The audio adapter is compatible with most music broadcasting products: With the devolo plugins for Winamp and Windows Media Player, the PC can also be used as a network jukebox. “With MicroLink dLAN Audio, we are the world’s first manufacturer of HomePlug components to interconnect computer technology and entertainment electronics,” emphasises Harbers. An easier way of transporting music from one point to another—anywhere in the house, from any source, and in the highest quality—simply isn’t available on the market.

HomePlug solution for industrial and professional applications

“We also intend to build on our leading position in professional modems for commercial and industrial applications. With MicroLink dLAN i, the HomePlug technology that is increasingly successful in private households is now available to our customers in commerce and industry, too,” said Heiko Harbers, CEO of the devolo AG in Aachen, Germany. The specially developed MicroLink dLAN i adapters can be used in listed buildings and in business premises where it is not possible to install conventional LAN cabling. “With the help of MicroLink dLAN i, terminals for data communication can be positioned and connected up wherever a plug socket is close by,” said devolo’s CEO mentioning a typical scenario. This enables systems such as cash registers, gaming machines or drinks dispensers to be networked with a minimum of effort.

The robust Plug&Play device is quickly and easily fitted—or even hung on the wall. The slim-line construction (2.5 cm high, 12.7 cm wide, 10.1 cm long) makes it ideal for concealed installations. This product, featuring screw mountings for easy fitting, requires no additional power plug thanks to its own integrated power adapter. The sturdy metal housing is optimised for industrial applications. ”Selected components and a special product layout facilitate the long-term, error-free operation even under hard environmental conditions,” emphasised Heiko Harbers.

As with its other HomePlug products, devolo guarantees that the MicroLink dLAN i can achieve a range of at least 200 metres—whereby several computers can be connected to the “direct Local Area Network”. No additional equipment is necessary as, for example, the phase coupling is achieved by “cross talk”. Thanks to automatic frequency switching, the data transfer is not disturbed by active devices such as machinery or other sources of interference in the electricity supply. Powerful DESpro encryption ensures that the data is safe from unauthorised access.

All MicroLink dLAN i devices are EMC tested and CE certified. The devolo AG grants a warranty period of three years. The recommended retail price including VAT is Euro 139.90 per adapter.

We look forward to welcoming you to the devolo CeBIT stand in hall 15, booth C21. To make an appointment, please call Christoph Roesseler on +49-163-7307113.

devolo AG was founded in May 2002 by former employees of the now insolvent Elsa AG in Aachen, Germany. devolo has taken over the know-how from the Elsa AG along with the brand names and product rights for “MicroLink” and “Vianect”. 20 years of experience in developing data communications solutions is the basis for a broad spectrum of high-quality products. The current range includes analog modems, DSL modems and networking products for private consumers and professional users. The several years of experience that our employees possess enables even a young company like devolo AG to assure the quality of its products right from the start. The in-house research and development team ensures a constant flow of innovations and the fast reaction to demands arising from the market.

Christoph Rösseler
Sonnenweg 11
52070 Aachen
Germany
Tel: +49(0)241-18279-64
Fax: +49(0)241-18279-99
E-Mail: presse@devolo.de