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Netgear's HDXB111 / XAVB101 powerline adapters now shipping

darren murph
Updated ·6 min read


It took 'em long enough, but Netgear has at long last decided to ship the two powerline adapters it announced way back at CES in January. The Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit (XAVB101; pictured above), which is based on the HomePlug AV standard, and the UPA-based HDXB111 Powerline HD Plus Ethernet Adapter Kit (which is obviously capable of transmitting HD footage) can both be snapped up in time for the holidays. Each set is designed for plug 'n play action and for those who'd rather network their wares via installed cabling instead of running something new. Of course, performance is always the questionable aspect of these type devices, but those with faith (and a North American address) can finally lay down their $149.99 / $169.99 and get busy. The full release and a shot of the HDXB111 can be found after the break.





NETGEAR's Award-Winning Powerline Adapters for HD and Multimedia Streaming Now Available

Innovative Powerline Devices Offer Consumers 200 Mbps Speeds with Broad Options in Technical Design

SAN JOSE, Calif. - November 17, 2008 - NETGEAR, Inc. (NASDAQGM: NTGR), a worldwide provider of technologically innovative, branded networking solutions, today announced the general availability of its latest powerline adapters for turning electrical power outlets into high-speed Internet and home network connections. Fast enough to stream high-definition video, the award-winning Powerline HD Plus Ethernet Adapter Kit (HDXB111) and Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit (XAVB101) provide reliable, high-speed network connections up to 200 Mbps to the home network and Internet over existing electrical wires to devices such as digital media receivers, set-top boxes, game consoles, personal computers, and networked attached storage.

NETGEAR offers a broad portfolio of networking products so consumers can choose the option that best meets their needs. NETGEAR's powerline technology products distribute high-speed, high-performance, affordable broadband throughout the home, without the need to run any cabling between rooms. Both the Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit, which is based on the HomePlug AV standard, and the UPA-based Powerline HD Plus Ethernet Adapter Kit, provide integrated Quality of Service (QoS), to enable hours of glitch-free connectivity for high-definition video streaming, online gaming and uninterrupted Voice over IP (VoIP) phone calls. The easy operation of both products is based on a plug-in design and push-button data encryption that provides privacy and security for a trouble-free set-up. In addition, the Powerline HD Plus Ethernet Adapter Kit features built-in power sockets to save power outlet space.

"The increasing demand for consistent high-speed Internet connectivity throughout the entire home compels networking providers to engineer products that are not only fast and reliable, but also simple to install for the average consumer," stated Chris Geiser, NETGEAR's product line manager for Powerline devices. "Powerline's ability to use existing wiring supports the distribution of high-quality broadband connection to all areas of the home, even wireless problem areas, enabling customers to enjoy bandwidth intensive applications such as online gaming, audio distribution and HD video streaming, in any room of the house."

About the NETGEAR Powerline HD Plus Ethernet Adapter Kit (HDXB111)
By simply plugging one stylish UPA-certified Powerline HD Plus Ethernet Adapter into an AC outlet near a modem, gateway, or router and another near any Ethernet-ready device, consumers can instantly enjoy speeds up to 200 Mbps and access to reliable HD streaming throughout the house. Furthermore, with outlet space limited in many homes, the kit is NETGEAR's first Powerline networking device to offer innovative pass-through outlet capabilities by incorporating a built-in, noise-filtered AC plug.

As testament to its innovative design and engineering qualities, the Powerline HD Plus Ethernet Adapter Kit won the prestigious Best of Innovations award in the home networking category of the Innovations Design and Engineering Awards Program at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show. In addition to its unique pass-through functionality, the subtle, natural shade of the Powerline kit is designed to blend into its environment and minimize the appearance of clutter.

NETGEAR's plug-and-play Powerline HD Plus Ethernet Adapter Kit (HDXB111) is now available in North America through leading retailers, e-commerce sites and value-added resellers. It is backed by a one-year warranty and 24/7 technical support. The Powerline HD Plus Ethernet Adapter Kit, containing two Powerline HD Plus Ethernet Adapters, an Ethernet cable, an installation guide and a set-up CD, has an MSRP in the U.S. of $169.99. NETGEAR's Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter (HDX101) and Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter Kit (HDXB101) are compatible with the Powerline HD Plus Ethernet Adapter kit (HDXB111).

Photos and other product information can be found on the NETGEAR web site at (http://www.netgear.com/Products/PowerlineNetworking/PowerlineEthernetAdapters/HDXB111.aspx).

About the NETGEAR Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit (XAVB101)
Based on the HomePlug AV standard and compatible with both wired and wireless routers and gateways, consumers can simply plug one Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter into their router and another into any Ethernet-ready device to turn any electrical power outlet into a high speed Internet and home network connection. Securing a Powerline AV network is made simple with the push of a button as the kit features a 128-bit AES data encryption to ensure privacy and security.

As evidence of its reliability and user-friendly characteristics, the Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit was an Editor's Choice in PC Magazine on October 21, 2008, awarded four out of five stars. Reviewer Mario Morejon wrote, "... the NETGEAR Powerline can't be beat. This is a must-have product if you need a fast and secure network for your small business and can't afford remodeling for the sake of obtaining faster network speed."

NETGEAR's Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit (XAVB101) is now available worldwide through leading retailers, e-commerce sites and value-added resellers. It is backed by a one-year warranty and 24/7 technical support. The Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit, containing two Powerline AV Ethernet Adapters, an Ethernet cable, an installation guide and a set-up CD, has an MSRP in the U.S. of $149.99. NETGEAR's Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter (XAV101) is compatible with the Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit (XAVB101), and can be purchased as a single unit.

Photos and other product information can be found on the NETGEAR web site at
(http://www.netgear.com/Products/PowerlineNetworking/PowerlineEthernetAdapters/XAVB101.aspx).

"With today's ever-advancing technology, the production of innovative, fast, reliable, and easy-to-use networking solutions is key to providing consumers with the ability to connect to a wide-range of Ethernet-enabled applications, from personal computers to digital media adapters and gaming consoles," said Michael Cai, director of digital media and gaming with Parks Associates, which specializes in research and analysis for digital living technologies. "High-speed Powerline devices are able to support this growing bandwidth demand while also transmitting high-quality broadband Internet to the wireless problem areas of the home."