Siemens Home and Office Communication Devices unveiled its newest home content distribution solution developed in conjunction with Tzero Technologies. This breakthrough solution is the first of its kind to use ultra wideband (UWB) technology for higher bandwidths with the capability to deliver high definition video throughout the home without requiring any new wires. This new technology will enable service providers to offer next-generation broadband services, including internet protocol television (IPTV), to subscribers while eliminating the need for new cabling, thereby reducing lengthy installation time and associated costs. The Siemens UWB multimedia home solution will be demonstrated in the Tzero booth at TelcoTV in Dallas, Texas November 6-8, 2006.

"The performance characteristics of ultra-wideband solutions – including very robust data rates, built-in quality-of-service measures, and low power emissions – makes it a viable candidate for solutions that cross a wide spectrum of PC, consumer electronics, and mobile and portable devices," said Kurt Scherf, vice president and principal analyst with Parks Associates. "Given its fit in a variety of markets, we will expect to see greater uptake of its use in the very near future."

The new Siemens UWB multimedia home solution is capable of providing high-speed communications between devices either wirelessly, or using existing wiring within rooms or extending across multiple rooms. The product delivers transmission speeds of up to 480 megabits per second (Mbps) to support even the high demands of high-definition video and IPTV.

"Solving the in-home video distribution problem has been one of the highest priorities for service providers around the world. Our solution solves that problem with unprecedented bandwidth, quality of service, and a ‘no new wires' mentality for deployment using standards-based technology," said Nicholas Ord, Vice President of Innovation at Siemens. "This new product should enable our service provider customers to effectively deliver interactive, video on demand, and other advanced services without suffering the exorbitant costs of running new wires in a home. Those who adopt it first will have a significantly differentiated service and technology advantage."

Tzero is a leading supplier of UWB solutions, including those used for high-definition video. The company's advanced technology can connect a range of A/V components – displays, set-top boxes, digital video recorders, media center PCs, residential gateways and more. Unlike proprietary offerings, Tzero's platform is based on standards from the WiMedia Alliance and is guaranteed to co-exist with other WiMedia-compliant devices.

"Ultra wideband is a standard that's being embraced for high-definition video applications of all kinds," said Mike Gulett, president and CEO of Tzero. "By working together with Siemens, we're able to offer service providers a commercial solution that will help them drive adoption of new video services in both the U.S. and internationally."

Availability

Siemens and Tzero are working together to provide solutions that will incorporate UWB to enable the distribution of high definition multimedia throughout the home. It is expected that the first prototypes will be available by the end of this year.