PLC for TVs: What the Second Generation LSI made possible

The improved performance of LSI (Large Scale Integration) for HD-PLC is what allowed PLC to be widely used for TVs. From the beginning, HD-PLC had enough capacity to provide speed to use the internet from PCs, but there is a possibility that it is not enough to enjoy high quality video feed from the internet on a large TV screen. But with the introduction of the new LSI for HD-PLC in spring 2008, actual transmission speed improved by 30% compared to previous models, the use of PLC in TVs came closer to reality.

• LSI for HD-PLC introduced in spring 2008. Max. speed improved to 210Mbps from 190Mbps in previous models. Overall size was also reduced.

The latest trend in TV programming is the ‘on-demand’ style, allowing users to watch TV programs whenever they want. ‘acTVila’ (Services in Japan) is the most prominent example, adapting to the TVs itself as well as providing more content, while paying attention to copyright issues. The internet is the only area where there was little improvement, since LAN cables needed to be physically plugged into the TVs. The new LSI has enough transmission capabilities to handle on-demand TV transmission, and If users use the new PLC adaptor, there is no longer a need to haul the LAN cables to the TVs; two reasons why new PLC adaptor for AV equipment was introduced.

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New Business Chances for Local Electronics Retailers

PLC adaptor for AV equipment has drawn much attention from small local electronic retailers. When Panasonic offers seminars for electronic retailers in the area, retail staffs from over 1500 electronic retailers attend the sessions, indicating the amount of interest and expectation that the PLC adaptor for AV equipment has drawn. Many of the retail staffs also visit the HD-PLC Test House in hopes of starting a new business with HD-PLC. PLC adaptor for AV equipment will continue to draw strong interest, since users, TV manufacturers and retailers all benefit at the same time.