Home networking group, Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) has approved the Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) technology standard for incorporation into the next version of its Networked Device Interoperability Guidelines, scheduled for release in early 2009.
MoCA joins Wi-Fi and Ethernet as the only LAN technology standards approved for inclusion in the DLNA Interoperability Guidelines. MoCA is a widely used scheme for supporting home networking over existing coaxial cable.
Wireless comes into play to connect mobile devices to DLNA-defined premises networks.
DLNA and the organization's Interoperability Guidelines are designed to bring together consumer electronics, PCs and mobile device technologies and standards into a home networking scheme that portends to delivery a higher quality entertainment experience.
``At the end of the day, home entertainment networking is all about sharing and distributing content simply and easily,'' said Charles Cerino, MoCA president, in prepared comments.
Perhaps illustrating the then very fragmented home networking standards scenario, Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) had to add what it called “secret sauce” to DLNA specs to form the home networking underpinning to its industry-first multi-room DVR service, because of the absence of key pieces. The telco uses MoCA with its FiOS offering.
Since its launch well over a year ago, other telco and cable TV providers have launched similar functionality, while equipment vendors such as Entone Technologies have launched gateways that support whole home DVR without needing set-top boxes.
The established DVR feature has proven to be a lure for FiOS TV, an occasional element of TV-based bundles and a revenue-generating content viewing convenience capability.
``MoCA and DLNA are complementary efforts. MoCA's membership and inclusion in the next version of the DLNA Interoperability Guidelines provide additional means for helping consumers transfer digital content simply throughout the digital home network,'' said Scott Smyers, president and chairman of DLNA, in prepared comments.
The DLNA says its Networked Device Interoperability Guidelines are “use-case driven and specify the interoperable building blocks available for product development and service offerings that address digital content connectivity in and around the home.”
