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Can You Send Audio or Video Over Existing Home Wiring?

PLC allows you to extend networks and send A/V info over home wiring.

By Gary Altunian Gary Altunian Writer Gary Altunian was a freelance contributor to Lifewire and industry veteran in consumer electronics. He passion was home audio and theater systems. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on January 26, 2022 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email

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Expand Jump to a Section What Can You Do With PLC HomePlug Standards Advanced Systems With PLC Power Line Communication (PLC) refers to a technology that allows communication over existing power cables in a home or building. HomePlug is a PLC standard that can distribute audio, video, and control signals via your home's existing electrical wiring. You can use the same system to extend a Wi-Fi network. IOGear.com

What Can You Do With PLC

HomePlug and other PLC standards allow you to have a multiroom audio system in your home without having to install new wiring. You can also use the PLC technology to extend an existing network (although a PLC system cannot replace a router or modem). You can find many power line network adapters from brands like Netgear, Linksys, Trendnet, and Actiontec. They are sold in pairs: one is meant to be plugged into a wall outlet near your router, and the other in the room where you want the network or A/V connection. For homes where Wi-Fi coverage is average and you don't want to rewire for a new connection, PLC is a great way to better distribute access.

HomePlug Standards AV AV2 AV MIMO nVoy

The HomePlug Alliance certifies all compatible adapters which carry a HomePlug Certified logo. HomePlug AV and AV2 are SISO (single input/single output) and use two wires (hot and neutral) in your home electrical wiring. The AV2 MIMO (multiple in/multiple out) standard with beamforming uses those two wires and also the ground, which improves the reliability of high-bandwidth transmissions. The HomePlug Alliance sponsors the nVoy Program to develop the software layer that integrates HomePlus with Wi-Fi. The aim is that HomePlug technology is built into components to offer plug-and-play connectivity.

Advanced Systems With Power Line Communications

Russound offers more advanced systems and components, including the Collage Powerline Media and Intercom System. It consists of an amplified in-wall keypad for each room with 30 watts of power (15-watts x 2) and a small, full-color display. Each control keypad has an FM tuner and a Media Manager that connects the system to a home Ethernet network for sharing content between zones. Each room in this system gets a pair of in-wall speakers. NuVo Technologies developed the Renovia, a six-source system for as many as eight zones or rooms. Audio sources connect to a Renovia Source Hub, which includes built-in AM/FM tuners and satellite radio tuners. Additional sources, such as a CD player, can also connect to the Source Hub for a total of six sources. The Collage and Renovia systems target the retrofit installation market—homes where installing room-to-room wiring is impractical or too expensive. Regardless of their relative ease of use, you'll need a professional installation of either system. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Whole House Audio & Multi-Room Music Systems Expert Tested: The 9 Best Wi-Fi Range Extenders in 2022 The 7 Best Powerline Network Adapters, Tested by Lifewire Mesh Network vs Range Extender: Which Is Best? The Complete Guide to Home Audio Systems for Beginners How to Install and Set Up a Home Theater Receiver Can Two Routers Be Used on the Same Home Network? How to Connect Two Routers on a Home Network What Is a Powerline Adapter? The Ultimate Router Buying Guide How to Connect a PC to a Wi-Fi Extender How to Secure Your HomePlug Powerline Network How to Splice Wires for Speakers and Home Theater Systems X10 Home Automation Systems and Software The 9 Best Mesh Wi-Fi Network Systems of 2022 What Is Wireless Home Theater? Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies