Audio Video News

Imagine just plugging in your equipment and it just works. No, really: Not just plug it into the A/C outlet for power, but plug it in and your whole house is connected. Plug in an audio source in one room, a pair of powered speakers in another, and it all just works. HomePlug 1.0 is a specification that allows audio, remote control information, and even HDMI high-def audio and video to be carried on already-existing power lines. Cool, right?

NuVo Technologies has already created series of products for whole-house wireless systems, but wireless has certain limitations. Using the HomePlug 1.0 spec, the new Renovia system gets around those problems. The system uses similar hubs and receivers to already established NuVo systems. The wall units can display song titles and other metadata from iPod docks, and the central hub comes with AM, FM, and Sirius XM-ready tuners built right in, in addition to two analog sources.

HomePlug 1.0 is a great way to get whole home audio and video, and while the technology has been around for a while, NuVo takes it to a new level with high-end interfaces.

It should be noted that a system like NuVo should be professionally installed for the high-voltage wiring. The low-voltage parts could be handled by electrically-savvy do-it-yourself-ers, with appropriate cautions and warnings. Main wiring runs are through the existing electrical wires, but Cat 5 wires are used to connect from the A/C modules to the controller pads.

While using a system that requires barely any more wires than already exist in walls of your home sounds appealing, this system doesn't come cheap. However, considering its flexibility, OLED interfaces, and quality of sound, it's worth it for many custom installs. -Leslie Shapiro

NuVo

Preliminary prototype photos from CE Pro