Actiontec Electronics today released the MegaPlug AV Powerline Gaming Kit, a next-generation powerline networking solution designed to maximize the online gaming experience with fast speeds and the simplicity of cable-free configuration. Based on the latest HomePlug AVstandard, MegaPlug enables gamers to connect their PC, Xbox, Playstation, Wii, or other gaming console to the Internet through their home’s electrical wiring – and enjoy fast speeds up to 200 Mbps without cumbersome Ethernet cables.
 Actiontec’s MegaPlug AV solution addresses the chief complaints with using wireless networks for online gaming – namely dead spots, frozen graphics, sound delays, and unreliable performance. MegaPlug doubles the bandwidth of 802.11g wireless networks, and offers low latency (less than 3 milliseconds, depending on gaming configuration). In addition, Actiontec’s solution provides enhanced 128-bit AES security, as well as improved quality-of-service features designed to combat the latency, jitter, and electrical interface problems associated with the delivery of rich media.
 
“Like with other bandwidth-intensive applications, it’s been challenging to set up online gaming in the home network, especially when users want to game far from the broadband router,” said Michael Ehlenberger, VP, Channel Sales at Actiontec. “The MegaPlug AV Powerline Gaming Kit solves these headaches by combining the speed and reliability of a wired Ethernet connection at every electrical outlet in the home. MegaPlug adapters turn any electrical outlet into an instant network connection, so gamers can extend their network into hard-to-wire places like behind the entertainment center or the basement in seconds.”
 
To setup a network, users simply plug a MegaPlug AV adapter into a power outlet near the broadband router, and connect the devices with an Ethernet cable, and then connect another MegaPlug adapter to the gaming console or computer for instant connectivity. No configuration is required. If the home has an existing network, HomePlug technology will automatically add that device for sharing Internet connections, peripherals, and files. Up to 16 MegaPlug adapters can be added throughout the home to support other high bandwidth applications like streaming HDTV, photo albums, music collections, and other rich media.
 
The Actiontec MegaPlug AV Powerline Gaming Kit is available immediately at leading retail and ecommerce stores for $169.99. A special $30 mail-in rebate can be downloaded at www.actiontec.com. Each kit includes two MegaPlug AV 200 Mbps Ethernet Adapters, a quick start guide, installation CD, and user manual CD. The adapters are compatible with any wired or wireless broadband router or gateway; any PC running Microsoft Windows 2000, XP, or Vista; and any gaming console with Ethernet capability.