Marvell Introduces the World's First Media Server with Powerline Communications Technology

SANTA CLARA, Calif. and LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Marvell (Nasdaq: MRVL), a worldwide leader in integrated silicon solutions, today introduced the first media server with built-in Powerline Communications (PLC) network connectivity. This technology provides an integrated home media server that offers developers and users a new way to connect devices across the home network and share personal media and cloud-based content – including photos, video, music and games – using existing electrical wiring already available in the home.

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"The combination of powerline communication and Wi-Fi ensures smooth, seamless connectivity for room to room media streaming and high throughput applications regardless of the environment of the house. The new Marvell media server provides a natural pipe for delivering content to a broad range of devices that can enrich and have a profound impact on our everyday lives," said Weili Dai, Co-founder of Marvell. "Today, our introduction of the world's first media server integrated with powerline communication network technology for cloud computing applications is a key ingredient to what we envision to be a seamless, unified ecosystem of mobile connected devices, information appliances and smart furnishings."

Based on current leading PLC technology standards, such as Universal Powerline Alliance (UPA) and ITU G.hn, PLC extends the options for establishing home media server capabilities by complementing Wi-Fi and wired Ethernet while simplifying home networking with a reliable medium for media streaming applications. The PLC enabled media server can be placed in any wall socket, creating a Wi-Fi hot spot to connect to media storage devices while also connecting to the home gateway – wherever it is located in the home – via existing electrical wiring. Additional devices on the home power grid, including connected TVs, personal media players, tablets and more, can then also access the media content located on the home server.

The Marvell Media Server with PLC Technology is built on the popular Plug Computer platform and is powered by the Marvell® ARMADA™ 300 processor, designed to enable performance-bound, innovative digital home applications and services. This solution incorporates PLC technology acquired from DS2 and Marvell's Avastar™ 88W8786 solution to create a mini Wi-Fi hotspot for connecting to media storage devices and a multitude of networked devices throughout the home, including those often not connected to the power grid such as smartphones.

Marvell Media Server with Powerline at CES

The Marvell Media Server with PLC technology will be on display at the CES Marvell booth, South Hall 3 Upper Level, Booth 30642.

About Marvell

Marvell (NASDAQ: MRVL) is a world leader in the development of storage, communications, and consumer silicon solutions.  Marvell's diverse product portfolio includes switching, transceiver, communications controller, wireless, and storage solutions that power the entire communications infrastructure including enterprise, metro, home, and storage networking. As used in this release, the term "Marvell" refers to Marvell Technology Group Ltd. and its subsidiaries. For more information, visit http://www.marvell.com.

Marvell and the M logo are registered trademarks of Marvell and/or its affiliates. ARMADA and Avastar are trademarks of Marvell and/or its affiliates. Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

SOURCE Marvell Semiconductor, Inc.