Either way, I don't mind as I think the market could support two companies using this technology as long as both had their own innovations for it's use (the 'bells and whistles'). SEVU seems to be doing ok in that area...
Wire21, Inc. was established in January, 1992 to develop, license, manufacture and market products that utilize the only coupler technology known to enable existing power lines to act as a multimedia highway for the simultaneous distribution of video, voice and high speed data. Some of these products (acVideo, dcVideo, acLAN, dcLAN) are to be sold through distributors, resellers, consumer electronics outlets and OEM partners. These markets are stable, large in size and at a stage in their evolution where Wire21's technology would provide a unique capability to network multimedia services around premises over existing power lines at a reasonable cost.
Wire21 has also developed a high speed data communications technology for use on the existing power line network (acWAN) that is to be licensed to utilities who wish to provide telecommunications services to their customers. acWAN licensing can be achieved directly or through system integrators that the utilities prefer to work with.
Patents OWNED by wire21.com NOT LEASED or LICENSED:
Wire21 has taken the necessary steps to protect its revolutionary technologies through patents. To date, six US and one EPO patent have been issued, three US patent applications are pending, and nine foreign applications have been filed.
The following patents have been issued to Wire21 to date:
1. US Patent No.: 5,351,272 issued on 9/27/94 covering high speed LAN communication over power lines.
2. US Patent No.: 5,559,377 issued on 9/24/96 covering the coupler technology for all electrical line communication applications.
3. US Patent No.: 5,592,482 issued on 1/7/97 and 5,625,863 issued on 4/29/97 covering video distribution over power lines and the remote control feature to change TV channels.
4. US Patent No.: 5,717,685 issued on 2/10/98 covering the coupler technology for all electrical line communication applications.
5. US Patent No.: 5,818,127 issued on 10/06/98 covering analog and digital video over AC and DC power lines.
6. EPO Patent No.: 0 470 185 B1 issued on 11/29/95 covering the physics concept of the coupler for all electrical line communication applications.