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Cisco Aims For Entertainment-Centric Home Networking: Page 2 of 2

Cisco Wireless Audio System

Linksys by Cisco Wireless Audio system
(click for larger image)

Cisco is also offering a stereo speaker kit for the Director, a docking station for the Apple iPod, and a universal remote control to operate any of the devices in the system. These products, as well as the others, are sold separately, or in bundles, which range from $550 to $999.

With the exception of Conductor, the products are available separately in the United States through Linksys by Cisco retailers. Director is priced at $450; Player, $299; the Stereo Speaker Kit, $150; the universal Controller DMWR1000 Wireless-N Touchscreen Remote, $349; and the iPod Dock, $80. The Conductor is scheduled to be available this quarter. Pricing was not disclosed.

Cisco's latest products mark an aggressive push into home networking, a market that's expected to grow steadily, if people continue to store more of their entertainment files in PCs and other consumer electronics, such as portable media players and digital cameras. However, to be successful, vendors will have to offer systems that are easy to use and set up and priced low enough for mainstream consumers. Today, media hubs and home networks are mostly used by enthusiasts.

Cisco's new offerings likely make use of technology from Pure Networks, a maker of home-networking software and tools that Cisco bought last year for $120 million in cash. In announcing the acquisition, Cisco said it was preparing for "Home Networking 2.0," which it defined as when homes would have many different networked devices sharing applications and services.

Along with the latest consumer products, Cisco introduced a software platform for media and entertainment companies to create and manage online social networks around particular content, such as artists, movies, or TV shows. Called Eos, the platform integrates social networking, such as blogs, chat, and instant messaging, with content management and site administration into a single operating environment. Warner Music Group is Cisco's first customer, and it's using the platform to promote artists Laura Izibor and Sean Paul.