The Bottom Line
For the consumer, Ruckus offers a MediaFlex System that consists of a Router, Adapter and Gateway. The average person would probably only utilize the MediaFlex Router and Adapter, so I will exclude the Gateway in this article.
Pros
- Small and lightweight design
- BeamFlex and SmartCast promise better results
- Cost is consistent with other wireless options
Cons
- High definition is unproven with IPTV
- Can only purchase through the Ruckus Web SIte
Description
- Ruckus is a new company (2004) in a new technology field.
- Ruckus sold products to providers in Hong Kong, Belgium, Czech Republic, Ireland, Finland, Italy and 20+ U.S.-rural telcos.
- Ruckus' MediaFlex System is credited as being the world’s first in-home wireless multimedia system (October 2005).
Guide Review - Ruckus MediaFlex System
The heart of their wireless technology is BeamFlex and SmartCast. BeamFlex is a smart antenna technology that essentially transmits the signal by changing the antenna direction when encountering a poor connection. According to the Ruckus, BeamFlex increases “the applicable area for successful spatial multiplexing to approximately 90 percent of the home.”
SmartCast is a traffic engineering technology that breaks down each Wi-FI signal into video, voice and data and allocates the necessary signal-strength to each independent device. According to Ruckus, SmartCast is different from other wireless routers in that it doesn’t give a user equal signal strength on the home wireless network if that user doesn’t need the full stream. Instead, it prioritizes the signal based on the type of connection desired. This happens in a real-time environment.
Installation
Basically, you would connect the MediaFlex Router to the Internet modem and the MediaFlex Adapter to the set-top box or media center.
My Thoughts
On the surface, IPTV seems complicated. And, it is…for the engineers. But, for the user Ruckus Wireless had made it pretty simple. Just plug in their components and let it work for you.
I saw this technology work at the 2006 Consumer Electronics Showcase in Las Vegas. At the time, I was intrigued and disappointed because Ruckus didn’t offer it to the consumer at the time. Now, the consumer can up the ante to their wireless network at a minimal cost. IPTV is still new, but for someone taking the plunge into a wireless TV environment Ruckus Wireless is a company worth checking out.
Ruckus Wireless has extensive written and video information of their products and technology on their Web site.