CES 2008

Connected TV

Sharp powerline Ethernet adapters

Electronics makers made big strides in getting downloaded video onto TV screens at this year's show, striking content deals and adding Internet connections to TVs. But many overlooked one little detail: Many consumers don't have Web access in their living rooms or bedrooms. And while powerline Ethernet adapters have long helped provide Web access through standard power jacks, they typically connect one device at a time. Sharp one-ups the rest with its handy HN-VA40s adapter, which lets you plug in the TV, a network-equipped Blu-ray player, and two other devices—all without running cables or using sometimes unreliable Wi-Fi.