Matsushita Electric Industrial Co is looking to hitch up with three other major electronics manufacturers to develop an inexpensive remote system for controlling electric appliances from outside the home, according to Nihon Keizai Shimbun. The home network system will relay instructions to air conditioners, washing machines and other appliances via standard household power lines. Matsushita will work with Hitachi Ltd, Toshiba Ltd and Mitsubishi Electric Corp to develop basic technology for the system, including a compact receiver. The four then plan to enter agreements with power, gas and other utilities, builders and others to set standards for such networks, aiming eventually at international acceptance. The manufacturers see the system also being used to alert police or fire departments of emergencies.
