D-Link’s 3G door bell, actually called the D-Link Door Phone, is a home security system with a camera built inside the bell. When someone pushes the bell, the camera starts streaming video online, which can be viewed by a 3G wireless phone so owners can see who is at the door even when not home. The door phone comes out in the second quarter of 2010 for $199.99.

At the recent Consumer Electronics Show, D-Link Systems showed off its core product: a wireless router.

But then the Fountain Valley firm pulled out a device mixing Web TV and social networking. And an eReader. And a … doorbell!

There have been major changes inside the company. Last May, it reorganized, letting go of CEO Steven Joe, who has since resurfaced over at Irvine’s hot HDTV company Vizio (read earlier story: “D-Link replaces president, announces reorganization“). Nick Tidd, pictured below, stepped in as vice president of marketing. This week, Tidd was named president of D-Link North America.

Tidd answered some questions to give readers insight into what D-Link is all about today.

Question: With some major management shifts behind it, how has D-Link changed as a business?

D-Link’s Nick Tidd: The most significant changes have come since last May when we had a complete reorganization of our North American and Pan American operations. We’ve made a number of changes to the organization in order to optimize and leverage resources across North America. We’ve built teams and budgets for areas which were lacking and built structure and systems so we’re better equipped to compete in a fast and dynamic marketplace. But overall, we’ve tried to instill the sense of fun and empowerment among our employees needed to achieve the next level of success as a company. We are aggressively driving into new markets, while solidifying our presence in existing markets where we have a very compelling value proposition to companies with constrained budgets and consumers looking to get more out of technology and their connected devices.

	D-Link’s Boxee Box is the first device built just for Boxee software and service, which anyone can download to a PC and then watch online video. The new box lets users watch on a TV. The Boxee twist: It allows users to share what they’re watching with friends. Read:  ”D-Link boxes in Web TV’s Boxee“

Q: D-Link showed a diverse set of products at CES (doorbells, Boxee, eReader). Is this part of some new strategy by the company? What is the strategy?

Tidd: D-Link is a network solution provider, for both home and business markets. We are extending beyond infrastructure of Wi-Fi and wired connectivity to offer customers intriguing ways to leverage their network and a broadband connection for enabling next-generation applications. These applications include solutions for complete monitoring of your home with sensors, cameras, door phones and door locks, etc. You will soon be able to monitor how green your home is to better understand and optimize your power usage. With the introduction of our Boxee Box and the Pebble – both solutions for getting all of your local media and the best of what the Internet has to offer — we’ve made it incredibly simple to navigate content on your television. At the same time, we’re bringing in the social aspect of how you enjoy your entertainment, so you’re not in an isolated one-to-one viewing behavior, but interacting with your media and your social network directly on the TV.

Q: How has the wireless networking industry changed?

Tidd: The networking space has always been very crowded, but this is a key part of our business where we’re driving the next-generation of speeds and range, including our recent announcement of the industry’s first 600 Mbps Wi-Fi solution. In order to deliver many of these future applications, such as the strong connection of your TV to your home network, it is imperative you have a strong Wi-Fi platform to do so in order to move high-definition signals and more throughout the home.

	D-Link’s Pebble is a shiny media player that will stream HD videos, photos and music from home PCs, media cards and hard drives to the big TV. Includes 2 USB ports plus HDMI output. Expected to launch in the first half of 2010 for $119.99.

Q: What should we expect from D-Link this year?

Tidd: More evidence that we’re improving our ability to compete, making the right investments needed to grow, while increasing the range and depth of solutions aimed at consumers, the enterprise and service providers. When you look at our engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, distribution with the leadership and determination to realize the next level of success, you can see why we’re excited about the potential we have in 2010 and beyond. We’re looking to be aggressive and have fun doing it.

Q: Has the company been growing? Is the company profitable?

Tidd: Yes, we’re growing steadily, but most impressive is how we’ve systematically improved our operations and resulting profitability over the last nine months.

(According to D-Link’s parent in Taiwan, the company posted a net income of $260 million (New Taiwan dollars) on revenues of $8.3 billion (NT) in its third quarter 2009 compared to $219 million (NT) in the second quarter. More details are available HERE.)

	The D-Link Rush (DAP-1560) is D-Link’s fastest wireless device meant for HD video transfer all over the home. It uses a 4×4 antenna to boost the power of any existing 802.11 a, b, g or n router with speeds up to 600Mbps. No need to replace the existing router. Available later this year.

Q: How many employees are in North America?

Tidd: Over 345.

Q: Tell us more about yourself.

Tidd: I’ve recently moved from Canada to Huntington Beach, which I love. But, I have to admit, it is a bit surreal at times in terms of weather and lifestyle compared to what I’m accustomed to. I’m recently married and have three kids. I’m typically all over the news sites, including the Toronto Star website which keeps me plugged in to what is going on up North and the National Hockey League site, nhl.com, so I can follow my favorite sport. My favorite gadget is my Garmin GPS, which I’ve found invaluable when facing a tough shot on the golf course.

Social networking has truly changed the way we interact with the Internet and each other. Where we used to get breaking news and trusted information from traditional sites and programs, we now get information from friends, family, experts and others you may be following via Twitter, etc. Social media has changed both the speed of delivery and nature of the information we consume. One other aspect of how social networking has changed society is entertainment and media.

	D-Link’s eReader prototype showed a collection of children’s stories. No further details were available. Click HERE for another photo.

Now we’re fluidly sharing and enjoying music, movies and more that are not recommended by a label, but by your social network. With the Boxee Box, for instance, this type of interaction is now available on the television, where when turning on the box lets you see and enjoy all of the recommended entertainment from an extended group of social acquaintances. This in itself has the power to change the way we consume media in the home, and we’re excited to be a part of it.

Recent gadget news:

Want this? This is the 2 GB USB drive from D-Link that includes the company’s complete CES product line. Leave a comment below and I’ll pick a random winner on Feb. 1, 2010.

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