Connected Home - Home automation control systems & residential technology

Keeping your business 'green'

CF — Wed, 23 May 2012 15:53:59 +1000

For decades, the idea of saving the environment and contributing to a healthier world seemed like a great idea, but it was either too big a task for one individual to handle or a seemingly time consuming activity that would cut into money-making time.

Then things started to change at work, at school and at home. From unthinkable gas prices and a tough job market to skyrocketing health care costs, many folks came to a similar conclusion: to become more resourceful and live better.

Latest news from Leaf

CF — Tue, 22 May 2012 09:32:00 +1000

May/June sees several important launches for Leaf, including new products and information upgrades. Engineers have been extremely busy over the summer working on follow up products tothe LTHDMI88 8x8 HDMI Matrix with HDbaseT technology. As one of the first companies in the world to adopt HDBaseT, engineers have been working closely with the HDBaseT chip manufacturers to perfect the technology in Matrix products.

Christie Roadster HD10K-M projector

CF — Tue, 22 May 2012 09:23:26 +1000

The Christie M Series platform include variable contrast ratio of 2500-10,000:1 (full on/full off) for crisp, detailed images. Each of the projectors in the series can also be fitted with the broadest range of high-quality lenses, along with built-in portrait capabilities – all with true Intelligent Lens System (ILS) capabilities. The Christie M Series has something for every application and budget.

Areas to receive fixed wireless in the Southern Riverina, NSW

CF — Tue, 22 May 2012 09:09:30 +1000

The fixed wireless network will deliver high speed broadband to homes and businesses at wholesale speeds up to 150 times faster than dial-up and up to eight times faster than ADSL.

"For decades, rural and regional Australia has been left behind when it comes to telecommunications," said NBN Co stakeholder relations advisor Tony Gibbs.

"NBN Co's plan to deliver high speed broadband to every Australian with a combination of fibre, fixed wireless and satellite aims to change that."

Fixed wireless areas announced in the Griffith and Murrumbidgee Area NSW

CF — Tue, 22 May 2012 08:54:39 +1000

The fixed wireless network will deliver high speed broadband to homes and businesses at wholesale speeds up to 150 times faster than dial-up and up to eight times faster than ADSL.

"For decades, rural and regional Australia has been left behind when it comes to telecommunications," says NBN Co stakeholder relations advisor Tony Gibbs.

"NBN Co's plan to deliver high speed broadband to every Australian with one network utilising three technologies, fibre, fixed wireless and satellite aims to change that.

Dynaudio distribution change

CF — Mon, 21 May 2012 17:07:08 +1000

TotalQ managing director Rob Sanders says of the change, “Of course we are very disappointed with this decision by Dynaudio. Personally I have been distributing Dynaudio in our own company or as a representative for previous importers for twenty years. We have built the business in Australia, a loyal following of consumers and dealers and the considerable goodwill that goes with that effort.

"Street of Dreams" Home Design Event features ELAN g! System

CF — Mon, 21 May 2012 16:12:07 +1000

Triggered by simply docking an ELAN g!Mobile-equipped iPad 2 in a magnetic Launchport dock, this room automatically turns on the Runco LS-HB HD projector, club-style pinpoint lights and Xbox 360 with Kinect, brings up the house lights, starts a hidden fog machine and completely preps the room for a movie night, dance party or gaming session. With an entire wall occupied by a 151-inch Da-Lite Cinema Contour Screen and motion-based control through the Kinect device, the room presents an augmented reality environment that proves home entertainment is no longer a strictly passive experience.

Applying 'green' thinking to project management

CF — Mon, 21 May 2012 10:47:34 +1000

1. Green Materials Maven. Are you using materials that have been recycled and are you recycling the materials that you’re currently using? Regardless of what industry that you work in, just a little research can make a big difference, in your project’s carbon footprint.

2. Packing Green. Packing materials for products can produce a lot of waste. Can you use recycled materials for packing like old newspapers? There are also biodegradable packing peanuts and environmentally friendly soft foam.

CEDIA announces Electronic Lifestyles Awards winners

CF — Fri, 18 May 2012 10:56:18 +1000

CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design Installation Association) has unveiled the winners of the highly coveted CEDIA Electronic Lifestyles Awards at the Gala Awards Night, held for the first time in Brisbane. The Awards ceremony was held at the exclusive Moda Events Portside on Wednesday 9 May with an audience of more than 300 industry professionals celebrating outstanding work from this year’s winners.

RTiPanel App now available for Android devices and third-generation Apple iPad

CF — Fri, 18 May 2012 10:46:03 +1000

Compatible with Android smartphones and tablets of any screen size, the App has features such as two-way feedback, a customisable user interface, and highly optimised connection speeds to provide complete control over any RTI control system with an XP series control processor.

The RTiPanel has full two-way feedback including cover art, weather graphics, dynamic image lists, and much more. The App also supports connection locally via Wi-Fi and offers remote access via auto-switching Wi-Fi and 3G/4G wireless — allowing for control and monitoring from virtually anywhere in the world.

Denon adds three new models to IN-Command Series of network-capable receivers

CF — Fri, 18 May 2012 10:29:13 +1000

The new receivers, including the AVR-3313CI, AVR-2313CI and AVR-2113CI all feature a robust new content services platform, streamlined new design and easy-to-access front-panel inputs, as well as 4K video capability. Notably, all three feature access to popular content sources including Sirius XM, vTuner internet radio and Pandora. Purchasers of IN-Command receivers can also download a free upgrade for the new Denon Remote App, allowing them to control their receiver via iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.

NBN satellite network extends to the outback

CF — Fri, 18 May 2012 09:41:19 +1000

The satellite ground station gateway forms part of NBN's Long Term Satellite Service, designed to bring broadband at speeds of up to 12 Megabits per second to homes, farms and businesses in outback and remote parts of Australia, including communities in the Bourke Shire such as Louth, Gumbalie and Fords Bridge.

Following extensive consultation with Bourke Shire Council, the new facility is planned to be constructed on an existing industrial development, approximately eight kilometres north of the town centre.

McIntosh MX121 AND MX151 AV control centres

CF — Thu, 17 May 2012 17:00:17 +1000

Designed to serve as ultimate-quality “nerve centres” of total home entertainment systems, both units offer advanced features and functionality far beyond those of typical AV preamplifiers. Both units feature sophisticated HD digital audio decoding and HDMI video switching, including 3D Video Pass-Through capability.

Elite Screens Insta-DE2 whiteboard-projection screen wall covering

CF — Tue, 15 May 2012 10:50:42 +1000

“The biggest problem with projecting directly on a whiteboard is that a whiteboard is not designed for picture quality which results in a resoundingly poor image. Our magnetic and adhesive padded Insta-DE/DEM products have been successful but our customers still insisted on another variant with just a film-backing,” says Elite Screens, Inc marketing manager David Rodgers.

ViewSonic PJD 6 Series education projectors

CF — Tue, 15 May 2012 10:43:25 +1000

Featuring ViewSonic’s exclusive DynamicEco mode, the PJD 6 Series projectors lamp brightness can be reduced to 30%, which helps to extend lamp life and lower energy consumption. Automatically activated when no signal is present, or manually enabled via the included remote control, DynamicEco also minimises fan noise to eliminate distractions during class. Furthermore, the PJD 6 Series projectors are equipped with energy-efficient LED lamps providing a green technology solution that saves money as well as helps to save the planet.

Fluke Networks and Cisco join to help small businesses plan the right Wi-Fi network

CF — Tue, 15 May 2012 10:40:47 +1000

The solution will help Cisco small business resellers meet the challenges associated with deploying and planning an 802.11 a/b/g/n wireless network and help organisations better address emerging performance challenges associated with the Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) phenomenon.

AMX MVP-9000i touch panel

CF — Tue, 15 May 2012 10:14:55 +1000

This certification ensures that the MVP-9000i is interoperable with a Cisco wireless LAN infrastructure and has met the Wi-Fi Alliance’s WPA/WPA2 specification addressing wireless network security, performance, reliability, diagnostics and network statistics gathering.

Quantum Data 980 HDMI Protocol Analyzer for HDMI and MHL

CF — Tue, 15 May 2012 09:52:17 +1000

There are two 980 HDMI Protocol Analyzer options available:

1) 980 HDMI Protocol Analyzer Gen 2.
2) 980 HDMI Protocol Analyzer Gen 3.

The 980 HDMI Protocol Analyzer Gen 2 supports analysis of HDMI and MHL source devices at TMDS clock rates up to 225MHz and supports source compliance tests for HDMI devices. The 980 HDMI Protocol Analyzer Gen 3 supports deep analysis of HDMI and MHL source devices at TMDS clock rates up to 297MHz. The Gen 3 also optionally supports compliance testing for HDMI and MHL source and sink devices.

Panasonic Compact Flexi System Series air conditioners

CF — Fri, 11 May 2012 10:58:51 +1000

Panasonic Australia product marketing manager Shane Quinn says, “Panasonic’s range of packaged air products offers the ultimate in versatility and energy efficiency for commercial and domestic applications. There is a choice of Cassette or Ducted models and a control solution to suit a variety of small to medium sized applications including small apartment blocks, small offices, shop fronts and residential use.”

Panasonic 2012 Smart VIERA plasma TV range

CF — Fri, 11 May 2012 10:50:19 +1000

The new range - the VIERA VT50, ST50, UT50, XT50 and U50 Series - includes eight Full HD 3D models, one HD 3D model and one Full HD 2D model. The models range in size from 65 inches to 50 inches. The design of this year’s VIERA Plasma range is clean and simple, with most models incorporating a glass design concept for an elegant theme.

Ematic eGlide XL Pro 2: 10" Android 4.0 powered tablet

CF — Fri, 11 May 2012 10:31:17 +1000

“We’re thrilled to launch the eGlide XL Pro 2, and add it to our expanding line of tablets which suit various needs and lifestyles,” says Ematic general manager Roy Rayn.

“This tablet incorporates everything our consumers love about Ematic products: durability, productivity and affordability.”

Powered to perform

Wolf Cinema REF-700 and REF-1000 projectors

CF — Fri, 11 May 2012 09:04:28 +1000

The REF-700 and REF-1000 projectors are powerful new additions to the Wolf Cinema line, delivering some of the finest high-fidelity 3D images yet possible, and on screens up to 18 feet in width. Powered by modular Cermax xenon arc lamps, these three-chip DLP light engines boast a wide variety of advanced custom installation options including the choice of 6 high-contrast VariScope primary lens packages, advanced Wolf Cinema video processing with custom film algorithms, optional cinema “Triple-Flash” 3D imaging technologies and custom 3D glasses.

Panasonic FSV Air Conditioner range

CF — Thu, 10 May 2012 10:56:54 +1000

The FSV range features an operating temperature range from -25ºC to 46ºC, guaranteeing the harshest of Australian climates are covered. All new models are reverse cycle, optimal for both heating and cooling, ensuring year round comfort in both domestic and commercial applications.

HAI HTX2 iTunes App - customisable remote control for AV

CF — Mon, 07 May 2012 17:47:10 +1000

The HTX2 application allows for AV control using iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch (iOS devices) integrated with HAI's Home Theater Extender 2 (HAI part number 86A00-2).

HAI is providing interface templates that can be customised for TV's, Blu-Ray/DVD players, AV receivers, satellite/cable boxes, tuners, projectors, CD changers, and more.

Sonance adds Hardscape Subwoofer to its Landscape Series

CF — Mon, 07 May 2012 17:40:40 +1000

Until now, there have been many challenges in achieving high quality audio in hardscape environments. The new HS10SUB subwoofer delivers powerful deep bass that is the foundation of the Sonance Landscape series’ remarkable performance.

The HS10SUB features a sealed non-corrosive enclosure that is constructed from a brown-textured HDPVC (High Density Polyvinyl Chloride), while the 10” (254mm) polypropylene cone driver with rubber surround delivers a frequency response of 35Hz – 100Hz ±3dB.

Earthquake Sound FF6.5 subwoofer system

CF — Mon, 07 May 2012 17:37:55 +1000

Equally exciting is the new look it represents, the FF6.5 is visually more compatible with modern interiors. The new style enclosure offers a smaller footprint, with a larger enclosure performance; using the advanced “Transmission Line” tuning techniques with ¼ wave length tuning.

This small sub can produce over 100dB peak SPL (includes room gain) from 40Hz to 135Hz. It reproduces music and movie sound with exceptional accuracy and with a brilliant neutral tonal body that remains the same for all Earthquake speakers. The FF6.5 is your go to sub when both budget and space are limited.

Social media programs are too important for one department

CF — Mon, 07 May 2012 10:38:28 +1000

“Economics make it necessary to terminate any operation which exceeds five percent of its primary budget.” – Male Voice, “THX 1138,” Warner Brothers (1971)

We’re quite certain John Wanamaker – who some consider the father of marketing – would be amazed if he saw the potential and the chaos of social media today.

He’d be amazed at the potential because he would see the fantastic benefits of reaching very specific customers any time, any place.

Earthquake Sound ACS 3.0 in-ceiling speaker

CF — Fri, 04 May 2012 09:48:13 +1000

With paintable grille and frame, the ACS 3.0 can invisibly blend with its surrounding. Whether you want background/ambient music or practical enhancement to your surround sound, the ACS 3.0 In-Ceiling speakers are the ideal speakers for the job. The ACS 3.0 intended use includes (but not limited to):

Contractors, custom installers and retailers.
Background/ambient music.
Surround sound enhancement.
Recreational vehicles/busses.

International recognition for WLAN technology

CF — Fri, 04 May 2012 09:40:01 +1000

Inventors Dr John O’Sullivan, Dr Terry Percival, Mr Diet Ostry, Mr Graham Daniels and Mr John Deane have been nominated in the ‘Non-European countries’ category of the annual awards for the patented WLAN technology,

The technology, which has given us the freedom to work wirelessly in our homes and offices, is now estimated to be in more than three billion devices worldwide and expected to be in more than five billion devices worldwide by the time the CSIRO patent expires at the end of 2013.

CEDIA announces CEDIA US Expo 2012 opening keynote

CF — Fri, 04 May 2012 09:22:27 +1000

Dr. Kaku is an internationally recognised authority on physics and predicting trends based on the latest research in science. His book Physics of the Future: How Science Will Shape Human Destiny and Our Daily Lives by the year 2100 was recently named one of the “Top 25 Tech Books” by VentureBeat. This book also spent five weeks on the New York Times bestseller list.

RTI ESC-2 Ethernet-to-Serial converter

CF — Fri, 04 May 2012 09:18:16 +1000

The ESC-2 works seamlessly within RTI's Integration Designer programming software for quick and simple setup, and multiple modules can be utilized for virtually unlimited control of serial devices. Two RJ-45 jacks allow standard Cat 5 cabling to be used between the converter and the device being controlled. The ESC-2 is then connected to the local Ethernet network with a standard Cat 5 cable for full two-way control, as if the device were wired directly to the control processor.

Russound BSK-1 Bluetooth Source Kit

CF — Fri, 04 May 2012 08:58:35 +1000

Unlike other Bluetooth adapters, the BSK-1 is specifically designed for residential and commercial system integrators as well as discerning consumers who refuse to trade performance for price.

Axis Communications AXIS M1013 and AXIS M1014 network cameras

CF — Tue, 01 May 2012 10:07:46 +1000

“With their superb video quality in both SVGA and HDTV, and support for edge storage and AXIS Camera Companion, AXIS M1013 and AXIS M1014 are perfectly adapted for retail and other industries that require dependable video surveillance at an affordable cost,” says Axis Communications Country Manager, South Pacific, Wai King Wong.

“These cameras allow store and home owners and other users to experience the resolution, full frame rate, and colour fidelity of HDTV surveillance – without compromising the budget.”

Philips to showcase latest products and technologies at CEDIA

CF — Tue, 01 May 2012 09:58:39 +1000

The company will be displaying a range of its new and existing lighting and Philips Dynalite lighting control products at the show, including LED control technologies that allow flicker-free LED dimming to be achieved. Philips Dynalite will also introduce a new product to allow LED control to be accomplished through existing leading edge controllers, a new hotel room system actuator, plus a new range of user interfaces.

According to Philips Dynalite ANZ dimension channel manager Aaron Castles, LED technology features highly in the company’s offerings at CEDIA this year.

D&M Holdings to launch over 70 new products in the next six months

CF — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:00:24 +1000

As D&M expands the reach of Boston Acoustics, Denon, and Marantz to encompass a wide variety of exciting new lifestyle-oriented offerings including headphones and other dock speaker solutions, all three brands will also continue to serve consumers and custom integrators with the high-performance core products - including AV receivers and loudspeakers.

Denon relaunches core AV receiver line

CF — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:50:51 +1000

Available now, the new line includes the 7.1-channel Model AVR-1913 as well as the 5.1-channel Models AVR-1713, AVR-1613 and AVR-1513.

Denon product manager for core products Yoshinori Yamada says, “With the launch of our new core AV receiver line for 2012, we are giving more people total simplicity of setup and operation, access to online music content as well as outstanding audio and video capabilities.”

Airplay in three new models

InFocus Mondopad giant tablet

CF — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:29:29 +1000

If you use a video conferencing system, Mondopad can fit right in. You can add it as a SIP endpoint on your video conference server or service. You can also install the desktop client onto Mondopad for your existing video conferencing system, just like you would a PC. Using the latest applications for collaboration is as easy as downloading an app. Industry standard collaboration tools like GoToMeeting, WebEx, Microsoft Lync and Adobe Connect run seamlessly on a Mondopad.

Stampede helps Lumina Motion create 3D video mapping experience for smart phone launch

CF — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:10:57 +1000

The AV team at Lumina Motion was tasked with creating an exciting and memorable product launch for Nokia’s new Lumia 800 smart phone, and they succeeded by working with Stampede to utilise the best technology, share industry know-how and ensure patient attention to every technical detail.

CEDIA unveils highlights and changes for CEDIA US Expo 2012

CF — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 09:52:21 +1000

CEDIA has added more opportunities for peer-to-peer business discussion with the introduction of two roundtable series. One roundtable series will be broken out into small and mid-size business owner discussions. These moderated sessions will give ESCs an opportunity to discuss common concerns in a non-competitive environment. The second roundtable series will offer six different topics that ESCs identified as “hot topics” such as HDMI, hiring sales staff, and retrofit technologies.

Denon DHT-1513BA home theatre system

CF — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:56:51 +1000

Denon product manager Yoshinori Yamada says, “Many consumers today are looking for a way to enjoy truly great and immersive surround sound with their home entertainment – but they don’t want to break the bank to do it. With the debut of our high-value, high-performance DHT-1513BA system, we are making it easier and more affordable to upgrade.”

Sony BRAVIA HX850 LCD TV

CF — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:23:15 +1000

Available in 46” and 55” screen sizes, the BRAVIA HX850 also offers new levels of connectivity with other devices such as tablets, smartphones and the company’s upcoming Google TV set-top-box.

Local NBN-enabled services for Brunswick

CF — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:16:48 +1000

Senator Conroy also announced that Moreland City Council has been successful in its application for Digital Local Government program funding.

The Australian Government’s Digital Hubs program uses community partnerships in National Broadband Network (NBN) connected communities to provide free online training to residents and the opportunity to experience NBN-enabled high-speed broadband services.

Sony and Network Ten launch catch-up TV channel

CF — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:43:48 +1000

The new TEN channel will go live in June, making Sony the first to offer a catch-up TV service from TEN direct to a Smart TV. This free, on-demand offering will make it easy for people to watch their favourite shows from TEN on their TV whenever they want, rather than on a computer screen.

The TEN channel will feature catch-up episodes from some of TEN’s most popular programs including Bondi Vet, The Graham Norton Show and The Bolt Report. The channel will appear automatically in the menu of compatible Sony devices.

Comms Alliance welcomes High Court decision on iiNet

CF — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:36:05 +1000

The High Court ruled that the conduct of iiNet did not constitute authorisation of online copyright infringements undertaken by internet users.

Communications Alliance was granted leave by the High Court to be heard as amicus curiae (“friend of the Court”) in support of iiNet’s position and made written and oral submissions to the Court at the hearing in December 2011.

Antelope Audio Rubicon atomic AD-DA preamp

CF — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:23:12 +1000

Antelope Audio is set to introduce Rubicon, a 384kHz digital audio preamplifier which integrates the world renowned 10M Rubidium atomic clock. Rubicon caters to the ever-increasing interest in high-resolution audio, addressing the specific needs of high-end consumer electronics enthusiasts for accurate audio representation and detailed soundstage of both analog and digital recordings. The new device will be presented to the public during the Munich High End Show, 3-6 May.

ELAN Home Systems g!Tools software

CF — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:48:20 +1000

In addition, g!Tools allows dealers to store and share one-way IR and serial drivers and also provides a dashboard screen for ELAN dealers to view, monitor and launch into every g! system they manage from one location, whether on the PC at their office or on a job site. This feature allows ELAN dealers to quickly check on multiple g! systems and offers the best access for managing and updating systems, as well as providing on-demand assistance to end users.

Panasonic Unveils new Blu-ray recorder range

CF — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:25:34 +1000

The new range includes the new 3D DMR-BWT820 Blu-Ray Recorder with a 1TB HDD, the 3D DMR-BWT720 Blu-Ray Recorder with a 500GB HDD and also the versatile 3D DMR-PWT520 Blu-ray Disc Player with HDD recording capability, which also records onto a 500GB HDD.

iiNet wins landmark copyright case

CF — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:48:31 +1000

iiNet chief executive officer Michael Malone says the judgment supported the company’s position and proved the claims made against it were unfounded.

"iiNet has never supported or encouraged unauthorised sharing or file downloading,” Michael says.

"Today’s High Court five-nil ruling confirms that iiNet is not liable for ‘authorising’ the conduct of its customers who engaged in online copyright infringement.

"This marks the end of more than three years of legal argument and challenges.

Bosch HD 1080p camera receives red dot award

CF — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:09:29 +1000

This is one of the world’s largest and most renowned design competitions, which this year attracted over 14,000 submissions from 58 countries – 4,515 products alone in the category ‘product design’. Following the announcement of the prizes, the award-winning products are put on display in the red dot design museum, and bear the coveted red dot logo for the remainder of their life cycle.