Enhance Your Existing Security System With Reliable Wireless, Batteryless Sensors

From ThomasNet, "EnOcean, Inc., global pioneer in energy-harvesting wireless technologies, has partnered with Ad Hoc Electronics to enable its award-winning self-powered magnetic proximity sensor for retro-fit security installations. The combination of Ad Hoc's new LVRX-4 low-voltage relay receiver and the STM250 system enables home and building owners to enhance their existing entry/exit security equipment using reliable wireless, battery-free sensors."

Lagotek Announces Software-Based Whole-House Control System

Whereas past approaches to home automation have been primarily hardware based and hard wired, Lagotek’s approach is to use software running on an open hardware platform based upon wireless technology. From Bios, "The software-based platform includes basic features for whole home control of lighting (incandescent, LED and fibre optic), heating and air conditioning (HVAC), distributed audio, multi-location camera surveillance, irrigation controls (sprinklers and drip systems) and security systems."

Today's Featured Story:

Homeowner says thief caught on digital surveillance system video View Story Here >

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WSJ Setting Up Your Own Security Camera at Home

Bringing Home Automation to your PC

The widespread acceptance of broadband networking into the home and the increase in consumer use and distribution of digital entertainment content have increased the need for software-driven control solutions to maximize performance for whole-home automation and entertainment functions. A company called Exceptional Innovation is capitalizing on this trend with a unique twist. As reported by Audio Video Revolution, "By taking an open, standards-based approach to home automation, Exceptional Innovation [has] not only created a system that is affordable and scale-able, but also a system that can be expanded as new vendor partners are added. Users can adapt EI’s home control solution to meet their specific needs, whether it is a single media room or a fully-automated 12,000 square foot luxury home." Read full article here.

Central Vacuum System Breaks Home Automation Barrier

Sick of portable vacs? AirForce is a unique central vacuum system with some very interesting home automation integration features (i.e. if the door bell or phone rings the vacuum system turns off). According to CentralVacuum.com, a central vacuum system can cost less than a high-end moveable vacuum and can add around $2,000 to your home's resale value.

Read: How Central Vacuum Systems work.

Multiroom A/V Sytems

There are basically two types of whole-house audio/video systems from which to choose: a system that distributes the same content to every component, or a more intelligent system that lets each family member select the content source (such as a CD player and tuner) simultaneously from different rooms.

Check out this article on how to design and install your choice.

Today's Digital Home Special Reports

If you're dying to get started in home automation, PC Magazine suggests you should take a look at X10 or Z-Wave starter kits. They make the task of automating home lighting and appliances simple, and they're modular allowing to expand your control over different components of your home.

Read about two special reports that explore these technologies in depth:
X10 Home Automation Systems
Z-Wave Home

Digital Deck Unveils Home Entertainment System

Digital Deck™, a leading provider of technology for management of entertainment content for the home, recently announced the release of its breakthrough technology that runs on Windows XP PCs and brings music, live and recorded TV, and photos into each networked room of a home. The new Media Connector software and hardware platform provides many features and integrates easily with with a broad range of popular electronic entertainment devices and services, including integration with TiVo® Series2 DVR, Apple® iTunes®, flickr™, and Windows Media™ .

The Digital Deck solution includes the Media Connector Software, the Media Connector & Remote Control, and access to the Digital Deck Service (including program guide information and IR codes). The product is available from the Company website now, priced at just $499 retail. To create multi-room solutions, additional Digital Deck Media Connectors (with Remote Control) can be purchased for $299 retail. The system provides a single common interface that allows users to access all of their entertainment devices from any connected room. Wired broadband network in your home (cable, or DSL) is required.

Wireless Home Security Made Simple

Hi-Tech home security systems can be a cost effective (under a $1000.00 with no added monthly fees) alternative to central station monitored systems. These wireless systems can be tailored fit to each owner's needs and can be expanded over traditional hardwired systems to include video survellaince cameras, digital recording and home monitoring through a web browser. Most of these systems can be easily installed and configured by any do-it-yourselfer. Check out the Homesight™ Wireless Easy Start Kit from Motorola’s Home Monitoring and Control System product line.

Continue reading Wireless Home Security Alternatives

Bringing home automation to the masses

From Remodeling Online, "SmartLabs President Rajeev Kapur says he's hoping to bring home automation "to the masses." The company develops and sells a growing range of automation products through its online store, Smarthome.com. The Web site offers about 7,000 products and continues to add about 30 new products a week to the inventory -- everything from remote-control light dimmers to in-wall touch screens. SmartLabs isn't alone. Industry leaders such as Home Depot (HD) also are bulking up on their home-automation lines."

Whole House Stethoscope?

Imagine getting a call on your cell phone telling you that you've sprung a leak in your basement. From Gizmodo, "With the Home Heartbeat from Eaton, various sensors attached to important items throughout your home can alert your cellphone to its status." This complete home awareness system requires no technicians, no codes configuration, or third party monitoring. How It Works?


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Is your iron still on? Check your cell phone

Smart Living Cruise Control

Clipsal Integrated Systems showed off the C-Bus Wireless home automation system which can be programmed to control everything from watering your plants to answering your mobile phone at the Sydney Home Show.

Related Links:
Infolink.com

How2.0 Surf the Web from Your Own BackYard

Popular Science has a DIY article on how to extent your WI-FI network beyond the confines of the interior of your home. I've been researching on how to make better use of my laptop while lounging on my deck and this article tells you exactly how for about $300.00. Mike Outmesguine writes, "It uses a Linksys Wi-Fi range expander ($100; linksys.com) modified with an omnidirectional 9dBi antenna ($58; pacwireless.com). To avoid unsightly extension cords in the flower bed, I added a lead-acid battery ($22; radioshack.com) and a 10-watt solar panel ($119; sundancesolar.com) to charge it." Read full article now. I'd appreciate your feedback on this setup.