Archive for category Structured Wiring
Updating a DIY CableCARD PC from Windows 7 RCI to RTM via Upgrade
Posted by Dave in Announcements, DIY, Features, Hardware, Structured Wiring on October 9, 2009
This week I finally decided it was time to ditch the RC1 build of Windows 7 and move to the RTM build. I was a little hesitant because I was afraid all of my CableCARD recordings would not be watch-able because of DRM issues, but thankfully that wasn’t the case. As a backup plan, I did a manual backup via Windows Home Server. Read the rest of the story for screenshots of the process. Read the rest of this entry »
D-Link introduces DIR-685 Router, One asks, if a tree falls in the forest and nobody is there to hear it, does it make any sound?
Posted by Dave in Hardware, Networking, Structured Wiring on October 9, 2009
CE Companies just love turning out new “All-in-One” devices and this one is no exception. I have to admit right from the start, I think this one is just way overdone and pointless. The latest addition from D-Link serves as a four port Gigabit router, 802.11 G and & N access point, NAS, and contains a 3.2″ LCD screen that can be used as a photo frame. Now I will admit, the idea it can accept up to a 1TB 2.5″ drive is pretty cool, but a photo frame? That’s pushing it. Let’s think about this. Do you really want your photo frame to have 4 Cat 5 cables coming out the back, and only have a 3″ screen? MSRP is $239 and can be ordered directly through D-Link’s site or other retailers. Hey, at least when I open my structured wiring cabinet a few times a year I will be reminded of that summer vacation on the beach.
I’m not the only one with a bad looking rack!
Posted by Dave in Structured Wiring on October 8, 2009
I thought it was funny to see this article come back up on the main page of CE Pro, especially since I just started my series on cleaning up my own rack. I have to be honest, I don’t feel quite as bad as I did about my own after I viewed some of these pics. Hopefully the “after” pictures will keep me motivated throughout my project.
*Image courtesy of CE Pro
Tripp-Lite offers a tidy solution for your structured wiring panel UPS
Posted by Dave in Hardware, Structured Wiring on October 8, 2009
This is in no way new news, but it is something that may be overlooked by many, and could possibly clean up your structured wiring panel. Everyone has an ac outlet in their structured wiring can, but there is one fatal flaw, no battery backup. The power goes out, you loose your router, sitches, and in my case phone . Sure you can use a standard UPS, but that usually means either having to take the cabinet door off because the UPS is too deep for it to close, or keeping the door cracked so you can run the power cords down to the UPS sitting on the floor. Last year Tripp-Lite introduced the AV550SC UPS designed to solve this exact problem. The UPS fits neatly into your panel, includes 4 AC outlets and surge suppression for coaxial, phone and network. The UPS outputs 550VA/300 watts, weighs a mere 8 lbs and only takes up 8.5″x7″. It all comes at a reasonable price too. The unit has an MSRP of $230, but we have found street prices to be considerably lower. Like I said, it’s not new, but definitely worth taking a look.
On-Q becomes Legrand
Posted by admin in Announcements, Hardware, Lighting, Structured Wiring on September 2, 2009
At this year’s CEDIA convention in Atlanta, On-Q will officially announce its renaming to Legrand. For some time, On-Q has been named On-Q/Legrand, but on September 9th the product line will drop the On-Q moniker and just become Legrand. We’ll be anxious to see what impact this has. We’re a huge fan of On-Q, especially since their Studio series hit the market last year. Their low cost answer to distributed audio as well as a super sleek intercom system really impressed during this year’s EHX. Another product under the Legrand parent Company is Vantage, which is typically geared towards higher end projects. We assume Vantage will continue as its own brand for the forseeable future.