Archive for category Announcements
Elk hosts webinar to introduce ElkRP2 security panel programming software
Posted by Dave in Announcements, Programming, Security, Software on January 6, 2010
For those familiar with the installation of a Elk M1 security panel, you have surely used ElkRP to set up both basic and advanced features. The software is much faster than doing it the old fashioned way of programming through the keypad. Well it appears Elk is making the program even better with the introduction of ElkRP2. The latest version available only to dealers is the first release candidate, but Elk warns it should only be used for evaluation purposes. The webinar will cover installation and use of RP2, generic control of Russound, Nuvo, and Proficient distributed audio systems, and finally methods to have both RP and RP2 coexist on the same machine. Two sessions will be held on January 22. The first is 9:00am – 10:00 and an afternoon class from 4:00-5:00. Keep in mind this webinar is only for dealers and space is limited so be sure to sign up early. Click below for the 4:00-5:00 class registration.
Silicondust hints that a CableCARD HDHomeRun is in the works
Posted by Dave in Announcements, Hardware on January 5, 2010
This is my favorite time of the year. Christmas presents, New Year’s hangovers, and hints of new products at CES. Well this one may be at the top of my list. Earlier this week Silicondust hinted on their forums that a CableCARD version of their very popular HDHomeRun network tuner is in the works. The HDHomeRun is one of the core pieces of my setup, accounting for 4 of my 9 tuners in my Windows 7 box. Details are very limited, no price or pictures, in fact the only picture we have is the screenshot featured above. Hopefully more details will follow soon! Click the read link to check out the forum post.
The End of an Era, Well Sort of…
Posted by Dave in Announcements, DIY, Personal, Programming, Software on December 29, 2009
Well I finally decided to move away from a PC based automation system over the Christmas holiday. For the past 6 years I have used Cinemar’s MainLobby and have loved it. It has given me a strong foundation to learn on, and has served me well. I really can’t say anything bad about the product, it has served me well, with the exception of a few hard drive failures (obviously not Cinemar’s fault), it has been rock solid. I have now moved on to a Crestron system. Why?… Read the rest of this entry »
Sonos introduces S5 self contained zone player
Posted by Dave in Announcements, Hardware, Multiroom Audio (MRA) on October 15, 2009
Sonos has definitely become popular over the past few years, and their latest entry is sure to bring more people to their products. In the past, powered speakers were still needed for each zone of audio. The new S5 includes 5 powered speakers so this is no longer an issue. The unit also contains an iPod dock, but it is not needed for playback, the unit can also stream directly from iTunes. Visually the unit reminds of the BOSE Wave or SoundDock systems. The good news is all of this new functionality is offered at a price point of $399. We’ll be interested to see how this takes off, but with the retro market becoming more popular, and the increased interest of multi-room audio systems, it’s sure to be a hit!
Atlona introduces affordable 8×8 composite Audio/Video matrix switch
Posted by Dave in Announcements, Hardware, Multiroom Audio (MRA) on October 14, 2009
Atlona announced yesterday it has added the AT-AV0808N to their line of matrix switchers. Although it is technically listed as a composite audio/video switch, it can also be used as a video only HDTV switch. The device takes up only a single rack space and supports control via RS-232, so it is compatible with most automation systems. This may just make it into my setup since I was looking for a low cost way to switch audio coming out of the pass through of my existing MRA system to zones that are already powered by an A/V receiver. Best part is, it sports a MSRP of only $699. Click the read link for full details.
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 »
CE Pro offers intro to HDMI 1.4 via Webinar
Posted by Dave in Announcements on October 9, 2009
Mark your calendars everyone, CEPro is offering a free Webinar on October 28th at 2pm covering what you need to know about HDMI 1.4 from a installers perspective. Topics include HDMI Ethernet Channel, Audio Return Channel, 4K, new connectors, and 3D over HDMI. The only catch, which isn’t a big one, is that you have to agree to be on their mailing list. They also request that you submit any potential questions you would like covered at the time of registration. Should be interesting.
Russound to Acquire Colorado vNet
Posted by Dave in Announcements, Hardware, Multiroom Audio (MRA) on October 5, 2009
Russound has just announced their plan to acquire Colorado vNet, which we reported earlier this week was “Closed for Restructuring”. The terms of the deal have not been made public, but Colorado vNet will retain its name and still be based in Colorado. The deal is targeted to be complete by October 31st. I’m happy to see this come through for them. As I mentioned before, I thought it was a pretty cool product line. It will be interesting to see if any of Colorado vNet’s IP distribution technology will make it into the Russound product line, who recently introduced their power line based “Collage” system.
Control4 to give away a $5,000 Prize Package
Posted by Dave in Announcements, Hardware on October 5, 2009
Ok everyone, time to spark your inner creativity. Control4 announced that they will be giving away a home automation system worth over $5,000! The contest runs now through November 30th, with the winner being announced on December 8th. The story doesn’t give specifics as to exactly what is included other than a “custom solution to control your lights, thermostats and audio/video, along with the controllers and interfaces to make operation simple throughout your house”, but based on the relatively affordable pricing of Control4, it’s probably a pretty sweet deal. To get in on the action click the image to head over to Electronic House and fill out your submission. You can try once a day. Good luck!
Crestron releases Mobile Pro iPhone App
Posted by Dave in Announcements, Software on October 2, 2009
This one almost slipped by us! About 10 days ago Crestron officially released its Mobile Pro iPhone app. This is an enhancement to their previously released Crestron Mobile app. The new Mobile Pro edition retains the capability of controlling security, lighting, and HVAC, buts adds additional whole house control. Although we haven’t had a chance to play with the new app personally, it looks promising. But we have to ask, with the dropping prices of the iPhone/iTouch, its going to make it pretty hard to justify the big money Crestron pulls for some of their hand held touchscreen remotes. Click the image to read the full press release.