Archive for October, 2009
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.
Cortexa slashes prices on hardware, attracts both DIY and Pro Integrator market
Today I had a chance to participate in a personal demo of the Cortexa automation system from Jesse Lind from the sales department at Cortexa Automation LLC. For those unfamiliar, Cortexa’s system centers around essentially a headless PC running their automation software. Both control and administration of the system are accessed through an internet browser, and iPhone app and Media Center add-in are available as well. The system is compatible with many common products covering all aspects of home automation including lighting, multi-room audio, security, and HVAC. Read the rest of this entry »
Do CE companies care about the Pre?
Posted by Dave in Hardware, Programming on October 11, 2009
Now that a list of over 100 top home automation applications are available for the iPhone, it has us wondering if CE companies will have the same interest in the Palm Pre? The ability to have multiple applications open at once is definitely a nice feature over the iPhone, but I have to admit as a Pre owner, the touchscreen, and overall speed and responsiveness is a bit disappointing when compared to an iPhone. In addition, the lack of a low cost counterpart like the iTouch is to the iPhone, means companies will be developing for only one device on one carrier. Although we’re sure there will be at least a few home brew applications that make their way to the app store, I doubt we’ll ever see even close to as many applications from big name companies as the iPhone in the near future.
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.
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
Wiring a rack, Part 1: The equipment and the problem
One of the biggest things that plagues a lot of us is keeping our wiring neat and tidy, especially once you start to have a large system. When I started wiring my rack, I had the best intensions, and it actually looked pretty good. Fast forward 2 years and it’s a different story. With various pieces of equipment being replaced or relocated, its become quite a mess. In this series I will document my entire process of getting it “show ready”. Each segment will be detailed through photos and a list of equipment I used. I will admit, I will be getting some help from Sean Martel of Martel Automation throughout the process. Click the read link to follow the rest of Part 1.
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.