Digital Smart Homes Blog and News
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Smart Living Journal

Niles Introduces Two new Powerful High Fidelity Compact Subwoofer Ideal For Any Size Room

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Powerful, stylish and compact 6.5” and 8” subwoofers, engineered with designers in mind, allow for virtually unlimited placement to fit any decor.

CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, December 22, 2011—Expanding its line of powerful high-fidelity subwoofers, Niles®, The First Name In Custom Installation®, today announced the introduction of two new stylish compact subwoofers engineered with designers in mind, the SW6.5 and the SW8.

“With these new stylishly-designed compact subwoofers, installers can place a high-powered, highly attractive and easily concealed subwoofer virtually anywhere for a home theater or home audio system,” said Mike ‘Sparky’ Detmer, President of Niles. “These subwoofers outperform their larger rivals and offer superior sound quality and design for all residential and light commercial installations.”

Engineered with the designer in mind, the SW6.5’s and SW8’s ultra-compact sizes and fingerprint-resistant piano-black finishes present an aesthetically pleasing profile that is easy to blend into any décor. Pairing a long-throw front-firing woofer with dual long-throw side-mounted passive radiators, the compact subwoofers deliver the power of subwoofers four times their size, making them perfect for any setup requiring more bass in less space.
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Control4 MyHome Android App Release

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It’s the app you’ve been waiting for! The Control4® MyHome Android app is now available for download! The Control4® MyHome Android app allows customers to interact with their Control4 systems from the convenience of their Android smartphone or tablet. As with other MyHome apps, customers get the familiar Control4 user interface to control lighting, temperature, music, movies, security and more.
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Digital Smart Home’s Three Promises

My friend @TeriConrad hosts a weekly twitter chat called #brandtribe and her topic a few weeks back was about “Company Values”. I listened closely and tweeted about my companies values. For me, my company’s promise is how I define our values and are proudly displayed on our company website. Another participant in the online chat made a comment that a company which lists there values should also define them. So thats what I did.

Digital Smart Home’s Three Promises that define our Values
At Digital Smart Homes, our team is dedicated to making sure that our customers receive top-quality service at all times. In order to guarantee best-in-class service, no matter how large or small in scope a project may be, we have made three promises…

Promise 1
To Listen Carefully: Because of our clients’ needs for custom solutions, we vow to listen closely in an effort to gain a full understanding of their technological needs, creative vision, and budgetary constraints. Rather than offering product and design suggestions from the beginning, we work to connect with each client and take in their inspired vision.

Promise 2
To Offer Thoughtfully: After listening carefully, we work to offer comprehensive solutions and clearly explain what all technologies are able to accomplish. Never will our customers be scratching their heads due to lack of information or clear explanation. Additionally, we go beyond the call of duty to present clients with detailed quotes and take ample time to review all line items. We live to educate and inform our client base!

Promise 3
To Execute Brilliantly: Once our clients have signed off on the overall concept, we “execute” the installation with perfection - all hands on deck! Home and work environments are handled with care as technologies and design elements are beautifully integrated. A key aspect of integration is full instruction on how to use all technologies, plus our team members are always available for support, even years down the road.

Bonus Promise
Full Warranty Commitment: Digital Smart Homes is the only technology provider in the industry that meets all manufacturers’ warranties. In other words, most organizations offer 90-day to 1-year labour warranties; however, we have made the commitment to match our labour warranties for the same length of the manufacturers warranty of a given product. Thus, if an item comes with a 4-year warranty and fails to work properly, our dedicated team will visit your home or office, remove it, and take it in for servicing. There are no added costs for home visits or servicing that falls within the manufacturer’s warranty.

We truly value our customers and strive to go the extra mile to make sure that all of our products and services make life easier and more manageable. This is our passion!!

Extend HDMI 1080p Full HD with Deep Color up to 330 feet (100 meters) over a single CAT-5 cable, along with 100Base-T Ethernet, RS-232, IR, and remote 5V DC Power

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The GefenPRO Extender for HDMI ELR with PoL over CAT5 extends a Hi-Def source with multichannel digital audio at resolutions of up to 1080p Full HD to 330 feet (100 meters) using one CAT-5 cable. Also, it has the capability to power a separate 5V DC device from the Receiver unit, sharing the 5V DC power, transmitted over the CAT-5 cable, up to 2 Amps at the Receiver Unit. It supports DVI-D when used with an HDMI to DVI Adapter, providing greater flexibility and options when integrating several home theater components. This product extends Ethernet and provides an IR back channel to control AV sources using the same CAT-5 cable extension. With the built-in IR Blaster, simply point the IR remote(s) at the display to control the Hi-Def sources as if they were located in the same room as the display.
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All New JVC Reference Series 3D Home Cinema 4K Projector

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Featuring 4K precision and Industry leading performance, this JVC D-ILA 3D projector that 80,000:1 native contrast ratio. All the features you'd expect in a top-of-the-line model at a price that will surprise you.
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Homeowners Are Turning to Smart Technology to Streamline Their Lives and Reduce Energy Use

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Article by Amanda Ash, Contributor for eHow

Long gone are the days when we read by candlelight and cooked dinner on a wood-burning stove. And for many North American homes as of 2011, the acts of flipping light switches and manually controlling thermostats are going the way of the dinosaurs.

The Green Revolution, coupled with incredible technological advances, has spawned tech-savvy "smart homes": digitally outfitted dwellings that may be programmed to do just about anything you can think of, except maybe clean your room.

Harry Saini, who owns Digital Smart Homes of Canada and has wired his Vancouver condominium to the hilt, believes that automating your home not only simplifies your life but also reduces energy consumption. Home automation technology is becoming more accessible every day, allowing the average person to transform a home into something straight out of "Star Trek."

"If you were looking at home automation five years ago, you'd easily be looking at 10 times the cost compared to now," Saini said. "And the number of dealers and retailers that are able to support that technology compared to five, six years ago has doubled---tripled, even.

"People used to think home automation is for lazy people, but that's not what it is. Essentially, everything talks to one another. Your lights talk to your stereo. Your alarm knows what your garage is doing. All your devices know what's going on."
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What is Home Automation or a Smart Home?

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In today’s ultra-complicated and fast-paced world, home automation and smart home technologies were developed to simplify life! Thanks to revolutionary devices, you can now link and control all of the electronics and systems in your home from a single digital interface.

Digital Smart Homes links together onto one operating platform the following technologies and more:
  • Home theatre systems
  • Multi-room music & video
  • Smart lighting & shades
  • Advanced temperature control
  • Safety and security devices
With a system such as Control4, your life will be forever changed and simplified as you hide away multiple remotes and take advantage of an easy-to-use interface that can be accessed via a single remote, your computer, iPad, iPhone, or other Smartphones.

Transforming your living environment into a “smart home” not only makes life more manageable, it makes it more secure. For instance, let’s say that you head out of town for a weekend trip and you realize a few hours out of town that you forgot to arm the security system and program the porch lights to illuminate at dusk. All you have to do is pull out your iPhone, bring up the Control4 interface, and push a few buttons to secure your alarm & program your lights.

Is Home Automation Scalable? As you revolutionize and grow your home technologies, you may be wondering if home automation is scalable. This is actually the beauty of a system like Control4. You can begin with one or two technologies and then scale out to meet additional needs. For example, if you have an amazing home theatre setup and a security system, you can begin there and then add to your setup as time progresses.

What’s in a Smart Home Console?
This is where the fun begins! Just to give you an idea, here are some of the things that Control4 can accomplish:

  • Control your home theatre
  • Dim the lights as the opening credits roll
  • Turn off all your TVs when your kids should be studying
  • Alert you when the garage door is open…and then close it
  • Manage your lights, window coverings, and thermostats
  • Monitor your locks, lighting, and security cameras
  • Allow you to play music in any room of the house
The sky is the limit! Your home can now be easily managed, and finally you don’t have to constantly provide lengthy instructions on how all of your devices work!

Visit our fully featured hi-tech showroom in Vancouver at 1385 West 6th Avenue.

Connect with your music like never before with Cambridge Audio's Network Music Player (NP30)

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Good things come in small packages. The Cambridge Audio NP30 all-in-one network audio player however isn't just good: it's an amazing sounding, brilliantly versatile, very compact and, of course, a perfect example of what contemporary music in the home is all about. Music downloads, high-resolution music files, internet radio, network music, UPnP servers, iPod/MP3 players, USB Music, Wi-Fi streaming - everything that the new era of music delivery can throw at it, the NP30 can play.


Network music players are fast replacing CD players at the heart of many hi-fi systems.

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The Growing Trend of Hidden Electronics

It is quite common for our customers to search for ways to seamlessly integrate their entertainment systems and electronic devices with the décor of their homes. Their ultimate goal is to preserve the beauty of their interior design, while essentially hiding the ugly side of technology such as wiring, speakers, and bulky consoles. Thus, they challenge our team at Digital Smart Homes to develop an action plan for making their dreams a reality. This post is designated to help you make the best decisions possible on building your dream design/technology scenario.

Hidden, yet Frequently Used
Many homeowners who frequently enjoy the best audio, video, and control gear assume that they are stuck with having to constantly behold the many wires and ugly parts that come with their beloved electronics. They often dream of having a beautiful home environment, but since they often utilize their high-tech devices, they feel they need to settle for obvious and cluttered.

If you are in this boat, you may be thrilled to learn there are some great hidden installation techniques available today, including:

  • Hanging flat-panel video displays, minus the wires. Flat-panel mounts are getting better every day, and some even come with motorized features for ease-of-use. In an effort to hide cables, some systems come with in-arm cable channels for concealment, while others allow for small devices and cords to be stored behind the display. There are several types of mounts that should be considered depending on your particular need. They can include everything from flat mounts, to those that tilt or articulate for optimum viewing pleasure.

UBL
  • Seeking simplicity in the bedroom? You can implement an under-the-bed mount that pops out and up with the touch of a button. Once brought out into the open, these mounts can swivel up to 360 degrees for comfortable viewing.

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  • TV mirrors for hiding LCDs. It is becoming increasingly popular to use TV mirrors to hide TVs that sit over fireplaces or in other strategic spots. When powered off, some LCD screen options vanish and appear as decorative mirrors. Others are motorized, descending and ascending with the push of a remote button.
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  • Art screens for TVs like no other. Homeowners can have their favourite art reproduced or choose from other existing artwork to cover up their TVS. The artwork ascends or descends with the command of a remote.

  • Invisible installations utilizing wireless multimedia kits. For those looking to control all AV devices with a single remote or an iPad and keep all components hidden within a cupboard or closet, there are some great solutions from Control4 and Harmony Remotes.

  • Hidden speakers for amazing sound. Today’s most innovative speaker systems offer architectural models that are quite aesthetically pleasing. Some appear as shadows that are barely noticeable, others are actually built into the wall and blend in beautifully. The sound that is pumped out of these hidden speakers is quite amazing.
No matter what your needs, there is a hidden electronics solution for you. All it takes is a little imagination and knowledge of the current products on the market and you’re set!

The Value of Independent Smart Technology Providers

A growing number of consumers are realizing the true value of employing independent providers of smart technologies over big box suppliers such as Best Buy, Future Shop, Wal-Mart, and Costco. Among Vancouver, British Columbia’s most innovative independent providers is my company Digital Smart Homes. Our rapidly growing customer base relies on its highly personalized and innovative approach to developing out-of-the-box solutions for making homes and businesses more comfortable, entertaining, secure, and manageable.

For instance with a single touch of a button, Digital Smart Home customers can transform their TV room into a home theatre. As a movie begins, room lights can automatically dim, window shades close, and the surround sound ignite. While engaged in the movie, all watchers can be rest assured that after sunset pre-programmed technology will bring the porch lights to life, and at 10pm (or any other designated time) all door locks are automatically secured. While most mass retailers can offer less expensive, installation-ready product options, independent providers are growing in popularity for a number of reasons including the following:

  • Fully Customized Product Offerings – For homeowners searching for a purely unique smart home or office technology setup, big box retailers many times can’t compete with the personalized touch of an independent provider. For example, Digital Smart Homes works with each customer individually to develop solutions with niche products that aren’t always available on a mass level. Most customers who invest in such solutions are more concerned with quality than they are with finding the least expensive wares.

  • Masters at Making Various Technologies Work Together for Best Results – Independent providers work to combine technologies so that they work in concert with one another. Digital Smart’s Control4 system combines home theatre, multi-room music, lighting, temperature, and safety & security systems into a single easy-to-use platform. No longer do families have to struggle with numerous controllers and devices that require hours of training and research, and pre-programming capabilities can meet their unique demands.

  • Unparalleled Expertise & Trouble Shooting – Mass retailers tend to know a little about numerous product categories, while independent shops are experts in everything “smart.” There have been many reports of leading mass merchants employing newbies to technology who have been responsible for lacklustre solutions and disastrous installations.

On the other hand, the average independent provider offers between 20-30 years of combined experience and immense knowledge of their product offerings. Additionally, their teams engage in customized installations, educate their customers on all employed technologies, and make house calls on short notice.

When searching for a provider, a homeowner should make a checklist of key technologies needed to be enhanced, linked together, and simplified. Additionally, it is recommended that consumers be aware of “out of trunk” businesses that offer products and services at discounted rates. Businesses with a storefront such as Digital Smart Homes offer legitimacy and guarantees that cannot be offered by online only or mobile businesses.

Today’s smart technologies are constantly evolving and forever changing the way home and business owners are conducting their daily lives. With a little imagination and unlimited innovation, the sky is the limit!

Chief Introduces Mounting Solutions for Floor Projections

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Supporting projection equipment for interactive floor installations can be challenging without the right mount. Fortunately, Chief's industry-leading RPA projector mount is easily converted to a floor projection solution when combined with a few standard accessories.

Download the flyer at left to learn more.

NEW Ultimate Powerhouse Amplifier from Chord Electronics

SPM5000, Chord
The heart of any amplifier is the power supply. In the new SPM 5000 the power reserve has been doubled to include two of Chord's world renowned 4KW ultra high frequency power supplies.

The fully balanced SPM 5000 comfortably delivers 560 watts into 8 ohms and a heart-stopping 1,020 watts into 4 ohms with incredibly low distortion.

A large bank of energy storage capacitors are recharged by the power supply many thousands of times per second. This and Chord's innovative dynamic coupling design give the amplifier huge power reserves and the ability to respond effortlessly to the most demanding musical performances with instantaneous power.
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Introducing The LaunchPort System. The first Inductive charging system for iPad

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The LaunchPort system is a revolutionary way to mount and charge your iPad 2 anywhere. The system consists of a Station and PowerShuttle. Any PowerShuttle can work with any Station, LaunchPort uses the magic of magnets and induction charging (charging through the air), it's like magic.


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Don’t just sit and watch your TV – get up and interact with it! Introducing ActionMount from OmniMount

omnimount-play40-actionmount
The ActionMount PLAY series is an affordable interactive TV mount designed to accommodate most active TV positioning. Sit. Stand. Stretch. Play – all at the perfect angle. The ActionMount Series by OmniMount takes interactivity with your TV to the next level. With a full range of movement, the PLAY series allows you to interact with your TV when watching movies, gaming, exercising and more. The PLAY40 & PLAY70 is equipped with Ergotron's patented Constant Force technology, providing fluid, light-touch adjustments for effortless arm movement.


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New RGPC (Richard Gray's Power Company) 200LD Power Delivery and Power Surge Protection System

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The RGPC 200 LD is a compact Parallel Power Delivery Model designed to fit conveniently in tight spots, while delivering all the AV enhancements by utilizing the patented parallel technology. To receive the maximum performances install the RGPC 200 LD as close as possible to the AV equipment.

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Articulating wall mount for iPad with 90 Degree Rotation

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The Strong™ SM-PAD-ART1 gives maximum flexibility for wall mounting an iPad or iPad2. Place it in a corner. Under cabinetry. Or both! Whether you're using it as a whole-home controller, multimedia station or commercial kiosk - the articulating mechanism lets you get creative to deliver the best looking solution, with the capability to position the screen at nearly any angle.

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Control4's Inaugural Fall 2011 "Home Smart Magazine"

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What does control mean to you? More organization? More power? More discipline? Whatever your answer, it’s no secret that we could ALL use more control in our lives. Now what does HOME control mean to you? Better lighting? The right music? Efficient use of energy? Well-behaved children? We’ve recently entered the era where all of this is possible. Well, almost all of it. Home Automation isn't about speeds and feeds. Its about people and places.
Read On


Seura Storm Outdoor TV

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Complimentary to Seura’s amazing luxury mirror technology, SÉURA offers beautiful, innovative solutions for completing your audio / video experience.

Séura’s exclusive LuminOptics™ technology delivers a remarkably clear picture even in direct sunlight.
  • Ultra-bright display offers vivid color and clarity in sunny environments.
  • Anti-reflective tempered safety glass reduces glare for a shine-free picture.


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The Android App for Yamaha Network receivers is now available on the Android Market

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This AV Controller application will turn your Android device into a Wi-Fi enabled remote control for your YAMAHA network products. This Android application provides you the flexibility to control the available inputs, volume, mute and power commands. It lets users change a song from Internet Radio, USB and command FM/AM tuners or any other internally available source. Using this application you can even control all AV receiver zones that are available such as powering on and changing input for each zone. This application not only controls AV receiver but also Yamaha blu-ray players. It supports various functions including Play, Stop, Forward. Available in English, French, German, Spanish and Russian. It’s great to have all this control at your fingertips - and best of all it’s FREE!
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Introducing Stealth Image II Speakers

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The world doesn’t need just another plain-jane on-wall speaker, but it surely can use a new and completely unique “Art Speaker”. Stealth’s Image II speakers take their next generation of speaker design, places it into a fully sealed, simple to mount, flat-front enclosure measuring just 12”W x 28”H x 3.5”D, then allows you to easily customize it with virtually any paint, wallpaper or image you can imagine. The Image II is an internally bi-compartmental, 6” 2-way, 200W speaker with great Stealth sound, full bass response and ultra-wide dispersion. Perfect for flanking a flat screen or for anywhere you want a space-saving surface mount Hi-Fi speaker to mesh with the aesthetics of an environment. Offered in Satin White finish, ready to mount or custom paint in the field. Stealth can l also place select images from their gallery onto the speaker. The customer may also have custom images from any hi-resolution digital file placed onto the speaker. A truly customizable and impressive sounding on-wall artistic speaker, that has no grill or vents.

BlackWire Designs Introduces New Control Apps for Control4 Residential and Light Commercial Systems

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Video Conferencing, Quick Control and Video Wall control apps bring enhanced features and capabilities to Control4 systems.
Indianapolis, IN – CEDIA Expo 2011 – September 8-10, 2011 – Booth #2302 – BlackWire Designs, a Control4® Solution Provider, is pleased to announce the availability of a suite of new applications designed to give Control4 dealers more powerful tools to target high-end residential and light commercial opportunities. Available now in the Control4® 4Store, these new apps – Video Conferencing, Quick Control and Video Wall – offer superior control and increase the potential of a Control4® system, perfect for every setting from the small office to the restaurant or bar to the home or the boardroom.

The Video Conference app currently enables enhanced control of Polycom and Lifesize conferencing systems, and development is underway for additional brands. Designed for simple configuration within a standard Control4 system, the app allows customers to control camera movements right from a Control4® touch screen. Users can easily join conference calls, and dial a contact by simply selecting a name from the interface or by dialing the number from the keypad. The app pulls entries from the unit’s contact book ensuring easy migrations from systems that are already in place. The app also automatically disables and hides features that aren’t available on certain models, making it easy for customers to navigate the system.
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Control4 Panelized Lighting—powerful lighting control for home and business

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Home and business owners can direct complex lighting events from elegant user interfaces while the system is centralized “behind the scenes”
Indianapolis, IN – CEDIA Expo 2011 – September 8-10, 2011 – Booth #2302 – Control4, a leader in IP-based home control systems, today announced the new Control4® Panelized Lighting Solution. Panelized lighting systems enable complete control over whole-home and commercial lighting systems using sophisticated keypad and touch screen interfaces, rather than a collection of light switches on every wall.

The Control4 Panelized Lighting Solution is Ethernet-based, providing simple and robust communications from the home controller or Control4 Touch Screen to the light. The Control4 Panelized Lighting Solution is also one of the first centralized lighting systems to offer energy monitoring capability for each load, which allows energy management applications to monitor and control individual lights. This empowers high-end customers to enjoy the privileges of whole-home lighting control while still being energy conscious.

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Control4 Announces New Addition: MyHome App for Android

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Unveiled at CEDIA EXPO 2011, the new app provides whole home control from today’s popular Android devices.
Indianapolis, IN – CEDIA Expo 2011 – September 8, 2011, 8:00 AM ET – Booth #2302 – Control4, a leader in affordable IP-based home control systems, announces their new Control4® MyHome - Android™ app for Android-enabled mobile devices. Developed by Clever Controls for Control4® systems, the app is currently in beta testing with select Control4 dealers and release is currently slated for Q4.

The Control4® MyHome family of software apps allows homeowners to access and control lighting, temperature, security, music, movies, and so much more from a wide range of devices in a Control4 enabled home. The new MyHome - Android app is a robust solution that will allow homeowners to access, manage and control their Control4 system from their Android-based devices built on Android OS 1.6 or higher.

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Yale's First Locks Designed to Integrate Seamlessly Into the Digital Home Now Available

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Designed to Interface With Control4 Home Control Systems, Giving Homeowners a New Level of Security and Convenience
Yale Locks & Hardware (www.yalelocks.com), an ASSA ABLOY Group company and a world leader in door hardware for residential and commercial applications, announces the availability of the company's first lock specifically designed to integrate seamlessly into the digital home.

These new deadbolt locks are the first products in the Yale Real Living™ portfolio of home control and home security solutions. Available with either a sleek touchscreen or pushbutton keypad, Yale's new platform of intelligent locks are designed to operate with a Control4® system, the premier integration platform for today’s digital home. Through the Control4 system, the homeowner can directly access and control all of the lock’s unique features, including activating personalized events or scenes with the push of a button from anywhere in the home or even remotely via the Internet.
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Control4 Launches New Portable Touch Screen

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Elegant tablet design and full Flash app support offer features and functionality for any Control4 project.
Indianapolis, IN – CEDIA Expo 2011 – September 8-10, 2011 – Booth #2302 – Control4, a leader in affordable IP-based home control systems introduces a new portable touch screen to their award-winning touch screen family. The Control4® 7” Portable Touch Screen offers two-way intelligent control and navigation of a Control4® system. With a capacitive full-color LCD panel, the new touch screen has a sleek look and dedicated control functionality that homeowners are unable to get from other tablet devices.

The Control4 7” Portable Touch Screen expands the already incredibly successful line of Control4 in-wall touch screens by giving homeowners welcome flexibility. The Portable has a sleek tablet form-factor and comes with both a long-lasting rechargeable battery and a tabletop charging station. Out of the cradle, the Portable offers excellent wireless range so you can easily move about the house and outside while still enjoying complete control. When the tablet is affixed to the docking station, it functions as a tabletop touch screen, ideal for locations like nightstands, end tables and kitchen counters where anytime access is important but an in-wall or fully portable device doesn’t make sense.
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Extra Vegetables Windows Media Center Control4 Driver

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For Movie and Music Servers Windows Media Center is now present on virtually all Windows 7 computers and is at the heart of many lower cost Movie Servers available on the market. Window Media Center provides a very attractive on-screen display for choosing and controlling movies. Whilst for some time it has been possible to control some aspects of a Windows Media Center from Control4 this is the first solution which delivers a fully integrated solution for both movies AND music.

Extra Vegetables Windows Media Center driver provides IP control of the Windows Media Center interface, allows you to select movies to play from the Control4 Media database and provides selection and control of music from Windows Media Center. In addition you can also control Windows Media Center extenders such as the XBox 360 (note it does not control all aspects of the XBox 360 - only when it is in Windows Media Extender Mode).
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Cool Motion Sensor Ideas for Control4

Check out this CardAccess video for some cool motion sensor ideas to go from centralized control to true home automation.

Fusion Announces New iPad and iPhone App

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We're proud to announce our new iPad app is now available in the iTunes store. This app features full two-way meta data exchange, filter & sorting and control with any Fusion Movie Server.
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Introducing the all new OLA 8137 Contemporary TV Cabinet

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The gently curved profile of the Ola cabinet creates a dramatic home theater. The cabinet features substantial top and bottom panels and curved glass doors that appear to wrap around the sides of the cabinet.

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The Dream of Widespread Smart Houses is Becoming a Reality

by Kim Robertson of MAC Marketing Solutions

Perhaps you’re stuck in a snowstorm, yearning for a long soak in the bath the second you get home. Maybe you’re travelling abroad, and would love to check in on your home and personal belongs (since you left the teenagers home alone). Or, you need to schedule a virtual at-home doctor’s appointment and health statistics update. Read More...

What is Smart Home Control? Control4 Automation Systems Explained

What is home control and why the buzz?

Home control is pretty simple. It's taking the technology that already exists in the home and making it work simply and easily for the people who have to live with that technology, which is you the homeowner. Let's face it life has become complex. We bring this electronic gadgetry into our homes with the hope of enhancing our lifestyle and what it leads to is frustration. You're sitting there with the goal of watching a movie, you've got 5 remotes now sitting in front of you and now you have to figure out which sequence of events you need to do in order to just watch a simple movie.
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Fusion Movie Server Overview - What is a Movie Server?

This simple non-narrated video covers the basics of what a movie server is for personal residential use. The video shows some of the basics of operations of the Fusion server including navigation of the system.



The video also covers search functions, filtering and sorting your videos using a simple hand held remote control. All functions on the Fusion Server can be accessed and used with a remote or a full control system.

Fusion is also releasing a new free two-way app for the iPad & iPhone and will also offer a Droid version of its two-way app the 1st quarter of 2012, please check back for updates on the availability of these products.

Yamaha Updates ‘AVENTAGE’ A/V Receivers; Extends High End Connectivity and Control Features Throughout Line

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9.2 Channels, Expanded Networking, iPhone/iPod/Android Capabilities, CINEMA DSP HD3 Among Enhancements Being Brought to Critically-Acclaimed Line. Yamaha has updated the industry leading AVENTAGE family of A/V receivers, to include the first 9.2 channel receivers—the RX-3010 (150W x 9) and RX-A2010 (140W x 9)—along with the 7.2 channel RX-A1010 (110W x 7), RX-A810 (100W x 7) and RX-A710 (90W x 7). Like the original AVENTAGE receivers (pronounced Ah-Ven-Taj) unveiled last year to wide critical acclaim and success at retail, the new models continue to set the high bar for peak performance at affordable price points
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Chief Kontour mounts create ergonomic workspaces

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Create efficient, ergonomic workspaces with Chief’s new line of Kontour monitor mounts. Elegantly designed with the strength of a forged aluminum body, Kontour mounts offer innovative features, easy installation, and a stylish design at a great value. A variety of models are available to fit traditional workspaces, as well as sit-to-stand applications.
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Complete Control! - Control4 Review by 'Home Theater Magazine'

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Download the story
Check out "Home Theater Magazine's" two part piece on Control4

New Concept anti static record brushes

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The only thing you should use to dry clean your records is a Carbon Fibre Record Brush.

Why is this? Well any cloths can catch grit then scratch records with the grit. Velvet pads clean the surface of the record so it looks clean, but they just shove the muck deeper into the grooves. A carbon fibre brush is strong and fine enough to get right into the grooves and lift dust out, most cleaning products superficially clean a record so it looks clean but in the process shove the dust down into the grooves where it causes annoying clicks and pops.

Wharfedale Diamond 10.LCR Left/Centre/Right Speaker Bar

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Following the success of the Diamond 10 Series, Wharfedale unveils its most modern add-on to the series' extensive line-up of speakers, the Diamond 10 Style AV Cinema System. Designed specifically for the discerning audio enthusiast, for the system features a 3-Channel LCR column speaker capable of producing superb sound when used for either gaming or watching movies, regardless of its svelte size.

The Diamond 10 Style AV Cinema System bears many of the same enhancements as its regular-sized siblings, but with new combinations of 100mm Kevlar bass drivers and 25mm silk dome tweeters affixed inside the LCR column and the mini tower speakers. The LCR column speaker requires little power even when combined with the mini tower or surround satellite speakers. And on top of that, it elegantly accents your flat panel HDTV.

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All new Sonos Play:3

Play3-sonos-android
Introducing the smaller, sexier, tuck in the corner and blow out the roof, all-in-one player.

  • Stream your entire music library, music services, and radio stations
  • Control wirelessly, easy to set up
  • Start with one, expand everywhere
  • Versatile enough to put anywhere -- horizontal or vertical
  • 3 driver HiFi speaker system


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Remotescape: Kaleidescape remote control app for iPad & iPhone

Remotescape-ipad
The world’s premier home entertainment system, Kaleidescape, is now even better with the Remotescape app for Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. Browse your movie and music library, view cover art, and control what’s playing, all on your Apple iOS device!

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Introducing Just Add Power ... a scalable, any size HDMI matrix over IP

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Every source gets a transmitter/encoder and every display gets a receiver/decoder, they all plug into the network and, voila, you’ve got an HDMI matrix solution!

Highlights:
  • The original 1G version offers a cost-effective, high performance solution while the newer 2G gigabit version delivers lossless video.
  • Both versions require a managed network switch controlled via RS-232 or IP from any control system, PC, or smart device (e.g., Blackberry or iPad).
  • Need to expand? Simply add a transmitter or receiver (or both).
  • No more baluns and no distance limitations!
  • Projects range from small residential jobs to large commercial applications and everything in between.
  • New 2G firmware enables a video wall configuration up to 8x8 at a fraction of the price of competing systems.

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Remote Control Finder App for Control4

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Find your missing SR250 remote control. This app lets you search out for each remote control in your home. It will let you have the remote beep for 1,3 or 5 minutes. Once you select the time to beep you will get a status of when the remote checks in and when it starts to beep. It can take up to 60 seconds for a remote to check in. The designers of the app have made it easy by providing you feed back of this process.


120 Watt Rack Mountable 70 Volt Commercial Amp/Mixer

EA-AMP-COMM-1A-120-A
The Episode Amplifier/Mixer, EA-AMP-COMM-1A-120, is a high-power, 1-channel, Commercial Audio Amplifier that includes all the features needed for today's sophisticated light commercial entertainment and paging systems. This single-channel, commercial mixer/amplifier outputs 120 Watts RMS at 4 Ohms.

It includes the configurable outputs required for common speaker types used in commercial settings: 50V, 70V, 100V, or 4 Ohm. A total of eight inputs allow you to connect up to four microphones and four analog stereo sources for background music. An integrated mixer blends microphones with any one of the music audio sources - perfect for background music and paging applications.
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All New Music Hall A35.2 Integrated Amplifier

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The a35.2 is a big powerful sounding integrated amplifier built to fit neatly into the modern household. Geared primarily toward the music lover with a two channel audio system, we have included a Direct AV input (home theater bypass), for those that want to use the amplifier section of the a35.2 to power the front channels in a home theater set-up. Constructed using the finest parts and hand assembled, the a35.2 is sure to impress. It’s the heart around which a great sounding system can be built.
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Introducing Wirepath Surveillance

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With an initial offering of 8 cameras, 3 DVRs and 1 amazing iPhone app – we're confident this lineup will meet the requirements of your CCTV needs.
  • Deliver bullet-proof products with the latest technologies like Sens-Up, WDR and H.264
  • Create easy-to-specify solutions that remove system complexity
  • Provide best-in-class Apps for remote viewing


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BDI New Home Theater Furniture "Cascadia" Collection

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A clean, linear design, CASCADIA home theater cabinets are an elegant way to present a TV and components. The substantial top and side panels are complemented by refined reveal details. A grey tinted glass flip-down door keeps components neatly out of sight. The generously sized open shelf is ideal for a center speaker, soundbar or additional components.

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UltraVue 80ft HDMI Long, Uninterrupted and it Works!

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UltraVue is the ultra-long, ultra-reliable, uninterrupted-run HDMI solution of the year! Most if not all HDMI failures occur in the connectors. The vast majority of extended runs are built up with baluns, repeaters, amplifier chips, EQ and external power supplies that multiply failure rates. UltraVue’s Digital Alloy -- silver-coated copper-clad steel -- delivers extremely high tensile strength. Other breakthrough techniques means UltraVue is the perfect if not the only cable for over 50-foot runs!

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Introducing WiPNET from Wi3 - High Speed Ethernet Connections Over Existing Coax Cables

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This revolutionary RetroFit product distributes Internet over existing coax, throughout a home. In its current release, WiPNET provides two wired network ports, at up to 16 CATV/Antenna TV locations.
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Yamaha's New AV Receiver RX-A710

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Premium Quality Audio Performance combines with the latest technological advances, including iPhone app compatibility, network functionality, front panel HDMI and USB digital connections, HD Audio decoding with CINEMA DSP 3D, and 6 in/1 out HDMI (3D and ARC compatibility).

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USB Powered Portable UCube Speakers by UFi

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At just three-inches square they’re personal and portable, ideal for home, on your desk or on the go! Available in brilliant fashion –forward colours – they look as fabulous as they sound on brushed aluminum stands. You’re gonna love their small sleek footprint, iconic design and big dynamic sound; they create a wide stereo image so everyone can enjoy music and video! Just plug the speaker with the USB connector into your computer’s USB port and your’re ready to roll!!!
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Fine-tune your listening with the new Control4 Equalizer App

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Control4 Software Release Announcement - OS 2.1

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Control4 is pleased to announce that OS 2.1 is available for immediate download. This release improves the quality of the operating system. OS 2.1 includes enhancements to most areas of the system and user interface, brings back important features and capabilities, and provides significant new diagnostic and support features to make it easier to support clients without doing a truck roll.

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The Two Source Blu-ray Movie Server Bundle is Here

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Introducing the Fusion Summer Bundle Special

Two sources, 3TB of combined storage and the ability to add as much storage capacity as needed with Fusion's "Add Your Own Storage" licensing system.

Get two Studio blu-ray Movie Servers for only $5495. That's $2500 off the regular retail price!
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Two new radio services on Sonos: AUPEO! & Stitcher

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Sonos just amplified your radio power! Sonos is doubly excited to announce that AUPEO! Personal Radio and Stitcher SmartRadio™ are now part of the Sonos music service lineup. For radio and podcast fans, these free services are sure to amp up the excitement music lovers this spring and summer.
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Control4 Home Automation System Demo of Smart Home Technology



Join us on a tour of a Control4 home automation system in McKinney, Texas. Control4 dealer Byron Baird of Diem Digital Interiors & homeowner Jeff Layn provide a home automation demo of Jeff's townhouse located on a golf resort called Craig Ranch.

Jeff's smart home technology controls multiple zones of audio, multiple televisions with DVRs for every family member, fireplaces, ceiling fans, thermostats, & IP cameras. He started small and has been adding on to the system over time.

What's great about this Dallas palace are the endless custom touches. When Jeff arrives home and opens the garage door, his home control system turns on the lights & the television turns on to his favourite channel (ESPN).

Jeff also has a personalized microchip key chain that has his personal settings programmed into it. He waves it over the 'wand' behind the door which then brings up his personal settings of how he wants to live his life when he comes in the house.

Want this for your home? Contact us for a personalized quote.

RedEye app for Android (beta)

RedeyeAndroid
The popular Redeye Universal Remote Control products for iPod, iPhone and iPad, just got even better. We are glad to announce that a new RedEye app for Android phones and tablets is now available. This application is currently in beta release.
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Introducing iRemote Reset by Technology on Demand

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iRemoteReset
Have you ever had to go to your parents or friends home just to reboot a Cable/DSL Modem to fix "The Internet" going down or to just to cycle power on a device? Have you ever had to instruct your spouse where to find the power cord for a device inside a crazy-busy rack only to find you still have to go there or that it took longer to talk them through it than if you actually went there?
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What is the Control4 MyHome app for iPad?



Enjoy control from your favorite devices. Now you can control your lights, temperature, music, movies, energy, security, and more from your iPhone, iPad, tablet or laptop. With the Control4® MyHome app, you can now turn your favorite screen into your favorite control system.

Want to enjoy Control4 MyHome App in the comfort of your home?

It's easy!
  • You must have a Control4 system to use MyHome. If you don't, just contact us here
  • If you already have a Control4 system, just download the free app for the device(s) you'd like to enable.
  • Contact us to get the license to activate your app and start controlling your home, your life, your world!

Vivitek Introduces Bright, Lightweight, LED-Based Projector with 3D Ready Capabilities

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Vivitek Corporation, a leading manufacturer of innovative visual presentation products, enters the Pico projector category with the Qumi, the company’s new line of LED-based pocket projectors. To maximize the company’s strength in LED-based projectors, the new Qumi (pronounced Q-me) projectors enhance Vivitek’s family of projection devices for a wide range of applications. Weighing in at only 1.6 pounds, the Qumi is the first pocket projector to be 3D-ready via Texas Instruments’ DLP® Link™ technology.
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Seura's Improved 1" Thin Premier Series TV Mirror

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Séura's latest improvement to the Premier line of television mirrors features a sleek 1” profile. This new profile has been overwhelmingly embraced by Séura installers. The requirement of a rough opening to hide bulkier electronics has virtually disappeared!
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All New Power-Over Ethernet 16 port switch by Pakedge

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Pakedge introduces the SW16-16PB a Managed 16-Port Power-Over-Ethernet Switch with 2 Gigabit Uplink Ports

The SW16-16PB managed Enterprise Class Power-Over Ethernet switch offers a unique spectrum of features and convenience for PoE-enabled network audio/video devices - including touch panels, wireless access points, and IP cameras. SW16-16PB can be fully configured and managed using a Web browser. In the event a device needs to be rebooted, or becomes unresponsive, each individual port can be remotely power-cycled. Read More...

4 Reasons we like to specify Fusion Video Servers

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Fusion Research is the #2 video server manufacturer and we wanted to share 4 reasons why you should consider a Fusion Movie Server for your home or Theater System
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New Music Hall Cruise Control

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The music hall cruise control permits the electronic speed control of music hall and project turntables between 33.3 and 45 rpm at the simple touch of a button.
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Control4 Partners With Sub-Zero and Wolf

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Control4 can now connect to Sub-Zero and Wolf high-end kitchen appliances for convenience, energy savings and the perfect meal every time.
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Apple AirPlay device support & Sonos Controller for Android

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We have something new for both Apple and Android-loving music fans. Sonos’s latest software update makes it easy for Sonos to play Apple AirPlay music sources and stream even more music to every room. And with the official launch of the Sonos Controller for Android, even more music lovers can get started with Sonos by turning their favourite smartphone into a free Sonos Controller.
Read More...

Lutron Home Control App for Android™ Now Available in the Android Market

android-logo
Conveniently control your RadioRA 2 system over a Wi-Fi network with your Android device. Features include viewing/adjusting light and shade levels throughout the home, controlling system keypads including button feedback and raise/lower controls, and managing multiple RadioRA 2 systems in the same app.

Download the Lutron RadioRa2 Android app here
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Now Available! Temperature Control from Lutron

RadioRA2_logo
seeTemplutron-radiora2
Add temperature control to the RadioRA 2 system for increased convenience and energy savings. Control temperature from keypads, mobile devices (iPhone, iPad, Android and more), occupancy sensors, and an energy-saving schedule. The three-part design puts each component where it makes sense.

  • seeTemp can be mounted in locations which would not normally be appropriate for a thermostat, such as exterior walls and sunny spaces.
  • The wireless temperature sensor is easy to position and allows the temperature to be measured in the optimum location.
  • The HVAC controller installs out-of-sight

Download Lutron Thermostat Brochure
Read More...

Enhanced Lutron Home Control+ App Version 3.0

Now available in the App Store, version 3.0 brings a wealth of added features to the popular total home control app, including full functionality on iPhone®, iPod touch®, and iPad® devices.
iPad_lutromra2-app-screenshot
• Full functionality on iPhone®, iPod touch®, and iPad® devices
• Thermostat support including scheduling
• Support for Venetian blind control and editing
• Pico™ wireless control support
• Support for RadioRA 2, HomeWorks® QS, and HomeWorks systems

LifeSize Extends Video Calling to Skype Users Worldwide

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(LifeSize) Becomes First Company to Deliver Room-based Video Conferencing Solution with Skype

AUSTIN, Texas, April 19, 2011 - LifeSize, a division of Logitech (Nasdaq: LOGI) (SIX: LOGN), has qualified its LifeSize® Passport™ HD video conferencing product to be the first room-based, business-class video conferencing solution to be plugged into Skype™, adding the ability for LifeSize Passport users to now conduct video calls with Skype users around the world.
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Purchase a Control4 System and get a free iPad2

control4-ipad
That's right, you heard us - FREE iPad 2!

Between April 15th 2011 and June 30th, Digital Smart Homes is offering a free iPad 2 to any client who signs up for a Control4 home automation installation including the following system integration elements:

  • Home Theater
  • Distributed Music
  • Surveillance Camera(s)
  • Climate Control
  • Automated Door Locks
  • Lighting Control

These packages are more affordable than you may think. We have packages ranging anywhere between $5k - $100k+. Start simple, or automate your entire home. We are happy to work with every client!

If you haven't seen the iPad Control4 Home Automation app in action yet, please visit our custom showroom at 1385 West 6th Avenue, Vancouver for a demonstration.

Also, check out this video for a brief demonstration:

Read More...

The zensational bzoo

Bzoo-BASS
If your looking for a modern home theater seating design, the Bzoo, offers a free-form ovular theater chair that is available in leather or faux leather.
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At Last - Advanced DSP for Multi-Zone Audio

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ADX matrix switchers provide 10-band equalization per zone. We are excited to present ADX switchers with advanced DSP options, cutting edge control, and compact design. ADX promises to bring audiophile enjoyment to every zone.
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Digital Signage for Gym, Rec Clubs and Fitness Centers

digital-signage-for-gyms-and-fitness-centers
What have your in-house big screens done for you lately?

An Arbitron study found that 70% of health club members watch nearly 40 minutes of programming per visit. With Digital Signage Systems they could be watching 40 minutes of the information YOU want to promote, in high definition!

  • Promote retail products (energy drinks, fitness wear)
  • Publicize exercise/workout classes (Pilates, Yoga, Aquatics) and schedules
  • Highlight membership specials, new services and programs
  • Display vendor ads to earn advertising subsidies

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An Affordable Digital Sigange Solution for Product & Services Showcasing

digital-signage-for-stores-exhibits-product-showcases
Many small retail stores want to showcase their products with dynamic content displayed at the point of sale, in the store window, or at expos and conventions. They would love to take advantage of the revenue-generating potential of high-tech digital signage for their own businesses.
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Modular Matrix Switching for HDTV Signals

HLX-12C24D-rear
The HLX™ System distributes HDTV signals up to 1,000 feet away to convenient zone receivers mounted wherever televisions are to be located. Its robust back plane design allows up to 12 sources to distribute component video up to 1080p, along with analog stereo audio, digital coaxial audio, and digital optical audio. The new HLX offers a winning combination of performance, value, and unique features.
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New Sharp 70" Aquos Quattron now available for orders

LC70LE732U
With the introduction of the 70-inch class (69.5” Diagonal) LC-70LE732U, Sharp once again reinforces its leadership in LCD and LED technology. Sharp’s proprietary quad pixel technology adds a fourth colour, yellow, to the traditional RGB pixel format, enabling many colours to be displayed for the first time. Featuring more colors than any other television, see never-before-seen colours like sparkling golds, Caribbean blues and sunflower yellows. On the LC-70LE732U, this technology is enhanced further with Quad Pixel Plus, which produces smoother lines by enabling the individual control of all 8-million sub-pixels on the screen. The LC-70LE732U is fully featured, including the industry’s leading online support system, AQUOS Advantagesm Live. And, with built-in WiFi, connecting is easier than ever.

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New Apps for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch Now Available!

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It's a new look, a new feel, and a new level of control! New releases of the MyHome app for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch include myriad performance improvements that make it even easier to access and control lighting, temperature, music, movies, energy, security and more-all using the glorious new OS 2.0 interface.
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New Eras Retro TV Cabinet by BDI

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While ERAS has a definite retro inspiration, this is not your mother’s TV cabinet. ERAS updates a mid-century modern design with sleek grey tinted glass doors for a look that is anything but dated. Features include adjustable shelves and removable back panels for simple setup and maintenance. With elegant construction details, ERAS is available in BDI’s beautifully modern Chocolate Stained Walnut finish.
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Pakedge introduces the PDU-RM8 Modem/Router Boot Sequence Power Distribution Unit with Remote Power Cycling and Monitoring

PDU-RM8
The Pakedge PDU-RM8 modem/router power distribution unit gives you unprecedented convenience and control, including full remote control of on/off sequencing to power-up and shut down sensitive equipment in the proper sequence, and avoid power flooding at startup. Out of the box, the PDU-RM8 is pre-labeled for easy installation. Just plug in the modem, router and switches into the pre-labeled outlets, and you are ready to go.
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Hydra Waterproof Television

Enviro-Home-Hydra
What’s a great bubble bath without your favourite Soap? SÉURA’s waterproof LCD technology brings television to all-new environments. Hydra performs like no other television, allowing complete colour options unlike ever before. Excellent for wet environments such as bathrooms and kitchens, the flush-mounting Hydra can be customized to match any specified colour.
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Digital Smart Homes Re-Opening New Location Party

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Despite the snow dump we received on the day of our Re-Opening party on Feb 26th, the event was a huge success. For one day we converted our showroom to a night club and had our audio systems pumping music all night long while the Canucks game was on in our Theater Room. Branded min cupcakes were created by Cake Tease and appetizers where deliciously prepared by Drew Cooks Catering. Drews’ staff also served up wine and beer all night. The whole event couldn’t have been the success it was if it had not been for Flawless Events and my wife Kathleen Saini.

Check out some of the photos from our party here

Fraser Valley Twestival 2011

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We are excited to announce our small involvement at this years Fraser Valley Twestival which will be in support for the “Canuck Place Children's Hospice” in Abbotsford . We will be setting up an 80” Screen and an Xbox with Kinect.

Twestival is a 100% sponsored event hosted in all major cities across the globe and is mostly organized by the local twitter community.

You can learn more about Twestival here
If you would like to attend and/or donate visit here

Digital Signage for Banks, Credit Unions & Financial Institutions

digital-signage-for-banks-credit-unions-and-financial-institutions
Time is Money and what better place to live this phrase than Banks and Credit Unions that are branching-out, far-and-wide across the globe. But with deluge of customers comes the necessity to streamline customer relationship and opt for efficient communication and promotional tools. Long queues at tellers, lack of clarity about services and rates, mismanagement of records can be major turn offs for customers that can lead to lost business.

Bank and credit union marketing directors are starting the appreciate the the flexibility of digital and visual communication systems because they can easily change the content and keep it fresh. We can show you Digital Signage solutions that allow facilities of all sizes to utilize this smart new technology.
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Séura on HGTV: Saturday 7:30 pm

CandiceTellsAll-tunein
Séura on HGTV
Candice Olson shares design insight with help from a Séura TV Mirror

Séura's Television Mirror makes an all new appearance on Candice Olson's new show: Candice Tells All. Candice takes viewers through the ins-and-outs of her signature makeovers while exploring a major design principle in each episode. Watch the latest episode this Saturday on HGTV.

The Three C's of Guest-room Transformations
Feb. 26, 7:30 pm e/p

When approaching a makeover for a guest room there are three things to keep in mind: comfort, convenience and color. But how do you apply those ideas to a windowless basement room that is currently a catchall for the family's storage needs? Candice shares her unique tips and techniques for turning a neglected space into a luxurious, welcoming oasis.

Missed it? Catch the replay: March 12, 4:00 pm e/p

Introducing Rega's first DAC (Digital to Anlog Converter)

rega-dac
When it comes to new products, the folks at Rega are know to take their time! But when a new product come out, it is no slouch either. Two years in the making, Rega’s DAC promises to breather life back into your music. Its performance is way above its price or category.

The Rega DAC is a 16/20/24-bit at 32kHz to 192kHz digital to analogue converter incorporating an enhanced version of the Rega designed circuit. Developed to be simple to set up and use, the Rega DAC is designed to optimize performance from any two channel PCM digital audio source such as a CD player PC or streaming device.

With the PC/Laptop and MAC now widely accepted as creditable mediums for storing and streaming music. The use of high quality lossless files such as WAV, FLAC and ALAC offer performance through the DAC equal to and in some cases better than red book CD.
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Introducing the Worlds Finest AC Power Regenerator - The PS PerfectWave P10

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The PerfectWave Premier P10 Power Plant takes your incoming AC power and converts it to DC, and then with patented PS Audio technology, regenerates and amplifies new sine wave perfect, high current AC power. New high current, ultra low distortion AC Power created by Power Plant technology delivers stunning performance from your audio and video components. Unique heat sink design delivers a fan less design to ensure total silence for the most discriminating listening environments.

The PerfectWave Premier 10 is the highest performing, most powerful AC regenerator ever produced. Massive current capability redefines the performance of your gear.

PowerPlay technology on board provides unprecedented control and monitoring of all your connected devices. Automatically reboot routers, modems, and network devices when Internet dropouts occur. Schedule devices to power on and off automatically optimizing power consumption in your system. Receive emails automatically when power occurrences occur, as the PerfectWave Premier P10 is automatically reacting on it’s own. All made possible by PowerPlay technology and PS Audio’s unique Globalnet Server support.
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LifeSize: True Video Collaboration Through New Interoperability With Microsoft UC Platforms

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LifeSize today announces the expansion of its rich video collaboration offerings through interoperability with Microsoft UC platforms.

LifeSize HD video conferencing products will integrate with Microsoft unified communication (UC) platforms, enabling users across the enterprise to connect over video from LifeSize systems to the desktop, and vice versa. Organizations of all sizes will be able to scale video collaboration capabilities more cost-effectively to better accomplish their communication and productivity objectives.
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Introducing the iD100 iPod, iPhone & iPad Digital Dock

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Bit for Bit pure digital data recovery! The iD100 delivers the most sensational performance and results ever from your iPhone, iPad, and iPod for the most realistic and dynamic delivery imaginable. Taking a digital feed allows extraction of every last drop of performance possible from the worlds favourite portable music player. The pure digital data is then fed to an external DAC or AV Receiver using its digital input for best possible digital to analogue conversion.
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Control4® MyHome App for MAC,PC, Linux & Tablet Now Available!

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The Control4® MyHome - PC/MAC/Tablet application announced at CES is now available for download so you can allow virtually any laptop, desktop or tablet device that is capable of running Flash* to be used as an interface for managing a Control4 system.

By turning existing smart phones, tablets and PCs into additional interfaces, Control4 MyHome offers homeowners an affordable way to access and manage their system, while offering dealers an additional platform to deliver greater flexibility and portability for home control to your customers.
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Control4 and Cisco Sign Strategic Agreement to Deliver Network-enabled Automation Platforms for Smart+Connected Communities and Home Energy Management Solutions

Cisco
Control4, a leader in affordable IP-based home control systems, today announced that it has signed a strategic agreement with Cisco to deliver network-enabled automation platforms for connected smart communities and home energy deployments around the world.
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Announcing LifeSize Video Center v1.2

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Anyone on the road or on the go can view live and on-demand HD video from any computer - and now on mobile devices: iPad®, iPhone® or iPod®. Your mobile device connects to LifeSize Video Center via Wi-Fi or cellular network with no apps to install.

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New Driver Mates Crestron Lighting with Control4 Automation

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Just in time for Valentines, new driver mates Crestron Lighting with Control4 Automation. Especially valuable for retrofit jobs, Extra Vegetables® Control4® driver for Crestron® lighting allows you to integrate a Crestron lighting system with keypads into Control4. This provides the same features and customer experience as Control4's native lighting control. You can dim and switch loads and there is also the facility to represent Crestron relays as motorization devices within Control4. The driver is IP based.

Crestron keypads are fully supported by the driver. It is possible to add custom programming to key presses on the Crestron keypads within the Control4 system. So keys not used for lighting operations could be used for AV or other control purposes.

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Wireless control via iPad or iPhone of your networked-enabled Onkyo or Integra receiver

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With oRemote, an iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch (iOS 4.2 required) and a wireless (Wi-Fi) network, you can control your network-enabled Onkyo or Integra AVR from anywhere in the house. oRemote enables full control over all inputs and zones with constant screen updates of the status of your AVR.
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Sonos Controller for Android Coming Soon

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Android loving music fans will soon have something to rock about. Sonos has just announced the Sonos Controller for Android, a free app that will transform most Android smartphones into a wireless music controller for Sonos. Get ready because its coming this spring and we expect it to rock the house. Read More...

Professional DVR CCTV System

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Our biggest request from our clients with Smart Homes is to extend IP camera support within Control4. Well now we can provide DVR support for IP Cameras! It's not just for a few IP cameras that can now be DVR integrated, it's literally hundreds.

This is achieved through a great piece of CCTV DVR software that runs on a Mac Mini. So you can now specify a fully digital and professional CCTV system as part of your Control4 installations. Read More...

Guide to Consumer and Commercial LCDs

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With so many types of displays flooding the market, finding the right LCD display can be an intimidating task – especially for those who research endlessly before making a decision. Digital signage has become an essential part of any growing business and the importance of choosing the right LCD is undeniable. Thankfully, DSH has put together this guide to help make your decision a little easier - whether you are just curious about the difference between consumer and commercial LCDs or a business looking to invest in a panel.
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60" 3D Super Bowl Promotion with Bluray & HD - One PKG Left

superbowl
We don’t have promotions that often but when we do there big! Here is a deal if you are in the market for a new flat screen.
You get:
  • Top end 60” 3D Quttron Aquos LED TV (LC60LE925)
  • 3D Blu-Ray super slim DVD player (BP80)
  • Bell TV HDTV 3D ready set top Box (6131)
  • Installation of your TV, Blu-Ray, Bell Satellite, and the necessary cables.

All for
$4500 installed (plus tax)

rdio music service coming to Sonos

rdio-sonos
Sonos is adding a new social music service called Rdio (pronounced "ar-dee-o") to our music lineup. It can be found in the Music Menu starting January 27th, and best of all, your customers can try it for free.
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Sharp Unveils Its First 3D Ready High-Definition Dlp® Home Theater Projector

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Sharp has introduced its first 3D Ready High-Definition High-Quality DLP® Theater Projector with 30000:1 High Contrast Ratio and Full-HD Panel (1920x1080). it works with active shutter glasses using either DLP Link or IR syncing technology by bouncing an IR signal off the screen the picture is projected onto. Read More...

Eragy Announces Second Generation Home Energy Monitoring Application and Service

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Eragy’s Energy Monitoring Plus application empowers homeowners to identify specific areas of energy savings.

Eragy, Inc., a leading provider of smart home software applications and services for home energy management and monitoring, today announced a second generation version of the company’s home energy monitoring application and service.

Eragy’s new energy monitoring software, Energy Monitoring Plus, coupled with a Control4® home automation system and eGauge home energy monitor, enables homeowners to save up to 20% or more off their monthly electric bills. Eragy’s latest application allows consumers to monitor the details of their energy consumption to best understand how they can reduce their energy bills.

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All New Yamaha Aventage BD-A1000 High Performance, 3D Blu-Ray Player

bda1000
High performance Blu-ray Disc Player designed for optimum matching with Yamaha AVENTAGE Line Receivers. The SCENE function integrates operation and the front panel has the same clean, graceful design. The BD-A1000 is designed for High End Audio and isn’t just a video device. For the complete home theatre experience it’s paramount that the Blu-ray player provides premium audio quality. This is why Yamaha’s BD-A1000 supports high end audio formats such as SACD and DVD-Audio; formats that are designed to take advantage of high end audio setups. It also incorporates high-grade components and terminals ensuring HD audio formats sound as originally intended by the studio master. Read More...

Binary™ Single Cat 5e/6 HDMI 1.4 Extender (130') Plus IR Receiver & Flasher Pass Through.

B-200-1CAT-HDIR-B
The best way to run HDMI video and audio over long distances with out running expensive HDMI cable is over cat5. Why use cat5? Well, to begin with cat5 can withstand several bend radius’s that HDMI cables cannot. An HDMI cable shouldn’t be bent more than 3 times. Second, cat5 is a mute-purpose/multi-use cable so if one day a new HDMI version comes out, you simply change the baluns at the end of the cat5 run. Third, say you do successfully run an HDMi cable through your walls; what if that cable end get damaged? You can’t fix the end of an HDMi cable. Introducing The Binary™ 1CAT HDMI 1.4a Extender is fully 3D capable with 1080p resolution up to 36 bit. With pass-through for an IR receiver and flasher, this product provides a great solution for adding HD video, multi-channel audio and full control to any TV over a single CAT5e.
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Learn more about Sharp's Quattron TV

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Conventional TVs have been making 3-color pictures for half a century. Sharp introduces the world's first 4-color LCD TV, Quattron. Quattron delivers color never seen before on TV. Learn more about this amazing technology here

You have to see it, to see it. You really have to check it out in person. Book a demo by contacting us here

We are now a Control4 2011 Platnium Authorized Dealer

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I am excited to announce that we have been awarded the Platinum Dealer designation by Control4.

At Digital Smart Homes, we pride ourselves on delivering personalized control and automation solutions for everyone and maintain the highest level of customer service and satisfaction for our customers.

As a Platinum Control4 Dealer, you can be rest assured that each of our technicians and sales associates have completed a comprehensive training program on how to install and support all Control4 products, so we’ll have everything we need to be your personal automation expert and make sure you’re making the most of your Control4 system. As a Premier Dealer, Digital Smart Homes has completed additional Control4 training, sales and experience requirements in home automation.

Control4 Announces Kwikset SmartCode, ZigBee Deadbolt Locks in a New Contemporary Style.

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The Kwikset SmartCode, ZigBee Deadbolt Locks add enhanced security and convenience to any Control4 system.Designed with a sleek contemporary style to complement home interiors and exteriors, these locks make it easy to secure entry doors and never again have to worry about carrying a key. View the status and lock or unlock the lock from any room in the home from any Control4 interface, or monitor and control the locks remotely through Web Navigator. ZigBee Pro provides 128-bit encryption for secure communication within the Control4 system. Read More...

Marantz, AirPlay. Your iTunes music in any room, unleashed

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Unleash your iTunes music library with the world's first Airplay enabled AV components from Marantz. Now you can stream the sweet sound of your favourite songs directly from your iPod touch, iphone or iPad" or from your iTunes library on your PC or Mac using the “Remote App” on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch and your wireless home network, you don't even need to be in the same room as the components or your computer to play, pause, skip, and stop the songs in your iTunes music library. You'll even see the iTunes music information, including your album art. track titles, and artist info on your Apple compatible device or your Marantz AV receiver with video output.
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The Wadia 171 iPod/iPhone/iPad Transport is finally available!

WADIA171I
The 171 iTransport is the first certified “Works with iPhone” dock to offer pure, bit-perfect digital output allowing the revered smartphone and iPad to perform as high-end media servers. Wadia’s 171 iTransport builds on the award winning success of the original 170iTransport by adding “Works with iPhone” compatibility, and iPad connectivity. Significant refinements to the original design include high performance power supply components, advanced clocking circuitry, premium grade circuit boards, two digital outputs, and a feature rich remote control. Read More...

Card Access™ Ceiling-Mount Wireless Motion Sensor

Ceiling-Mount_Motion_Sensor
Card Access is pleased to announce the new Ceiling-Mount Wireless Motion Sensor. Using the same Control4 driver and providing all of the same functionality as our wall-mount Wireless Motion Sensor, the Ceiling-Mount Wireless Motion Sensor allows for convenient ceiling mount applications. This new product is a great way to add occupancy sensing capabilities to any room. We offer two versions of the Ceiling-Mount Wireless Motion Sensor: battery-powered and line-powered (9-24v AC/DC)
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Virtual Cell Wireless Access Point and Controller

virtual-cell-wireless
Pakedge introduces TRUE wireless roaming with the WAP-VKIT. This product utilizes Virtual Cell Wifi technology to provide seamless roaming for laptops, touch panels, wifi phones, etc. Read More...

The Security Sensor Bridge V2 is now shipping.

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Card Access is pleased to announce the new the Security Sensor Bridge V2. An update to the Sensor Bridge previously offered by Card Access, the “Security Sensor Bridge V2” is an easy way to utilize small security sensors for home automation purposes. Compared to its predecessor, this fully updated product is smaller, more rugged and comes at reduced pricing. Read More...

Pakedge introduces the RSB-K24C, a preconfigured VLAN router.

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Preconfigured Audio/Video Bridging System Gateway Security Appliance (Router) with 24 Port VLAN Configurable switch and Rack Mount Bracket.
Ideal for installations that have a variety of devices that require segmentation and prioritization which is essential for streamlining network traffic and ensuring a reliable network.

Primary features of the RSB-K24C are as follows:
- 24 Gigabit Ports
- 2 SFP Fiber Ports
- 4 Separate VLANs
- 1 Guest Network VLAN
- Easily Configurable VLAN ports
- Remote Access via VPN
- Firewall Protection Read More...

Yamaha Low Profile YSP220 Digital Sound Projector

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This extremely convenient Digital Sound ProjectorTM is low profile enough to fit neatly in front of a TV and is 3D compatible (HDMI V.1.4a). Low profile soundbar allows positioning in front of most TVs for a neat and compact AV system and the subwoofer can be placed vertically or horizontally. The YSP2200’s Digital Sound Projector technology provides true surround sound for maximum enjoyment
Built-in 132W digital amplifier Read More...

Digital Smart Homes Re-Opening Party

Wine, Food, Canucks vs Bruins & Cool Prizes!!
Event: Official Grand Re-Opening - Digital Smart Homes
Date: Saturday, February 26th 2011
Time: 6:00PM to 10:00PM
Location: 1385 West 6th Avenue, Vancouver BC (map)
Come check out our new Hi-Tech showroom and enjoy some Wine, Beer, Appetizers & Hors d’Oeuvres while catching the Canucks vs Bruins game in High Definition. Oh! and we have some really cool prizes that we will be giving away between 2nd and 3rd period of the game plus the first 25 people at the event will receive a swag bag valued at over a $100 that includes:

  • T-Shirt

  • 2-Meter Ultralink® CS1® HDMI® Cable

  • POWERSOURCE PS-103 Surge Protector

  • Ultralink® 2 oz. (60 ml) High Definition Screen Cleaner

  • Ultra-soft Microfiber Polishing Cloth


Prizes include:
  • Home Theatre Surround Sound System with 1080p 1.4 3D Ready Receiver, 5 Speakers and Subwoofer (more info)

  • Heart Pounding iPod Sound System (more info)

  • Under the Counter TV/DVD/Radio unit (more info)

  • All-In One Harmony Remote Control (more Info)

  • Pair of In-Wall Built In Speakers

  • iPhone Red-Eye Mini Remote Control System (more info)

  • Energy Saving UltraPower Green MultiMedia Surge Protectors (more info)


By RSVP only.

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Connect Any Device to Any Network Instantly with Global Caché iTach

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Connect almost any electrical device to a network in a matter of minutes. Based on open systems and industry standards, the ultra-compact device fits almost anywhere (even the palm of your hand), and includes a choice of wireless (WiFi) or wired (TCP/IP) connectivity to infrared (IR), serial (RS232), and contact closure (relay) equipment. The Global Cache iTach is a simple wired or wireless conduit between you and your device over a network or the Internet. This is instant network-enabling at its best.
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And Now You Know - Control4 iPad & Kwikset Door Lock

Watch Akash Sablok on TELUS TV’s MyVancouver Show, with host Simi Sara, talking about the latest tech for your home. In this segment Akash demonstrates how Control4 can operate your electronic devices using your iPad or iPhone.



New Control4 "MyHome" Extends Control Wherever You Want It

Control4-MyHome
Software apps extend Control4 functionality to virtually every screen in the home.

Las Vegas, NV – CES 2011 – January 6-9, 2011 – LVCC South 21407 – Control4, a leader in affordable IP-based home control systems, today introduces Control4® MyHome, a family of software apps that allows consumers to access and control lighting, temperature, music, movies, energy, security and more from a wide range of devices in Control4® enabled homes. Consumers need only purchase a Control4 MyHome license and download the application to their iPhone®, iPad®, PC or Mac® laptop, desktop computer, or tablet to enjoy all the features of their Control4 system.

“Consumers expect choice and convenience, so by offering our customers the ability to access and control their home automation system from nearly any screen in the house, we make it easier for them to integrate Control4 into their everyday lives,” said Control4 CEO Will West. “Now, whether you turn on your TV, pull out your phone, turn to a touch screen in the kitchen, or power on your laptop in the office, you’ll always be in control of your connected home.”
Read More...

Control4 InfinityEdge 5" In-Wall Touch Screen

InfinityEdge 5
Announcing affordable total system control in a sleek 5" in-wall design!
Edge-to-edge capacitive glass combined with the elegant Control4 user interface reveals the most visually stunning Control4 touch screen to date. With new optional intercom capability, a choice of AC power or Power Over Ethernet, wired or WiFi connectivity options, and four programmable buttons for customized commands, this flexible solution is perfect for every room in the house. Read More...

How home audio systems are reinventing the way we design our homes in the 21st century


Large. Heavy. Overbearing. The imagery of our original CD home audio systems is not a pleasant one. During a time when aesthetics were completely void of a stereo systems’ design, figuring out where to place them in our homes was often a daunting task. However, in the 21st century, the advanced technology of our hi-fi home audio systems is not only reinventing the way we listen to music, but also the way we approach interior design in our homes. Read More...
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