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This archive is a compilation of articles published in our eMagazine since inception. The articles are organized by "Subject". Many thanks to those who have contributed to this archive and continue to help it grow by submitting their thoughts and expertise to the magazine.

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Article Title Author Company eMag Issue Article Synopsis
Discovering Your Process Bill Battaglia http://designecentral.com/

Feb 2012

 One of my most recent adventures was just doing this rediscovering. First off we organized a Team having expertise in the various Departments – Sales, Project Management, Procurement, System Engineer, and Operations. They provide a great detail look into their day-to-day operations regarding how changes should occur. Things we first identified…too many E-Mails going around, Items not getting ordered correctly based on changes, things falling through the cracks, Changes not truly being managed, and Multiple Change Request currently.
Rescue Audio - Part 3 - Cleaning and touch-up Mark Cerasuolo

Aug 2011

As you read this, chances are that someone is abandoning a classic audio component—maybe something you always wanted—at a thrift store near you.  Here’s how to rescue and enjoy it.

This is Part 3 of a 3 part series.

Here is Part 1 - Finding the Gems

And Part 2 - Once you’ve found something worth taking home

If you pick up any classics this way that you want to show off, please take a photo and share them with us here along with some details on how you found it.  And if you come up with techniques and materials of your own, by all means let us know—anything to advance the emerging art of rescue audio.
Rescue Audio - Part 1 - Finding the Gems Mark Cerasuolo

Aug 2011

As you read this, chances are that someone is abandoning a classic audio component—maybe something you always wanted—at a thrift store near you.  Here’s how to rescue and enjoy it.

This is Part 1 of a 3 part series. Stay tuned for:

Part 2 - Once you’ve found something worth taking home

Part 3 - Cleaning and touch-up
McIntosh Teaches Kids to See Sound Chuck Hinton McIntosh

Jun 2008

 As soon as the children enter the room, they are enthusiastically asked; “How many of you have seen sound today?”
Taking Your “Home Toys” on the Road Marlene Fawkes Lift-Tech

Jun 2006

 AV professionals and custom manufacturers can look beyond homes and offices to provide products and services to companies serving a growing market of travelers who demand comfort, quality, and their high-tech toys on the go.
Sea Change in the Music Industry Scott Bahneman MusicGiants

Jun 2006

 A solid market exists for music lovers who care deeply about sound quality, particularly when it comes to their home entertainment systems. These consumers are willing to pay a small premium compared to standard music downloads for exponential gains in sound quality.
Hong Kong Harbour ' Symphony Of Lights ' Ken Sinclair www.automatedbuildings.com

Jun 2006

 Control of 18 buildings on the Hong Kong water front in an integration of architectural lighting, laser effects, pyrotechnics and accompanied by a sound simulcast provides a very graphic demonstration of what city wide control integration might look like. Be sure to view the video.
Maintaining & Restoring your DVDs & CDs Linda Simon cdClarity

Apr 2006

 Always wipe your disc gently in a straight line from the center of the disc out. Wiping in a circular motion may cause scrapes that will interrupt the circular path of the disc’s signal.
Safe Socket Iriave Electronics Iriave Electronics

Dec 2005

 The innovation consists of placing a magnet in the plug and a little reed bulb in the traditional socket. The contacts of the reed bulb are switched off because of the magnetic field generated by the magnet in the plug.
Getting Your Video Your Way NewSoft America, Inc. NewSoft America, Inc.

Dec 2005

 These days, although going to a theater to “experience” a movie still has appeal, bigger-clearer Plasma and LCD screens, shrinking personal video displays, dropping technology prices and of course, this age of wireless has re-defined how and where we “experience” our content.
Backup vs. Archiving Dr.Taleb Hammad Genie-soft

Dec 2005

 Backups are used to protect against damage to files. A sequence of backup versions is kept for each file. The number of backup versions is set by the user; older versions are removed as newer versions are made
How Can You Connect Your Digital Photos, Audios and Videos Mary Luciano Coolect LLC

Oct 2005

 My goal was to create a digital album of my son’s life for his 30th Birthday that would reflect his life and become a living keepsake of his first 30 years.
DVD Insider #42 - Beta Will Change the World / High Def - Plugging All the Holes Before / How Much M THE Insider

Oct 2005
The Latest Trend In Lighting Design Is Out Of This World Lisa Isaacson Numinus, LLC

Aug 2005

 This low profile star solution has the fiber optic and twinkling LEDs inside the tile, all you do is plug and go. They can be installed through the traditional drop ceiling grid, or get creative and install some crown molding, with wood seam strips.
The Audio Trilogy Michael Green Michael Green Audio

Aug 2005

 Your entertainment system has the potential to perform many times better than ?stock? from the factory just by making some simple adjustments to the vibration of the things in your room and system that control the acoustical, mechanical and electrical energy.
Serve Yourself Richard Elen Meridian Audio Ltd

Aug 2005

 When it comes to serving music across your home network, you can buy a proprietary server/client system. Or, says Richard Elen, you can serve yourself?free.
Running Interference Not all Projector Screens are Created Equal Richard S. Burrows, Ph.D. DIY Theatre

Aug 2005

 DIY Theatre hopes you consider these fundamental options to optimize your theater experience. Remember that screen gain does not have to interfere with or compromise your home theater.
Rear Projection TV Facts Understanding the Pros and Cons of Rear Projection as a BIG Screen option i Andrew Ghigo

Aug 2005

 Surely, there is a market for both front and rear projection TVs ? it is all a question of knowing what are the advantages and limitations of each with respect to your specific needs.
Real World Tuning Andy Dixon MTX Audio

Aug 2005

 Some of the specific technologies used in real world tuning are discussed below. Some are as simple as angled speakers and pivoting drivers, others are a more scientific adjustment like room boundary EQ and bipole/dipole.
Plenum Rated Box Nigel Brent Nigel B Design

Aug 2005

 Concealing the amplifier and all equipment in one neat box mounted in the ceiling space.
Making a Case for Advanced AC Power Conditioning Garth Powell Furman Sound

Aug 2005

 The sensitivity and sophistication of today?s electronic circuits require serious AC power conditioning. Anything less is too costly to consider, and will limit the performance our client demands.
Lighting Your Home Theater Steven T. Hardt Lightolier? Controls

Aug 2005

 The proper dimming system is a vital ingredient in designing the perfect home theater. You will want an easy-to-use, convenient system that offers flexibility and control in lighting scenes.
Is HDCD Technology Dead? Thomas Bergman

Aug 2005

 Up here in Sweden, the summer has been rainy. That means a lot of hours indoors listening to music. Not always, I do have a family, but I have had plenty of time, sitting in my cozy sofa, listening to good music. Today I will have some time with the HDCD CD "Rajaz" with Camel.
Interlaced Video What's That All About Anyway? Mark Sauerwald Gennum Corporation

Aug 2005

 With the emergence of high definition television formats, and the plasma and LCD progressive displays that take advantage of them, the need for high quality de-interlacing is self-evident.
In-Wall/Ceiling Speaker Solutions for a Flat Video Home Installation Kamel Yassin Sound City, Inc.

Aug 2005

 Most people do not realize that a TV is merely a 2-dimensional picture. It?s a well designed 5.1 ? 7.1 channel audio system that actually provides the needed ?3-D? effect.
In-Wall Speakers Steven Furukawa Wisdom Audio

Aug 2005

 The innovative R & D team at Wisdom Audio has finally succeeded in capturing the signature sound of the highly acclaimed Adrenaline Series in an in-wall speaker.
HDTV over Cat5 Technology Opens Door to New Applications Jeffrey Herman MuxLab Inc.

Aug 2005

 The trend toward to structured cabling coupled with the need for higher resolutions is creating synergy for HDTV over Cat5 and in the coming year, users can expect to see add-on products that support a more complete HDTV cabling solution.
HDMI / DVI connectivity. Fiber optic vs. copper, which is right for you? Stan Palguyev Lenexpo Electronics.

Aug 2005

 Before you order a set of cables for yourself or your company, make sure which type fits your application the best.
DVD Insider # 41 - Grokster Decision Great News?for Lawyers. Guns Don't Kill People? Blue Battle of THE Insider

Aug 2005

 The DVD Insider had been busy over the past few months. Here are 3 more great stories to bring you up to date.
Choosing a Home Satellite TV System: DirecTV vs. Dish Network and Cable James Russo

Aug 2005

 If your interests in documentaries and music are very diverse, then possibly the satellite systems are for you. Cable televisions seems to have successfully cornered a more localized market and if your cup of tea is local channels and news, then digital cable is where its at.
Building a ?Jukebox? Server for Home Mark McCall

Aug 2005

 As the saying goes there are many ways to skin a cat, so this setup is just what is suitable for me. If I didn't already have the drives I would have possibly gone for the Terastation. Or perhaps I'd have gone for the same setup but with new SATA drives instead of PATA.
An OverView of Consumer Electronics Connectivity Impact Acoustics

Aug 2005

 Familiarity with the options available on contemporary components will allow you to make an informed decision and, when all is said and done, end up with a home theater or music system that provides the level of performance and convenience you envisioned.
A Technical Introduction to Audio Cables Adam Blake Pear Cable, Inc.

Aug 2005

 The fact of the matter is that cables do alter the sound going through them, and that it is audible. You do not need to be an expert, or an audiophile, to hear the difference.
A Few Tips on Choosing Home Theater Speakers Albert Von Schweikert Von Schweikert Audio

Aug 2005

 After listening to your favorite music CD to determine whether you like the speaker under consideration?s bass response and treble smoothness, ask the salesman to play a movie soundtrack wherein voices and music are at equal levels.
Wine Cellar Management System Ren? Metairie Invictus Wine Group

Jun 2005

 Management of your wine collection can now be done easily and accurately with this feature-rich, user-friendly system. The product line has been developed to provide a robust and affordable solution for smaller, single-user applications all the way to the commercial enterprise.
Web based Sensors using Open Source software, and Web Services. Gary Drake BroadBandSentry

Jun 2005

 Using Hotkey's ability to create custom key sequences and automate events from single Keys, we convert these key closures into a simple interface to generate sensor message to www.BroadbandSenrty.com's web services.
Understanding Projector Screens Andrew Ghigo Practical Home Theater Guide

Jun 2005

 Be careful, you may end up with TOO bright an image! An excerpt from a series of articles published in Practical Home Theater Guide.
Total Room Home Theater Part 2 Larry Holben Kinetics Noise Control

Jun 2005

 This issue we will cover different methods of acoustically treating the interior of your home theater / media room.
Top Ten Protection Checklist American Power Conversion

Jun 2005

 ?Power outages can have a significant impact on small to medium-sized businesses. Here are ways to protect your mission-critical assets.? ? American Power Conversion
The design of an iHome Mac Thoughts D John Bennetts

Jun 2005

 The personal computer, intelligent automated device and gadget market is rapidly increasing each year so it is well worth while watching the character of the iHome as it changes each year through what we may be able to put in it.
SURVEILLANCE: THE NEXT STEP UP FROM USB WEBCAMS Eagletron Inc.

Jun 2005

 If you like what computer-based surveillance gives you but have been hindered by USB cable length or image quality, know your options and take a look at high-quality analog.
Speaker Cables and Interconnects for your Home Theater John E. Johnson Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity

Jun 2005
Size Matters Richard S. Burrows, Ph.D. DIY Theatre

Jun 2005

 The BIG screen experience is so much more impressive and enjoyable than even the largest plasma at literally a fraction of the cost ? and now YOU have total control over the size!
SERIES & PARALLEL SPEAKER WIRING Nigel B Design, Inc

Jun 2005

 Nigel B design manufactures a range of Traditional and 70 Volt Amplifiers. Discussed here are some tips that describe the most popular method of wiring Speakers. Tech Tips #4 on the Nigel B Design Web site describes 70 volt System Wiring which will be discussed in a later article.
Protect Your Home Theater System from Power Surges Karenann Brow Tripp Lite

Jun 2005

 Power surges can travel on phone, Ethernet and coaxial lines as well as on the AC power line. If you have components connected to these lines, the surge suppressor should include jacks to provide the necessary protection.
Personal Video Arcade Products Jim Palos DreamAuthentics

Jun 2005

 Our goal with the product line was to create a universal game platform that could play virtually any game ever created using authentic arcade joysticks, trackballs, spinners, arcade monitors and flight sticks.
Motorola Ushers New Era in Home Monitoring & Control

Jun 2005

 Consumers can easily install and customize new solutions that work with existing broadband connections ? enabling users to remain connected and informed. Cost-effective and feature-rich, Motorola?s solution monitors and controls a variety of home functions
MODULAR ENTERTAINMENT FURNITURE: THE FLEXIBLE, ECONOMIC SOLUTION Salvatore Carrabba Salamander Designs Ltd.

Jun 2005

 Salvatore Carrabba designed and built a shelving system for his own hi-fi components while still in college, and it later became the foundation for his Connecticut-based entertainment furniture company, Salamander Designs, founded in 1992.
Million Dollar Home Theater Demonstration Steven Furukawa Wisdom Audio

Jun 2005

 Attendees were mesmerized and in disbelief of the presentation. Some were forced to leave the demonstration by their loved ones but on occasion would sneak back for more.
Living Made Easy: Getting Remotes Under Control Universal Electronics

Jun 2005

 Universal remotes combine the features of all your other remotes into one. You?ll likely use it 4-5 hours per day, so it?s important to find the right one.
Kitchen Stuff Steve Greenberg

Jun 2005

 Here's a few product ideas to make your kitchen smarter and more efficient.
Kat5 Mark2 - Affordable AV Distribution Keith Doxey

Jun 2005

 High quality, affordable AV distribution has just got even easier thanks to the added functionality of the new units.
How to increase safety and security around the house Bang Innovation

Jun 2005

 No more are you limited by the wiring systems that were installed when they built your home. New wireless home control systems can easily modernize your home?s electrical system and much more.
Home Access ? Access Management ? the future Adrian Mason

Jun 2005

 Everything is available ? there are electric locks, electric strikes to fit to existing locks, electric deadbolts (fail safe and fail secure), magnetic locks, electrically driven multipoint locks for energy efficiency and high security.
DVD Insider #38 We Have a Dream New Media Servers In Town Storing That Content THE Insider

Jun 2005
DLP?: The Winning Choice for Home and Business Optoma Technology Inc.

Jun 2005

 The overall benefits of DLP technology remain consistent across all products: a superior image quality with sharp, seamless, high-contrast images, and the highest picture reliability.
Connectivity Basics: Quick Guide to TV Video Inputs

Jun 2005

 Here is a quick rundown of the basic inputs available, from lowest in image output quality to the best of the bunch.
Christie Bows New ?Wave? Wireless AV Steve Sechrist Insight Media News

Jun 2005

 Wireless XGA in full motion is a powerful development and goes a long way toward eliminating the need for costly and unsightly data cables. Now all we need is support for DVD wireless projection.
Choosing the right speakers: a ?how to lesson Win Jeanfreau Aperion Audio

Jun 2005

 Remember, the only audition that really matters is the one that?s conducted in your home, in your listening space, with your equipment. When you?re done, you?ll have the confidence of knowing that you?ve chosen the best speakers for you.
As Safe As Houses? How Safe is Yours? The New Part P of the Building Regulations for England & Wale Whole Home Systems

Jun 2005

 Are you planning any electrical work in or around your home? Perhaps you would like an extra power socket or two in the kitchen, or some garden lighting? Well please take a seat and read on because this affects you!
Adding Heat to Cold, Finished Rooms A Remedy for the Common Cold warmzone

Jun 2005
ACOUSTICS Theo Kalomirakis Theaters

Jun 2005

 The fundamental goal in designing a room for motion picture or music is to achieve the sound at the listeners ears that the producer intends. Assuming a flat response from the loudspeakers, this assumes that the room itself does not distort or otherwise alter the frequency response, the relative amplitude or the time arrival of any sound events.
A Whole House High Definition Experience Bob Farinelli ELAN Home Systems

Jun 2005

 While the digital dust is settling, consider taking a component video switching approach. Three discrete, HD analog RGB signals can be run down some high quality coax for little more than the cost of the wire.
A CONSUMER GUIDE: CHOOSING THE RIGHT LARGE SCREEN DISPLAY FOR YOUR HOME NEC Solutions America

Jun 2005

 You don?t have to be a ?techie? to use a large screen display, in fact, many are as easy to use as a regular TV. With color-coded inputs and cabling, quick start-up menus and intuitive, automatic features and accessories, projectors and plasma displays can now be operated by almost anyone.
Total Room Home Theater What Is It? Larry Holben Kinetics Noise Control

Apr 2005

 Like any other project, consideration needs to be given to everything from the ground up starting with the floor.
The Oyaide Advantage the Lotus Group

Apr 2005

 Oyaide connectors use Deoxidized Phosphor Bronze as a base material, which provides appropriate hardness, springiness and conductivity.
The Home Technology Integrator Professional focus for flexible, reliable systems. Tori L. Harris Palmetto Home Cinema

Apr 2005

 Over the next 10 years or so, your relationship with your home technology integrator may become just as important to your lifestyle and how you utilize your home as many of the other professional services firms you rely on today.
Structured Wiring: To Be Wired Or Not To Be! Brett Griffin Architechtronics, Inc

Apr 2005

 The average wireless speed is now at 54Mbps, 13 times faster than Comcast fastest advertised internet connection at 4Mbps. Comcast and all other broadband service providers are the weak link for all networked homes wired or wireless.
StitchLink to Provide Wireless Communications Between PC and Sewing Machines silex

Apr 2005

 Sewing Enthusiasts can Send Patterns Directly to the Sewing Machine
Secure Your Cottage abucco technologies inc.

Apr 2005
Projection Screens 101: How Big? Terry Coffey Draper, Inc.

Apr 2005

 Once you know roughly how big the screen needs to be based on the audience area, that size may be modified based on the projection equipment you?ll be using.
Power Protection in the Home Theater Use of Surge Suppressors to Guard Expensive Electronic Gear Andrew Ghigo Practical-Home-Theater-Guide.com

Apr 2005
Now, Your Home Will Call You When There?s a Problem Frank Geissler TemperatureGuard

Apr 2005

 While away, temperatures in your home or business will be carefully monitored, and you will automatically be notified via telephone whenever there is a dramatic on-site change in ambient temperature or other conditions.
NIGEL B DESIGN'S STEREO AMPLIFIER Nigel Brent

Apr 2005

 This 45 watt Stereo Amplifier is a wonder in miniaturization, weighing 16 oz. and small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.
MAKE A DASHBOARD YOUR FAMILY CAN COMMUNICATE WITH Saro Saravanan mediabee

Apr 2005

 With all the digital great home toys going around, why is the household organizer still stuck with a day planner and wall calendar to coordinate everyone's schedules? Learn how you can bring family communication and coordination into the digital era.
Installing A Doorjamb Light Switch Clear Lighting and Electrical Design

Apr 2005

 These ideas will allow the installer to provide for the installation of an unlimited numbers of doorjamb controlled lighting arrangements.
How To Wire Your Home For Modern Entertainment And Control Systems Steve Faber

Apr 2005

 As content delivery over broadband increases, especially with the advent of HDTV, bandwidth demands will skyrocket. Using a wired network will help ensure uninterrupted delivery of your favorite programming.
How to Create Media Center Applications With The Meedio Platform Pablo Pissanetzky Meedio LLC

Apr 2005

 Creating applications with a "10-foot" interface is as easy as Tic-Tac-Toe when you're working with the right tools.
How To Create A Custom-Designed Home Theater Jon Robbins Hifi House

Apr 2005

 Working with an expert gives you the personal guidance you need to plan, program, and perfect every detail of your ultimate home theater.
HDCP: For Better or for Worse? DVIGear Technology Connection

Apr 2005

 HDCP attempts to solve a serious problem that?s plagued the studios and other content producers for years and is something that is good for everyone.
Gibson?s Wurlitzer Digital Jukebox Offers Most Comprehensive Home Music System Available Gibson Audio

Apr 2005

 The flagship model of the Wurlitzer Digital Jukebox line is a floorstanding, all-in-one design that evokes the historical Wurlitzer look, but with a modern flair.
DVD Insider #25 Home Entertainment Nets "Work in Progress" Cheap Won't Get PC in Living Ro

Apr 2005

 an industry marketing/communications expert with more than 15 years of video, storage and networking experience.
Create a wireless sensor network using WIFI and web services. Gary Drake BroadbandSentry

Apr 2005

 In concept we have tried to present simple interfaces and simple hardware requirements, in essence a thin client approach. Web based services to support the notification systems, and simple local clients, some software, some hardware.
Artist Meets Engineer The Art Of Tuning Michael Green Michael Green Audio

Apr 2005

 How wonderful to be in a world where the artist and the engineer together can bring us closer to the things we love, like music and movies.
And the Answer is: A Motorized Ceiling Projector Lift What Was the Question? Marlene Fawkes LIFT-TECH

Apr 2005

 Before you make the final decision of what to buy you must be satisfied with three important elements: price, technical support both during and after the sale, and product performance.
Alternative Big-Screen Displays Carbon Nanotechnologies to Usher in New Displays? Steve Marsland Insight Media

Apr 2005

 The concept of a nanotube TV will give you image quality similar to CRTs (cathode ray tubes), and the best image quality is still found on CRT-TVs.
Absolute Power Sells?.Absolutely! Bob Smith Panamax Corporation

Apr 2005

 The power conditioning is a great device to ?clean up? the power and should be viewed as an integral part of the overall system.
WHY FOLLOW YOUR DATA IF IT CAN FOLLOW YOU? beinsync

Feb 2005

 BeInSync is a new secure Peer-to-Peer software that performs automatic synchronization of all your data among your different computers across the Internet.
What To Know About Buying Projectors James Chan Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America

Feb 2005

 A successful installation is both a thoughtful, strategic combination of good basic specs serving as a foundation, and a suite of operational clues that fit your application requirements.
Twenty First Century Dimmers Damon Bruccoleri

Feb 2005

 All homes have several application areas for dimmer lighting. Each of these application areas has unique ergonomic and safety requirements. As you walk around your home tonight think of the rooms in your home and how they can benefit from the new lighting control technologies.
Theater Acoustics Steve Faber 1touchmovie

Feb 2005

 The main rule is to stay away from using the same length for two or more of the room?s dimensions. The very worst shape is a perfect cube. Each dimension (length, width, height) of the room causes specific audio frequencies to be reinforced and others to be cancelled.
The Right Screen for the Right Scene Liquid Crystal Display Televisions Find Their Place In the Home Gene Ornstead ViewSonic

Feb 2005

 The ways in which consumers are integrating TVs into the home are as varied as the households themselves. In the highly competitive flat-panel market, homeowners can take solace in the fact that there undoubtedly is a LCD TV available to meet their specific needs and the performance demands of a variety of digital content.
The 100th Anniversary of Electronics Damon Bruccoleri

Feb 2005

 November 16th can be said to have been the 100th anniversary of electronics. On that day in 1904 Sir John Fleming patented the oscillation valve, later known as the Fleming tube.
Surveillance with Your Sony Camcorder Eagletron

Feb 2005

 The PowerPod-LANC is a compact dome shaped unit on which your camcorder mounts easily but securely. It interfaces to your PC via a USB port.
Running 10BaseT Ethernet over existing but unused coax cable. Jack Andresen Energy Transformation Systems

Feb 2005

 Both the receive and transmit signals are combined in the hybrid before being sent to the balun to be impedance matched for transmission on the coax cable. A second identical device at the other end of the cable converts the impedance from 75 back to 100 ohms.
Remote control your home via the Internet using Web services with inexpensive AC wireless controller Gary Drake BroadbandSentry

Feb 2005

 In our previous articles here on HomeToys, we have presented some simple monitoring solutions for use with your home computer and the internet services at www.BroadbandSentry.com. In this article we will introduce the addition of remote control to the client software from BroadbandSentry.
New Life for Atari James Russo

Feb 2005

 The new Flashback console will include 20 original Atari 2600 classics, plus several 7800 games. In addition, Atari has released a joystick with several games right in the joystick.
Just What The Doctor Ordered Doc Greene Audio Video Designers

Feb 2005

 We specifically pulled a Mini High Resolution RGBHV cable, an SVGA cable, an S-video cable and 2 cat 5 wires to the plasma location from the rack. This would allow us to handle just about any video signal now or in the future.
IEEE 802.15.4 AND ZIGBEE COMPLIANT RADIO TRANSCEIVER DESIGN Khanh Tuan Le Chipcon

Feb 2005

 One of the most recent and promising wireless personal area network (WPAN) technologies is the IEEE 802.15.4/Zigbee standard. The harmonious combination of the IEEE 802.15.4 standard and the Zigbee wireless technology holds the promise to satisfy the market?s need for a cost-effective, standard-based and flexible wireless network technology for control and monitoring applications with low to moderate data rates.
HDMI ? Smaller Connector, Bigger Options DVIGear Technology Connection

Feb 2005
Flat Panel Mount Installation: Tips and Techniques for Success Top 10 Countdown Christelle Imhof and Al Mistarz Peerless Industries, Inc.

Feb 2005

 Regardless of whether you?re a professional home theater installer or a retailer offering in-home mounting options, you?ll want to keep the following ?Top Ten? tips and techniques at the top of your mind.
DVD Insider #21, #22 and #23 THE Insider

Feb 2005

 THE Insider has been busy again for the last few months. Here is some more of his insight about what's happening in the home technology and DVD industry.
Conceal, Reveal, Pivot, and Swivel Marlene Fawkes LIFT-TECH

Feb 2005

 What are those options in TV lifts that help solve problems in design, space, or both? In addition to ?up/down? lifts that you install in cabinets, you have other choices, such as, swivel, ceiling swivel, pivot and pivot swivel lifts. Let?s look at some of those design options that are offered.
Component Video and Twisted Pair in the Home Market Jeffrey Herman MuxLab Inc.

Feb 2005

 Component video transmission via copper twisted pair and passive balun technology is a viable option for residential AV installations and customers can expect to see innovative products that support this environment in the coming years.
Choosing A Front Projection Screen Terry Coffey Draper, Inc.

Feb 2005

 The bottom line is that there is a projection screen viewing surface and configuration designed to fit into whatever problem space you can come up with.
CE vs. IT for TVs Chris Connery DisplaySearch

Feb 2005

 The confusion in regards to resolution and the statistics about how monitors are being used are both good arguments for larger screens with lower resolutions as the best convergence products for meeting the price point expectations of the market.
Balanced Signal Delivery for a Unbalanced World Wes Black Calrad Electronics

Feb 2005

 Contrary to popular belief, advances in twisted pair and balun technology have resulted in audio-video performance that is virtually as good as any coaxial cable and in some instances surpass coax in terms of distance.
Ahhh, jus? phone it in! Nokia?s new camera phone makes imaging easy Bill Hubbard ThermoSight, Inc.

Feb 2005

 Once this camera is in place and cellphone service has been arranged, one may view images directly by email or MMS/SMS messaging to your cellphone. The camera may also be instructed to upload (email or MMS) images upon motion detection or when the ambient temperature moves out of a designated range.
Add Bass Shakers to Feel the Lows Brett McLaughlin O'Reilly Media, Inc.

Feb 2005

 Everyone?s home theater has bass, but with bass shakers, you can ensure that your listeners not only hear the bass, but also feel it.
Voice Alert: The Perfect Gift for Every Adult on Your Holiday List Juli Isola

Dec 2004

 Voice Alert? System-6 is a wireless notification system designed to install easily and provide instant information regarding what is going on in and around the home.
Video Intercoms Go High-Tech Carol Lieb Viking Electronics

Dec 2004

 The video controller monitors each door box and as soon as one is activated, it automatically switches the camera associated with that door box to your TV feed. You can route that feed to a single TV, or to your main cable feed, so you can view the visitor on any TV in your home.
Video Display Calibration The Nuts And Bolts Of It Tom Schulte Sencore, Inc.

Dec 2004

 It makes good business sense for custom A/V dealers to offer video display calibration services to their clients. Clients expect you to provide custom solutions to increase the enjoyment of their entertainment investment. When you calibrate his or her video display to achieve the highest picture quality possible, you will be delivering maximum value on every client's investment.
Use Your Camcorder as a PC WebCam trackercam

Dec 2004

 The combination of a camcorder, DVdriver, and IR-Pod brings serious users to a whole new level of webcamming.
Use a USB WEB Cameras, with wired and wireless sensors to create a simple to use, simple to install Gary Drake BroadBandSentry

Dec 2004
Unleash your wireless music with Apple's AirPort Express and Keyspan's Express Remote Mike Ridenhour Keyspan

Dec 2004

 Using the Express Remote, you can easily send common commands to iTunes including play, pause, stop, pause, mute, volume up/down, next track, previous track, etc.
The New Face Of Audio/Video Michael Green Michael Green Audio

Dec 2004

 Things are moving forward; they may not be they way we thought they would be (change never is), but things are moving forward nevertheless. We live in the computer age and in an age of efficacy. Because of this new age, this bright new world will make us more productive as individuals.
The Hi-Fi Guy ? News, Views & Hyperbole Brent McCall Ethereal Home Theater Accessories

Dec 2004

 HDMI incorporates all the cables that you need to hook up your A/V equipment into a single plug. Lets say that you have a plasma display and a DVR unit. Just plug in the HDMI cable between the plasma and the DVR, and everything that you need for audio/video and control is done.
Switch off the TV when Christmas comes! NoviiMedia

Dec 2004

 The NoviiRemote Blaster is an SD card that drops into your palmOne handheld and instantly converts it into a universal remote control. Take it with you wherever you go and you will be able to switch on the TV when a baseball match is on at a sport bar, turn off the volume of a screaming audio system at your friends? party, and to switch off the TV when Christmas comes.
Secure your boat Abucco

Dec 2004
Next Generation of Central Vacuums offers Wet and Dry Cleaning. AQUA-AIR WET/DRY Systems

Dec 2004

 The latest and most exciting innovation in central vacuums is now making them wet cleaning capable!
MULTI ROOM AUDIO SYSTEMS Matthew Bramble Opus Technologies.

Dec 2004

 In the future, it is likely that multi-room entertainment systems will become our primary means of accessing entertainment over the internet.
LOUDSPEAKERS AND THE DIGITAL AGE Jan Plummer Thorough Bass International

Dec 2004

 The requirements for the loudspeaker in the digital age must meet the standards imposed on the rest of the chain. The first is for the speaker to provide accurate sound information under the same conditions as the electronics may be used.
Introduction to Acoustic Treatment. Ethan Winer RealTraps

Dec 2004

 An acoustics expert explains the basics of treatment and bass traps, and reveals some surprising insights along the way.
Improve the Picture on Rear Projection TVs Excerpted from "Home Theater Hacks" Brett McLaughlin O'Reilly Media, Inc.

Dec 2004

 Taking the protective reflective screen off a rear projection television increases black levels, reduces glare, and makes for a much-improved picture, especially during daylight hours.
HTPCs Beget HTPCs Chris Bomicino Home Media Networks

Dec 2004

 How to integrate 10 HTPCs, solve the noise issues, make it cheap and inexpensive, make it flexible, make it simple to use, and use nothing but off-the-shelf parts.
Home Theater Solutions for the 21st Century Invisible, Surface-Mounted FlatWire Jonathan Yodis DeCorp Americas

Dec 2004

 Say goodbye to expensive and time-consuming in-wall installations, in favor of high performance, invisible Audio & Video wiring solutions.
Heated Driveways: Who, What, Where, When, Why, & How warmzone

Dec 2004

 Electric snow melting systems are fairly easy to install, and any experienced ?do-it-yourselfer?, contractor, or electricians would be a candidate for installing a system.
FlashPoint USB Memory Pen Drive XMULTIPLE

Dec 2004

 You could meet a business contact at lunch and be able to transfer data, (large spread sheets, Power Point Presentation, business contacts, etc.), from your USB memory stick to theirs all without the aid of a computer.
DVD Insider #18, #19 and #20 THE Insider

Dec 2004

 A series of articles about what's happening in the home technology and DVD industry.
Don't Stop Movin' Tim Windsor DivXNetworks

Dec 2004

 With a variety of mobile devices soon to come out, DivXNetworks has set up the DivX? Certified portable profile as a formalised procedure for integrated circuit (IC) manufacturers and OEM manufacturers to obtain the DivX Certified logo.
CEA Makes A/V Set-Up Easy with the CEA Connections Guide

Dec 2004

 With easy-to-understand descriptions and photographs of each connector, the Connections Guide shows the consumers where the connectors are located and how they can use them to optimize product performance.
Bats in your Belfry? Eagles in your trees? Well by all means, invite?em into your living room. Bill Hubbard ThermoSight, Inc.

Dec 2004

 There are a number of reasons why some homeowners find camera systems an attractive option aside from the oft-stated convenience and security. Some, for instance, find their ?guests? interesting, informative (especially if there are children in the household), perhaps even entertaining (a friend recently lent me a tape of burrowing owls ? they?re really neat, one might even say comical little creatures!). The ceiling inside a cabin containing a maternity colony of the Townsend's big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii). Image courtesy WA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife.
BACKUP! BACKUP! BACKUP! Gavin Smith PCFort

Dec 2004

 Data security and storage is a serious consideration for home PC users - and the answer is to use your broadband connection to automate regular backups to an offsite server.
AN ORDER FOR HIGH-DEF AUDIO, HOLD THE BIG BOX Lee Adams soundmatters, inc.

Dec 2004

 It's possible to bridge the gap between space-consuming home theater systems and no outboard speakers at all.
An Introduction to DVI and Digital Connectivity DVIGear Technology Connection

Dec 2004

 DVI comes in two ?classes?: single and dual link. Just to make things interesting, it is also important to note that DVI comes in three different ?formats?: DVI-D (digital only), DVI-I (digital and analog), and the so-called DVI-A (analog only).
Am I getting old? - Have my kids made me senile? How did I lose a 3,000+ pound brightly painted obje Mytithe

Dec 2004

 Using basic technology, no cord, no batteries, no Global Positioning System (GPS), high impact plastic, a metal ring and a few pictures, these scientists have developed the C-Car car-finding keychain ? it?s embarrassingly simple.
A Guide to Digital Video Jeff Wolfgang ComputerCableStore

Dec 2004

 HDMI, as of today, is much less complicated than DVI, although this new technology is backwards compatible.
Who?s watching over you? Bill Hubbard Thermosight Inc.

Oct 2004

 This ?vacation home? is the sort that can carry the homeowner (as well as guests and crew) around the world if desired. And the camera system aboard this 90-foot yacht is an excellent example of the theme of security and convenience.
Which Radiant Floor Heating System is Best for Me? Hydronic Hot Water Tubing or Electric Heating Ele

Oct 2004

 Radiant heat technology has made significant advances over the years and is an excellent way to supplement your existing heating system or be your sole source of heat.
Truth In Power Ratings Mark Stone NAD Electronics of America

Oct 2004

 Specs are, by their very nature, just a snapshot of an amplifier or receivers capability. NAD's Full Disclosure Power Rating is an attempt to bring a broader understanding to the power rating issue.
Surveillance on a Budget

Oct 2004

 Look to the left, look down, center the camera on that spot there, look to the right. Cover the whole room and get back to your vacation confident that all?s well. Cool, cheap, and it works. TrackerPod is a USB plug-and-play device that comes bundled with TrackerCam control software.
Secure your RV

Oct 2004

 Wouldn't it be great if you can rest assured your RV is safe and secure, no matter where you are. Now you can; eHawk SecureRV is the answer to the many problems recreational vehicle owners are facing today
NuTone Sensonic? Subwoofer Is Out of Sight and Out of the Way Christian Reick-Mitrisin Nutone

Oct 2004

 The SS4110PB is an in-wall subwoofer/amplifier combination, giving homeowners the chance to maintain high-sound quality without taking up unnecessary space
No cost / Low cost Web based monitoring system using your computer, and a free web based service fro Gary Drake BroadBandSentry

Oct 2004

 As we have shown in the past simple interfaces can be created to use the existing computer and the Internet. No need to wonder about the state of your home , vacation home or office
JVC ? Home Theater and Beyond

Oct 2004

 Whether it?s in the home theater environment or in the corporate setting, the DLA-HX1U?s ease of installation and user-friendly design are also key selling factors of these projectors.
Home Theatre Project Media Room Tom Grounds

Oct 2004

 There was no place for a TV. With the fireplace on one wall, book cases on another, a picture window on the other and a closet at the other end it was a challenge to find the right place for the TV and all of the speakers.
Home Theater Media Centers Matthew Coppedge CineMedius

Oct 2004

 A Media Center is a computer that is able to store and play music, video, pictures and files, and allows the user to connect and integrate this with their current home entertainment system (TV, Receiver, Satellite, Cable).
HOME LOUDSPEAKERS WILL NEVER SOUND THE SAME Chris Byrne Rockford Home Group

Oct 2004

 The comparison of performance between a DSP corrected system and a traditional passive system is so dramatic that even the untrained listener will immediately appreciate the difference. Music and movies should provide pure enjoyment. DSP speaker correction offers the most advanced technology to let listeners simply enjoy home audio.
Get The Most From Your HDTV VOOM

Oct 2004

 While some cable and satellite companies are beginning to work HD into their lineups, one new satellite service, VOOM, was created with HD expressly in mind for the untapped HDTV market. VOOM features a host of original HD content that is not available anywhere else.
Entertainment Centers, Networks Now!!! DVDeep Throat

Oct 2004

 Now everyone can share the printers, access the TV, stereo and video/music libraries even if that content is located on one of the other family member?s PC.
Art Frames for LCD TVs Technology Made Stylish Westinghouse Digital Electronics

Oct 2004

 The Art Frame requires no tools at all to install. The frame simply snaps onto the 30-inch LCD TV, and is easily removed for cleaning purposes.
Using a low cost personnel computer to create a web enabled monitoring system Gary Drake BroadbandSentry

Aug 2004

 Use that old computer you couldn?t part with for a home or office Web Enabled monitor controller!
Understanding Double Layer DVD Recording

Aug 2004

 The construction of a Double Layer DVD+R disc is complicated. Reflectivity, transmission and absorption of both recording layers must be balanced. Each recording layer has its own wobbled pre-groove that controls rotation speed and addressing for that layer. However, the entire ?table of contents? and system area of a Double Layer recordable disc is contained only on the first recordable layer (L0).
Thoughts on getting the best bass in your listening room Mark Stone PSB Speakers of America

Aug 2004

 The use of powered subwoofers and separate midrange/treble satellites both allows you to be conservative in the amount of power your main amplifier produces.
Protecting your CCTV equipment from lightning and other power-related problems Professional Security Group Dealer Tech Tip

Aug 2004

 Though there is no guaranteed way to protect your customers? DVR from lightning strikes and power surges, there are a few simple and inexpensive ways to reduce the chance of your customers? DVR being harmed.
Part Two Matthews Light Paper

Aug 2004

 Second in a series of ?Light Papers? that address technical and aesthetic issues relating to the application of Matthews Designer Lighting in home theater environments.
Lighting Controls Simplified Gary Axe & Avi Rosenthal On-Q Home

Aug 2004

 With the proper lighting control system, lighting within a room or even throughout and entire home can be controlled automatically when a single lighting control button is pressed, when a button is pressed on a remote control, when a door is opened or even when the sun rises and sets each day.
Installing Pan-Tilt-Zoom Cameras - Technical White Paper Professional Security Group Inc.

Aug 2004

 For installers who have not setup and configured PTZ cameras, it is always a good idea to set the camera up at your shop first using short wire runs. Ensuring you can setup and configure the camera properly will greatly reduce your installation time.
How much amplifier power do I need? Kathy Gornik THIEL Audio

Aug 2004

 Matching amplifier power to your listening expectations is a critical part of purchasing an audio system. Accounting for the three key factors (discussed herein) will help to insure that you realize maximum enjoyment and longevity from the components you choose.
Hello, My name is Paul I'm addicted to tweaking my system Paul DiComo Polk Audio

Aug 2004

 Paul?s job as Polk?s PR hack forces him to hobnob with rich and famous audio journalists. It takes a tough man like Paul to take on the tough jobs.
For convenience and coolness, put your home entertainment components in a rack. Michael N. Marcus AbleComm, Inc.

Aug 2004

 There are many logical reasons for putting electronic equipment in a rack. But racks look super-cool; and for big boys? toys, coolness is at least as important as logic.
Entertainment Servers, Big DVD and more on Rot! DVDeep Throat

Aug 2004

 We looked for a centralized CD/DVD storage solution that didn?t cost an arm and a leg and have seen a couple. But they still aren?t inexpensive and they aren?t idiot-proof yet.
Audio server pioneers Imerge exhibit at Cedia expo UK ? a personal view! Charlie Mertz Imerge

Aug 2004

 Imerge showed off the entire range of SoundServers, network players, PC and handheld control solutions and utilities, a unique loading solution, as well as a good proportion of the third party control systems that interface with the server.
What is gain? Draper, Inc. Draper, Inc.

Jun 2004

 Gain is a term that receives a lot of attention when talking about projection screens. However, the way in which the term is typically used may lead to some confusion not only about what exactly ?gain? is, but also about the inherent capabilities of projection screen materials to affect the projected image.
To Centralize or De-Centralize your lighting control: That is the question! Don Johnson Electronic Design Technology

Jun 2004

 The ?controlling? power has been built into each individual switch and scenes can be programmed and selected from pre-programmed switches in the house. Electricians and installers no longer have to learn special wiring schemes as they can wire a house using standard AC wiring methods, and run UL rated CAT5E cable drops into each junction box.
The Truth About True HDTV: How Do You Know You?re Truly Getting It? Randall Rosenbaum TERK Technologies

Jun 2004

 In order to maximize to maximize your HDTV viewing experience, an off-air antenna is an essential component, whether you choose to receive all of your HDTV signals exclusively via antenna, or use one to enhance your existing cable or satellite installation.
The Right Wall Mount Is Critical to Your LCD or Plasma Viewing Experience

Jun 2004

 If you?re thinking about buying a plasma or LCD TV, or if you already own one, it?s important to consider your mounting accessories as a critical component of your home entertainment system.
Short Coil/Long Gap Kathy Gornik THIEL Audio

Jun 2004

 Thiel?s short coil/long gap driver technology is heard by the listener as cleaner, clearer sound reproduction that does not disappoint for ease, naturalness and effortlessness.
Sensors Make ?Sense? for Home Automation Bert Centala Automated Environmental Systems LLC

Jun 2004

 Environmental sensor products can be a welcome addition to almost any Home Automation system whether they are used to actively control HVAC devices or to simply monitor key environmental parameters.
Plasma TVs ? Installation Considerations Allsmart Solutions Inc. Allsmart Solutions Inc.

Jun 2004

 If you consider these issues in the design and building process, you?ll be assured of the outstanding performance you expect.
Modulating On Digital Cable Systems Jack Urrutia Channelvision

Jun 2004

 Even though digital cable may present interesting challenges, it is still possible to distribute video sources around the house using a video modulator and the existing cable TV wiring.
Managing Your Digital Media Tom Goldberg Interact-TV Inc.

Jun 2004

 There is little doubt that, in the long run, managing digital media in the home will become an ever more important part of our lives, and products to aid in that effort will become ever more common.
Interfacing Lightolier Compose with an HAI Controller Thomas Morgan Worthington University

Jun 2004

 HAI and Lightolier is a product combination that is reliable, fast, flexible and 2-way, a tough combination to beat for an integrated whole house scene-based lighting solution.
DVD ? Faster, Bigger, Cheaper DVDeepThroat

Jun 2004

 Writing to keep you abreast of the DVD industry is tricky and we have to decipher all of the smoke/mirrors, claims/counterclaims.
Dude? Nice Betamax! Joshua Covington DivXNetworks, Inc.

Jun 2004

 This year, almost every major consumer electronics manufacturer is offering a multi-format DVD player capable of handling video encoded in many advanced compression formats. And these players cost less than you might think ? around US $70 for the basic models.
Drop-In RF Module Solutions for AMR Systems Xemics Xemics

Jun 2004

 This article looks at how the needs for flexibility, cost efficiency and regulatory systems can be met for Automatic Meter Reading (AMR). Geographic diversity and requirements as well as network infrastructure are discussed. Manufacturers? costs and risks in terms of time and development can be halved through the use of Drop-In Module solutions which can utilize the same board layout irrespective of radio frequency regulations.
Data Longevity on CD, DVD Media G.A. ?Andy? Marken Marken Communications

Jun 2004

 There is a lot of cheap CDR and DVDR media that has marginal quality. For some applications like games, quality isn?t critical. For irreplaceable, vital data like family photos, special events, vacations and family/friends memories quality does matter.
Content Filtering: In with the good, out with the bad Compex

Jun 2004

 Content Filtering helps users to control what a child is exposed to on the internet by allowing users to easily block unwanted websites. Easier to use than URL filtering, users may choose entire categories of websites to filter out.
Your New HDTV Needs A $500 Tune-up Michael Fremer Stereophile

Apr 2004

 You've probably spent thousands for your set. Is it worth spending a few hundred more to get it to produce the best possible picture? After your set is calibrated, chances are good you'll answer "Yes!"'
The Future of Home Theater Immersion: Crowson's "Linear-Direct-Drive?" Tactile Technology Randolph Crowson and John Yi Crowson Technology

Apr 2004

 Now, imagine handing the wheel to a friend, who waits as you actually get out, pop the hood, and sit directly on the engine.
THE CHALLENGES OF ROOM ACOUSTICS AND SYSTEM INTEGRATION Kathy Gornik THIEL Audio Products

Apr 2004

 It is no longer necessary to endlessly fiddle with the many knobs on subwoofer crossovers that at the very best only approximate the right response and usually leave the consumer frustrated and feeling inadequate to the task.
Software Issues and the Home Theater Personal Computer Dean Roddey Charmed Quark Software

Apr 2004

 We believe that the scheme described here would be an optimal solution for software vendors to take when supporting external control in their products, but the primary reason for this article is less to offer specific architectural recommendations than it is to make more people aware of this issue.
Smart Homes The Human Aspect People Have Feelings Part 2 of 2 Guy Schory controlgs

Apr 2004

 We admire our smart home. It keeps us safe & happy. This has to do with feelings, right? But have you ever wondered why Psychology, Fashion and Feelings are never mentioned when it comes to Home Automation - is it merely about AC3, CAT5 and X-10 ?
Home Technology Integration Home Automation System Selection Issues Clear Lighting & Electrical Design

Apr 2004

 If you have experienced an early example of ?modern home automation? that did not meet your expectations, then it is time to re-visit the new, lower priced control systems that are available in the market today. As with all technology over the past ten years, the improvements have been extraordinary.
High-Definition (HDTV) and Digital (DTV) Television Connection and Cabling Gefen Inc.

Apr 2004

 DVI is currently a format of choice for professional installers, favored for its ability to carry and deliver uncompressed digital video resolutions up to 1080i.
Down the Bottom End Richard G. Elen Meridian Audio Ltd

Apr 2004

 Bass Management attempts to insure that bass is sent to speakers that can handle it, but it is often misunderstood. This article introduces the subject, and points out some pitfalls for the unwary.
Deja View's Wearable CamWear Les Goldberg Deja View

Apr 2004

 The first in a series of wearable digital camcorders with Reich's patent-pending "after-the-fact" technology, giving it the ability to capture sights and sounds that occur 30 seconds BEFORE the user presses the "record" button.
Connectivity Keeping Up - High-Definition Multimedia Interface Michael Weizer Accell Corporation

Apr 2004

 The HDMI interface is an all-digital interface, eliminating the signal degradation that occurs in the signal conversion process. It combines both audio and video into a single, compact interface for use with DVD players, digital TV's, set-top boxes, and other audio and video devices.
Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters Bringing Safety and Technology Together Eaton Electrical

Apr 2004

 The National Electrical Code requires that AFCIs be used to protect circuits in residential bedrooms for all new construction. The same protection can be gained in older homes by having them installed on some, or all, of your home's circuits.
Thinking About a Universal Remote? Consider Usage Model, Costs, Range Anne Price UltraMote

Feb 2004

 Even if you only use your PDA to sync up to your workplace calendar or to store your address book, most PDAs are capable, with a little help, of helping you manage remote clutter and consolidate your home theater functions.
The 'Whole Home Systems' Vision Part 1 - An illustration

Feb 2004

 Just imagine how great your life would be if everything was easy to use, did exactly what you expected and really worked together.
Tales from the Input Side Nick Colleran Acoustics First

Feb 2004

 One of the most effective bass traps is the polycylindrical diffuser. These are large curved surfaces, bowed out from the wall at their center.
Smart Homes The Human Aspect People Have Feelings Part 1 of 2 Guy Schory controlgs

Feb 2004

 We admire our smart home. It keeps us safe & happy. This has to do with feelings, right? But have you ever wondered why Psychology, Fashion and Feelings are never mentioned when it comes to Home Automation - is it merely about AC3, CAT5 and X-10 ?
Selecting a Structured Cabling System for Home Networking, Automation and Entertainment Frank Koditek Belden Electronics Division

Feb 2004

 It makes sound business sense for homeowners to take the time to research the residential cabling system marketplace and apply the same value-based thinking to selecting a cabling system as they do in selecting their home.
Mathews Light Paper - Part One

Feb 2004

 First in a series of "Light Papers" that address technical and aesthetic issues relating to the application of lighting in home theater environments.
Listening to High-Resolution Audio: or, How Do We Get from "A" (your SACD or DVD-A disc) to "B" (you Charles Conte Tannoy

Feb 2004
KEF'S NEW 'ACE' TECHNOLOGY It's All To Do With Size Andy Giles KEF

Feb 2004

 As the speaker diaphragm compresses the air in the cabinet, the activated carbon absorbs more air molecules. The diaphragm consequently experiences less resistance to its motion, as if the volume of air in the cabinet were larger.
Internet Telephony Coming To A Cable Outlet Near You Wayne Caswell CAZITech

Feb 2004
Installing Residential Modulators In Homes With Digital Cable Television Stuart Lindsay North American Cable Equipment, Inc.

Feb 2004

 Most residential modulators have output ranges on the CATV band from Channels 65-135. Since the output of the modulator and the digital cable signals are on the same frequency, they cannot be combined onto the same coaxial cable without interfering with each other.
HomeToys Interview Pat Griffis Digital Home Working Group

Feb 2004

 The DHWG recognizes the importance that consumers place on being able to move both personal and purchased content throughout the home network. At this time, the industry is developing the Digital Rights Management (DRM)/Copy Protection (CP) technologies it will need to deliver protected purchased content anywhere within the digital home.
Home Technology Integration Lighting Controls For The Custom Home Clear Lighting & Electrical Design

Feb 2004

 Consider the benefits lighting control systems provide; controlling the lighting to provide a warm pleasant area for living, to brightly illuminate any area for safety and home security, increased energy savings, and most importantly, maintaining the atmosphere you are trying to accomplish with your home design.
Home Networking Solutions - Infrared controls Dave Brown Scion Technology

Feb 2004

 When the viewer (zone) selects a channel from a device they also take personal control of the device functionality leaving others to simply view the selected channel until the first viewer de-selects.
Theater In A Bus Gregory J. Miller Gold Line

Dec 2003

 A small theater in my home had come together fairly well, and when my partner asked if I could build him a little home theater in his RV Bus, it seemed like the perfect gift. The concept seemed rationale; we would take a couple of components we had hanging around the office and just install them in the Bus.
The Forgotten Component John Bubernak SoundWalls LLC

Dec 2003

 It's been known from the beginning, but ignored out of ignorance and/or lack of motivation. Why sell room acoustics when electronic components carry generous mark-ups? Now both problems are solved.
Selecting An Electrical Contractor What to do when it is time for the 'wire to meet the walls' Clear Lighting & Electrical Design

Dec 2003

 You are the customer. Take your time. You probably don?t buy a new car without walking into the showroom, asking questions, checking the warranty, looking at the maintenance shop capabilities, taking it for a test drive, etc. Don?t hire a contractor without checking them out just as thoroughly as you would that new car.
Reinventing the Television Industry Jeff Morris Sanus Systems

Dec 2003

 When you buy your new flat panel, the first thing you'll notice is that there isn't any hardware included for mounting on the wall. The reasons for this are easy. First, some situations have you placing your new TV on a piece of furniture. For this, the manufacturers have included a stand. Second, mounting needs are so varied, that it would be impossible to include hardware for every situation.
Personal Weather Stations ? A Home Toy that ?Works John Johnston WeatherHawk

Dec 2003

 Solar powered, wireless weather stations that "look good" and have a full range of Plug-and-Play OEM-approved and supported software drivers for most home automation control systems can be purchased for around $2,000. Weather information from these systems is networked through the home so that everyone in the family can know what's happening with their local weather.
Personal Notification System Keeps Tabs on the Naughty and Nice Cross Point Industries Inc.

Dec 2003

 An important message, such as "I know when you are being naughty or nice," can be heard throughout the house and alert the entire family when a sensor is triggered.
New Product Makes Cordless Wall Phones Truly Cordless James Sherman Leviton Manufacturing Company

Dec 2003

 The device installs neatly in a standard wall box and allows the cordless phone to be mounted on the wall anywhere an installation is desired, no longer restricting it to the nearest AC outlet. Since both the phone jack and power supply are contained within the device, the bulky transformer and external wires no longer need to be visible.
Game [Not] Over Gamers: Protect Yourself Before It's Too Late! Patrick Donovan American Power Conversion

Dec 2003

 A good surge protector will protect your system's hardware from physical damage as the result of power surges, spikes, and even lightning. When purchasing a good surge protector, look for one that has a low (at least <330V) Let-Through Voltage rating, enough outlets to protect your entire entertainment system, and data line surge protection jacks.
Are you planning to replace your VCR with a PVR? Rob Williams

Dec 2003

 TIVO is the most well known basic PVR and they got there by licensing the service to other vendors in the field ... mainly Sony and Philips.
The Internet: Shopping and Flopping Buying Home Entertainment and Automation on the Net David Teel Avenida Network

Oct 2003

 Selling boxes is easy. Buying boxes is easy. Integrating the boxes may not be so easy. Designing the right system with the right boxes is even harder, thus the reason homeowners pay integrators to engineer and install the perfect working system.
The 411 on 10-31 Stefan Willmert Intellanet

Oct 2003

 Halloween time approaches. You love gadgets. You work hard. It's time to have some fun with the neighbors, or host your own haunted party. Halloween is the perfect time to automate your scariest ideas. Here are a few of our favorites from the Intellanet Home Automation Library.
Questions to Ask and Know Before Purchasing a Video Processor Video Processors, The Swiss Army Knife Isaac Saboohi and Sean Walsh

Oct 2003

 Video processors offer distinct quality and performance advantages over the minimal internal processing included with video source equipment and displays. Only a video processor can process and scale a wide variety of input resolutions to the perfect native output that the displays require.
Protection during Electrical Outages; Power Quality Everyday Ramon Esparolini RayMark Engineering

Oct 2003

 Generally speaking, the quality of electrical power has either remained the same or in most cases has become worse even without the effects of a "power outage" event. And keep in mind too, that with the expediential growth in digital technology there is an increase in the demand for high quality, low voltage which cannot be met without first obtaining high quality, high voltage.
I want my MP3 music throughout my house now! Prasanna M. Shah Pragmatic Communications Systems, Inc.

Oct 2003

 This article describes how MP3 music from a computer in the home office was distributed throughout the house on existing cat3 phone wires for a customer not willing to spend a lot of money with professional installers. It took less than half a Sunday afternoon to finish the whole project. Even though this project utilized cat3 wires, the solution is applicable to cat5, cat5e and cat6 wiring as well.
HomeToys Interview Chip Brown Sonance

Oct 2003

 Sonance wants to be an "end-to-end" solution provider for multi-zone products, providing products from source components, to control/switching systems, to playback products likes amps and speakers.
Future-Proofing for Your Home with Carlon? Resi-Gard? Renee Bruno Carlon, Lamson and Sessions

Oct 2003

 Installing raceways throughout the house provides the opportunity to easily remove the outdated cable and replace it with new cable without tearing up the walls.
EATing-in again? Lets' take the HEAT off you: Electronic Assistive Technology, Smart homes and disab Guy Dewsbury, Elizabeth Sergeant, Gordon Baxter and Stan Johnston

Oct 2003
Up Scale Up Converting The TV One imageMAX AVT-3700 Al Gibson

Aug 2003

 How about we take that VCR's output and convert it to 480p or 576p or 720p or maybe 1080i HDTV resolution by scaling the available video up a notch or two? While we are at it, lets stabilize the output of that ratty old VCR and give the user some handles on the Brightness, Color Saturation, Color Hue and Contrast.
THE TRUTH ABOUT WHOLE-HOUSE CABLING Steve Rochman Revotech

Aug 2003

 Open, or unused connectors and wall plates are un-terminated, and un-terminated cable or transmission lines reflect energy. Such signal reflections feed back into the main cable/satellite system, reducing both signal quality and signal to noise ratio (SNR) throughout the entire home.
The Structured Channeling Manifesto Bruce Gutman Wiretracks

Aug 2003

 Structured channeling prepares you for the future and allows you to install new technologies wherever you want. By embracing structured channeling, you not only meet today's needs, but tomorrow's as well.
The Connected Home'; Event Preview

Aug 2003

 The Connected Home? event on 24-25 September, London, will offer a practical focused two-day conference on the real implications, strategies and technology challenges for the profitable implementation of the connected home.
Protect Your Home's Electrical Power & Technology Ramon Esparolini RayMark Engineering

Aug 2003

 Always keep in mind that in order to have quality low voltage (home automation, home theater, etc.) you must first have quality high voltage.
Pitch Timbre And Quality vs The Subwoofer Jan Plummer Thorough Bass Inc.

Aug 2003

 Although the subwoofer is producing the fundamentals and some harmonics from a recording; the time or phase delay resulting from the alignment and mass differential (relative to the main speakers) causes the sounds from the subwoofer to become unrelated to those of the main speakers. This occurs even though the sounds were in sync and harmonically related when they electrically entered the respective loudspeakers.
Impact of Power Consumption on Consumer Electronics Ross Bannatyne Motorola Semiconductor Products Sector

Aug 2003

 Consumers are demanding ? and advances in semiconductor technology have enabled -- bigger and better color screens, more intuitive user interfaces, faster performance, more wireless interconnectivity, and smaller and more portable form factors. This means that for the same battery size and battery lifespan, all types of electronic products must take advantage of low power semiconductor devices in order to incorporate more features while consuming less power.
HomeToys Interview John O'Donnell Equator Technologies Inc.

Aug 2003

 This is an exciting time to be in our industry. Consumer electronics are advancing in ways that people never expected them to. When you bought your first DVD player, you never thought to yourself that one day I can watch a DVD while downloading and burning a movie from the Internet, let alone burn that entire movie onto a single 700MB CD at better than VHS quality. But thanks to advances in codecs and silicon technology, entertainment enthusiasts will finally have a way to enjoy Internet video in the living room without the PC.
HomeToys Interview Carl Bowman CompTIA HTI+ Certification Program

Aug 2003

 CompTIA works closely with the training industry and publishers to help third parties develop course and training materials for the HTI+ program. Currently community colleges across the nation are planning training and curricula for HTI+, and several publishers have published training materials for the HTI+ exam.
HomeToys Interview Kristine Stewart Internet Home Alliance

Aug 2003

 According to Parks Associates, by year's end, 23.5 million U.S. homes will have broadband access and 11 million homes will have some form of PC-centric home network. Given those forecasts, and our own research, which shows that consumers have a strong desire and need for connected home solutions, we're bullish on market acceptance of connected home technologies.
Home Theater that Sounds like the Real Thing: iDP Technology Tunes Loudspeakers to your Room Charles Conte Tannoy

Aug 2003

 The iDP software package allows the installer to alter the precision, factory-defined frequency response for each loudspeaker and add delay to the system so that audio performance is perfectly matched to the acoustics of a particular home theater environment.
Disconnected: Consumers And The Mobile Phone Industry a White Paper John Barrett Parks Associates

Aug 2003

 Table of Contents 1.0 There Went the Big Spenders 2.0 Conspicuously Not Consuming 3.0 Does Anybody Really Want All This Technology? 4.0 What?s Really Wrong with the Industry
AUTOMATED INTERIOR PLANT-CARE And the Environmental Aspects of Home Technologies Stuart D. Snyder S. D. Snyder & Assoc.

Aug 2003

 APM systems were developed primarily for container plants in furnished interiors, but can be used for many bedded installations as well. Large plants, small plants, dry-loving plants and moisture-loving plants can be serviced by the same system.
Webcomodore the Ultimate Energy Cost Buster

Jun 2003

 Shovon's Internet ready, Webcomodore product line, introduces new and groundbreaking techniques to the marketplace. It utilizes the power of the Internet to generate value for users to administer energy spending. Web services are not only used for entertainment or information technology but also for building/home automation or for energy management.
Trends in Residential Energy Management A White Paper Kurt Scherf Parks Associates

Jun 2003

 Expect cautious incursions into the world of deployed energy management solutions in the beginning. Eventually, however, we believe that commercial deployments in larger numbers will be the norm, at least in certain markets. After 30+ years of watching a market evolve at a painstakingly tortuous pace, the next few years should provide some interest and excitement.
The Future for Radios is Digital John Hansen Digital Radio, Audio & Telematics Organization

Jun 2003

 For Christmas 2003 a new, unheard world of audio entertainment is expected reach listeners in the form of aftermarket AM/FM automotive radios. Symphony digital radios as original equipment in cars are expected to appear in 2004.
The Cold Sweat And Hot Chills Of HVAC And Security Rick Tinker HomeSeer Technologies, LLC

Jun 2003

 With the increased reliability of HVAC home automation solutions, you can enjoy the benefits of control, convenience and energy savings in your home. By integrating the security system to the HVAC system, you can greatly simplify the effort of pulling it all together. Now, there is no reason to have cold feet about implementing your own system. In fact, there is no reason to have cold feet at all!
Sierra Solar commissions largest residential photovoltaic system in California at 57 KW Jonathan Hill Sierra Solar Systems

Jun 2003

 The family has now completely eliminated their high utility bill and will be powering their home for generations to come with clean renewable energy. In addition, local wildlife will receive the benefit of a year-round drinking supply.
LIGHTING THE WAY TO ENERGY EFFICIENCY - AND COST SAVINGS - WITH WHOLE-HOME LIGHTING CONTROLS Roger Stamm Lutron Electronics

Jun 2003

 It's not often we associate something that consumes power-such as lighting-as a means to saving or conserving, but by their inherent design and very purpose, lighting controls are a way to not only save electricity and related costs, they're a fun, convenient and futuristic way to go about it.
Easy retrofit for multi-source multi-zone audio/video and control on existing coaxial cables in the Prasanna M. Shah Pragmatic Communications Systems, Inc.

Jun 2003

 Finally there is a solution for the homes that were abandoned by the Sony DST years ago. There is a simple plug-and-play solution for multi-zone, multi-source Audio/Video signal distribution and control over RG6 or RG59 cables also. The advanced keypad controller also enhances the aesthetics of the system. Any standard structured wired home with home-run coaxial cables can also benefit from this solution.
Broadcast your Video/Audio Sources to your TVs Scott Clark Crossbar Media

Jun 2003

 Instead of buying another TiVo, ReplayTV or sitting in front of your PC to watch your recorded movies, consider implementing a whole house coax based network that allows you to watch AND control those devices from any TV in any room attached to the network. Using off-the-shelf technology you can send your AV signals from any source to all your TVs on standard Coax Cable. We introduce you to the basics of Coax technology and how you can broadcast your PC or PVR movies to all your TVs.
?Jeannie? The House That Listens Don Marquardt

Jun 2003

 I am in the never ending process of automating my third home and did most of the wiring before the walls went up. That is the easy way and gives you more options. This additional wiring was to provide for features not supported by X10 such as phones, computer connections, audio and video distribution. House #1 had a few motion detectors, lamp modules, and wall switches. Not much as far as automation is concerned but then again, very low cost for what I was able to accomplish. House #2 of course had more of the same plus some additional functions that were more in the automation and "Fun Things" area.
What You Don't Know about Home Electrical Safety Can Shock You Ray Bruce Leviton

Apr 2003

 To best protect yourself and your family, have GFCIs installed in all areas both inside and outside your home Maywhere a water source is present and receptacles are required. Replacing your current GFCIs with models that meet the new, tougher listing requirements will help ensure that they withstand conditions that have damaged GFCIs in the past.
Tracking Energy Waste Christopher Clement

Apr 2003

 The Submeter shows you where electrical power goes in your apartment building, office, marina, or RV park! Do you have a "smart house"? A submeter can track all of your branch circuits and report power anomalies. Read and control from any internet connection.
The Importance of Power Conditioning For Peak System Performance Bob Smith Panamax Corporation

Apr 2003

 Power products that protect rack components and its programming functions from power anomalies minimize the risk of maintenance calls and dissatisfied consumers, which, in turn maximizes profitability and the opportunity for future referral business.
Redefining Whole-House Lighting Control Jeff Morrison Lightolier Controls

Apr 2003

 These new devices are by far the most flexible, feature-packed and best value power line carrier devices available. In addition, they are completely compatible with all existing Lightolier Controls Compose PLC products.
PC ? Centric Digital Home Entertainment Driving The Next Revolution Inside The Digital Home Rakesh Agrawal SnapStream Media Inc.

Apr 2003

 Existing consumer electronics devices suffer from the problems of being isolated and standalone in an increasingly networked world, of being complex to setup and use. The personal computer is the ideal platform to solve these problems and that will make the PC the center of home entertainment.
It's a wedding, and you're invited! No need to shop for gifts - it's a marriage of technologies! Bill Hubbard ThermoSight, Inc.

Apr 2003

 This simple system can provide a measure of convenience and security to the homeowner - especially if the video from this system is integrated into the home television system. With that integration, camera coverage may be viewed from any television in the home; and with the system integrated into the homeowner's LAN, camera coverage may not only be viewed, but may be re-positioned from any PC in the house.
HVAC Zoning Controls Tom W. Jackson Jackson Systems, LLC

Apr 2003

 Homeowners would like to increase their comfort level while conserving energy. An excellent method to do this is through zoning. Most two-story homes have an 8 to 10 degree temperature difference between upstairs and downstairs (because heat rises). Additionally, larger ranch homes generally have a big temperature difference between one end of the house and the other (due to the distance of the duct runs).
How I get my hot water fast! Bill Lund

Apr 2003

 Electricity savings for a household of four occupants varied from about 200 kW-h/year to 400 kW-h/year for a single point of use. Extrapolation to a home with at least four points of use would imply electricity savings from 800 kW-h/year to 1600 kW-h/year.
Home Builder Support For Structured Wiring In The Low-End New Home Maury French CMF Enterprises

Apr 2003

 Builders, talk to your vendors about structured wiring. When you are approached by one of the fine structured wiring companies, listen to them. When a prospective homeowner asks you about structured wiring, either find a reputable company to work with them or allow them to do it themselves. Prospective homeowners, ask your builder if they offer structured wiring options. If they don't, ask if you can contract it yourself. If they say no, say thank you and find another builder.
Designing Dependable Systems Guy Dewsbury, Karen Clarke, Mark Rouncefield Lancaster University

Apr 2003

 Systems in the home of older and disabled people, must be appropriate, and this means they are required to be accepted by the user (so they will be used), trustworthy (so they do not breakdown or fail), adaptable (so they can be added to in the future and reset as the person?s needs change as well as being ?fit for the purpose?, by which we mean they do what they say on the packet, they do what the user expects them to do, when the user expects them to do it, in the manner the person expects them to do it.
Creating an Effective VPN Implementation on Embedded Linux John Drabik Arcturus Networks

Apr 2003

 This article discusses issues and tradeoffs associated with implementation of IPsec onn Virtual Private Network (VPN) gateways. It does not discuss IPsec configuration, setting up a tunnel, or configuring a key-exchange.
CAT 5 is not just for Networking Anymore Song Zun Huang Home Director Inc

Apr 2003

 Even if the homeowner doesn't have a particular use for CAT 5 today, the low cost of the wire and the future uses make it easy to see why you would want to "future-proof" your house by installing CAT 5. It's exciting when new technologies become so affordable and compelling that average users can see the value they offer.
Careers In Structured Wiring Installation William Black Copper Development Association

Apr 2003

 A career in the installation of structured wiring can be profitable and fun. It is a new trade that offers many of the rewards of traditional trades as well as exposure to a variety of new, ever-changing technologies and business opportunities. Why not get started today?
""Get a Lift in the Kitchen"" Patti D. Fleetwood Fleetwood Communications

Apr 2003

 Although lift installations in kitchens are not commonplace, affluent clients with large kitchens offer the best opportunity for such an add-on.
Market for Residential Lighting Control Brightens While Installation/Ownership Concerns Dim John French CentraLite

Feb 2003

 Ease of installation and programming, excellent markup potential, and low service callbacks are enticing more custom electronics dealers, general contractors and electrical contractors into the market year after year, ensuring the market a bright future.
IP Enabled Home Automation Hin Oey

Feb 2003

 Home automation is with us for many decades. And for all those years, when you know where to look, you could have the future running in your house. The first question that arises is "what is it?" It starts with terminology, e.g. in Europe the term 'domotics' is often used, or 'domotique' in French or 'domotica' in Dutch. Home automation is more American, and also smart or intelligent house is often used. Although you could use these terms as synonyms, there is more then a particular flavor to each. However, if you ask an ordinary citizen what is home automation and if they have it at their place; you will probably get a blank expression back. And then if you tell them it is about home toys, they will relax: "Oh, it's 'toys for the boys', go have fun, I go on with my life." The most striking definition of domotics came forward two years ago when I edited a domotics trend analysis, which, after two years, is still remarkable accurate: "domotics (or home automation) is something that doesn't work; as soon as it works we do not call it domotics anymore ?". State of the art Especially in America home automation, as a low cost easy to install system, is probably best known in relation to X10 applications. Based on the power cabling a wide variety of home management and control solutions are available (www.x10.com or www.hometoys.com) . X10 mainly directs the switching of lights and all kind of appliances (by managing the power plug). Also in Europe you have many systems, but they are more based on installation by professional, and to an increasing extend based on more open standards like EIB and Konnext. But either by wireless remote control or computer controlled management a remarkable versatile and flexible in house service and comfort situation can be achieved. At present a new group of home automation solutions are offered in relation to wireless television and camera system, directed either to flexible in house locations of viewing television (including remote use of your video or DVD recorder), or simple surveillance applications like viewing the baby room, the front door or your garden. Even more recently wireless safety and security systems are coming on the market. An intriguing example is the system of Trust, which you might know as a vendor of computer peripherals. May we expect Microsoft to be offering home automation in the near future? Based on telephony you also see directions of development. Most visible are probably the telephony based home care systems which a range of services to support elderly and less or disabled people. Primarily this is directed towards calling external help in cases of emergency, but often also functionality in included like simple burglary alarm of fire safety components. In Europe you also see new safety and security applications and services based on mobile GSM telephony, which in Europe is much wider spread then in America. Interoperability Specific, non integrated one issue solutions, however, do not add up to mature home automation systems. First there is not much of interoperability between systems. You can buy specific systems directed towards a specific task. But at that time you are in a lock-in situation. Your system won't communicate or integrate with other systems and probably even worse; you know that technology is developing very rapidly and that it is very likely that your system will already be obsolete when you are unpacking. Maybe not in the sense that it is not functioning any more, but that new systems, even from the same vendor, will perform better or are easier to operate. And you may only hope that replacement parts of your system will still be available in the (near) future. Secondly it is also hardly possible to exchange a part of a system by a component of an other brand. Of course from a technology point of view it won't be too hard. If you know enough about Mhz and you understand the specifications of your systems, you might be able to manage a multi-vendor system. But then you must know what you are doing, and that means it is not for the general public or user friendly neither to choose nor to install and operate; and that brings home automation back to the niche of 'home toys'. External communication What also is lacking about traditional home automation systems is that they are confined inside your home. For a bit of luxury and comfort that's OK. But what happens if you are away and you had a power failure, who is switching on your freezer again? Or can you have your television reprogrammed online without having a service person coming to your house? Or can you check that your heating system is functioning (and switch it on or reboot) when there is a sudden cold and you are away for a few days. With computer appliances this direction is already visible with, for example high end printers which automatically arrange maintenance if a malfunction arises. Of course there are systems that can do that, but again you must know what to look for and know what you are doing. Although many home automation systems support functionality for dial-in communication, this are specific vendor dependent solutions. More in general for communications with the outside world you have the concept of a residential gateway. However, these systems are still in their infancy. Many questions have not been addressed yet, let alone that they are fully operational in the sense that they are open systems able to interface with all kind of devices and appliances. Probably the main question is ... who will be the service provider for your residential gateway. Will it be the power company? Then it might be more of metering system?. Will it be your telephone or television company? Will it be a broadband system? But you have no cable or are more interested in satellite services? And why broadband if you are only interested in checking your heating system, switching on your freezer and such. You only need to be able to get a few bits over the line and not Mbytes. And even worse, how does your residential gateway knows how to communicate with all these devices and appliances? A general article about exchanges/gateways is Design Challenges for Home Gateway Devices by Satish Gupta. Internet connectivity A rather new direction is the development of internet into an intelligent network. Not only are the devices and components IP-enabled, but they are also aware of other components on the net and are capable to interact directly with each other without human interference or a central management computer; when the door opens, the light, heating, and ventilation 'know' that they should become active.
Home Wiring What Should You Do? Stefan Willmert Intellanet

Feb 2003

 As you may realize, preparing your home for technology requires some thought and planning. Take a little time now to layout your plans according to your needs and lifestyle, and you will save yourself headaches as technology changes. If needed, consult an expert to help you determine your needs and provide a plan that suits your lifestyle.
Hardwired Lighting Control: Now Affordable and Reliable Jimmy Busby CentraLite

Feb 2003

 Because of the complexity and the high cost, lighting control and whole house integration has only been available to a fortunate few. By keeping devices simple and programming easy, automation can become something that everyone can use. In the future, everyone is going to expect to have it.
Future of Distributed Audio for the Home is Exciting and Innovative Chip Stewart Zon Audio

Feb 2003

 The expanding and more complex list of sound output devices means distributed audio technology needs to be ahead of the curve to handle current and future generations of output devices. This is where the distributed audio buyer needs to be aware of recent advancements in system architecture, attractive styling, and ease-of-use features.
DLP, LCD or CRT Projection The Best Choice For Your Needs Richard Railey Interactive Interiors Inc.

Feb 2003

 When it comes to Home Video Projection there seems to be a compromise between the amount one is willing to spend and the quality available at the right price. DLP, LCD or CRT projectors; what do these terms mean and does the latest buzz mean it is the best. We'll analyze which technology is the best for you, when it comes to selecting your Video Projection device.
Convergence-- the ieHIP way! Lawrence W. McGeorge A5tek Corp.

Feb 2003

 You can watch last week's exciting TV series today, pause and rewind live news, surf the Internet, send fax and email messages, play games, shop online and so much more at the comfort of your couch.
ZON Whole House Audio -- 100% Digital

Dec 2002

 ZON Audio by Oxmoor offers simplified control and management of the home audio environment. It is a 100% digital, whole-house audio system that delivers crystal clear sound with 60 watts of power to every room with absolutely no degradation of sound quality or volume at even the most distant points.
Upgrade to Power 'Runtime' with An Uninterruptible Power Supply Greg Fournier American Power Conversion

Dec 2002

 A UPS, at its most basic level, should have the same high-quality surge suppression capabilities, but that's just the starting point.
Roomba The Robot Sweeps Up Colin Angle iRobot

Dec 2002
Proper Staging Techniques for Multi-Stage Thermostats Jerry C. Drew XCI Corporation

Dec 2002

 The type of staging for multi-stage thermostats ranges from the very simple temperature based controls for inexpensive thermostats to the sophisticated dynamic staging that uses fuzzy logic mathematical algorithms for smooth, efficient control. The differences in control techniques should be considered when determining which thermostat will be connected to the manufacturer's equipment.
Multichannel Mayhem Mohsin Imtiaz Texas Instruments' Performance Audio group

Dec 2002

 The rapid adoption of the DVD format and growth in home theater sales has brought surround sound to the consumers. With its ability to create a dramatically more realistic and immersive audio experience, multichannel audio is now migrating to applications and systems beyond its original home in the home theater. The proliferation of multichannel audio will continue to accelerate as the availability of content in multichannel formats increases and audio DSP technology becomes more powerful and less expensive.
Maximize the Performance of your In-wall Speakers David Smith Snell Acoustics

Dec 2002

 In this paper we will discuss how and where to mount your in-wall speakers for best performance. We will explain how the wall cavity can strong impact their performance, and what to do about it.
Lighting Your Way to a More Secure, More Beautiful Home Roger Stamm Lutron Electronics

Dec 2002

 The features and advantages of modern lighting control systems are truly incredible. Technological advancements have given us comprehensive and affordable home lighting controls that can do things Thomas Edison would have never dreamed were possible. And more and more people are realizing-and taking advantage of-these benefits.
IR - Hardwired Distribution Mark McCall automatedhome

Dec 2002

 After a 12 month "sentence" using the Pyramid style IR-RF-IR repeaters we were so fed up. It was always a balancing act trying to get them to work. So..hardwired IR distribution was high on the agenda for James Hoyes annual Automate-a-thon. Here is how we got it all operating...
IEEE1394 Serial bus : Firewire in the Home Pala Trinadh Wipro Technologies

Dec 2002

 The IEEE1394 serial bus is a low cost and high performance bus that interconnects consumer electronics audio video devices and PCs. The 1394 bus enables simple interconnections between devices with a single cable wire. The devices can be plugged in and out of the 1394 network while they are in powered on stage, i.e., hot pluggable. The devices get automatically detected and configured without any necessity for manual configuration. The devices can talk to each other, i.e., peer-to-peer communication, without any intervention or support of Personal Computers. The 1394a standard bus supports 100,200,400 mbps speeds and 4.5 meter cabling. Whereas the latest 1394b standard supports speeds 100,200,400,800 up to 3.2Gbs and Plastic optical cabling (POF) up to 100 meters.
Holster that Drill, Cowboy SecureView PLC Video Products make retrofit easy. Cory Tellbuescher SeaView Video Technology Inc.

Dec 2002

 Whether overt or covert, the PLC advantage is clear: Without the burden of additional cabling, and minus the hassle of installation, SecureView products turn potential retrofit nightmares into sweet dreams. And multi-channel, multi-camera systems are already in beta.
Driveway And Entry Annunciators For Home Automation David Steele Magicmation, Inc

Dec 2002

 Driveway and entry annunciators have been around for many years. To add them to your home automation and security system can add a whole new meaning to convenience. They can provide you not only with being alerted when a visitor approaches, but also turn on lights for safety and convenience.
Coming To A PC Near You Michael Greeson Parks Associates

Dec 2002

 Movielink ushers in a new genre of content provisioning capable of radically altering the business of movie rental. While you may disagree with this claim, to those likely impacted by this move, this is indeed big news. Reprinted from the November 17, 2002 edition of "Parks' Points"
Anywhere that Style Matters Lori Fawkes LIFT-TECH

Dec 2002

 The possibilities are endless. You may want the family portrait, a brick fireplace, or an aquarium in front of that TV. Perhaps you mounted the marlin you caught off the coast last season or finally framed the autographed baseballs you collected since you were eight years old and didn't have the perfect place to display them. Now you do!
Ambient Health Dashboards David Rose Ambient Devices

Dec 2002

 Introducing a new category of home automation appliance: wireless health dashboards Like a weather station, the Dashboard is modular, and comes in various sizes and configurations. Typically it has between 2 and 5 meters or 4"x4" mini-screens. Each meter displays trends in information about four categories that are relevant to your health: 1) aspects of your environment that influence your health, 2) trends about your body, and 3) a log of health-related behaviors.
What is Digital? An Exploration of Terms and Usage Consumer Electronics Association Consumer Electronics Association

Oct 2002

 All of the digital advancements mentioned are but the tip of the iceberg in the digital revolution. Digitization of content is reaching into other categories, such as cameras and camcorders, fueling cycles of growth and opening up new possibilities for the consumer to create content. The digital conversion holds great promise for the content community, manufacturers, and consumers alike.
VLSI implementation of OFDM modem Aseem Pandey, Shyam Ratan Agrawalla & Shrikant Manivannan Wipro Technologies

Oct 2002

 OFDM is a multi-carrier system where data bits are encoded to multiple sub-carriers and sent simultaneously in time. The result is an optimum usage of bandwidth. A set of orthogonal sub-carriers together forms an OFDM symbol. To avoid ISI due to multi-path, successive OFDM symbols are separated by guard band. This makes the OFDM system resistant to multi-path effects.
Value Added by Convenience Tim Means Sima Products Corp

Oct 2002

 A famous song warns us that, "The times, they are a changin'..." and boy are they ever. The challenge for "smart" products is to be in touch with what people really need or want. Accessories like remote controls are no exception.
The Latest Multi Room Audio & Home Network Products Imerge Ltd. Imerge Ltd.

Oct 2002

 The Imerge NP200 Network Audio System is a device that can digitally stream audio from a SoundServer S2000 over an Ethernet connection. Up to 6 NP200's can be connected to a single SoundServer; each player can independently select an individual track, custom playlist, or complete album, artist or genre for playout.
Television Control Interface For Handicapped Users Craig Chadwick

Oct 2002

 This article provides an example of how the HomeVision? home automation controller might be used by a handicapped individual. Some such persons are limited to a "puff and sip" switch for controlling their home.
Technology Dislocation Ian McMurray Texas Instruments DLP? Products Division

Oct 2002

 The technology that has driven TVs ever since the TV was invented is the cathode ray tube. It's a wonderful technology, capable of delivering stunning pictures - and at very low prices. But it also has an important limitation: the larger the screen size, the larger the CRT - and that means weight and size that is unacceptable to many people.
Taking advantage of structured wiring for whole house music distribution system Prasanna M. Shah Pragmatic Communications Systems

Oct 2002

 This article describes ways of taking advantage of structured wiring for whole house music distribution system. It explores the problems and opportunities with structured wiring and offers solutions for whole house audio distribution. A brief review of the benefits and advantages of these novel solutions are also explained.
STRUCTURED WIRING HOME BEAUTY MORE THAN SKIN DEEP Richard Gensley HomeTech Solutions

Oct 2002

 Infrastructure wiring in the walls adds significantly to the excitement of the home. Having the wire in place for connecting computers, security cameras, home theaters, closed circuit channels, and a host of automation features, makes it so you can take advantage of new and exciting equipment when it becomes available. The time to get this wire in place is when the walls are open.
Next Generation PC-based Home Automation User Interfaces Joe Robinson & Jeremy Teeuwsen BEQ Technologies Inc.

Oct 2002

 The virtual environment provides many features that the end user can leverage to their advantage including being easy to learn; the ability to model their own environment; and interact with home automation devices. The ability to model their own environment and map the virtual 3D objects to real world devices allowing them to spatially recognize what it is they want to do.
Maintaining A Pool For Fun and Survival Phil Philcox

Oct 2002

 Some cleaners require you install a special pump between the pool and the cleaning gizmo and that's an additional expense. I was looking for something I could install in ten minutes or so that need no constant adjustments and attention.
HomeToys Interview Pervasiveness and Impact of Embedded Controllers Paul Grimme Motorola's 8/16-Bit Microcontroller Division

Oct 2002
Electric Underfloor Heating: Quiet, Comfortable, Connected Wade Johnston WarmlyYours

Oct 2002

 Electric floor heating systems are usually connected through a programmable thermostat that controls each individual room. These thermostats work off a floor sensor to allow accurate control of the heat. The heating systems can be connected to the home automation system by either using a non-programmable thermostat controlled by the HA system, or by directly connecting the floor sensor to the home automation system using the controls in the system to monitor the temperature of the floor.
Dream Internet Home with LonMark? Members

Oct 2002

 Ma M@isonnet needed to be designed around the five core attributes that most consumers desire in their homes: comfort, communication, savings, security and leisure. In addition, in order to facilitate easy upgrades and expansions, interoperability of all systems and devices was a must.
An Easy Way to Determine Impedance Match Volume Control Settings Bob Farinelli ELAN Home Systems

Oct 2002

 When connecting multiple speakers to an amplifier, it's important to stay above the amp's minimum load requirements. Going below an impedance rating can overheat or even damage the amplifier. Fortunately, stereo volume controls with selectable impedance matching provide this means for protection.
A Review of AC Surge Protection and Power Conditioning Andrew Benton SurgeX

Oct 2002

 SurgeX protection meets the most stringent requirements of the Federal CID, was designed to withstand an unlimited number of category C1 surges as defined by IEEE 62.41-1991, filters out transients, and does not require close proximity to the building-ground to operate with total effectiveness.
""FULL-DISCLOSURE" POWER RATINGS" Steve DeFuria NAD Electronics

Oct 2002

 Consumers have a right to a "level playing field", armed with authentic specifications. Unfortunately, today the basic power ratings of 100-watts is totally inadequate and in some instances too misleading to serve any usefulness for the consumer to discern real value choices. We believe full disclosure power rating specifications should be an industry standard and to that end, hope other manufacturers accept this premise when publishing amplifier specifications.
The Home Infrastructure of the Future Nicole A. Slavitt National Home Convergence

Aug 2002

 If you are building, moving, renovating or seeking a more advanced way of living, have a strategic plan that covers all these components. But be advised ... make sure the experts that implement these aspects are specialized in their respective areas. Check references, licenses and know that a team of specialized experts delivers the top quality fusion of technology in you home.
SIP-based VoIP to the Rescue of Internet Telephony

Aug 2002

 Session initiation protocol (SIP) is a technology that allows Voice over IP (VoIP) telephony companies to provide standard phone service to high speed internet users, as well as some advanced features.
Lightning and Electronics Home Control Systems Specifically Daniel E. Fulmer FulTech Solutions

Aug 2002

 The best way to protect the home, is to protect the main inputs to the wiring distribution center for each incoming feed, i.e. cable TV, satellite, each phone line, and the electrical system for the entire home, by tying them to a true ground and/or through a surge protection system.
HomeToys Interview Dr. John Barr OSGi

Aug 2002

 A number of companies already have products available using the OSGi specification, including 4DhomeNet, Echelon, Espial, Gatespace, IBM, P&S DataCom, ProSyst, and Sun Microsystems. Most of these are in the remote management, provisioning and diagnosis, service delivery, telematics, and value-added applications spaces. Developer kits are now available from many of these companies as well.
Home Security Meets New Technology Jay Stuck ADT Security Services, Inc.

Aug 2002

 State-of-the art security products attempt to make home security an integral part of modern life, instead of being considered supplemental or adjunct to everyday life. Security systems, like the Safewatch iCenter, provide families with the ultimate in home security by combining home safety, with home communications and home automation, making life more secure, comfortable, and convenient.
Home Control & the Personal Computer (HCPC): the perfect Match Jack Barcroft Listman Home Technologies

Aug 2002

 This paper explores the emerging HCPC market, the technology behind United Home, and why it is poised to become a catalyst for sale of computing products, PCs, CE devices, wireless access points, Internet services, entertainment gear, and integrator services.
Considering Home Automation? Don't Overlook Your Heating And Air Conditioning System Joe Hlavacek Aprilaire

Aug 2002

 Not only is HVAC the one home automation subsystem that can assure your comfort - it also is the only subsystem that pays for itself. Think about it this way: Most of us wouldn't be able to afford such sophisticated automation if we were in the habit of throwing away our money. Yet that is just what you are doing if you don't set back your thermostats when areas are unoccupied.
Advanced Video Scaling Technology Donna Siani Communications Specialties, Inc.

Aug 2002

 There are many issues to consider when displaying an image that was originally produced in one aspect ratio, stored and transmitted in another, and ultimately displayed in a third. Unintended geometric distortions of the displayed image can occur if not processed properly. But, with knowledge of the image?s format and the targeted display, an intelligent video scaler can easily produce the desired results ? and ultimately, an enhanced viewing experience.
XEMICS' Home Automation Solutions Michel Chevroulet XEMICS SA

Jun 2002

 Using RF connectivity there are no wires, making installation simple and fast. Sensing units placed in difficult to reach parts of the home benefit from ultra-low power components ensuring long battery life. The XEMICS SoC can manage several sensors/actuators. It has an efficient CPU for signal encoding/ decoding. With a minimum number of external parts complete applications can be produced for remote controlled home appliances, centralized controlled home appliances and appliances that are controlled by Internet appliances. Connectivity can enable people to check on the status of their appliances from remote locations. An example is wireless air quality monitoring, which will be developed further below.
WIRELESS HOME AUTOMATION REQUIRE AND LOW COST AND LOW POWER RF-IC SOLUTIONS Svein Anders Tunheim Chipcon AS

Jun 2002

 Wireless communication is expected to be a key technology for the home automation market, as the use of RF-signals is highly desirable or necessary due to the ability to penetrate walls and ceilings. Besides wireless technology significantly reduces system installation cost. The CC1000 transceiver offers an outstanding solution to the most demanding home automation systems which typically require very low power consumption and very low cost.
Video On Demand Coming Soon To A Home Near You Navin Sabharwal Allied Business Intelligence

Jun 2002

 The three most aggressive cable operators in terms of VOD deployment are Charter, Comcast and Time Warner Cable, with an average of 12 to 14 markets deployed as of Q1 2002. Time Warner Cable in particular has access to content from within the larger AOL / Time Warner family and is well poised. Charter has always been a leader in the VOD realm, reflecting shareholder Paul Allen's view of the "wired world."
Using VIOM Versatile Input Output Module for Home Control Roy Schofield

Jun 2002

 The Home automation market is well served with standard control equipment for standard systems. But what if your requirement is not standard or you need additional functionality. Often it is a case of adding timers, relays and assorted components which can lead to a system which is unreliable and difficult to service.
The Cinema Fan Hope Howell Howell Technologies

Jun 2002

 The life of an electronic device is directly related to its operating temperature. Each 10 C (18 F) temperature rise reduces component life by 50%*. Conversely, each 10 C (18 F) temperature reduction increases component life by 100%. Therefore, it is recommended that Audio/Video and computer components be kept as cool as possible (within an acceptable noise level) for maximum reliability, longevity, and return on investment.
SCP-Enabled Devices Monitored and Controlled via the Power Lines Derek R. Flickinger INTERACTIVE HOMES, INC.

Jun 2002

 Reliable and secure power line-based interactive control that integrates with UPnP and the rest of the electronic devices in the home finally may become a reality!
Robotic Technology Has Arrived: Personal Robots Are On Their Way Ole Peter Galaasen And Terry Hengl Evolution Robotics

Jun 2002

 The applications for advanced personal robotics are endless. Robots could receive and answer phone calls, take dictation and convert speech to text, read email messages, secure homes or offices, monitor computer networks, teach kids specific topics, deliver medication in nursing homes and keep track of warehouse inventories etc.
Remote Keyless Entry Reference Design Giovanni Cardamone Motorola's 8/16-Bit Microcontroller Division

Jun 2002

 Motorola's RKE Reference Design and accompanying reference board provide the starting point for many RF-based applications. With these materials, design engineers could literally develop a prototype within a matter of days or weeks depending on the application, saving countless hours of development time. The time it takes to turn that prototype into production depends on the manufacturers production cycles.
Make A Big Scene With Your Next Lighting System Damon Bruccoleri Leviton

Jun 2002

 Modern scene lighting affects what people see in your home. Carefully planned lighting can establish mood and color, control the focus of attention, and enhance the beauty and functionality of the home.
Lights! Camera! Action! Install your very own camera system and make it available on the 'Net! Bill Hubbard ThermoSight, Inc

Jun 2002

 This article provides an overview of the design process in order to see how the elements fit together to form a system, and attempts to explain the role of each element in that system. We won't attempt to describe the detailed procedures for configuring the devices; that changes from one manufacturer to another, and the manufacturer's procedure is far more detailed, and far less confusing than anything we could provide here.
Home Health Care And Management Nicola Chalmers Vigil Health Management

Jun 2002

 With an increasing number of elderly requiring homecare, technology that improves the quality of the caregiver's life as well as the standard of care will be increasingly important. Where as originally Vigil? sought to create a home-like environment in a facility, now it holds the key to allowing people to stay in their own homes longer.
Hi-tech Hits The Landscape Richard Gensley HomeTech Solutions

Jun 2002

 "Scenes" are the new word in lighting control. Instead of just turning on a light with a switch, home owners are now turning on scenes. In well thought out lighting plans, scenes don't stop at the exterior walls. They extend the lighting feel and visual effects right on out to the landscape. This used to be hard to do. New products have reached the market that make this quite affordable.
GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT The Ratification of IEEE P1394b Derek R. Flickinger INTERACTIVE HOMES, INC.

Jun 2002

 In addition to its native-mode communications protocols, 1394 does support running IP over it. This makes it an excellent networking platform. Several of the newer operating systems, especially from Microsoft, take advantage of the ability to run IP over top of 1394. In fact, the newer XP-based code loads an IP stack onto a 1394 interface by default during setup. This means that if you do not have Ethernet jacks on your computers, but they do have 1394 interfaces, you can connect your machines together using 1394 and take advantage of 1394b's higher speeds and longer distances.
Give Your Project a Lift Virgil Walker Auton Motorized Systems

Jun 2002

 Motorized technology is wonderful - it can help solve design or security challenges, such as where to hide a safe full of valuables or how to gain easy access to kitchen appliances without losing precious counter space.
Give Your Project a Lift Virgil Walker Auton Motorized Systems

Jun 2002

 Motorized technology is wonderful - it can help solve design or security challenges, such as where to hide a safe full of valuables or how to gain easy access to kitchen appliances without losing precious counter space.
EMERGING STORAGE TECHNOLOGY TRENDS FOR RESIDENTIAL GATEWAYS Gerard O'Driscoll DigitalMentors

Jun 2002

 This paper offers new insights into the technical and financial benefits of incorporating enhanced flash storage solutions into residential gateway products.
EMERGING STORAGE TECHNOLOGY TRENDS FOR RESIDENTIAL GATEWAYS Gerard O'Driscoll DigitalMentors

Jun 2002

 This paper offers new insights into the technical and financial benefits of incorporating enhanced flash storage solutions into residential gateway products.
Automating for Disabled Clients Daniel E. Fulmer FulTech Solutions

Jun 2002

 This is a very rewarding implementation of home automation and can also be lucrative. The caveat is to be sure to install a system that will be extremely reliable. If you are unsure of your abilities to offer this level of performance, leave it to someone else.

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