Home Automation News

Kaleidescape, synonymous with super high end DVD distribution systems that every Home Theater enthusiast dreams about owning, has recently added iPad control and ultra-widescreen (2.35 wide screen) to its line of media servers. While the Kaleidescape system might be out of reach for most, it is cool to see new technologies be added to these systems as it eventually trickles down to other products. I for one regularly use My Movies for media center and fully take advantage of the iPad integration.

 

Two years after launching its iPhone remote, Kaleidescape has brought a new iPad app to CEDIA 2011 that gives owners of its media servers full control of their media from anywhere in the house. Users can browse their collections based on various metadata, jump directly to favorite scenes of stored movies, or control displays and audio in other rooms of the house. Also new for 2011 is support for 2.35 widescreen viewing with its CinemaScape feature, a software upgrade that can automatically process the video internally and reformats the UI as well. Check after the break for a quick demo of the iPad app which will launch later this year as a free add-on -- assuming you can afford the hardware of course.

Engadget

Do you want to lock all of your home theater devices in a closet and control them from a mobile device and over the Internet? Called Ether-IR, these devices will work with open source software, connect to Ethernet and transmit an infrared (IR) signal. They can be placed anywhere you have an Ethernet run. Ether-IR works from a computer, tablet, mobile device or even other ethernet connected devices. Full schematics and source files are linked below.

MerMar Design's first completed project, the Ether IR, is an Ethernet enabled universal remote for controlling televisions, cable boxes, DVD players, etc. This allows placement of the board with audio / video equipment out of sight, such as in a closet behind closed doors where typical infrared remotes can not reach (assuming you also have a router in the closet or can run an Ethernet cable to the closet).

Control is provided to this equipment through any device with a connection to the local network through a small web page that provides a typical remote control interface. The interface page is designed to display properly on common cell phone screen resolutions, meaning that when used in combination with a WiFi network, WiFi enabled cell phones or MP3 players can be conveniently used as a remote control.

MerMar Designs

Prior to my exodus as owner from MissingRemote, I had delved into the Home Automation world. My experiences never got very far but I had some minor improvements. Gizmodo has a $5,000 package from Control4 up for review if you are not in the DIY mode.

Control4 is a more entry-level solution to home automation, and they compete mostly with Crestron's Prodigy line, which is also targeted towards lower-budget installs. "Lower budget" is a relative term, obviously, since the starter system I reviewed goes for about $5000, including cost of installation.

Gizmodo

This is a pretty good introduction to the world of home security.  Nothing fancy, but a good way to get your gears turning and headed down the path to home security.  Due to some recent break-ins and thefts in the area, I've been considering one myself, but the two very large dogs in the house would pose a problem to motion sensors... and intruders!

For best results, however, consider a comprehensive, professionally monitored alarm system that ensures emergency crews will reach your residence fast. This will also help you save on your homeowner’s insurance.

[Electronic House]