Introducing the worlds most affordable & smallest iPod HiFi system.

Introducing the worlds most affordable & smallest iPod HiFi system.

At just under a $1000, it comes with a Trends Tube Headphone/PreAmplifier, Trends Class-T Power Amplifier, a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 10.0 book shelf speakers and well equipped Trends Audiophile audio & iPod cables with an OFC core, double-layer gauze screen for RF noise obstruction design. The Power Amp and Tube PreAmp is a mere (W)76mm x (H)46mm x (D)114mm and weighs in at only 380g. Don't let its extremely small size fool you though. It has enough punch to delivery power and good control over speakers much larger than the speakers shown here. It exerts a tighter grip on sound than systems triple its price range. Some of the technology found in the Trends componentry is found in our High End BelCanto eVo amp (now discontinued). The Trends Pre Amp comes with a large power supply that's actually bigger than the unit it self! It has a sturdy aluminum case and solid gold-plated RCA connectors and speaker binding posts. The system has two inputs for which we used one of them with our iPod. If you've ever wanted to get into Hi-Fi without breaking the bank, this is a great starter system.

I played Julie London's "Blue Moon" and found her voice very life depicted her relaxed sound very accurately. Good separation and staging; very 3-dimensional; very smooth and full-bodied with good resolution and air.

More About the Trends Tube Headphone & PreAmplifier
Trends PA-10 Tube Headphone/Pre Amplifier is an innovative audio product and provides all functions of headphone amplifier and pre-amplifier. It includes the innovative circuit design of low voltage hybrid (tube/transistor) pre-amp to provide audiophile quality sound, compact size, and easy/safe DIYer accessibility - pure class-A circuit to provide the best sound performance. It has two inputs.Trends PA-10 Tube Headphone/Pre Amplifier supports both 6DJ8/6922 series and 12AU7 series tubes by simply switching the jumpers.

More About the Trends Class-T Power Amplifier
Trends mini-size Class-T power amplifier provides up to 2x15W output with the bundled AC power supply unit. Thanks to the Tripath's proprietary Class-T Digital Power Processing (TM) technology and their special techniques in circuit design and component selection, TA-10 achieves the sound quality of high-end HiFi but in a very affordable price.

TA-10 performs very much like Class-AB amplifiers with high fidelity and warm sound. Yet, its power efficiency and physical size is just like Class-D amplifiers. Even though its maximum output power is only 2x15W, TA-10 is actually powerful enough to push even floor stander speakers with sufficient and good control of bass and sound.

About the Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 Speakers
The Wharfedale Diamond 10.0 speakers are stylish, high quality designs that deliver a detailed, full-range sound despite their compact dimensions.
Specifications
Format: Stand Mount
Bass/Mid Driver: 100 mm
Tweeter: 25mm
Suitable Amplifier Power: 15 - 75 w
Nominal Impedance: 6 Ω
A/V Shielded: Yes
Sensitivity (1W @ 1M): 86 dB
Nominal Frequency Range: 55-24kHz
HF Limit (-10dB): 44kHz
Freq. Fb: 55Hz
Crossover Frequency: 2.5kHz
Dimensions (mm)(H * W * D): 236 * 145 * 165
For a more detailed review of the Wharfedale Diamond series check out my previous blog here.

You've really got to come and check out this system in person. Your eyes won't believe your ears on how musical this little Hi-Fi system is.

Sharp Aquos LED - Evolution of LCD TV Continues

Low Power Consumption, Mercury Free, No heavy metals for ease of recycling, and Componet reduction for reduced carbon footprint, the all new Sharp Aquos LED is the most eco friendly TV on the market today.. The Aquos LE700 series has the lowest power consumption in the market. Unlike Edge Arrary, The LE700 series also has a "Full Array" backlit LED. Beautifully finished in high gloss black wth simple lines and a sexy blue lit center led. The new LE700 Full Array LED looks gorgeous on or off.

With the introduction of the LE700 Series, Sharp combines its legendary AQUOS® LCD panel technology with a newly developed, proprietary Full Array LED backlight system to create picture quality that is second to none. The LE700 Series again illustrates Sharp's LCD technology leadership while also demonstrating its LED engineering advantages.
Sharp's UltraBrilliant LED System illuminates the TV to extremely high brightness and contrast levels and enables significant environmental benefits such as a longer life expectancy, no heavy metals and lower power consumption. At the same time, the new X-Gen LCD Panel utilizes an ingeniously devised pixel design that permits more light to pass through even while minimizing light leakage, with the result being the deepest black levels that AQUOS has ever achieved. Overall, the LE700 Series shows that with Sharp, it's not just LED, it's AQUOS LED. Download 2009 Home Entertainment Full Line Brochure

Features

• Full HD 1080p (1920 x 1080) Resolution - for the sharpest picture possible.

• UltraBrilliant LED system - includes a unique "double-dome" light amplifier lens and multi-fluorescents, enabling high brightness and color purity. The system features a full array of LEDs evenly dispersed behind a diffuser, resulting in more uniformity.
• Full HD 1080p X-Gen LCD Panel - with 10-bit processing is designed with advanced pixel control to minimize light leakage. A wider aperture lets more light through, providing the industry’s highest contrast level (Spectral Contrast Engine MC).
• 120Hz Fine Motion Enhanced - for the ultimate in fast-motion picture quality.
• Vyper Drive Game Mode - is Sharp’s built-in technology that eliminates perceptible video lag that may occur due to the electronic transition time between the game console and the game's display on the TV.
• AQUOS LINK™ - enables convenient control of AQUOS Blu-ray Disc™ players.
• AQUOS Net - delivers customized Internet content and live customer support via Ethernet, viewable in widget, full-screen or split-screen mode.
• High Brightness (450 cd/m2) - Sharp LCD TVs are very bright, so you can put them virtually anywhere - even near windows, doors or other light sources - and the picture is still vivid.
• USB Photo Viewer with Music Player - enables enjoyment of high-resolution digital JPEG images and MP3 music files.

Not only is the Sharp LED TV the greenest TV on the market today, but they are also built in Sharps very own "Super Green" Factories. Take for example, Sharp's Sakai manufacturing complex. On site is the largest of its kind soalr cell plant. It has the capacity for a "production volume of around 1 million kW. All of Sharps "Super Green" factories employ a photovoltaic power generation system. Cogeneration, fuel cell, and photovoltaic systems produce about one-third of the electricity used in the whole plant. Drainage facilities recycle all process waste water as well. Download Sharp's Environmental Brochure.

Control4 Lifestyle Video

Control4 has produced a new video which highlights the lifestyle benefits provided by Control4 products. Since we specialize in Home Automation and Smart Home technoloiges I thought it would be great to share this video. Check it out..

Introducing Wharfedale Diamond 10's

We've just received the all new Wharfedales Diamond 10 speaker line up into our store and the price range, these speakers are simply untouchable in respect to quality, sound, and finish. The front baffle has a beautiful high gloss, black piano finish and the sides of the speakers have an elegant curved panel that help diffuse standing waves within the cabinet. The Speaker drivers are made of Kevlar which help in keeping the sound even across the entire speaker and provide stenght and the perfect amoutn of stiffness. The Diamonds are a very warm sounding speaker, so listening to your favorite music for hours won't fatigue your ears. The Diamond Range consists of 5 floor standers, 3 bookshelf speakers, 3 center speakers, 2 surrounds models, and 3 powered subwoofers. Available in Rosewood, Blackwood or Cinnamon Cherry vinyl.

Stronger cabinet walls: The concept of curved cabinet walls, for strength and the reduction of internal standing waves, has been retained from the Diamond 9 Series. However, these walls have been made stronger through a superior method of bonding and curving the panels, increasing rigidity and, aided by internal bracing, reducing the audible effects of panel resonance.
Composite front baffle panel: The front baffle features a composite panel structure with a piano-black finish. This contributes to the speaker’s smart new look and, more importantly, to its improved sound quality, as it reduces the effects of vibration and provides a stable platform for the drive units.

Improvements to the mid/bass drive unit: To make the most of the stronger cabinet, the main drive unit chassis has been enhanced with a massive flange that is secured using six screws, thus improving its stability. A diamond pattern has also been moulded into the surround of the Kevlar cone; this is more than just cosmetic as the pattern reduces and damps standing waves in the surround, yielding a cleaner high-frequency acoustic roll-off and enhancing the ability of the mid/bass unit and tweeter to work as a cohesive whole.

Rear-firing twin reflex ports: The speaker’s twin reflex ports have been moved to the rear of the cabinet, to reduce the effects of audible distortion. These ports extend the bass to below 45Hz, contributing to an impressive sense of sonic scale.

Tweeter diffuser: Over the soft-dome tweeter is a metal diffusion grid which, as well as protecting the dome when the speaker is being used without its grille, also irons out high-frequency perturbations right up to 30kHz, delivering a smoother response and crystal-clear treble detailing.

Enhanced front grille with ‘invisible’ fixing: The front grille has been improved to ensure it has no adverse effect on the speaker’s performance. In addition, it is now affixed without pegs, therefore eschewing the need for unsightly holes in the piano-black finish front baffle.

Low Profile Chassis: The open nature of the chassis reduces reflection from rear cone movements, allowing air to move freely through the driver, which in turn results to an overall even response with a much lower distortion. Formed from a high density, injection-moulded polymer pioneered by Wharfedale, the chassis itself provides substantial damping of ring waves.

Neodymium-Powered Tweeter Mounted in Cast Alloy Surround: With the use of neodymium, the strongest of ‘rare earth’ materials, a concentration of the magnetic field is directed within the area of voice coil excursion. The cast alloy mounting plate has a profiled cross-section to optimize the dispersion of high frequency sound so it integrates flawlessly with the bass/mid-range drivers and produces a fast and more linear response possible.

Blended SRBP Cone Surrounds: The new textured surround allows a large ‘vMax’ apart from providing a compliant driver gasket, which dramatically improved dynamic response. The diamond profiled surround features rim-edge stiffeners which effectively damp cone resonances.

Offset Bi-Wire Terminals: Utilizing the same familiar offset terminal block as with its predecessors, the gold-plated contact areas and bridging strips allow firm connections with the best possible connectivity, whilst the offset pattern provides allowance for heavy duty cables and a wider range of cable connection options. So bring your favorite music and have a listen the the all new Wharfedale Diamonds. I am sure you will not find a speaker in its price range or even higher that sounds or looks better.
[source: Wharfedale.com]

Kanto's Desktop/iPod Powered Speakers

Model: iPair5 | MRSP $399

These studio monitor inspired 2 channel powered multi input speakers by Kanto set a new standard in its price range for performance, quality and vesatilty. I personally think they are seriosly undervalued, especially when you compare it speaker systems twice its price point. Avaialble in High gloss Black, White or Silver, they are loaded with a 5-inch midbass driver and a 1-inch tweeter. One speaker has an iPod dock built-in on top of it. The provided credit card sized remote control can fully operate the iPod, select inputs, adjust bass, treble and volume from about 10 to 15ft away. The opposite speaker connects to the powered speaker via a 20ft high quality microphone cable that is very easy to connect and disconnect.

The speakers are very versatlile in terms of connectivity. Besides having a built-in iPod Dock, it also comes equipped to connect to a laptop or an MP3 player via a 3mm input jack and also has RCA inputs for connectivity to a TV, CD or DVD player. Very portable and easy to setup and take down, its perfect for small venue's, party's or meetings. You can even load your presentation or a movie onto your iPod and out put it via the built in S-VHS jack on the back of the powered speaker to a projector or monitor.

The powered speaker also has a 120V power outlet! This is awesome because this allows you to connect powered devices directly to the speakers. You can essentialy run your entire system off of a single wall outlet. Also a great feature having the power outlet directly on the speaker is that you can plug in an Airport Express unit directly into the back of the speakers and run an MP3 or Mini Jack cable to one of the audio inputs on the iPar5 giving you a Zoned Audio system that you can fully control from iTunes or an iTouch/iPhone using Apples "Remote Application". You can add multiple iPair5 speakers (and Airport Express attached to the back of the powered speaker) to differnet rooms in your home or office and have an awesome sounding MultiZone audio system all without running any cables! The remote application allows you to control your iTunes library and mange multiple zones of audio with the touch of your finger. This still leaves the ipod Dock and an additional input avaialble for local zone listenting if you wanted to play sound from another source other than your Airport Express.

As far as the sound performance goes, the iPair5 has a great soundstge with great dynamic range. Great attention is given to the Mids and Highs and the Bass is very tight and responsive. The voice coil has a nice flat sound that makes it great for listing to music with female or male vocals. Because the cone is made of paper the sound is warm and not to bright. Come by and have a listen to these speakers for your self. You really will be amazed at the out put and performace these speakers pack at $399.

Effects of watching TV on your Eye's

Watching TV on an LCD, LED, Plasma or a projection screen have different effect on your eyes. For example, when watching TV with the lights turned off there is a mis-conception that you can "damage" your eyes. This is not true. As the light intesity & contrast levels change on your TV from frame to frame, your eye's can get tired because the iris constantly contracts and dilates. The effect of fatigue is greater when watching TV on an LED or an LCD TV when compared to a Plasma TV. LCD's and LED TV's tend to be brighter and Plasma's traditionally emit a warmer light. There is also a difference in watching TV when compared to projectors. TV's are an active light source whereas projection screens reflect light which makes a projector a passive light source.

When watching TV on an LCD, LED or a Plasma it is a good idea to have the lighting in the room dimmer than the light being emitted from the the screen. It is also recommended to sit about 3 to 5 times the width of your Plasma screen away or 4 to 6 times the width of your LCD/LED screen away. If you have children and are concerned about them sitting to close the screen, we can install an automation system that will turn the screen off if they happen to be too close and than turn back on when they are far enough from the screen. This help develop a habit early on in there age to not sit too close to the TV screen.

New Store Signs

If you've driven by the store recently you may have noticed new Signs and a hot new Logo designed by our friends atUrbanGeko. We thought it was time to upgrade our look and define our identity better. We refer to ourselves as the Lifestyle Technology Experts. Technology that makes your house a home and can integrate with everykind of lifestyle with out technlogy becoming a focal point. Instead, we feel technology should make "Everyday Easy". To find out exactly what I mean by "Everyday Easy" pop by and check out some of the technology we have to offer.

Control4 Kwikset, SmartCode Keyless Entry, Deadbolt, Zigbee Deadbol

Control4 Kwikset, SmartCode Keyless Entry, Deadbolt, Zigbee Deadbolt (Written by Control4)

Digital Smart Homes is pleased to announce the Kwikset® SmartCode® with Home Connect™ Technology ZigBee Deadbolt. The ZigBee Deadbolt adds enhanced security and convenience to any Control4 system. Add this lock to all entry doors of a home for improved security and peace of mind. Through any of the Control4 interfaces, including the Control4 ZigBee System Remote Control SR-250, view the status and lock or unlock the deadbolt from any room in the home. The ZigBee deadbolt can also be monitored and controlled remotely through Web Navigator, and directly integrates to update manager to allow deadbolt firmware to be updated seamlessly in the system. ZigBee Pro provides 128-bit encryption for secure communication within the Control4 system The ZigBee Deadbolt can be configured in custom programming. Easily set up Welcome Home or Good Night scenes that automatically lock or unlock the deadbolt. Set up custom Lighting Scenes or security-panel control when the deadbolt is locked or unlocked. The ZigBee Deadbolt easily replaces the home's current deadbolt. Only one screwdriver is required to install, and no wires need to be run. Features and Benefits: Innovative Security Keyless entry deadbolt - the ultimate in convenience & security Includes SmartKey® Re-key Technology with BumpGuard™ Protection ZigBee Pro wireless protocol - full 128 Bit Encryption Security Up to 30 customizable access codes Alarm sounds and keypad shuts down after three (3) consecutive incorrect codes are entered One-touch locking with a motorized deadbolt Audio-visual "Low Battery" indicators Easy Integration Integrates to update manager to allow deadbolt firmware to be updated seamlessly Installs in minutes with just a screwdriver Replaces existing deadbolt - no new door preparation required 4 AA Batteries (no hard wiring) Customizable Features Automatic door locking after 30 seconds Door locked/unlocked blinking light indicator Audible beep when pressing buttons Back-lit Keypad Add unique programming around the lock and unlock event Finish Options Satin Nickel Venetian Bronze Polished Brass Matching interior and exterior door hardware available

Tell a Friend

We are pleased to have partnered with Ethos Development to offer purchasers of a Bell unit a chance to install a Control4® home automation system while their home is being built. Control4® gives you the power to be green by helping you manage lighting and temperature control in your home, significantly reducing your energy consumption without compromising your lifestyle. Control4® lighting products create custom, ambient lighting throughout your home and help you create a home that is responsive to your needs. From remote control systems to smart lighting that helps you save electricity — Control4 solutions offer endless possibilities. And because Control4 lighting products are so affordably priced, there is a complete package for practically any budget. For more information please visitwww.BellaLiving.com

Premier Gold Control4 status.

We are excited to announce that we have achieved Premier Gold Control4 status.

The Control4 Premier Dealer designation highlights those custom integration dealers like Digital Smart Homes, who specialize in home automation and have achieved key training, sales and experience requirements in Control4 products. All Control4 dealers complete a comprehensive training program to install and support Control4 products but Control4 Premier Dealers are uniquely qualified to make your life Everyday Easy.

Keep your loved one home longer with CloseBy Network™

Keep your loved one home longer
with CloseBy Network™.
There’s no place like home for elderly loved ones, but caring for them can take its toll. Now you can share the load between siblings, children, neighbors and other caregivers with CloseBy Network™. For less than the cost of one month in an assisted living facility, you can install CloseBy Network and monitor your loved one’s activities in the home with messages sent by emails, texts, or the Internet.

What is CloseBy Network?
It’s a network of wireless sensors installed in the home and tied to a web application to create a secure “care network” of family members, caregivers and neighbors. The system consists of a base station and multiple motion/occupancy sensors and other sensors which monitor and report activity in the loved one’s home. It notifies specified people in your care network when there are problems or changes in normal behavior. It also allows you to simply check-in and see if your loved one is getting in and out of bed as expected, opening the refrigerator to eat, taking his or her medications, or leaving the house. CloseBy Network lets the elderly continue to live safely and independently in the comfort of their own homes. And it gives caregivers peace of mind, whether they are across the street or across the country.

To Learn more about the CloseBy Network contact us or download our CloseBy Network Brochure for further information.

Small Retailers Make A Difference

08/08/09 19:16 Filed in: Green Eco

I was recently interviewed by Marketnews Magazine regarding our Eco Friendly Green business practices.

“A small retailer may think that changing a bulb or two in their shop isn’t meaningful because they can’t change the thousands of bulbs that Walmart or Loblaw can; but, all things being relative, they’re not looking at the same energy bill as Walmart or Loblaw. Going green isn’t just for the big guys, smaller independent retailers and distribution companies can also make a big difference.

Harry Saini owns a custom A/V retail store in Vancouver, BC called Digital Smart Homes. To help the environment and save on fuel costs, he started delivering home theatre systems and consumer electronics via a bicycle and small
trailer. Outside of the downtown area (and during the winter), he makes deliveries with a Honda Element, which features I-VTEC technology for reduced emissions and higher fuel economy. While Saini can’t convince everyone to don a bike helmet for the sake of the environment, there are other ways this small retailer saves energy. The lights in the store are kept on a timer to reduce energy consumption. Invoices are emailed to customers, rather than printed.

The focus is on Energy Star and other energy-efficient products. In some cases, vendors that deal with the store will dropship orders directly to the customer, instead of making two stops, which saves gas, time and money. “We have 11 or 12 TVs in our store and we keep about three of them on,” he says. “Having our TVs off actually keeps our store cooler, so I don’t have to fire up the AC. Last year at this time, my AC was blowing full blast.” Home theatre systems also produce a lot of heat, so every home theatre system in the store is turned off until a customer wants to see it. “AC is a killer when it comes to energy.” Regardless, this doesn’t save a ton of money, only about $30 a month. And the landlord covers the electricity bill, whether every TV is on or not. But, if energy prices continue to rise, this will become a more significant issue in coming years.
But it’s not just about money. “People that buy from us are getting educated at the same time, and that’s passed on,” says Saini. At this point, about one in 10 customers is asking for more energy-efficient products. “It’s up to retailers to educate
customers about energy consumption. Down the road, it’s going to have a huge impact. It’s the Green Revolution; if you’re not on board now, it will severely affect one’s business.”

Digital Smart Homes started a new division called EcoSmart Automation + Media, which focuses on energy solutions for businesses and homeowners. Aside from selling TVs and home theatre systems, it’s meant to show customers how to integrate technology, because the more you integrate, the less you’re consuming.”

Marketnews
By Vawn Himmelsbach
Full article http://www.marketnews.ca/content/index/page?pid=5735

The New GenvaSound "S"

07/08/09 12:19 Filed in: iPod HiFi |

SOUND & STYLE FOR BEDROOM, KITCHEN, OFFICE – FROM GENEVA LAB AVAILABLE AT DIGITAL SMART HOMES
More features, better sound, unbeatable price/performance will shake up the largest segments of
iPod speaker market



From the Swiss company that pioneered high fidelity for iPod systems
comes the new GenevaSound S – bringing great sound, style and simplicity to the bedroom, kitchen, office and
more. GenevaSound S has innovative new features and an unbeatable price-to-performance ratio to shake up the
biggest categories of iPod docks.

At $329 USD, GenevaSound S sounds better and does more than any single-function iPod dock on the market, some of which cost 30% to almost 100% more than the S. With more features than single-function docks, GenevaSound S
includes the new PowerDock connector, new TouchLight controls, and a digital radio tuner with alarm clock.
Geneva Lab’s new PowerDock™ solves issues plaguing other iPod/iPhone docks. When the iPod/iPhone is
removed, the motorized PowerDock™ spins closed and the protruding iPod/iPhone 30-pin connector, a sensitive
part, disappears into the cabinet, protecting it from damage and dust. To reconnect, simply touch the GenevaSound
S, and the motorized PowerDock™ spins open.

The new TouchLight™ control system is backlit, touch-sensitive and sophisticated. TouchLight™ controls are
invisible until a hand reaches for the cabinet. Withdraw the hand, and the backlight disappears. Not just eyecatching,
it offers extensive control of the iPod menu. (Competitors have limited iPod controls.) TouchLight™
benefits the user and the environment. It’s auto-off consumes less power and makes it user-friendly in light-sensitive
places like the bedroom. The intuitive controls also help when it’s awkward to use a remote control when the system
is close at hand (e.g., on a nightstand).

Available in Geneva’s trademark red, white or black piano lacquer, GenevaSound S also comes with a table stand,
allowing the user the choice of elevating the system, so it takes up less space on a nightstand, a counter or a desk.
The digital radio and programmable alarm make it the best-sounding, simplest iPod clock radio ever, a product
segment littered with low-fi sound and eyesore design. It’s the first with solid stereo sound and fine design lines.
GenevaSound revolutionized home audio in 2006 as the first product to fuse an iPod dock into a high-end stereo
system, using patented technologies that enhance compressed music files and that project three-dimensional sound
from a single cabinet. At its debut, WIRED hailed GenevaSound’s as “a Steinway,” a “baby grand” when
competitors sounded like toy pianos. The entire product line wins top reviews. Legendary audiophile manufacturers
have since followed GenevaSound’s approach – but none match its simplicity, sound and sophistication.

Stereo Speaker System
o 2 x 3” full range drivers
o Bass ports + dynamic loudness enhancement
o All‐digital Class D amplifiers – 30 WaRs
o EmbracingSound™ speaker design for 3D stereo
o DSP enhances compressed music file

Media
o PowerDock for all models iPod/iPhone
o FM digital tuner with external antenna
o Stereo line‐in port
o PowerDock spins shut ‐ limits damage and dust

Controls
o TouchLight – dimming backlight
o Full iPod menu control from TouchLight
o Remote control – infrared

Alarm Clock
o Real Time clock
o LED clock display

Accessories
o Removable 3” table stand
o Telescoping FM antenna
o iPod dock adapters (12)

Enetrprise Class Network

07/08/09 08:58 Filed in: Network | Home Automation

The foundation and backbone of any Home Automation system is the Network it works on. Below is an Enterprise class WAP by Pakedge and a Range Extender by Luxul Wireless that can extend your range by up to 10,000 sq or more. This network system also provides extreme stability provided you also have a very good quality router. I suggest the Apple Extreme for its reliability and ease of use. If you need additional ports just add an “Unmanaged” switch or hub and your ready to go. Because power is sent over Cat5 to the Pakedge WAP and the Luxul Wireless extender, placement becomes very easy and simplified.

Check out the specs below for additional information.

The WAP by Pakedge

On-Wall 802.11 a, b, & g Ultra High Power Wireless Access Point With PoE
The WAP-W3 is an Enterprise Class ultra, high power wireless access point that is wall-mountable.

Continuing the Pakedge tradition of consistent RF output and long-term reliability, the Pakedge WAP-W3 is an Enterprise-Class, ultra high power wireless access point that is wall-mountable or can be set on a flat surface. The WAP-W3 features adjustable power output/range. We optimized the WAP-W3 for use with touch panels and other control devices without sacrificing data throughput.

The WAP-W3 not only supports 802.11b/g (2.4GHz), but 802.11a (5.0GHz) as well. On the 5.0GHz spectrum, the WAP-W3 supports all FCC allowable channels, including DFS. Designed for the custom installer, the WAP-W3 is networked and powered by a single Cat5e cable. In addition, it can be powered by most PoE switches on the market today because it is fully 802.3af compliant.

The WAP-W3 housing is made of a rugged, heavy gauge aluminum that can handle any interior environment such as an attic or a wiring closet. At the same time, it is sleek and unobtrusive enough to appear in any formal setting.

The Range Extender by Luxul Wireless for even for Coverage

Luxul Wireless
Pro-WAV™ Board Mounted Range Extender Kit:

• 7dBi FP antenna
• 1W 802.11 b/g signal booster
• two cables (N-Male to N-Male
• N-Male to RP-SMA)
• RP-SMA to RP-TNC adapter
• antenna mount

We spec this network for our Control4 Home Automation clients and any small business or home user who wants an enterprise level network without paying the enterprise level costs.

iPhone Control4 Navigator

Introducing the Control4® Mobile Navigator – now you can manage

your Home from your iPhone or iPod Touch!

It’s one of the coolest ways to manage your Control4® system! With Control4® Mobile Navigator you can turn your iPhone or iPod Touch into a touch screen and control everything in your home. Enjoy fingertip control of your movies, music, lights, temperature and security.

The user interface is very intuitive and identical to all of Control4’s native user interfaces like the on screen GUI found on any one of the controllers to the 10.5”. The Navigator App connects over Wi-Fi within the same network as the primary Control4 home controller. Once connected you can:

• Control all of your lights from your iPhone or iPod Touch

• Monitor and control security systems, IP cameras and motion sensors

• Enjoy the familiar, intuitive user interface

• Select and play music and movies from your iPod Touch/iPhone

• Control your thermostat, fireplace, blinds, garage door, sprinkler system and much much more. Even Unlock your front door!

• Access multiple Zones in your home

Home Automation has become so much more affordable and is no longer for the rich and famous. Truly, once you have an automation system in your home you’ll say to your self, I don’t know how I ever lived without it. For example, imagine being able to quickly see which lights are on in your whole home and turning off the ones not in use without leaving your couch or from your bedroom before calling it a night. If you can monitor energy usage you can mange your energy usage. Another example is, you are arriving home with groceries in the evening and before you even step foot in your home you can de-alarm your home, open your garage and front door, turn on the appropriate lights to guide you to your kitchen with only a few taps on your iPhone... even have your favorite music on! The possibilities are truly endless. Home automation truly does make everyday easy, especially when it is so affordable.

Schedule an appointment or visit the showroom to check out the rest of what’s new from Control4. This is an exciting time for home automation, and for you. Smart Home technology has never been so affordable. It truly makes Everyday Easy

Below is a store from our Control4 Community Blog you will find interesting, especially if you have kids

by the The Intern

Living the Automated Life - Getting the 14 year-old to dinner

My friend Gordon told me this story about how Control4 automation makes his life easier:

We couldn’t get our 14 year-old daughter to the dinner table without calling her multiple times. She would be IM/Facebook chatting with several of her friends, and she’d tell us that it took a few minutes to say goodbye to each one of them.

So, I had my dealer program a custom button, remotely with 4sight, on the touch screen in the Kitchen. I called it “Computer Alarm.” The next time the same scenario played out, I told my wife to press the button. Right after the button push, our daughter came flying into the kitchen. My wife was grinning from ear to ear and saw the real power of a Control4 system.

Here’s what my dealer did:

• Used AT&T text-to-speech Internet page: Made a wave file of a British accent telling the person using the computer that it would shut down in 2 minutes and to save their work

• Flashed (Blinked the lights) with 30 seconds remaining

• At the end of the countdown, Control4 killed the power to the monitor which had been plugged into a Control4 Outlet Switch

Lots of Fun!

Outdoor Speakers, Rock Speakers, | GenevaSound | Yamaha Home Theater Receiver

With warmer weather upon us there is nothing like listening to great music outdoors in your back yard, patio or deck while BBQ’n. In most cases its easy to get the sound you want by adding speakers outside to you’re existing hardware. And if you’re existing hardware needs upgrades or any add-ons to get your music outside we have lots of solutions for that as well. I have compiled a few really cool items we carry below.

With “Soundstealth" you will get great sound and at the same time the speaker is totally disguised, so no holes in the rock are seen. It’s virtually impossible to distinguish the Stereostone "Sound Stealth" Rock Speaker from a real rock.
The exclusive loudspeaker design uses dual spider woofers found in professional loudspeakers. Along with ferrofluid cooling technology, the speakers use santoprene weather resistant surround suspension and the latest poly mica cone materials. This permits greater power handling with lower distortion. Also included is an auto reset overpower protection system. Available in several colors, sizes and price ranges.

If your outdoor speaker needs don't include any of our "Rock" models, how about a tree stump? The StereoStone Tree Stump simulates a real stump, so you don't have to SEE your sound, and still get great StereoStone quality. Specifications: Single 8 inch - 125 watt 8 ohm - 2-way speaker system.

How about a Planter? Whether entertaining guests, or just relaxing on the patio, our Omni Sound Planter Speakers not only sound natural, but look natural as well.

- 360 degree dispersion
- 23” dia. x 28” tall.
- 11.7 gallon planting area
- Built-in drainage
- Built-in Terminal Cup and Plug
- Roto-molded plastic resin cabinet
- Exponential Circular Horn
- 8” 2-way woofer with 1” Neodymium-titanium tweeter
- 250 watt power handling
- Nylon insect barrier screen
- Also available in white.

Great for balconies, small patios, hot tubs or around the pool. Excellent sound and bass. Just add dirt and a plant, water, and sit back to your favorite music.



Unleash Your Audio with the award winning OutCast speaker. The OutCast weather-resistant, wireless speaker lets you enjoy rich multi-directional stereo sound throughout your house, in your yard, on your patio and even on your boat. With broadcast range of up to 350 feet, this powerful wireless speaker receives transmissions through walls, floors, and ceilings without the hassle of running wires.

- Delivers unmatched premium audio quality
- Connect your MP3 player, IPod, computer and even your TV to the OutCast
- Conveniently located controls
- Portable – ready to take anywhere
- Blue lighting illuminates the wireless outdoor speaker for extra ambiance at night



We also have your traditional outdoor speakers that can be installed under the eves or on the sides of your home.

JBL CONTROL NOW AW
All-Weather 2-Way, Dual 4" Bookshelf/Wall-Mount/Corner-Mount Speaker
90 DEGREES OF PURE INGENUITY
Incorporating innovative proprietary technologies into an ingenious and uniquely versatile design, JBL Control NOW AW speakers will deliver evenly distributed sound with minimal distortion at any volume level in any listening environment, indoors or out*. Media rooms, rec rooms, kitchens, decks, pool houses, patio – anywhere you want great sound and need installation flexibility – JBL Control NOW AW speakers are the high-style, high-performance choice

GenevaSound M

From Switzerland, GenevaSound is "furniture music" - a renewed fusion of home entertainment and home décor that brings technology and design full circle. The GenevaSound System “M” is the newest addition to the line up. It is a full range Hi-Fi System that comes with an integrated iPhone/iPod docking station, top loading CD slot player, Radio FM Tuner and a line-in that can be used for your Computer, TV or anything else that has line outputs. The single cabinet is made of solid wood furniture with high gloss piano lacquer finish that is available in White, Black or my favorite, Red. The included remote control gives you full control over your iPod/iPhone, CD player and has 6 presets for the Radio. There are four individual chambered and sealed speakers that are independently powered by a 100 watt digital amplifier, with sound accuracy unmatched by any product of its size. The sealed, wooden chambers feature ported bass in the rear for rich, powerful lows. You can adjust the treble and bass to suit your taste or to room size as well. It has an LED display visible under the front cover showing input source and track playing. The “M” comes with brushed aluminum feet with rubberized footpads which help absorb resonance and vibration. The cabinet measures, width 14.2 inches, height 7.8 inches, depth 10.6 inches and weighs 15 Pounds.

I listened to Jessica Lalonde’s Spinning Daydreams album on the GenevaSound “M”. Her voice completely filled our 900sq/ft 25ft high ceiling store. No matter where I stood her classic voice sounded the same stading anywhere in the store. With its patented Embracing Sound™ digital signal processor, the “M” does not produce a “sweet spot” but instead a wide stereo image with 3 dimensional sound. The Embracing Sound™ digital signal processor uses two speaker arrays closely aligned to create a balanced sound stage no matter where the listener is in the room. I was very impressed on how warm her voice and music sounded. The bass wasn’t ground shaking but not bad either for a unit that is barley 8” tall. The Mid range was tight and quick which was evident in the reproduction of Jessica’s voice and the highs were easy to listen to through the entire album.

Pro: Fantastic full range 3D sound. System is extremely easy to operate. Clean design and fits any decor and has relatively small foot print with big sound that will clobber systems twice its price.

Con: No Subwoofer out or USB input.

Final Word: Having only one cabinet means no messy wires and exceptional sound quality in a small, easy to use package with the 3 necessary sources for a good Hi-Fi system all around. A system that sounds fantastic in low volumes for easy listening and has the juice to rock the house too. Great sound stage without the edgy bright digital sound and reproduces a warm 3 dimensional sound that you can listen to for hours of enjoyment. GenevaSound is the only brand that is sold in leading fashion and design stores in the US and Europe, from Barneys New York to Fred Segal in LA to Armani in Milan.

GenevaSound ‘M” Gallery

Comparatives: Meridian F80 | Bang & Olufsen BeoSound 1

GenevaSound M Technical Specifications

Design
Designed by the Geneva Lab in-house design team
Cabinet finish: Piano lacquered wood, available in white, black and red color

Sound
Speaker system: 2 x 1" tweeters and 2 x 4" woofers
Power Amplifier: Digital hi-fi amplifier (Class D) with 4 x 25 Watt output

Audio
CD-Player: slot loading CD player.
Supported disk formats: CD-Audio, CD-ROM and CD-RW (MP3 files)
Supported disk size: 4 3/4 inches (12 cm)
FM Radio: digital tuner with 6 presets

External audio inputs
Line-in: 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) plug fore xternal input sources like PC, DVD, game console and TV

Electrical requirements
Line voltage: 110V - 220V AC, 60Hz - 50Hz
Power consumption: maximum 75W
Dimensions
Width x height x depth: 14.4" x 7.4" x 9.5" (36.6 cm x 18.7 cm x 24.0 cm)
Weight (estimated): 16 lbs (7.3 kg)

Included accessories: Remote control, Line In Cable: 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) plugs on both ends, AC power cable with external power supply, External FM wire antenna

Project: Eco Tech-Tuk

Introducing the Eco Tech-Tuk. Available only in Downtown Vancouver, I will be making deliveries by bicycle with a 5.5’ x 2.5’ custom built trailer.

Why are we doing this? Well several reasons.

• Zero Emissions & Carbon Neutral.
• Have you tried parking in Downtown Vancouver?
• Excellent way to stay in shape.
• We like to do things differently and NOBODY does this.
• I truly care about the impact on our environment.

About the Trailer (Visit the Eco Tech-Tuk photo gallery)

• Weight capacity of the trailer is 300 lbs (136 kg).
• The oversize towbar is 2-3/8" (6 cm) in diameter--more than twice the diameter of most other trailers. Its stout size prevents flexing from occurring when pulling heavy loads.
• The trailer rolls on tough, 5-spoke Skyway pneumatic wheels equipped with precision cartridge wheel bearings. The wheels are mounted on the ends of a welded galvanized steel axle. This produces a low-maintenance, rugged wheel system that stands up under the heaviest loads.
• Front and rear crossmember.
• The backbone of the trailer is its custom-extruded 6061-T6 aluminum frame channel.
• The trailer attaches to the bike via a TIG-welded stainless steel hitch. It uses a secure, 3-point attachment system to keep the hitch tightly fastened to the frame regardless of the load being pulled.
• 1" (25mm) diameter holes in the web reduce weight while providing numerous tie down points.

So far I have made 4 deliveries on the Tech-Tuk and everybody has been taking a second look as I cruise on by. Today when I took it out to take some pictures I got stopped by a few people asking me questions and comments like, “Can I rent it?”, “That is so neat”, “For a high tech store thats a pretty low tech vehicle.” I couldn’t tell sometimes if people were laughing at me or cheering the concept?

Among making "green" deliveries there are few other things I have implemented.

• We only keep 3 to 4 TV's on in the store to reduce energy consumption.
• The lighting in our store is being operated by Control4 and it shuts the lighting off automatically at midnight.Control4 also shuts off the outside music and the TV's automatically so there not running over night. So many business leave there lights on 24 hours a day.. what a waste of energy.
• I walk to work, and those of you that know me personally are probably laughing at this because I actually live across the street.
• I prefer to email invoices thus reducing ink and paper usage.
• I prefer to promote Energy Star brands in our store.

There are few other things we do to help do our part. I find that being just a good person is not good enough anymore. One should also care for our planet, our environment and do good things for people locally and around the world.

So if you live in downtown Vancouver or are visiting and see me lugging a Home Theater system on my bike, make sure you wave hi.

Check out our interview with Marketnews here
Visit Hello BC for more info on Cycling in Vancouver here

The Wadia, Bel Canto & Kef System

I love music. More than that, I love high resolution lossless music. I like being able to hear Diana Krall’s fingers strike that Piano key, or be able to tell that the guitar Carlos Santana is stringing out his tunes on is a PRS guitar made with solid Brazilian Rosewood. I am speaking of music on my computer and iPod and not music on a CD. We still carry a handful of CD players and they do sound phenomenal however, with the correct hardware your ipod or music on your hard drive can sound just as good as an audiophile grade reference CD Player. Digital Smart Homes embraced the Digital download era long before any other high end dealer in the city did and continue to introduce and carry high quality music systems. There is really no place other than our store for the generation “Y” to go to for iPodphile products.

In listening to Rubén González’s Luv Lluvia Track 3 from his new album“Chanchullo”, the experience was like watching water dance on a superhydrophobic surface. I was able to visualize the Bongos playing with such amazing three dimensional detail that I could hear the hands make contact with the drums. There are so many instruments that come alive, you truly feel like you’ve escaped to Cuba. Rubén González’s plays the piano with such fluidness and perfect timing with the many cuban percussion instruments and does it with such finesse even in his eighties. The aluminum dome on the Kef speakers almost act like a visual mirror reflecting every detail back to my hears with perfect harmony, range and depth. Below I will be briefly covering the components that I used to experience this album.

Lets start with the Wadia 170i Transport. The iTransport is the first ever component specifically designed to transform your iPod into a high-resolution audio/video media server. The iTransport combines the convenience of personal audio with the performance and connectivity of your home audio/video system, delivering bit-perfect digital audio signal via S/PDIF coaxial (RCA) output, DVD quality video via component outputs, and built on a sleek aluminum chassis. When the iPod docks with iTransport, the iPod transforms into an audiophile-grade media server that rivals some of the top performing digital source components available. >> download the Wadia 170i brochure

Basically when the Wadia 170i Transport is “engaged” it allows you to bypass your iPods/iPhones internal 16 bit/44.1KHz DAC. Music is stored digitally and for us to hear that music a DAC needs to convert that digital music file to Analogue (DAC - Digital/Analogue Converter) Now the Wadia does not have an internal DAC of its own. Its main purpose is to deliver or “transport” bit perfect 0’s and 1’s to an outboard DAC which than converts it to Analogue. In our store for example I am using Bel Canto’s e.One DAC3 connected to a Bel Canto e.One S300iu integrated USB Amp which are powering a pair of Kef XQ10 speakers.

The second component in our system is the Bel Canto e.One Dac3DAC/Preamplifier with Ultra-Clock™ Technology which has Digital Level Control, 24/192 DAC vs the iPod’s 16/44.1. The e.One also comes with Balanced I/O, 5-digital Inputs w/USB. This combination reproduces music with new levels of dynamic expression and accuracy of timbre. Your music communicates as never before. The Ultra-Clock™ Technology recalls the best of analog music reproduction, without the limitations of either analog or other digital technologies. All components work in concert with every detail of the Dac3’s design to achieve a new level of musical realism. >> Learn more about the e.One DAC3

The third component is our Bel Canto e.One S300iu integrated Dual Mono Amplifier with USB port shown in the bottom of the stack of components pictured on the left. The S300iu raises performance expectations for an integrated audio amplifier. The S300iu integrates a high performance preamplifier with 300 Watts of dual mono balanced power capability per channel. The high performance preamplifier uses the latest digitally controlled analog volume control and sealed relay switching to provide a transparent signal path for up to 4 analog inputs, including a USB Digital Audio converter. The USB DAC allows you to create a high performance audio playback system using your computer as the audio source. This will optimize playback of either compressed audio files, uncompressed audio files, and CD playback from your computer drive. This option opens up a new world of audio experience. >> Learn more about the eOne S300iu

The last component of our system are the Kef XQ10 bookshelf speakers. They reproduce the sound with effortless accuracy. Packed with technology derived from Kef’s Reference Series, it features a new generation Uni-Q® array and ‘tangerine’ waveguide: a stunningly natural-sounding elliptical dome 19mm (0.75in.) tweeter perfectly time-aligned with the surrounding midrange/bass cone to disperse the sound far more evenly across the listening area than is possible with conventional speakers. A speaker that’s big in everything but size. Available in Birdseye Maple, Khaya Mahogany and Piano Black. >> Learn more about the Kef XQ10


I invite you to come by our store and experience the sweet music of Rubén González while sipping on a glass of wine or bring your iPod for a truly amazing listening experience.

(Source: www.wadia.com, www.belcantodesign.com & www.kef.com)