Digital Smart Homes | Technology News

Sonos Launches iPad App

2010-06-24T16:29:00.001-07:00

Although Sonos launched an iPad interface for their wireless whole-house music system earlier this week, it won’t be available until August. However, it is a very sleek use of the iPad technology integrated into a HomeAV application. If you want to see the demo, go here: Sonos iPad App

We now carry RTI & Crestron

2010-06-24T16:26:00.000-07:00

We are excited to announce the addition of RTI (Remote Technologies Inc.) and Crestron Automation and Control products to our impressive line-up of products and services.
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Yamaha's NeoHD is here!

2010-06-24T16:25:00.000-07:00

Enjoy all your AV sources plus music streaming from your computer, Internet Radio and Rhapsody content. Easily control all of your sources with a simple graphical user interface (GUI) and simplified remote control. One remote gives you total media control.
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Control4 Launches Commercial Systems Product Line at InfoComm 2010

2010-06-24T16:24:00.001-07:00

Bringing a proven IP-based control platform to the pro AV market, Control4 introduces a full line of commercial hardware and software solutions.
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Social networking comes to the world of home-control systems

2010-06-24T16:23:00.001-07:00

Home Automation companies like the one we carry, Control4, are increasingly building social-networking functions into their product lines. Control4 is developing a system that will allow users to tap into websites such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube right from their home-control interfaces.
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Philips Pronto Launches Lutron’s RadioRa® 2 Module

2010-06-24T16:22:00.001-07:00

New module offers easy two-way integration with Lutron lighting and shading control systems.

Philips Pronto, the value leader in two-way control solutions, in collaboration with lighting control manufacturer Lutron Electronics, has announced the availability of a new RadioRA 2 module for Pronto’s line of controllers, including the TSU9300 (limited), TSU9400, TSU9600 and TSU9800. This new module offers integrators a convenient integration between a Pronto touch panel and the RadioRA 2 wireless lighting control system.
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Now you can pick a room, pick a song, and pick a colour.

2010-06-24T16:21:00.001-07:00

The all-in-one Sonos S5 is about to get even more popular. On June 2nd, 2010, in response to overwhelming demand, the S5 will debut in black. And the timing couldn't be better with Father's Day just around the corner.
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Samung previews 19" transparent AMOLED panel

2010-06-24T16:20:00.001-07:00

Samsung is currently demonstrating a 19-inch transparent AMOLED display. The technology preview has been scheduled for the annual Society for Information Display (SID) International Symposium. The panel is claimed to be the largest in the industry, an improvement over Samsung's 14-inch component shown at CES, while still maintaining a transparency above 30 percent.

The company has continued to develop transparent AMOLED technology for a variety of potential applications such as notebook computers, vehicle windshields, or new types of advertising at retail locations.

Samsung has yet to announce official plans to integrate its largest transparent AMOLED panels in upcoming devices. [via OLED-Display.net]

Viper SmartStart is now available in Canada!

2010-06-24T16:19:00.000-07:00

What is Viper SmartStart?
Are you tired of carrying around another clunky remote control on your keyring, or finding yourself out of range when you really need to warm up or cool down your car before getting in? Now you can remote start or lock and unlock your car just by pushing a button on your iPhone or iPod Touch; using the exciting new Viper SmartStart app

The simple graphical interface gives you control over the following features of your installed Viper remote start or security/remote start system:
Lock/arm
Unlock/disarm
Remote car starter
Trunk release
Panic or car finder
2-Way confirmation of commands received at vehicle
Error messages if command not received successfully
Vehicle personalization
App pass code protection
Password management utilities
Button confirmation sounds
You can also control multiple vehicles – great for families! – and assign more than one user to control a vehicle.

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The emergence of Internet-enabled devices and how it is changing the landscape of home entertainment

2010-06-24T16:12:00.000-07:00

In the past few years, TVs and computers have become highly commoditized items and technology companies, retailers, and content providers are increasingly shifting to a service-oriented model to increase their revenues. Selling a portable media player with a music subscription or a DVD player with movies adds value to a purchase.
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Panasonic launches Skype for 2010 VIERA Cast TVs

2010-06-24T16:10:00.001-07:00

One of the coolest things I saw at CES 2010 was the Skype app installed on the Panasonic VieraCast TVs. All thats required is a Skype account, a Panasonic Skype enabled camera which is sold separately for about $200 and a VieraCast enabled Panasonic Plasma TV (VT25, VT20, G25 and the G20 series). The Panasonic TY-CC10W webcam supports 30fps VGA or 720p/22fps h.264 encoded streams and has 4 unidirectional microphones, an echo cancelling system . Check out the video below to get a glimpse on how the VieraCast Skype system works.

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Tips for greening your home

2010-06-24T16:09:00.001-07:00

Whether you are looking to build a state-of-the-art, eco-friendly home or to make simple adjustments to lower your utility bills, there are effective ways to go green and save money at the same time. The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) presents tips that range from no-cost habits to larger, green investments and show you how to green your home and still enjoy the latest technologies and entertainment.
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Integra's latest A/V receivers offer 3-D functionality

2010-06-24T16:07:00.000-07:00

Integra has introduced a pair of new A/V receivers, the 100-watt-per-channel DTR-30.2 and the 90-watt-per-channel DTR-20.2, that offer 3-D functionality. Both machines feature HDMI 1.4a ports that enable 3-D video signals to pass from a Blu-ray player to a TV's display screen.
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Kaleidescape Introduces Next Generation Movie Players

2010-06-24T16:06:00.001-07:00

New Movie Server Architecture, New User Interface, Blu-ray Support

SUNNYVALE, CA - Kaleidescape, Inc., the market leader in movie servers, today announced its new M500 and M300 Players. Built on the company's proprietary M-Class architecture, this next generation of players delivers a new and improved onscreen user interface and Blu-ray support. The M500 Player copies Blu-ray Discs, DVDs, and CDs onto a server. The imported content can then be played back instantly by M500 and M300 Players, creating the world's first multi-zone movie server for Blu-ray.
To address the concerns of the studios, Kaleidescape requires the disc to be present when playing Blu-ray content from the server. Today this means the Blu-ray Disc must be in the tray of an M500 Player. To enable the full Kaleidescape experience for Blu-ray, the company is developing a disc loader which will keep a large number of discs present within the Kaleidescape system. It will also provide bulk import, and make it easy to find and retrieve a disc.

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Surround Sound 101

2010-06-24T16:03:00.000-07:00

Why is surround sound important in a home-theater setup?
Surround sound is one of the two crucial components of a home theater, the other being HDTV. Surround sound makes it easier to catch the dialogue in your favorite prime-time TV show and experience the action while watching a movie.
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Onkyo first to introduce a THX-Certified 3D AV Receiver

2010-04-25T14:43:00.000-07:00

The TX-SR608 Home Theater receiver by Onkyo is now available and comes with six HDMI inputs. It’s very well specked for its price at $699

All six HDMI 1.4 inputs are capable of passing 3D video, and upscale to 1080p if needed—with one of the inputs conveniently located on the front. All HD audio formats are able to be decoded, and it uses 192kHz/24-bit Burr-Brown DACs. Dual subwoofer outputs and 7 x 100W output is a definite upgrade over the previous TX-SR607 model, which had just 90 watts per channel.

Take a look at the press release below for the full line-up of products.
“The new TX-SR608 7.2-channel THX-Select2 Plus certified receiver has new power amplifier section that uses three-stage inverted Darlington output topology, and a power boost from 90 to 100 watts. Audyssey DSX dimensional sound processing has been added to its predecessor's Dolby PLIIz capabilities. Additionally, all video sources, including those using the new PC input, and regardless of source resolution, can be upscaled to big and beautiful 1080p via HDMI and Faroudja DCDi Cinema™. The TX-SR608 will also include a front HDMI input, a feature first introduced by Onkyo in 2009.”

Cables To Go Offers WirelessHD Kit

2010-04-25T14:42:00.000-07:00

Cables To Go has launched a 60 GHz WirelessHD Kit that the company says wirelessly transmits a true 1080p HDMI signal to a television from HDMI components such as a Blu-ray player, set-top box, computer, or gaming console up to 33 feet, line of sight.

“WirelessHD is on the cusp of huge growth, and the Cables To Go kit with its quality, features and price point is well positioned to be a strong player in the market,” said Gary Hess, vice president of innovation for Lastar, parent company of Cables To Go. “This is true not only for the consumer market, but our relationships and experience in additional vertical markets will help us lead adoption and growth.”
Contact us for more information

The Kaleidescape Experience

2010-04-25T14:41:00.000-07:00

We are excited to announce that Digital Smart Homes is now an authorized Kaleidescape dealer.
The Kaleidescape System simplifies the way you collect, manage and enjoy movies and music. Once your personal entertainment collection is stored on the Kaleidescape System, you can say goodbye to DVD and CD clutter and the frustration of storing and organizing your movies and music. And, since your Kaleidescape System uses high-speed networking to deliver your favourite movies and music throughout your home, you can instantly access and enjoy them when and where it's convenient for you, your family or your guests. Simply click PLAY, lean back and immediately enjoy the show with your closest friends and family.

Pioneer Transfered Display Patents to Panasonic

2010-04-25T14:40:00.000-07:00

Many videophiles were disappointed when Pioneer withdrew from the Plasma display business last year. The Pioneer Kuro was the standard to beat on all levels of performance. What happen to all that amazing technology and those brilliant engineers that made the Kuro such an elite television? I recently came across Pioneer’s Annual report for 2009, and in it I came across some interesting piece of information. On page 50 of the report it states:

“Transfer of Patents for Plasma Display Panels to
Panasonic Corporation
The Company resolved to transfer its patents for plasma display
panels and modules to Panasonic Corporation at the Board of
Directors’ meeting held on April 28, 2009. The two companies
had executed the agreement on May 15, 2009. This constitutes
part of the business restructuring effort in accordance with plans
for a full withdrawal from the display business.”

I also contacted a representative at Panasonic and was told that many of the engineers where hired by Panasonic and the new 2010 line up of Panasonic plasma displays incorporated many of the patents that were acquired from Pioneer. So does this make Panasonic the new standard? We’ll so far many of the reviews are sure pointing in that direction.

Italy's Public Libary installs "Room Euphony"

2010-04-25T14:39:00.000-07:00

Europeans have always had a greater appreciation for Hi Fidelity, constantly obsessing to reproduce the most accurate audio and video as they can to its original recording. Italy’s public library just recently installed a Hi-Fi Audio Video system they call “Room Euphony” to promote awareness of high quality sound and video. A goal that I am a great advocate of. To often music goes unappreciated and so much detail goes unheard by being played back on “Home Theater in a Box” type systems. The library installed audio/video equipment that would educate and raise awareness of high quality reproduction. This particular system consists of:
Klein+Hummel speakers and amplifiers
Panasonic PT AE 4000 projector
Onkyo PR SC 5507 preamp
OPPO BD 83 Blu-ray player
Thorens TD 295 MK IV turntable
and more (the complete list of components can be found here, in Italian)
Room Euphony has been very popular and is often visited by students, small groups and individuals. Being that it is a library, the room is also acoustically treated. I would love to see a similar setup here at the Vancouver downtown public library. You can check out some more pictures of Room Euphony here. Stop by our showroom or the may other Hi-Fi independent dealer with your favourite CD, DVD or even your iPod and experience Hi-Fi for yourself.

New MacBook Pro's DisplayPort outputs Audio & HDMI

2010-04-25T14:38:00.001-07:00

The updated specs on the New MacBook Pro mini DisplayPort is capable of sending both HDMI and digital audio over one cable giving it multi streaming capabilities and eliminating the need to have two separate cables. This greatly enhances the new MBP’s Front Row application as a media computer that could be incorporated into a Home Theater system. Technically labeled as DisplayPort 1.2, it has double the data rate, now at 21.6 Gps and can handle 3D, colour depths higher than 24-bit and faster frame rates.

Sharp to launch Quattron 3D TV's

2010-04-25T14:37:00.001-07:00

harp will begin selling 3D capable TV’s by December. It will the worlds only 3D TV’s that use RGBY, Red, Green, Blue and Yellow as the four primary colours vs the standard RGB used by Panasonic, Samsung & Sony. RGBY takes the number of colours that can be displayed into the trillions and will also be significantly brighter than ints competitors. Sharp's 3D LCD will also feature a side-mount scanning LED backlight technology, which reduces crosstalk--an effect in 3D TV’s that can sometimes cause a ghost image to appear onscreen (even when wearing glasses) similar to a double exposure photograph.

Yamaha 3D Receivers are on there way

2010-04-25T14:33:00.000-07:00

Yamaha 3D home theatre receivers are expected to be available in mid May. They will support high speed HDMI, also known as 1.4. The RXV567 supports 3D and Audio Return Channel over HDMI while the RXV467 will only support 3D with no Audio Return Channel. It is also capable of bluetooth audio streaming with an optional bluetooth dock. HD Audio format decoding include Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio. Yamaha’s amazing YPAO automatic system calibration is standard on all receivers. Contact us for more information on the new 67 series of Yamaha 3D receivers.

Broadcast HD Video Over Coax Cabling

2010-04-25T14:31:00.000-07:00

Broadcast HDTV source to every TV in your establishment or home all over your existing RG6 coax cable. “ZeeVee has shattered the cost and deployment barriers for HD video distribution within hotels, airports, restaurants, bars, homes, and everywhere else digital signage or high quality video is shown” The technology is based on the same platform that cable companies rely on to deliver rich HDTV to millions of users and now is available on a more localized level within your establishment. This saves the cost of rewiring or purchasing an HDTV satellite or cable box for each TV saving thousands of dollars and time.

Basically the “ZvBox®” turns the output of a VGA or HD source into an HDTV cable channel and broadcasts it over coax cabling to all connected HDTVs. To view the HD source, simply tune in the “Zv” channel at any HD TV.

Key Benefits of Coax:
Proven method: cable companies light up entire cities with it
Handles up to 135 simultaneous channels
Already in place in vast majority of buildings
Easy to deploy and expand coax systems using simple hand tools
System parts (splitters, amps, etc.) inexpensive and widely available
Connects to off-the-shelf HDTVs without additional decoder boxes at each TV

If your thinking of upgrading your viewing to HDTV at the most cost effective and quickest deployment for your restaurant, bar, hotel, airport, home or anywhere else you may want to broadcast Satellite or Cable HDTV, Bluray, DVD or Digital Signage over your coax, contact us to find out if the ZvBoz will work in your environment.

Atlona PC to Computer Monitor/HDTV Wireless adapter

2010-04-08T12:37:00.000-07:00

The Atlona's all new AT-HDAiR is designed to connect any Windows Based computer to either your HDTV or Computer Monitor wirelessly though VGA or HDMI Connections. The HDAiR is based on a powerful UWB technology, allowing users to extend high resolution content up to 30ft away. Atlona adapter is capable of supporting resolutions up to 1400x1050 or 720p. The AT-HDAiR is features with dual video (HDMI and VGA) and dual Audio (HDMI-Audio and 1/8" mini stereo) outputs. Both outputs are active simultaneously.
Whether wirelessly connected to a projector in a meeting room or to a flat TV screen in the living room, the the Atlona HDAiR allows users to easily and conveniently extend their PC visual workspace. Providing both HDMI interface, common in flat TVs, and VGA interface, common in projectors and computer monitors—the HDAiR provides users with the flexibility. Both HDMI and VGA output connections are active at the same time, therefore HDAiR receiver could be used to power up 2 displays at the same time with identical content.

Control4 My Home app for iPad

2010-04-06T00:02:00.000-07:00

Control4, a leader in affordable IP-based home control systems, announced today the Control4® My Home application for iPad, which was developed in collaboration with Control UI. In a Control4®-enabled smart home, users will be able to access lighting, temperature, music, video, security systems, web cameras and more from an Apple iPad. Available now on the iTunes App Store, the Control4 My Home app has been selected as an Apple staff favourite for iPad apps.

Control4 provides home automation through an extensible operating system that integrates energy using devices and systems in the home, including, audio and video equipment, lighting systems, motorized shades, and security systems. With the new, specially designed Control4 My Home app for iPad, homeowners can use their iPad as an interface to their Control4® system to create personalized experiences such as custom lighting scenes; to conveniently control entertainment systems; or to take advantage of energy savings with programmable thermostats and other ‘green’ settings. Later in the year, homeowners will be able to use Control4 My Home in conjunction with a Control4® 4Sight remote monitoring subscription to turn lights on and off, lock or unlock doors, or access IP video cameras and security systems from the Internet, providing increased home security and peace of mind.

“Consumers want the devices in their home to be integrated and easy to use. The Control4® Operating System is designed to do just that. Many of our customers use touch screens to access their Control4 system and the iPad is a great platform that meets the needs of many homeowners for exactly this task.” said Will West, Chief Executive Officer of Control4. “We think the iPad is an important platform for homeowners looking for a smarter home and believe that when combined with Control4 My Home we will continue to push forward the mainstream adoption of affordable home control technologies that make our lives easier.”

Bell TV Confirms 3D Content Before Years End

2010-04-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

A Bell TV spokesperson has announced that if you have a Bell 9141 or a 9242 HD PVR, your setup box is 3D ready! Bell TV will be launching 3D channels as early as years end, starting with PPV Movies and more 3D channels will follow in 2011. BellTV also has the most HD channels in Canada. Of course you will still require a 3D TV and 3D active shutter glasses in order to enjoy the full experience. If you are not a Bell TV subscriber, a 9141/9242 HD PVR is available for as little as $299 NET until July 22nd 2010, installed! Call us for full details.

Sharp Aquos Quattron LED TV

2010-04-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

With the introduction of the LE820 Series, Sharp once again establishes its leadership in LCD and LED technology. In a monumental engineering breakthrough, Sharp’s proprietary Quattron Technology, a 4-colour filter that adds yellow to the traditional RGB, enables more than a trillion colours to be displayed for the first time. A stunning new contemporary edge-light design with full-front glass proudly announces a new AQUOS direction for 2010. The proprietary AQUOS LED system comprised of the X-Gen LCD panel and UltraBrilliant LEDs enables an incredible dynamic contrast ratio of 5,000,000:1 and picture quality that is second to none. The LE820 series is very fully featured, including the addition of Netflix™ streaming video capability through the AQUOS Net™ service, along with the industry’s leading online support system, AQUOS Advantage Live. A built in media player allows for playback of music and photos via USB port.

The Future is Internet Video Streaming.

2010-04-05T23:58:00.000-07:00

From where we sit at Digital Smart Homes, the future of movie watching arrives through the internet. Steaming movies over the internet is now so accessible that many predict that streaming will displace DVD technology entirely within three years. That doesn't worry us, because our line of priority switches and routers by Pakedge are designed specifically for video and audio streaming to ensure an optimal, uninterrupted experience.

RSB-KIT

The popularity and affordability of IP networking has driven audio/video and controls networks to share the same physical wire with computer networks. However, unlike computer data that can tolerate a certain degree of unpredictable latency, video streaming, audio streaming, and control systems cannot. These sophisticated networks require the same robustness as an enterprise network to ensure the packets that carry audio and video arrive in time and that IP-based controls do not lose critical command packets.

Our line of Pakedge Audio-Video Bridging (AVB) products is designed to solve these issues with minimum configuration. The Pakedge solution pre-configures the Security Appliance (Router) and switch, dividing the network into 4 separate subnets (VLANS) to manage traffic, broadcast, and priority for all devices based on color coded ports. The simplicity of Pakedge’s solution allows our installers or DIY clients to focus on quick, quality installations without enterprise configuration worries.

Lutron Lighting and Shades

2010-04-05T23:57:00.001-07:00

am very excited to welcome Lutron Electronics into our line card. Lutron offers a complete line of lighting control solutions for residences as well as for commercial projects.

What is light control?
Light control is the ability to adjust the amount of daylight and electric light in a room or throughout your whole home or business. With Lutron, you can adjust the amount of daylight with electronically controlled shades and drapes, and electric lights with dimmers and switches. And you can conveniently control it all with keypads, sensors, and other light control devices to create the perfect balance of daylight and electric light to suit your lifestyle.

So whether you are a homeowner seeking to enhance the appearance or atmosphere of a single room, or a facilities manager looking to enhance employee productivity and comfort while reducing energy-related costs throughout an entire corporate campus, Lutron can offer you the best value lighting control solutions that will meet or exceed your expectations while staying within your budget.

Finally. An iPod dock that does it all!

2010-04-05T23:55:00.000-07:00

Introducing the all new iPort FS-23 free-standing iPod/iPhone dock. This dock transforms your iPod or iPhone into a Digital Media System with On-Screen Navigation. Besides standing out as dock that connects to your TV with a full GUI (Graphical User Interface), the dock connects to your local network! This virtually allows you to sync you iPod or iPhone over your network without having to dock it directly to your computer. The advantages of a network connection can be quickly realized. You basically have a very inexpensive Media Server and fully unlocks your media even if they are DRM protected. It also has a remote zone IR control input so that the FS-23 Dock can be controlled from any room with several different control devices including Control4 or a Harmony Remote. Connects to your TV via component cables to give you the most optimized video playback of your Movies, TV Shows or Photos. Audio can be connected to your Hi-Fi system or directly to the TV for rich sound.

Other features include:
• View and navigate content from the iPod/iPod touch directly on your TV
• Charge the iPod/iPod touch while docked
• Select music, video, song, artist, album, and playlist
• View an elegant Now Playing screen that indicates title, artist, and album with cover art provided by the iPod/ iPod touch.
• iPort standard IR remote
• Control iPod/iPod touch settings such as equalizer,
• repeat, and shuffle
• Built-in pre-amplifier for variable volume control
• Stop-motion screen saver with time adjustment

Cambridge Audio's one

2010-04-05T23:50:00.001-07:00

Cambridge Audio’s “ONE” micro system has all the features a music lover would want wrapped in to a smart package. This fully integrated system comes with a built in CD Player that also plays WMA and MP3 CD’s. It also has a built in SD and USB reader that is accessible from the front, dedicated MP3 player input via a 3mm front jack, DAB/FM RDS radio tuner and a full function iPod Dock that can be all operated by a sleek remote control.

Along with all the multitude of mediums the ONE is able to play, the unit also come with an alarm clock, 2 additional inputs and a subwoofer output for those that want extra bass and want 2.1 performance. The built in Alarm will wake up to either the DAB or FM radio. The alarm feature would have been better if it was able to wake up to any source, like a playlist on your iPod. The chassis of the “ONE” is a full 215mm metal body and available in either black or silver. It has plenty of punch with a 60 watt amplifier and even had a headphone jacket to personal listening. The front LED display has a two line text feed back and can be dimmed for bedside placement. The “ONE” truly achieves so much from just one stylish neat box.

iPad for Control4 Integration & Automation

2010-02-06T15:54:00.000-08:00

iPad for Control4 Integration & Automation

The introduction of Apple’s iPad has made it much more affordable to add a touch screen panel to your home automation system. A touch screen from a Home Automation vendor can be as much 10 times higher than an iPad loaded with Home Automation software. When the iPad is released in late March, the cost of owning a touch screen panel to operate a Control4 Automation system will become under $900. Not only will the iPad give you “Door to your Drape” control, but with additional apps from iTunes you will be able to start you car, stream media and much more all from one powerful interface. The iPad will also act as a mobile controller out side of your “Home Zone” whereas proprietary controllers only work within the homes wireless coverage.

So if you can imagine.., your on the couch reading an eBook on your iPad and listening to music, the door bell rings and the music automatically pauses. You simply switch to your Control4 app to see who’s at the front door before you unlock the door...all from your iPad anywhere in your home or anywhere in the world. The iPad will not only bring new and exciting innovations but will effect electronics that already exist in your car, at businesses, in schools and at home today.

Introducing the worlds most affordable & smallest iPod HiFi system.

2009-11-15T11:23:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-07T17:11:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-05T00:02:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-30T14:13:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-25T15:31:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-20T14:54:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-04T10:02:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-10T18:14:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-18T13:18:00.001-07:00

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.

2009-08-18T13:17:00.001-07:00

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™

2009-08-18T13:14:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-08T23:47:00.000-07:00

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"

2009-08-07T12:49:00.001-07:00

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

2009-08-07T11:53:00.001-07:00

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

2009-06-12T19:55:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-17T11:49:00.001-07:00

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

2009-05-15T22:54:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-15T22:53:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-15T22:51:00.000-07:00

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)