Smart Home Blog

xPL - light, Windows-based system for home automation announced last month support of Z-Wave devices. xPL already provided an interface to use RFXCOM devices, WGL Designs W800RF32 X10 RF Receivers and X10 RF modules.
Additionally, xPL allows to control your home via MCE using xPLMCE Home Automation Add-in. xPL developers are going to add support 1-Wire sensors and RF receivers/transmitters for X10 devices soon.
To extend xPL functionality or add support of new devices you can use Perl, Java or VB API. For more information please visit xPL site.

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Lagotek demonstrated the first home automation gadgets which use SideShow. SideShow is a new feature of Windows Vista that allows small bits of PC-based data to be displayed on and controlled through auxiliary displays like remote controls and digital picture frames and doesn’t affect PC’s desktop at all.

Lagotek is planning to release its new version of its Home Intelligence Platform (HIP) specifically for Vista Media Center Edition. Users will be able to control their home through the MCE interface, and naturally control their MCE-based A/V system as well. A/V control has been missing in the earlier versions of the HIP system. HIP works with wireless music systems like the Squeezebox, IP-enabled video cameras, and Z-wave lights and thermostats, while Z-wave RF mesh networking and 802.11g keep it all connected.

Well, it sounds very attractive but let’s see the first release at least.

[via Engadget]

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HomeSeer Technologies - Windows based home automation system producer, released its PRO-100 series-II second generation home automation controller. The unit features a 1.5GHz Intel Celeron processor, 1GB of DDR RAM, four RS-232 serial ports, a pair of USB 2.0 inputs, Ethernet, audio in / out and Windows XP already embedded.

“With the PRO-100, homeowners can interact with their homes in a way that’s most comfortable for them. The PRO-100 works with touchscreens, keypads, wireless remote controls, via voice recognition and remotely from any browser-based device. We even include a special interface for Microsoft’s Windows Media Center!” states Mark Colegrove, HomeSeer’s director of sales.

PRO-100 Series-II unit will begin shipping in December 2006. The price is not tagged yet.

[via Engadget]

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Niveus Media has announced the 2007 Pro Series media centers, n7 and n9. Pro Series Media Centers are based on Intel Viiv technology and Core 2 Duo Extreme processor and have Nvidia’s GeForce Series 7 Graphics, HDMI output, HD DVD, from 1TB to 3TB HDD, up to 4GB of Memory, boasts up to 4 television tuners (2x NTSC, 2x ATSC) and 8-channel audio.

Additionally, it includes Niveus’ proprietary Glacier Passive Cooling™ technology (active & passive cooling), Niveus ConvergencePanel™, HDMI, RS-232, an integrated flash card reader (SD, MMC), and RAID 5 Hard Drive Data Protection. The Pro Series media centers use Windows Media Center 2005 as operation system.

Niveus Media’s Professional Series n7 and n9 MSRP start at of $6,999 and $14,999, respectively, and is expected to ship September 30, 2006. I’m not surpriced about the price because Niveus Media announced its participation in the following programs: AMX’s InConcert manufacturer partner program, Crestron’s Integration Partner program and Exceptional Innovation’s Life|ware Ready program.

[via eHomeUpgrade]

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Insent released a MCE-based media center - Julia All-in-One Touch Extender. The media center uses improved touchscreen functionality. It allows to control media via touchscreen without keyboard or mouse.

The unit is packed by a 17-inch widescreen display, along with a CD/DVD drive, TV and FM tuners, 80GB hard drive, and Ethernet and WiFi capabilities. Neither are price nor availability.

[via Engadget]

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