hometechweekly.com

In this episode we discuss getting started in home control - things you need to know to take the leap. Also we will discuss two popular protocols in home control - Z-Wave & Zigbee. All that and news stories of the week.

This week on HomeTech Weekly - A tale of three homes: Home Control; Home Automation; Home Integration. All that and news stories of the week.

In this episode we cover UltraViolet - the new streaming options for movies and TV; and News stories on Stitcher Radio, Denon, Kindle Fire, Crestron, Google Search; Apple iBooks 2, iBooks Author, iTune U as well as a new sponsor!

At one point it seems like this has been the longest week in my life (since last years show), but on the other hand it seems like it just started. So I don't know if I should focus on the emotion of being thankful that it is over, or if I should focus on that disappointment that it is over. It seems that I have to wait another 12 months to see all these great toys, but wait I just got an email reminder to register for the Electronic House Expo (EHX) in March. Then again there is also CEDIA coming up in September. CES 2013 - January 8-11

Recorded 1/12/2012 CES 2012 Day 3 Samsung definitely came to CES ready to play this year - they have introduced a beautiful OLED display along with some really amazing new features in their products for 2012. And the last one is truly amazing and I certainly want one...

Recorded 1/12/2012 CES 2012 Day 3 - Sony as usual came to impress, and they did not disappoint. With the introduction of a new technology, a new line of Bravia TVs, new Blu-rays, a couple of 2nd Gen Google TV set-top boxes, and a personal 3D viewer.

Recorded 1/12/2012 CES 2012 Day 3 - After a few days of a ton of new releases from some of the larger manufacturers, today's first show (there will be a total of 3) will cover a few of the products that jumped out at me and grabbed my attention.

Recorded 1/11/2012 Day 2 of CES 2012 (technically Day 3) Sony Playstation President of Sony, Kazuo Hirai said that the Playstation 3 is only halfway through its 10-year life cycle Rumors had been that a new console was going to be unveiled at this year's E3 video game conference The Playstation 3 was introduced in November 2006 - so it looks like it will be 5 more years before we see a new console from Sony Control4 Two new controllers HC250 (C4-HC250-BL) 1GHz processor Low profile, compact design allowing for installation behind TVs TV on-screen navigator PoE capability for power and network connectivity over a single CAT5/CAT6 cable Next generation core and ZigBee processors for a new level of speed and performance for "instantaneous" interactive touchscreen control Integrated Wireless-N and ZigBee with external antennas & optional 3 meter extended antenna Certified HDMI with audio & video 2 audio outputs - 1 analog and 1 HDMI 1 analog audio input USB port for connection to external storage for music or video content HC800 (C4-HC800-BL) Dual Core 1.8GHz processor 1RU design TV on-screen navigator I/O to control devices through IR, RS-232 serial, IP, ZigBee, Contacts & Relays 4 audio outputs - 2 analog, 1 digital, 1 HDMI 1 analog audio input Next generation core and ZigBee processors for a new level of speed and performance for "instantaneous" interactive touchscreen control. Integrated Wireless-N and ZigBee with external antennas & optional 3 meter extended antenna Certified HDMI with audio & video eSATA & USB ports for connections to externals storage for music or video content Door Station Intercom with Camera 7" In-wall Touchscreen with Camera & Intercom Full motion video intercom Wideband audio 7"Portable Touchscreen with Camera Eers Headphones by Sonomax Self fitted custom earphones in just 4 minutes Earbuds that are custom fit to your ear Two models available PCS-100 Single Driver, dynamic speaker Available now $199.99 PCS-200 Dual balanced armature speakers with crossover Available now $299.99 Biscotti TV Phone Camera system for your TV to make video phone calls Very small device (shaped like a biscotti - the Italian cookie) Free calls to other Biscotti users or anyone on Google Video Chat Camera and microphone capture the whole room No computer required Works with any TV that has a HDMI input Device is a pass-through for HDMI in order to overlay their interface on your standard TV content No monthly fees Available now on their website http://www.biscotti.com/ $199 LG Smart ThinQ Technology The center of the system is Smart Manager Uses either the LCD panel on a LG refrigerator or through a smart phone app to control system Complete food management system Tells you what food is inside the refrigerator, where it is inside, and when it will expire Smart Access lets user access and monitor the operation status of smart appliances with Smart App LG smart appliances are all Smart Grid ready When utilities start offering Smart Grid variable energy pricing you can schedule If rates are low at 2:00am you can program your washer to do your laundry at that time Onkyo Announced a partnership with MP3tunes.com All 2012 Onkyo network capable receivers will have access to MP3tunes cloud based Locker that provides up to to 2GB of music storage absolutely free.  2GB should hold about 400 of your favorite songs.  Larger accounts are available starting at 50GB for $39.95 per year SunbriteTV Signature Line of all-weather LCD TVs All Signature Line TVs come with the standard connections HDMI Component AV S-Video Composite Video VGA To protect connects there is a proprietary water-tight cable pass through system Silver or Black finish

Recorded 1/10/2012 Monster Cable Dropping the "cable" from their name - the website is www.monsterproducts.com Clarity HD Speakers - Model One High Shown at CEDIA 2011, but they are now shipping Built-In iPod Dock & Auxiliary mini-jack RCA Inputs ¼" TRS Inputs Available in 2 designer colors - Gloss Red & Gloss Yellow $749.95 Clarity HD Micro Compact speaker/speakerphone for the multi-tasking music lover Switch seamlessly from great sounding music to a conference or personal call Voice Command and Control function allows users to make and answer calls, play music, perform Bluetooth paring and many other functions via simple voice commands Users can change the voice of the Clarity HD anytime by downloading multiple voice files from the Monster website Available worldwide in March 2012 $219.95 StreamCast HD Wireless Audio System Wirelessly stream "high-definition" music throughout the home with the StreamCast HD Transmitter and Receiver Kit ($189.95) All-in-one system has capability of up to 4 sources of wireless uncompressed high definition music Up to 12 different rooms simultaneously, up to a distance of 100 feet Additional receivers available for $119.95.  Additional transmitters available for $79.95 Choose any one of the four sources for each room (zone) via a single push button on the receiver module or by using a smartphone or tablet via the StreamCast App. "Party Mode" - all zones can play the same music seamlessly Monster Power Control App App lets your remotely monitor and manage a home's power consumption Designed to work with the new PRT family of PowerCenters PRT 100M ($59.95) PRT 100MC ($69.95) PRT 300MC ($119.95) All devices work in conjunction with the Monster Gateway GTW 100 ($59.95) Monster partners with ISF for HDMI Cables ISF (Imaging Science Foundation) line of HDMI cables World's fastest HDMI cable at 21 Gigabits per second Available in three speeds: ISF 2000 (21 Gps) in lengths from 4' - 75'.  Retail price $120-$500 ISF 1250 (17.8 Gps) in lengths from 4' - 75'.  Retail price $80-$400 ISF 750 (14.3 Gps) in lengths from 4' - 16'.  Retail price $50-$120 Outlets To Go Global Power Adapter for the world traveler Work in 150 countries Two AC outlets and one USB charging port HDP 950G+ GreenPower Bar Entry level power management Clean Power Stage 1 Programmable circuitry Dual-Mode power protection 3240 Joules Network/Phone combo protection 8 Outlets 8' Flat Profile power cord Connected Equipment Warranty - $300,000 1250G Energy Efficient home theater PowerCenter Programmable circuitry Clean Power Stage 2 HD Tri-Mode disconnect circuitry Microprocessor controlled T2 - actively monitors the line, neutral, and ground power lines for electrical surges, dips, and swells and automatically disconnects the PowerCenter and AV equipment from AV power when conditions exceed a safe level & automatically reconnects when power conditions have returned to normal. 4400 Joule Rating Network/Phone combo protection Two pair 2.8 GHz coaxial protection Connected Equipment Warranty - $400,000

Vizio XVT 3D CinemaWide ™ TRU LED ™ Smart TV 58" (No part number just CinemaWide) - Three models coming: 50", 58", 71" For CinemaScope movies which most movies are now filmed in CinemaScope NO BLACK BARS!!! Resolution 2560x1080 21:9 Aspect Ratio Dimensions: 29"(Height); 56.7"(Wide); 1.8"(Depth) 56 Lbs Vizio Theater 3D Contrast Ratio 1,000,000:1 120Hz TruLED Backlighting 178 degree viewable angle Built-in Wi-Fi Vizio Internet App Interface Active Shutter Theater 3D Able to surf the web and view full-res 1080P content in native 16:9 2012 HDTV Models Range from 32" - 65" All feature built-in Wi-Fi All feature Vizio Theater 3D - Vizio claims to be a better 3D viewing experience with no "nasty" headaches Vizio Internet Apps Facebook Netflix Vudu Pandora Hulu Plus Yahoo! Connected TV Store 180 New Apps CBS Showtime The Wall Street Journal Etc E-Series models include 32", 42" & 47" models priced from $549.99 to $899.99 Available Now R-Series will include built-in Google TV M-Series & R-Series do not have pricing or availability info yet Stream Player Model # VAP430 Wi-Fi Media Streaming Device Google TV Vizio Internet App Plus Web content via an integrated Flash-capable Chrome browser Stream content from computers or smartphones Plug your cable box or satellite box via the HDMI pass through to get Google TV IR Blaster to control your cable or satellite box Andriod Marketplace is included New Vizio Google TV Remote Bluetooth Touchpad Dedicated Netflix; Amazon; Vudu Buttons QWERTY Keyboard on the back Rumors say release is imminent Rumored price $99 Sound Bars VHT215 2.1 Surround Sound Wireless Subwoofer 40" and larger TVs 2 HDMI Inputs - 1 HDMI Output VSB211 2.1 Surround Sound Wireless Subwoofer 32" and larger TVs VSB202 2.0 Surround Sound 40" and larger TVs Wireless HD Gigabit Routers XWR100 Dual-Band Wireless HD Router Wirelessly stream HD video and audio to your Internet TV DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) Certified XWR200 Dual-Band Wireless HD Gigabit Router Wirelessly stream HD video and audio to your Internet TV DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) Certified Universal Wireless HD Video & Audio Kit XWH200 Wirelessly send HD video and audio to your HDTV anywhere in the room Skype Camera XVC100 Works with any VIA Plus enabled television HD Resolution camera 4 Built-in microphones that capture audio up to 16 feet away Available Now $109.99 Blu-ray Players VBR135 Blu-ray player with Internet Apps VBR140 Blu-ray player with Internet Apps Built-in Wi-Fi VBR370 3D Blu-ray player with Internet Apps Built-in Wi-Fi VBR430 - Blu-ray with Google TV Same features as the VAP430 Media Streaming Device Blu-ray player Tablet VTAB3010 - 10" Tablet Has 3 built-in speakers in the front face for optimum stereo sound for either portrait or landscape mode All-In-One PC Thin + Light Notebook (Ultrabook) Notebook

CES 2012 kicks off officially today as the show floor is open! CES 2012 Stats 1.8 Million square feet of exhibit space (over 35 football fields) 150,000 Attendees, over 30,000 from outside the USA 20,000 New Products being launched 2,700 Manufacturers Nest Thermostat www.nest.com Created & Designed by Tony Fadell who designed the original Apple iPod Very cool design - round shape (looks like a hockey puck) with a dial around the outside for control (kind of like the iPod) Thermostat learns from your setting patterns and creates schedules from your habits - after a week you will have a personalized schedule. Has a motion sensor (150 degree wide angle view) that will monitor activity in the home and know when you are away and change the temperature accordingly.  Did not get specific details but the it is "about two hours" Weather Aware - using the Wi-Fi connection it checks the local weather forecast to understand how outside temperature affects your energy usage. Has temperature setback for nighttime Log into your thermostat on the nest.com website and you can control your thermostat remotely Controllable from smartphone apps Automatic software updates as long as it is connected to your Wi-Fi. $249 - Currently sold out - go to their website to get signed up on the waiting list. DirecTV HR34 Home Media Center HD DVR - Launched on 12/8/2011 5 tuners - record up to 5 programs at once Provides DirecTV Whole-Home DVR Service in 4 active rooms (limit to 3 remote viewings at a time) Record and delete shows from every connected TV/HD receiver Watch recored shows on every TV Client/HD Receiver Picture-in-Picture - Watch 2 shows at once without having to change channels (only available on the TV directly connected to the HR34) 1 TB Hard Drive - Up to 200 hours of HD programming; Up to 800 hours of SD programming RVU - Connect up to 8 RVU TVs to a single HR34 (only 4 may actively view programming at the same time) DirecTV/Samsung Signed an agreement allowing all DirecTV subscribers will be able to watch live and on-demand content on Samsung's 2012 SmartTVs without the need of an additional set-top box Uses "Remote User Interface" technology DirecTV introduced its first RVU-compatible set-top box late last year Samsung's RVU-compatible SmartTVs will be available in spring 2012 Liftmaster myQ Technology Internet Gateway (828LM) connects to your router and wirelessly to your garage door opener Access your garage door opener through the myliftmaster.com website or with an app on your smart phone See door open/close status Open or close the garage door through the website or app Zensorium Tinke Accessory for your iPhone or iPad to measure your Vita Rate: Heart Rate; Respiratory Rate; Blood Oxygen Level Uses the 30 pin connector Just place your thumb over the sensor Not available yet (slated for mid 2012), but you can sign up on the website to be notified when they are available Target price is $100 Polk Audio I-Sonic Entertainment System 3 (IES3) Tabletop audio system Four-speaker array for stereo imaging even if the listener is sitting behind the system Includes a universal dock for portable audio players and smart phones 20-Station AM/FM Tuner Auxiliary input for external sources Clock with a snooze/sleep alarm and timer Available spring 2012 $299.95 Klipsch Three new AirPlay enabled speakers RoomGroove Air - available fall 2012 Stadium - available fall 2012 Console - available winter 2012 ViaSat Yesterday Dish announced that it was partnering with ViaSat for broadband internet access ViaSat will launch its new Exede service on January 16th Service offers up to 12 Mbps download and up to 3 Mbps upload Three packages (offering the same speed, just different data caps) 7.5 GB - $49.99 per month 15 GB - $79.

Sharp (www.sharpusa.com) 80" LCD (LC-80LE632U) - more than double the screen area of a 55" Full 1080P 3D LED SmartTV with Netflix, Hulu, Facebook, Vudu, YouTube, & CinemaNow all through SmartCentral Built-In Wi-Fi UltraBrilliant LED System 120Hz Fine Motion Enhanced 6,000,000:1 contrast ratio Built-in media player allows for playback of video, music, and photos via the USB port MSRP: $4,999 - Online under $4,200 2012 AQOUS LED TVs Sizes ranging from 32" to 80" with more than 20 models with screen sizes of 60" or larger, many of those models feature 3D Many large screen models have built-in Wi-Fi All 60"+ models will feature Sharp's new SmartCentral user interface All AQOUS Quattron models feature the new Quad Pixel Plus II, which offers even greater detail and smoother lines and color transitions The 9 Series features full array LED backlighting with local dimming All Sharp AQOUS LED TVs meet ENERGY STAR standard version 5.3 and all 60"+ models average less than $22 of electricity per year AQOUS Advantage Live Included with most Sharp Smart TVs Allows trained advisors to remotely connect via the Internet to AQUOS TVs to assist with setup, troubleshooting and picture optimization AQUOS Freestyle Ultra thin LED TVs that offer flexible placement in the home Four screen sizes - 20"; 32"; 40" and 60" The 20" has a built-in battery and carrying handle Slightly slimmer and lighter design than most LED TVs Receives HD video via Wi-Fi so the display can be placed anywhere that has a power outlet up to 98 feet from the base Elite LED TVs No new TVs, just talked about the partnership with Pioneer and all the awards that the current models have received 3D DLP Projector (XV-Z30000) 1600 lumen 3D 1080p 50,000:1 contrast ratio 6-Segment 5x Color Wheel Dual HDMI inputs Home Automation Control Compatibility (assuming RS-232) LAN control Includes 2 sets of 3D glasses Available in March 2012 $5,000 Blu-ray Players BD-AMS10U & BD-AMS20U Both players use the SmartCentral interface SuperPicture setting to restore missing information from lower resolution DVDs Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) smartphone interface SunSnap Solar Energy Solution New retail friendly solar electric appliance Affordable, scaleable appliance starts at less than $1000 Black on Black Sharp Photovoltaic modules for a more aesthetically pleasing roof installation Starter kit features as few as one solar appliance and can be expanded in the future as often as desired 8K Display Technology Demo of a 85" 8K ultra high definition display World's first 8K display Resolution of 7680 x 4320 - the equivalent of 16x the resolution of a current HDTV

CES 2012 Coverage - The show officially opens tomorrow (Tuesday Jan 10th) but today was filled with Press events showing off new products from some manufacturers Dish Network Hopper http://www.dish.com/hopper Three-tuner Whole-Home HD DVR -...

In a world of ever expanding technologies for your home, one man sets out to make sense of it all - This is HomeTech Weekly. Welcome to Episode number one for HomeTech Weekly.  This has been a long journey of about 12 months so it was great to finally be able to press the record button.  CES 2012 is just around the corner so it seems that we have pushed the deadline to the end. Who is this guy named Dave? I go through a basic over-view of my history and how I landed here today to create HomeTech Weekly.  For more detailed info go check out my full Host Bio. Show Schedule The plan is for the show to be released weekly each Thursday, with the show being recorded earlier in the week.  The plan is to schedule a set time to record the show each week and to stream it live to anyone that wants to watch live, but we want to get some feedback from our listeners to determine the best time to record the live show. Show Topic Home Technology is a very large subject so here are a few areas that we plan on covering: Home Control Systems; Smart Homes; Home Automation Home Theater TVs Audio & Video Sources Media Servers & Streaming Media Speakers Whole House Audio Distribution Whole House Video Distribution Lighting Control "Green" Home Technology Shade/Blind Control Systems Computers/Tablets/Handheld Devices Game systems Security/Camera Systems Where & How to find us Website: www.hometechweekly.com Email: podcast@hometechweekly.com Listener Voicemail: Coming Soon! Podcast Directories iTunes - itunes.hometechweekly.com Zune - zune.hometechweekly.com Miro - miro.hometechweekly.com Stitcher - stitcher.hometechweekly.com Techpodcasts - techpodcasts.hometechweekly.com Mixcloud - mixcloud.hometechweekly.com Social Media Facebook - facebook.hometechweekly.com or www.facebook.com/hometechweekly Google+ - googleplus.hometechweekly.com Twitter - twitter.hometechweekly.com or www.twitter.com/hometechweekly YouTube - youtube.hometechweekly.com or www.youtube.com/hometechweekly Apps for smartphones & tablets Apple iOS App (iPod Touch; iPhone; iPad) - iosapp.hometechweekly.com Andriod App (which includes the Kindle Fire) - andriodapp.hometechweekly.com