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8 January 2010 Newsletter - Feature: Home Automation | Forward to a friend | Subscribe
I'd like to wish you all a Happy New Year, and to thank our sponsors, advertisers and visitors for their support and feedback in 2009. We've redesigned the HiddenWires website and newsletter as a result of some of the feedback so it should be clearer and easier to use, but we want to know what you think so don't be shy! As always January kicks off at a pace with the International CES on now in Las Vegas and Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) taking place in Amsterdam in just over three weeks. My inbox is groaning with literally hundreds of CES-related news items, and while wireless HD, smartphones and energy management were emerging as major themes from preview information, 3D is dominating the headlines now the show is open. We'll be posting relevant stories on our news page - but if you want to get the headlines as they're posted you can subscribe to our RSS feed or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. If you haven't used LinkedIn before, it is a professional networking site and we'd like to invite you to join the new HiddenWires LinkedIn group, which we'll be using as a forum to discuss home automation and the custom install industry. As mentioned already, ISE is approaching fast and you can still register online and use our invitation code of 707662 for free entry. Alternatively you can download our ISE invitation that has further details. The HiddenWires dedicated ISE 2010 news section offers an ever-expanding preview, and the HiddenWires@ISE 2010 supplement will be distributed as a PDF just before the show opens, and in print at the show. Finally I'd like to welcome Leviton as a new Silver sponsor, and Niko, Philips Pronto and Opus Technologies as renewing sponsors. We are only able to offer free access to all of the HiddenWires resources thanks to the support of our sponsors and advertisers - so please take a look at what they have to offer. - Stella Plumbridge, Publisher Happy New Year to you all! As you can see, we've started 2010 with a bumper issue. Our feature for January is on Automation, and what a hot subject this is! We start with a product article on the new Crestron Prodigy, followed by our Industry Opinion on whether we need standards - you can continue this debate by joining our LinkedIn group. We also have articles on home automation and energy management; cabling considerations; the digitalSTROM system for automation over powerline; the Hydra automation middleware project; and automation for assistive living and disabled people. Our regular articles include a Guest Commentary on making advanced control simpler; a Going Green piece on energy efficiency through lighting control; the need for testing wireless signal paths; and direct marketing tactics. As ever, your comments and feedback are welcome. Enjoy! - Yasmin Hashmi, Managing Editor
Articles Sponsor: Crestron Crestron is a leading manufacturer of advanced control and automation systems, innovating technology and reinventing the way people live and work. Feature: Home Automation Product Article: Crestron Prodigy - a new control solution for a wider audience (4/1/2010) By Phil Solomons, Crestron UK Industry Opinion: Do We Need Standards? (4/1/2010) By Yasmin Hashmi, HiddenWires Home Automation and Energy Management - the Future for Custom Installers (4/1/2010) By Simon Buddle, SMC Home Automation - it's time to talk cables and more (4/1/2010) By Andrew Restivo, Structured Cable Products digitalSTROM - Intelligent Automation over Powerline (4/1/2010) By Lukas Widmer, digitalSTROM The Hydra Project - Middleware for Easy Networking of Home Automation Systems (4/1/2010) By Markus Eisenhauer, Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Information Technology Automation for Assistive Living, Lifetime Homes and Sustainable Homes (4/1/2010) By Lu Yung Chiu, Cytech Smart Home Technology for Disabled People (4/1/2010) By Dr Guy Dewsbury, SMART Thinking Regulars Guest Commentary: Making More Advanced Control Simpler (4/1/2010) By Dick Mol, Philips Pronto Going Green: Energy Efficiency through Lighting and More - an Industrial Example to the Home Market (4/1/2010) By Stephen Calder, Niko (UK) Trade Talk: Analysing and Testing Wireless Signal Paths (4/1/2010) By Claire Scholes, LairdKing Marketing Tactics: Direct Marketing Gets You Noticed (4/1/2010) By Leslie Stevens, Eclipse Marketing [got to articles page]  News Sponsor: Niko Get connected with Niko Home Automation and Lighting Control. Easy to install; easy to program; easy to use. Priority News Niko sets challenge for ISE visitors (29/12/2009) Habitech Promotes Major Cost Savings Using SCP Multicore Cables (4/1/2010) RGB Communications sees in the New Year with new itron control solutions (5/1/2010) Artsound announces the new AS350 compact loudspeaker (5/1/2010) Panasonic adds BL-C160 and BL-C140 to its range of network cameras (5/1/2010) Monitor Audio launches Sonic Spotlight ultra-discreet micro-speaker (6/1/2010) Netstreams Receives Strategic Patent for Streaming Audio, Video and Control over IP Networks (8/1/2010) For the rest of this edition's news click here, for categorised news click here. [go to news page]  Case studies Smart Apartment Showroom in Lugano (6/1/2010) [go to case studies page]  Training Sponsor: Philips Dynalite The Philips Dynalite Dimension distributor and dealer program provides high-quality training, technical and marketing support to all accredited companies and individuals. Dynalite assists dealers with Dimension accreditation and training framework Niko UK confirms training dates for 2010 and that it's still free HAI (Home Automation, Inc.) offers free introduction to home automation and HAI systems training during ISE 2010 [go to training page]  Recruitment Opus Technologies seeks a Product Marketing Manager to develop and deliver marketing programmes to support ambitious growth objectives across international markets Computers Unlimited wants a Channel Development Manager who is passionate about audio and passionate about sales to join its Digital Home Sales Team MESL seeks an experienced Sales Engineer to produce high quality quotations and proposals for our customers [go to recruitment page]  Books etc Save up to 30% on the titles in our book store: Home Theaters and Electronic Houses CEA-DHTI+ Digital Home Technology Integrator All-In-One Exam Guide, Second Edition (All-in-one) The 2009-2014 Outlook for Home Automation Products in Africa, Europe & the Middle East [go to books page]	Niko's home automation and lighting controls are easy to install, easy to program and easy to use. Habitech - the UK distributor of first-class custom install brands including Nuvo, Intelix, ITC, Stealth Acoustics, SCP, Universal Remote, Current Audio, Lowell, ACA Apex, Niko and Fusion Research. Philips Dynalite designs and manufactures solutions for lighting control, home automation and energy management. Structured Cable Products, Inc (SCP) with over 15 years of experience, is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of low voltage wire, cables and accessories. Current Audio - new ideas, new materials, new sound, new looks and innovation beyond compare. See the Pronto Family in action at EHX@CES booth #25220 and at ISE 2010 stand #1M31. Don't miss the Pronto training! Liberty Wire & Cable - the premier supplier of solutions and services to the communications and AV industry. Domestic & General - the UK's number 1 warranty and customer service provider – with your warranty in our hands, you'll get more return for less hassle. Sponsored Events Integrated Systems Europe 2-4 February 2010 RAI, Amsterdam, The Netherlands EMEA InAVation Awards 3 February 2010 RAI, Amsterdam, The Netherlands PALME & Install Middle East 18-20 April 2009 Dubai International Exhibition Center, Dubai, UAE PALM Expo & Install China 20-23 May 2010 china International Exhibition Centre. Beijing, China PALME & Install Vietnam 22-24 July 2010 Saidon Exhibiton & Convention Centre, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam [go to events page]
Platinum sponsors: Current Audio, Philips Dynalite, Habitech, Niko, SCP Gold sponsors: Liberty Cable & Wire, Philips Pronto, D&G Silver sponsors: Elan Systems (UK), Leviton, NuVo Technologies, Opus Technologies, Rako Controls Category sponsors: Cytech Europe, Flatlift TV Lift Systeme, Furman, HAI, Quaduro Systems, The Pleasure Home
The HiddenWires newsletter is a free service designed to keep you up-to-date with residential technology news, as well as developments at HiddenWires.co.uk. We will deliver this service to you every month - unless there is some major news we think you should know about sooner. We welcome your feedback. Please forward your comments to info@HiddenWires.co.uk. To unsubscribe or change your subscription click on the link at the bottom of this message. To subscribe to this free service click here. For advertising information click here. Copyright (c) 2010 SYPHA. All rights reserved.

This edition's news in full:

Netstreams Receives Strategic Patent for Streaming Audio, Video and Control over IP Networks (8/1/2010)

Sony Introduces 2010 BRAVIA LCD HDTV line featuring its first 3D HDTVs, a new Monolithic Design Concept and LED backlighting (7/1/2010)

Panasonic Introduces Full HD 3D VIERA Plasma HDTVs and Blu-ray 3D Player (7/1/2010)

Toshiba and RealD Collaborate to Bring 3D to the Home (7/1/2010)

Sharp introduces four primary colour technology to its AQUOS LCD TVs (7/1/2010)

LG Electronics plans to launch over 70 TVs this year with new technologies including 3D TV, Freeview HD, wireless HD, broadband TV with wireless internet and Skype (7/1/2010)

Furman shows Prestige Series Voltage Regulator/Power Conditioner and Balanced Power Conditioner (6/1/2010)

Xantech Provides Free Training Seminars (6/1/2010)

Xantech Showcases New Products Including the DDS Digital Delivery System with European Accessories and Components (6/1/2010)

Current Audio Unveils In-Ceiling FIT Speakers with FastLoc Grills (6/1/2010)

Monitor Audio launches Sonic Spotlight ultra-discreet micro-speaker (6/1/2010)

ELAN Kicks Off "g!" New Home Management System (5/1/2010)

Quixel Research: Consumers Prefer 3D Content from Cable and Satellite Providers over Blu-ray and DVD Players (5/1/2010)

Panasonic adds BL-C160 and BL-C140 to its range of network cameras (5/1/2010)

Artsound announces the new AS350 compact loudspeaker (5/1/2010)

RGB Communications sees in the New Year with new itron control solutions (5/1/2010)

Pike Research: Home Energy Management Users Will Reach 28 Million by 2015 (4/1/2010)

WiGig Alliance Announces Completion of its Multi-Gigabit Wireless Specification (4/1/2010)

Intelix Releases DIGI-V3A2 YPbPr and Stereo Audio Over Single CAT5 Solution (4/1/2010)

Opus unveils the next generation of multi-room entertainment and control (4/1/2010)

Habitech Promotes Major Cost Savings Using SCP Multicore Cables (4/1/2010)

Thomson Reuters: 3-D Technology Moves into the Home, According to Global Intellectual Property Report (31/12/2009)

HDMI Licensing Announces Further Details on 3D Requirements Within HDMI Specification Version 1.4 (31/12/2009)

HTE Introduces Its HTE Authority Complete Home Theater Audio Systems (31/12/2009)

HTE Showcases Its Modular Home Cinema Rooms Systems (31/12/2009)

More than 100 new exhibitors show their wares at Integrated Systems Europe 2010 (31/12/2009)

Cello Electronics launches iViewer Internet-Enabled LCD TV (30/12/2009)

Supra introduce CombiCon modular speaker cable connectors (30/12/2009)

Vantage Introduces WebPoint 2.1 Remote Access Software (30/12/2009)

Vantage Announces New Energy Management Solution (30/12/2009)

HAI Announces Distribution Agreement for the UK and Training Classes for ISE (30/12/2009)

KNX Association International announces call for entry for the KNX Award 2010 (29/12/2009)

WHDI Announces Wireless Home Digital Interface Standard 1.0 (29/12/2009)

AWE ceases UK distribution of Xantech products (29/12/2009)

Smart-e upgrades SmartiP software control platform (29/12/2009)

Niko sets challenge for ISE visitors (29/12/2009)

Chief Announces Custom Mounting Solutions for FUSION Mounts (22/12/2009)

Duco introduces DucoTronic system using CO2 sensors based on Z-Wave technology to automate ventilation in homes (22/12/2009)

SpeakerCraft introduces NIRV control and automation system to international community (22/12/2009)

Vantage announces HVAC InterfacePoint providing full touchscreen control for Daikin, Sanyo, Toshiba and Mitsubishi HVAC systems (22/12/2009)

Vantage Refreshes Keypad Line with New RP-Touch (22/12/2009)

Sony Professional Adds BRAVIA VPL-HW15 to its Home Cinema Projector Range (21/12/2009)

Extra Vegetables launches 2-way Apple TV driver for Control4 Touchpanels and Remote Controls (21/12/2009)

Elan Announces New European Logistics Centre (21/12/2009)

ICM Corporation Introduces Cable Pro Tech Express Tool Kits (21/12/2009)

ICM Corporation Introduces New Cable Strip Tool Cartridge For RGB/ Mini Coax (21/12/2009)

RTI Shows New Products Including ST-7 Universal Controller, RK-10 In-Wall Controller and AD-4 Four-Zone Distributed Audio Matrix Switcher (18/12/2009)

Lutron shows new products from its new Energy Suite (18/12/2009)

ThinkFlood Launches RedEye Universal Remote Control System for iPhone and iPod touch (18/12/2009)

Sony: European consumers become more design conscious and want their TVs to look good when entertaining friends and family this Christmas (18/12/2009)

Niko UK confirms training dates for 2010 and that it's still free (18/12/2009)

HDBaseT Cross-Industry Alliance Forms to Enable Whole-home Distribution of Uncompressed HD Multimedia Content (17/12/2009)

MarketsandMarkets: European Smart Homes and Assisted Living - Advanced Technologies and Global Market Worth €152.2 million (17/12/2009)

Indesit, RLtec and npower roll out residential test of smart fridges (17/12/2009)

NuVo Technologies offers opportunity to win a B.C. Rich electric guitar (17/12/2009)

PMC showcases high-end home cinema and custom installation loudspeakers (17/12/2009)

SIM2 introduce the MICO 50 Eco-friendly LED projector (15/12/2009)

SIM2 present C3X LUMIS, the next evolution of the C3X family of projectors (15/12/2009)

Smartphones, Mobile Services, 3D TV, and Smart Grid are key topics at CONNECTIONS Summit at CES (15/12/2009)

Calibre launches new HQView range of video scaler-switchers (15/12/2009)

Helvar shows expanded Digidim and Imagine ranges of integrated lighting (15/12/2009)

ABI Research: North America to See Nearly 1.1 Million Managed Home Automation Systems Shipped in 2012 (14/12/2009)

In-Stat: HDMI Adoption Climbs, while DVI Slides into Retreat (14/12/2009)

Philips Controls UK welcomes Dynalite to the team (14/12/2009)

Smart Green Home Consortium Announces First International Symposium (14/12/2009)

Barix Introduces Low-Cost Intelligent IP Network Controller (14/12/2009)

Barix Announces Integration of Barionet IP Controllers with XTension Mac-based Home Automation Solution (11/12/2009)

Universal Studios Home Entertainment Offers New Blu-ray Hi-Def and DVD 'Flipper' Discs (11/12/2009)

Atlona Technologies releases AT-HD-SR HDMI Long Distance Wall Plate Extenders over Cat5/6 (11/12/2009)

ASSMANN Electronic announces DIGITUS HDMI/DVI adapters (11/12/2009)

CEA and AE Ventures Announce CEA TechHome Mediterraneo 100 Summit to Focus on European Residential Systems Integration (11/12/2009)

GfK: Signs of Recovery for Western Europe’s Technical Consumer Goods Markets (9/12/2009)

Woxter Announces VideoLAN multiroom HDMI extender with embedded DS2 Powerline technology (9/12/2009)

Chief showcases new Revolutionary Short Throw Projector Mounting Solutions (9/12/2009)

Screen Excellence Unveils the In-Ceiling Eclipse (ICE) Screen (9/12/2009)

Draper Group Shows New Screens Including Euroscreen’s Sesame 2.0 recessed projection screen (9/12/2009)

Elan Home Systems announces new D12 and D16 digital power amplifers (8/12/2009)

CasaTunes Introduces New XLi and XLe Low Profile Music Servers (8/12/2009)

CABA Launches Connected Home Roadmap 2010 Study (8/12/2009)

Nokia Spin-Off There Corporation joins the Z-Wave Alliance (8/12/2009)

Autonomic Releases Windows 7 Version of Mirage Media Control System (8/12/2009)

TIA Launches Smart Device Communications (SDC) Engineering Committee to Develop Common Language for Smart Devices (7/12/2009)

DisplaySearch: Global TV Shipment Growth Recovered in Q3; First Quarter of Y/Y Growth in a Year (7/12/2009)

Screen Digest: Global video business 2009 shows downward pressure on prices, but Blu-ray will lead to growth in 2010 (7/12/2009)

Olive introduces 4HD, an HD hi-fi music server supporting 96khz/24-bit content (7/12/2009)

Panasonic launches 12 Series plasma range with 58", 65" and 85" models incorporating NEO PDP technology (7/12/2009)

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