News Archive
Thu 27 April 2006
Monster Control… and it’s big.
Introducing a bunch of XL automation controllers from Monster Cable
Home Theater Controller 100 The Monster Home Theater Controller 100 replaces all your existing remote controls. It’s compatible with even the most elaborate A/V systems, but is also simple enough for the whole family to use. Activity buttons send multiple commands to multiple devices automatically.
Home Theater and Lighting Controller 300 featuring OmniLink This is a reference-level multi-room controller for audio, video, lighting and any other remote conntrollable device. It works through walls, ceilings and floors, via RF wireless technology enabling whole-house control, even for multi-zone systems.
Looks too much like a Zoid dinosaur without actually being one for my liking. For the whole scoop check out the article on CE Pro by clicking on the image.
Read more on remotes: Control Freq!
Wed 26 April 2006
These Neorest toilets are really something. When you approach the “sensor zone” the lid automatically opens, unsurprisingly the seat’s heated and as you get down to business, a catalytic air purifier kicks in to remove any “unwanted odours”, with a manual power override for those particularly unpleasant visits. Impressed? Well we’ve only just started, there’s also a warm-water massage spray, and a hot air dryer, and you can control the temperature and intensity of both using the LCD panel shown below. Once your transaction has been completed and you move away from the “sensor zone”, the toilet automatically closes the lid and starts a three stage “Cyclone” flush; the strength of which depends on how much hard labour you’ve just done and also previous patterns of usage. I'm surprised they haven't designed a mechanised arm to swing round with a laxative if you take too long.
For more info on automation: What can be controlled with Home-Automation?
Wed 26 April 2006
Apparently this guy, Tony Alleyne, got his heart broken but instead of going out, getting crunked and sleeping with some fast women he decided to remodel his condominium to look like the inside of the Starship Enterprise. One way to deal with it I suppose.
Last year, Trekie Tony placed the apartment on auction at eBay for a price he knew was steep -- $2 million. It didn’t sell but he has started a science fiction interior design business and now is an internet hero. He plans to auction his condo again next month at a more modest price if that’s your bag.
For more info about Smart-Homes see our What's the Big Deal? article
Wed 26 April 2006
Touchless Concealment-friendly light switch
Anigmo’s Touchless Dimmer allows the user to turn on, off, dim, a light without ever touching a switch or button. To turn on the light, you just wave your hand about an inch away from the sensor. To dim the lights, just hold your hand over the dimmer.To turn off, just wave your hand again.
The switch mechanisms are completely hidden but to remember where your light switches are you can use decorator wall plates to indicate their location, for example the ugly one below. Fear not however as the wall plate can be any creation you like. You can place the device behind wood, rubber, ceramic and glass up to ¾” thick. A hot product for concealment conscious folk, loving it.
Price: $135 to $225
Related article: High-Tech Magic
