News Archive
Sun 26 March 2006
This device lets mum and dad assign each of their children a pin number, and when parents install 'Bob' in between an AC power source and anything that plugs in, such as computers, TV or game consoles, it will precisely control the amount of time those devices can be on. For example, a parent could give a child 10 hours of television per week. After the 10 hours of viewing has been accrued, Bob turns off the television. Simple. Highly programmable and personalised for each user, Bob enables black and white automated control of how long users are allowed to use any given electrical appliance. I think the phrase 'firm but fair' is the best to describe Bob's operation.
Related article: What can be controlled with Home-Automation?
Fri 24 March 2006
The iSetBox although uninspiredly named and quite ugly is a triangular box filled with many goodies and capable of an abundance of functions. As uninspired as the name, I think a list will be the most effective way of getting through the list of attributes and capabilites this white toblerone has to offer. The iSetBox provides:
A Digital/analogue/IP TV receiver with picture-in-picture and timeshift (pausing live broadcasts) functionality.
Digital Video Recorder
DVD Burner
Digital and FM Radio
6-flash-card reader
Networked media player
Internet browser and e-mail client
Control the iSetBoxfrom your notebook, mobile phone or PDA if its connected to the internet.
An integrated software decoder allows teletext reception.
Parental control is implemented through restrictions based on channel or time.
Natural convection cooling without a fan and as a result extremely quiet work.
Operated by one universal remote control unit through a very easy user-friendly interface.
iSetBox-Home is expected to appear on the market during the fourth quarter of 2006 and will be generally bought through custom installers and service providers. Definitely a piece of equipment worth keeping an eye out for.
Related article:
Creating your perfect Smart-Home space.
Fri 24 March 2006
Humax LCD with built in 40gb PVR
Available now are Humax LCDs with 40gb built-in PVRs (Personal Video Recorders) allowing avid viewers to record 44 hrs of their hand picked content. Available in 26, 32 & 40 flavours and costing £800, £1090, £1549 respectively the Humax range is not a bad choice for anyone who likes recording TV programmes.
For more info on flatscreen TVs see:
All you need to know about flatscreen TVs Part 1
All you need to know about flatscreen TVs Part 2
Fri 24 March 2006
This deserves a quick one liner
PS3 will launch region-free for games! That's right, buy any game, anywhere in the world, and play it on any PlayStation 3.
