News Archive
Wed 15 March 2006
D-Linking the house with High-Def
Even though, here in the UK, we don’t actually have any High-Def content to stream yet, its nice to know that when we do we’ll be able to pump it round the house at our leisure. The D-Link DSM-520 is a new member to the MediaLounge family of media streaming devices, the difference being that it plays back HD video in either Windows Media Video 9 or MPEG4 format, supporting resolutions of up to 1080i. The DSM-520 connects to an existing home network via Ethernet or 802.11g Wi-Fi and connects to just about any TV on the market either by HDMI, component, S-Video or composite video connections.
For more info on High-Def see:
High definition or definitely hype?
or for structured wiring see: Worth its weight in gold, or copper as the case maybe
Tue 14 March 2006
Making ‘Jack Bauer’ type calls more affordable with the new VoIP compatible Ojo
Ojo is the first broadband video phone to feature an intuitive display that facilitates face-to-face video phone calls. Users simply connect their Ojo Personal Video Phone to their broadband networks and the updated Ojo Personal Video Phone now enables callers to access VoIP services without the use of a separate ATA device, which was required previously. Even Jack Bauer would be impressed with the efficienct use of money, but obviously more so; time, this product provides.
Tue 14 March 2006
Just as I was complementing American advertising in the AeroGarden story below, here comes HAL to steal the show. You gotta love the sense of humour behind giving a home automation system the same name as a psychotic computer from 2001: A Space Odyssey, hats off to the marketing team at HAL.
Their creative efforts refer to a deluxe voice controlled home automation system. With HAL you can control lights, adjust the heating, close the garage doors, read your email and more just by phoning home and telling it to do so with your voice. For further information click on the image for their website.
Related articles: What can be controlled with Home-Automation
Tue 14 March 2006
Fully automated "Smart" Garden - No green thumb needed
For all of us who live in a city and have about as much access to a garden plot as we do fresh air, fear not, for our salvation has arrived! If you've ever wished you could grow your own herbs and vegetables but just don't have the soil space, your prayers have been heard and answered by the AeroGarden. This innovative piece of kit allows anyone to conveniently and affordably grow herbs, lettuce, tomatoes and more, all year-round, on their kitchen countertop, without dirt, bugs, weeding or mess. Features of the computerised "Smart" Garden technology include: a built-in reminder system which automatically alerts you to add water and nutrients, as well as, a built-in timer that automatically turns lights on and off... no setup required. "100% Success Guaranteed, No Green Thumb Needed" - Don't you just love American advertising?!
