I've just noticed that PC World seem to have knocked £30 of the SlingBox web price! That means this little gem is available for only £149.99 now, and you can use the "Collect @ Store" option to reserve the item, then pick it up at your local store while still getting the "Web Only" special price...

If you're still not quite sure what home automation is, then perhaps this is for you. Dynalite have just published a new smart home brochure which outlines some of the possibilities...

"There's so much hype about 'smart homes' and 'home automation', so what exactly do these terms mean? Generally speaking, home automation refers to anything that gives you control over the various technologies or 'sub-systems' found in your home; from the simple - security, lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC); to the slightly more advanced - home theatre, motorised curtains and blinds and wireless PC networks.

No matter how much control integration takes place, if you can't understand, operate or feel comfortable with a home automation system, then it's not really a 'smart' home at all. Dynalite understands this fundamental principle and we have created a suite of products to compliment and enhance your lifestyle, not complicate it...

We all love our gadgets, but the increasingly complex nature of personal computers, wireless networks, media players and other technology, has left many users pulling their hair out trying to make the technology work. Now DSG, owners of Currys and Dixons, have announced a new chain of stores for the UK aimed at helping users to get their gadgets working. The 200 stores across the UK will create 2,000 jobs and assist the claimed 8 out of 10 people that need help with their tech...

"The TechGuys - who are we? We're the people that know 70 million PCs crash every day - and how to get them back up and running without losing data. We know how to install a home cinema system to get the best possible sound from your new Hollywood blockbuster, without taking as long as it did to film the original movie.

We're the people to turn to when your Great Aunt Edna wants to watch her favourite soap, but she's 200 miles away and doesn't know how to tune in the channels on her new Freeview box...

The TechGuys are the people to call for expert technical advice, installation and repair on technology new and old. Our team includes 3,000 experienced and accredited technicians supported by state-of-the-art repair centres, technical databases, a spare parts vault of more than 2 million components and a telephone team who handled 3.6 million calls last year and who fixed 80% of callers' IT problems over the phone.

We aim to offer a service to our customers from initial contact to completion that is second to none - we're not happy unless you're happy...

Back in June we reported on this wireless cctv camera setup. It's now HALF PRICE so you can pick up the set for just £49.99 - so that's the wireless base station, a wireless cctv camera and a wireless temperature sensor all for under 50 quid...

If your media server is out of space again, then Play.com have a great offer on for the bank holiday weekend on Buffalo DriveStation external USB 2 Hard Drives!

160GB Buffalo DriveStation £49.99 Delivered!

300GB Buffalo DriveStation £79.99 Delivered!

"Buffalo DriveStation - the most cost effective way to add secure storage to your PC easily and quickly - Buffalo's DriveStation External hard drives allow you to keep backups of files, digital images or any documents that you do not want to take up room on your PC's main drive. The DriveStation when connected to your PC automatically turns on once you power on your PC. Installation is easy with the Auto Setup feature; no need to install a drive (except for Win98SE). You can schedule automatic backup of your files in seconds using DriveStation backup software. The DriveStations run at 7200 rpm. Fanless design allows the DriveStations to operate silently while the Heat Sink Chassis keeps the internal components cool during operation. The unique chassis design offers flexibility for vertical or horizontal placement. Auto installation and easy operation makes the DriveStation a true plug and play storage solution for anybody."

News from Simply Automate on their up-and-coming Smart Home open night...

"Open Your Mind to Smart Home Technology
Smart Home specialist Simply Automate invites you to find out more about the exciting world of home automation at its forthcoming Open Evening on Monday 3rd July.

This informal evening has been designed to give home owners, DIY enthusiasts, self builders, installers, electricians and general technology aficionados the opportunity to meet our Home Automation experts and get familiar with our smart technology products.

"In ten years time living without some form of home automation will be as likely as living without central heating," comments Managing Director Darryl Mattocks...

Some news on the expansion of Cytech Technology into Europe..."Cytech Technology Pte Ltd of Singapore is pleased to make a number of exciting new announcements. From 1st July 2006 Cytech Europe Ltd will commence operations out of the UK. This event coincides with the recent launch of Comfort 'II', but primarily represents a commitment to developing the market in Europe...

A few months ago we quietly released the first beta of our Automated Home Installer Database.

We've had a fantastic reaction and already we hold information on 70 of the UK's top Smart Home installation companies, all searchable by area and service.

So, if you live in say The Midlands and you want a company that can install Structured Cabling and perhaps Intelligent Lighting, then with a few clicks on our search form you will have a list of the companies that match your query in seconds.

Click Here to search for your perfect installer .

This months issue of the UK's Computer Shopper magazine (Issue 221, July 2006) includes an article on Home Automation.  Entitled "Home Help" it's a "DIY Installers Guide" to automating your home. The piece covers a basic X10 installation and includes plenty of photos and diagrams, so it's a good read for anyone thinking of their first smart home installation...

This neat little device is a Digital and Analogue TV tunner in a USB stick! Watch TV on your laptop, turn your home PC into a digital video recorder. Currently half price at PC World and free delivery! Was £99.99 buy now for £49.99

Features for this ADS TECH PTV-339

o Mini Dual TV Analogue & Digital o Direct to Disc Recording o View Digital & Analogue TV on your PC o Media TV Software o Transfer programs to iPod and PSP o Mobile Simple to Install USB 2.0 Design o Features Electronic Program Guide o Schedule Recordings o Includes Antenna and Remote Control