The guys at TotalApps.net are quick off the mark with their review of last nights release of the Apple TV v3.0 Software.

"The free software upgrade features a redesigned main menu that makes navigating your favorite content simpler and faster, and makes enjoying the largest selection of on-demand HD movie rentals and purchases, HD TV shows, music and podcasts from the iTunes Store even better on your TV."

Our feelings for Z-Wave are pretty clear here at Automated Home.  While we love the technology and feel its a worthy 21st Century replacement for X10, we hate the fact that despite the years and the promises, the UK still has a pitiful offering of hardware.

Videos like this beautiful new one from Coco just remind us how poorly the UK market is served.  Come on Z-Wave manufacturers - the UK is waiting.

COCO- Controlled Comfort

Update 1 - Is the COCO system Z-Wave power or another wireless technology?  Leave a comment if you know. 

Update 2 -  Looks like COCO is using system same / similar to the HomeEasy range

BroadbandSuppliers.co.uk is a one stop shop for all things broadband. Be it the latest news concerning the broadband sector, even-handed expert reviews or customer reviews, they have it all. But broadband comparison is their forte, almost all of the UK's ISPs are clearly compared by type (broadband packages, home, mobile, unlimited, business and broadband bundles) and by speed...

We've just got the skinny on another great discount voucher code deal.  This time it's the top of the range, colour touchscreen universal remote, the Logitech Harmony 1100.

CLICK THIS LINK then use voucher code "HARMONY9" at checkout. Valid until 27th September 2009.

So, you have a nice HiFi and you've ripped your entire music collection in uncompressed WAV format.  You also have full ISO images of all your DVD movies and of course you'll need lots of space for ripping HiDef Blu-ray flicks too.  So what sort of space is it going to take - allowing a little room for expansion of course - and how do you run a server like that at home...

Automated Home and our forums are back after a server outage of around 12 hours.  Apologies for the downtime.

Here's an interesting new video which gives a good look around an American Home Automation installation.  Some of the subject touched on are star wiring, CCTV installation (with power over CAT5), wall mounted touch screens, security and HVAC...

Philips Dynalite has announced Morban Ltd as the first UK member to its Dimension dealer accreditation and training group.  Lancashire and Oxfordshire-based Morban, are a residential systems integrator, which has been working with Philips Dynalite for three years, delivering home automation solutions that combine lighting, security, AV, environmental, and communications/media systems. The Philips Dynalite Dimension program provides standardised training, improved access to technical support, and essential marketing support to all accredited companies and individuals.  Read on for the full details...

Earlier this month we had a request from a reader to setup a new forums facility for users to write up their home automation projects so others can benefit from their experience.  So the "Projects" forum was born.  To start us off there are now projects there from user jaffaon - Temperature Capture plus a two-part post on ripping / storing your DVD collection and then streaming the movies around your home.  Join in and post your projects in the new forum...