iDomus are offering registered users a trial in a free beta test of V5 of their Harmony home automation software... "As a registered Harmony customer we thought you might like to take a sneak peek at the latest software we are preparing for release. The software extends the commands available in the Harmony Home Automation Server v5.0 in some important new ways, namely...

We've just received this press release on a new UK company specialising in the supply and installation of IP surveillance technologies.

"Analogue cctv equipment has undoubtedly been instrumental in reducing crime, however, this technology requires investment in expensive equipment and infrastructure so that criminals can be effectively monitored. IP camera technology can be implemented for a fraction of the cost using existing network infrastructures and employs intelligent technology which monitors premises and can track individuals movements without the need of an operator being present. Add to this the flexibility of being able to control and monitor cameras from anywhere in the world over an internet connection and the benefits become very tangible...

New announcement just received...

"HomeLifeWorkLife.co.uk are proud to announce the launch of their new, custom built, Home Automation showroom in Cardiff, Wales.

HomeLifeWorkLife are official ConvergeX Resellers and as such, are able to provide a complete solution covering Lighting, Heating, Security, Surveillance, Telephoney & Home Entertainment.

Our solutions are robust and scalable based on a Windows platform around ethernet networks. Using this platform enables the control of the Home Automation using Windows XP, Windows XP Media Centre, Pocket PC, Touch-Screen panels...

After the success of the recent Smart Home Show in the NEC (read our review HERE), the organisers have already committed to doubling the size of next years event...

"The inaugural Smart Home Show, the UK's first consumer exhibition for integrated home technology, surpassed all expectations by attracting a 27,000 strong quality visitor audience to Birmingham's NEC from 14-17 April 2005.

The Show opened its doors at 10.00am on Thursday 14th April to a queue of visitors and by lunchtime the stands and aisles were packed to bursting with an impressive mixture of trade, professional and serious consumer buyers all looking for the latest in integrated home technology. Show features, such as The Sevenoaks Sound & Vision Fusion Lounge and free seminar programme, were standing room only throughout the four days and their expansion is part of an exciting programme of new marketing initiatives already in place for 2006.

A delighted exhibitor base has shown their support in the most emphatic way by swallowing up the floorplan for the 2006 event. By close of play on the last day of the Show 85% of space had already been rebooked and organizers Centaur Exhibitions are hurriedly redrawing their floor plans to at least double the size of the event in 2006...

Konnect2.net will have its formal launch at this years Smart Home Show at the NEC (Stand 3110). The dedicated retail portal has been set up by a uk wide network of integrators and a major distributor to promote both the products and services of the respective companies.

To celebrate the launch of the site konnect2.net will have a number of special offers available from their stand. These include free shipping for any Rako products ordered in April, Free Cat5e or Coax cable with a select range of Home Networking Kits ordered in April and a show only offer on the excellent Harmony Remote Controls, the SST-655 for £65.00 (RRP £80) and SST-688 for £100 (RRP £120)...

Just a quick reminder that the Smart Home Show is little more than a week away now!

"More than 25,000 visitors are set to attend the launch of The Smart Home Show (14-17 April Birmingham NEC), the UK's first consumer exhibition to showcase the emergence of practical and affordable 'integrated home technology' that is set to transform future building design.

More than 120 exhibitors and brands from the UK, US and Europe will be represented at The Smart Home Show including Crestron, Convergex, Microsoft, Hitachi Europe, Siemens, Philips, Pioneer, Sevenoaks Sound & Vision, Audiofile, Smartkontrols, Smartcomm, Pelham Sloane, Loewe, Lutron, Opus Technologies, Music Matters, Goelst UK and AMX...

CEDIA SUPPORTS NEW CONSUMER-FOCUSSED "SMART HOME SHOW" CEDIA (the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association) has announced its backing for the launch of the new "Smart Home Show", the first UK consumer show dedicated to digital homes solutions (Birmingham, NEC, 14-17 April 2005).

In addition to taking a prominent exhibition stand at the show, the CEDIA support package for the event includes:

o a special 5% CEDIA discount on space for all CEDIA members wishing to exhibit
o direct input into the event's educational programme
o a dedicated CEDIA seminar
o high visibility of the CEDIA brand on all event promotional materials

Organized and run by leading exhibitions company, Centaur Exhibitions (now an affiliate member of CEDIA), "The Smart Home Show", will be co-located with Centaur's highly successful and established National Homebuilding & Renovating Show...

We've just received the following press release on the new UK eTailer for EIB products...

"EIBshop.co.uk provides a user-friendly shop window for wired or wireless control, and door entry systems. EIBshop.co.uk is a brand new web space that unlocks the well kept secret of EIB (European Installation Bus) to the UK's growing army of smart home enthusiast, installers and users...

WebBrick Competition - Win a superb WebBrick from o2m8.com

O2M8 have kindly donated a WebBrick as a prize for our competition. This is the full development board valued at over £350.00 !

The competition is simple to enter. Just come up with an interesting idea on how you would utilise the WebBrick in a planned home automation project.

Perhaps you would use the system to control a new aquarium, setting the pump speed via the WebBrick's rotary input, whilst monitoring the water temperature using the Dallas digital temperature probes. Maybe you would control your central heating via the Net or mobile phone...

HOME HACKING PROJECTS FOR GEEKS

Take a geek and a PC, add one soldering iron, a home, and a copy of Home Hacking Projects for Geeks, and you'll give new meaning to the term, "home improvement." From fearless neophytes to tool-wielding masterminds, the home hacker in any geek will find new inspiration and plenty of hands-on guidance to take on a variety of home-transforming projects once relegated to the world of sci-fi.

This fun new guide combines creativity with electricity and power tools to achieve cool--and sometimes even practical--home automation projects. Never again will you have to flip a light switch when you enter a room or use a key to open your front door. With a few off-the-shelf devices, some homemade hardware, and a little imagination, you can be living in your own high-tech habitat.

• Remotely Monitor Your Pet
• Make Your House Talk
• Remotely Control Your Computer's MP3 player
• Create Time-Shifted FM Radio
• Watch Your House Across the Network
• Build a Home Security System

HOME HACKING PROJECTS FOR GEEKS