Our Forums have a thread running on how to auto-fill a bath. An interesting post from a UK based inventor regarding his device, due later this year, which while not strictly home automation, looks very clever. Make sure and view the little movie on the website...

"An easy to install mechanical device to sense the water level in a bath, shutting off the flow automatically to prevent a flood. Each year millions of properties suffer flooding from taps being left on. They are often simply forgotten, occasionally by children or an elderly relative, or caused by vandals with the intention to flood. Every year in the UK , water damage due to overflowing baths and sinks costs the UK insurance industry £250 million. Even with insurance, the damage caused can be devastating. Everyone has possessions that are irreplaceable and plenty that would be ruined by water - what about the contents of your computer...

Buffalo have just announced a new wireless Media Player, the LinkTheater PC-P4LWAG. This is one of the first devices that will support Intel® Viiv™ Based Pcs. The unit is due on sale in the US this month (June 2006) and in Europe shortly after with a price around $250.

"6 June 2006 - Buffalo Technology, a global leader in the design, development, and manufacturing of wired and wireless networking, storage, multimedia, and memory solutions, today introduced the latest addition to its line of sophisticated LinkTheater multimedia devices, the Buffalo LinkTheater Wireless-A&G Media Player (PC-P4LWAG). The new LinkTheater is amongst the first multimedia devices designed to work with Intel® Viiv™ technology - an innovative new PC platform that will help make it easier for families to download, store and view all kinds of digital entertainment and information....

"Motorola's new Homesight Wireless Easy Start kit is under £100 and available now...

Stay in touch with the important things in life with our affordable, custom-tailored monitoring, security and control system. The homesight system allows you to see what's happening at home any time. From home, at work, even on vacation, you can keep a watchful eye on what matters most...

We've just received this press release from UK Automation..."Smarthome company UK Automation today announced that the award winning VoSKY range of Skype products from US manufacturer Actiontec are now available to buy online from their store...

There are plenty of iPod docks available already, but this one looks much more interesting. Here's the best part of the press release for home automation fans...

Here's an interesting X10 amplifier project. Most of us have experienced X10 signal propagation problems at one time or another, so anything to help the signals get through is welcomed. No mention of a 220V version but as it's a DIY project it may not be difficult for someone to redesign for European modules...

It appears we did get a bit of a scoop yesterday. Here's this mornings official press release from Sling Media on the UK launch of the Slingbox...

We've just noticed that PC World appear to be selling a PAL version of the Slingbox! Have we missed the press release? After checking the PC World website there are none showing in our local store, but there is stock showing at some other stores we tried. With the World Cup just a few weeks away there's bound to be huge interest in this device, which allows you to watch live or recorded TV streamed from your home to a PC or SmartPhone anywhere in the world...

"What is the Slingbox?
The Slingbox is a piece of hardware that lets you watch your home satellite, cable, digital or analogue TV anywhere! Whether you're at home, in the garden, at work or on the other side of the world, the Slingbox's unique software allows you to watch, control and even record on your home TV subscription. Whether at a desktop PC, working on your laptop or using your Windows Mobile PDA - your TV is accessible anywhere - no matter where you are!!!!

Are there monthly fees?
With the Slingbox, you are simply streaming TV content you have already paid for via your TV license and satellite/cable connection. They are NO monthly fees and absolutely NO subscription charges.

How does it work?
The Slingbox utilises your existing wireless network to stream your content around the internet, making it available for access via your unique user ID. There are 3 simple steps in setting up your Slingbox...

Here's an interesting device that has home automation applications. The £80 Z-text SMS Modem allows you to sending SMS text messages over a normal fixed Line, so no SIM/contract is required, and also allows text messaging where there have traditionally been signal strenth issues on the GSM network...

No, not an automated meat extrusion machine, but a budding new home automation system..."Is there a more comprehensive program for automation than PICS from SausageSystems? It's got CCTV, Audio, Video, IR Remote Control, Lighting Control (iLight and DMX) and it physically operates any appliance the user wants, from an LED to a 4-tonne car lift...