How do you fancy a Digital/analogue/IP TV receiver, Digital Video Recorder, DVD Burner, Digital and FM Radio, 6-flash-card reader and networked media player - all in one box! The list of interesting words and phrases goes on and on - Linux, USB2, Wifi, 10/100 Ethernet, AC-3, H.264, MPEG-4, 120GB...phew! Well, it's all a bit of a tease at this stage as this newly announced device won't be available until the end of this year...

This looks very interesting..."It almost sounds too good to be a true - a universal IR remote with high-quality LCD screen, built-in WiFi, a handful of adapters to bridge WiFi to Z-Wave, RS-232 and IR, and native Windows Media Connect. All this for $249 including docking station...

Always a favourite, here are some more door locks that use fingerprint biometrics for access to rooms in your smart home...

Some new interesting and innovative modules from Barix. "The IP Audio Modules target the increasing demand for audio streaming applications from real-time audio transmission, audio monitoring and distribution, audio recording, paging, to intercom and warning tone generation systems...

RedRadio have just announced their "100% QUIET TOUCH COMPUTER". The RelayTouch-UTMA is an in-wall 12.1" LCD touch monitor and hardware client that utilises one remote PC to drive multiple screens...

BlueDelta have launched a new product for AV distribution over CAT5..."Aimed at both the professional installer and true videophile, MILESTONE has applications as varied as home entertainment through to video surveillance; from as close as the next room to as far as a mile away...

The UK Intelligent Network and Home Automation company - Idratek has extended their range of modules. For the first time they now have their own Idratek Dimmer, the SLD-001 ...

"The SLD-001 is a single channel light dimmer module suitable for use on incandescent lamps and most electronic low voltage transformer based lighting. Certain high voltage halogen lighting (eg. GU10) may also be controlled but must be derated to around 60% of module capacity. The module utilises superior trailing edge (phase turn off) control which avoids high inrush currents and thus improves lamp life expectancy, minimises dimmer noise and allows control of low wattage lamps without flicker. Electronic overload protection is also incorporated. This unit is designed for 'in-line' applications, where separate neutral and lives feeds are not available. It can therefore replace standard 1way light switch fixtures. Availability of onboard user definable ramp and free form dynamic profiles allow complex dynamic scene settings to be accomplished even without a high level control program such as Cortex...

Perhaps the ultimate in home automation - your own BeerBot to pour you a cold glass when you arrive home after a hard day!  "Here's a match made in heaven: beer and robots. For most of the world, it's a match we are left to simply dream of (you know, slave bots bringing you a cold one, instead of the usual "Get it yourself!") If you live in Japan however, you should know that Asahi is running a promotion where they'll be giving away 5,000 fully stocked refrigerator robots. What do these lovely creatures do...

An interesting new product from Saitek Audio that allows you to stream music wirelessly from your PC to a portable speaker "pod" that includes a built-in active subwoofer. You can choose to stream MP3s from iTunes, RealPlayer, Windows MediaPlayer etc or listen to Internet Radio. The A250 is available in the UK now for around £80...

Simply Automate have announced their "Harmony-Dupline" modular lighting and control system...

"Harmony-Dupline is a brand new lighting and control system from Simply Automate. The system gives complete control over lighting, security and heating and also incorporates a built in alarm system. Control over these core elements provides the foundation of a total smart home solution, giving the resident of the property combined benefits of security, convenience, lifestyle enhancement and energy saving benefits simultaneously.

The beauty of Harmony-Dupline is that it is a fully flexible modular system which can be installed in both new and existing homes. A choice of 27 different products can be incorporated into the Harmony-Dupline solution. Harmony-Dupline is exceptionally easy to install and configure and is based on the reliable bus system. The flexibility of Harmony-Dupline makes it more attractive than other systems, and the fact it is a wired system gives it total reliability...