Here's an interesting new Home Automation system that promises to bring smart home controls that were previously only enjoyed by the rich and famous, into the reach of the rest of us.

"Home automation should be as accessible, affordable and as easy to use as other sub-systems in the home, like central heat and air," says Joe Doran, Cortexa's CTO. "An intelligent automation system offers more than convenience, security and peace of mind. In the long run, as it adapts to the habits of the household, it can also significantly reduce energy costs through smarter management of high consumption systems."

Until now, home automation systems have been notoriously complex, using a combination of proprietary and customized software and hardware components. Cortexa simplified its system by making the user interface so easy to use that the homeowner can program the system themselves and make adjustments as the need arises. The software integrates to the most common sub-system platforms and is enhanced every week with customers receiving free upgrades...

Keene Electronics have just announced an new in-wall audio amplifier. This product is aimed at the whole house audio installer wanting to create a tidy installation in a smart home setup...

Here is an interesting Home Automation product for the Mac mini..."As a home automation design and consulting company, we were faced with the challenge of placing our control system (a Mac mini) in just about any location that the customer wanted.,,

Well, it seems to be the season for networked audio players all right. Here's news on the latest incarnation of the SliMP3..."Squeezebox is a study in downtempo, modern design appropriate for any setting. It is a joy for the eyes as well as the ears...

The new Noxon networked music player is due soon and looks like an interesting device, especially if you want to listen to Internet radio stations without a the use of a PC.  Read on for the full specs...

A new multi-cast WiFi media distribution system... "Ruckus Wireless Launches First-of-Its-Kind Wi-Fi Multimedia System To Make the Wire-Free Digital Home a Reality Unique New Technology Delivers Picture-Perfect Wireless Multimedia Anywhere In The Home..

We've just received the first pictures of the beautiful new Revolution range of control panels from Dynalite. Read on for all the info and the photos!

"A Revolution is Coming - The new Revolution series of user control panels from Dynalite incorporate an innovative clip-on cover fastening system, providing the ultimate in aesthetic design flexibility. Incorporating a unique button depth adjustment facility, the panels can accommodate covers of practically any flat architectural surface medium from 1.2mm to 6.5mm in depth. The possibilities are endless; match kitchen panels to bench tops in stainless steel, stone or laminate finishes and to splashbacks in glass. Use floor and wall tiles to create a continuity of design. Wood, stone, metal, plastic, vinyl, glass, just about any material you can imagine can be applied, adding texture and colour like never before. In the Revolution, Dynalite has created a range of panels that are as individual as your designs. To complement the panel face, button caps are available in silver and charcoal grey, providing a wide range of decor matching possibilities…

Submission by David Webster - "The Koppla system comprises three components, a handheld transmitter, a plug in lamp dimmer module and a plug in switch module.

The handset includes a realtime clock displayed via an LCD display and can control up to 10 modules. The handset can be programmed for specific timer actions or at random to simulate occupancy. Modules can be operated individually or in user defined groups...

Due to arrive in the UK next month (October 05), the Belkin Tunestage is another interesting device designed to liberate the iPods tunes in your home...

"TuneStage delivers the pristine high-quality sound that iPod users desire, through a high-end, home stereo environment. Using Bluetooth technology, TuneStage can transmit from up to 33 feet* away from your stereo, free of the barriers that limit traditional remotes-such as walls, ceilings, or windows. This great new innovation from Belkin lets you roam and play your tunes, from virtually anywhere in your home...

Press release just received from In Touch Technologies...

"Multimessage and distributor In Touch Technologies announce the launch of the M400 Home Communication Centre range as one of the most complete home networking and entertainment solutions available in the industry.

Available in both system and modular form, the M400 is a hybrid based system using both CAT5e and Coax cable. This system has been designed from the ground up to be a true residential system rather than an evolution from a commercial solution. Starting with the unique, built in power distribution panel from which each module is powered, leaving just a single external 230v feed to connect to a switched fused spur. Other modules include an amazing 2x10 PBX with music on hold, 8 Way 10/100 Ethernet Switch, ADSL Modem, Audio distribution panel and 1x8 TV Amp with three built in modulators, all of which fit directly into the cabinet with minimum fuss and complication...