Those looking for ways to move MP3s and digital audio from the PC to existing home entertainment systems via wireless or Ethernet network, should take a look at Barix's Exstreamer and/or Exstreamer Wireless(802.11b). Photo at: http://www.barix.com/images/press_pictures/hi_res/barix_exstreamer_wireless.jpg

· Allows users to remotely manage and play MP3 libraries over existing stereo systems in the home and business · Streams MP3 files and digital audio from PCs, the Internet and digital audio servers · MAC and PC compatible; works with most operating systems · Easily controlled via any standard web browser · Open, well-documented software interfaces allow for easy integration with other consumer, commercial and professional audio applications · Technical specifications and additional information available at www.exstreamer.com

Exclusive from CAT! - Network Interface Option (HV-ProNet)

o Allows the HV software (or any software that currently connects to HV's serial port, or your own software) to connect to HV-Pro over any TCP/IP network.
o Optionally makes one or both of the other 2 serial ports available to the network.
o Web server for a browser interface to HV-Pro (not sure yet if we will include web pages in first release, but users can create their own using Java applets)
o Add-on board mounts directly to HV-Pro (no pc required)
o An external version is also being developed that will work with the current HV model.

This feature is currently in beta and we will have more details as we approach the July release date

Hello,

Libra Systems is a new manufacturer of multiroom audio products.

Our first product is the Libra AL-1 a 'useful problem solver' remote level controller that easily integrates to AMX, Crestron, and custom control systems, and costs £149.00 (ex Vat). It can also be easily 'daisy-chained' to make a simple single-source multiroom system. We also have a simple wallplate control which incorporates an IR extender back to the AL-1, as well as IR and push-button control of the AL-1.

"The Barix Wireless Exstreamer is a versatile, IEEE 802.11b *(1) or Ethernet connected MP3 audio player for a variety of applications. With the Wireless Exstreamer, the home user now can listen to his MP3 collection through his living room stereo or powered speakers from almost any location. The Wireless Exstreamer plays MP3 files from sources such as digital audio servers, PCs or Internet radio stations. It can be easily controlled via a web browser interface using web-enabled PCs, webpads and PDAs...

"we're pleased to announce we have a deal with the manufacturer of Red Eye to exclusively sell their product. The Red Eye is an infra-red translator, allowing a RC6 compatible pre-programmed remotes, or Philips Prontos to control the Pace 1000, and 2000 series IrDA digital cable boxes.

Until now it had been impossible to use third party remote controls with these cable boxes (there is one make that will work, but the range is very limited). The Red-Eye sticks to the front of the cable box's infra-red receive window, and is powered by a socket on the back of the box. It receive's RC6 infra-red codes, translates them to IrDA and then sends the IrDA signal to the cable box....

Just got details from Comfort Home Controls on this networked DVD/DivX player. They are expecting stock by this Wednesday.

"The most flexible DVD player available! Works with DivX and XviD format CD & DVD media (.avi) but also plays MP3's stored on DVD media (4.5 gig of MP3's! on one disk) and can stream audio, video and radio content from LAN via ethernet connection and much more."...

It's over 570 MP3 and/or WAV format sound clips relating to home automation and the home theater. I've also included 10 bonus home theater intros complete with background music. It's definitely a show stopper before the show even starts....

Zigbee is a new wireless protocol, backed by several big electronics manufacturers, which aims to provide cheaper lower power more reliable wireless links for home and industrial automation and control. It's lower power, needs less code, and aims to be cheaper than Bluetooth. At the moment, it's in the late stages of vapourware (that's why you probably hadn't heard of it before!), but given the folk behind it, it will probably happen (but almost certainly not on the schedule they are suggesting...)