We've just got details of a special offer for Automated Home readers.  Laser has a limited time discount on Frank McAlinden's excellent HomeVision IO Expander units.  Normally retailing at £46.95, they are now available at just £19.99 including VAT!  Read on for the specs...

This time we're joined by Ian Lowe and Mal Lansell of the xPL Project.  We discuss how the open source Home Automation Protocol came about, how it aims to be the "glue" in your smart home setup and the variety of hardware that can talk to each other through the systems hub...

iTunes | Miro | Zune | RSS |  Right Click to Download (43 Minutes - 20.0MB)

Check out the show notes after the jump for all the links to the subjects covered...

The DB9 Connectors from the MaxBlox EZ Termination System allow you to terminate your cable with just a screwdriver!  Ideal for those RS-232 or RS-422 cables in a home automation setup, these are a god-send when you want a fast finish and don't want to get the soldering iron out...

After buying a new Sony PS3 and seeing it in action on my Panasonic Home Theater Projector via the HDMI Inteface I was a little dissapointed when I turned on my original XBOX, which was connected to the Projector via its Component Cables.

Now, obviously the XBOX is only 720p but it seemed extra dull and lackluster compared to the new HD PS3.  After a little searching on the internet I found a unit which connected to the Component Cable and converted the signal to an HDMI Output.  It seemed too good to be true at a very reasonable $50, too cheap to be any good?  I thought why not give it a try so I just ordered it to see what it really does...

Sand Hill Engineering have released the new v6.0 of their Mac home automation software - XTension.  With many new features including the X2Web web interface, a new database and graphic charting package XTdb plus new Video Pitcher...

We're honored to have been mention by Cali Lewis in her latest Episode of GeekBrief TV today!  Husband and Wife Team Cali and Neal produce an awesome tech news video podcast that recently took second place in our Top Ten Tech Podcast Awards.

Do yourself a favour and subscribe to the Podcast and follow Cali and Neal as they prepare to set out across America bringing us tech news from each state on their year long adventure.  Watch the video after the jump...

Marmitek have launched their new SCART switcher - the Connect236.  At around £65 the unit supports RGB, S-Video and Composite and can switch 6 inputs via its IR remote control.   Marmitek say the unit supports "Full matrix function" with 6 analogue video-inputs, 3 digital audio-inputs, 3 analogue video- and audio-outputs and a digital audio-output...

Innovative UK smart home security system AlertMe have just announced a reduced monthly subscription - down from £11.99 to £9.99.  They've also increased the monthly text message allowance from 20 to 50. On top of that they have launched a new £149 "Starter" Kit (the previous £399 kit will now be known as the "Premium").  The Starter ships with a Hub, a motion sensor and a keyfob, but has the GPRS and Battery backup removed to save costs...