GearSpy

Finally, a Digital Music Server for the Purist.

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Rhodes) — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 14:10:00 +0000

When a really slick iPhone app isn't the only cool thing about a new audio player, music purists finally begin to notice.

Based in San Francisco, Olive makes HD music servers and multi-room players for high-end audio systems. The O6HD media player is their latest offering, and is designed by audiophiles for audiophiles. The company says that it's only available in limited quantities.

Here’s the skinny:

Olive's iPhone App

Olive’s O6HD is a digital media player for those who take digital audio quality seriously. You won’t find anything like it at a big-box electronics store. Don’t even try.

Size Matters. The O6HD has a 2-terabyte drive so you can store up to 6,000 of your favorite CDs at original quality or up to 20,000 Hi-Def tracks. But, we’re just getting started. This device is truly about the quality of the music, not the quantity. The drive is cushioned in 8 layers of noise-canceling padding. Does your external USB hard drive have that? Didn’t think so.

Everything about this component is built for the sole purpose of elevating the listening experience of your digital media (not just for looks), including the elegant aluminum enclosure that eliminates operational noise and resonances. A distinctive angled front includes a huge 10.1" glass-on-glass color touch-screen, both of which allow for easy navigation of your music library.

From the CEO
“When approaching the O6HD design we sought the highest possible quality for each component, without compromise,” stated Dr. Oliver Bergmann, co-founder and CEO of Olive. “Primary for us was creating the most faithful playback of high quality audio in digital format. Nothing has been spared. Supporting 24-bit playback enables a rich and emotional experience not found with other digital music solutions. MP3 files are infamous for compressing tracks to the point of destroying the depth and nuances of a performance, even CDs are incapable of reproducing the way music sounds as it is recorded live in the studio. The O6HD achieves this and is the Olive ideal."

The Spec List

Fully balanced differential DAC Design
At the heart of the 06HD is a fully balanced differential DAC, with a matched pair of TI’s top-of-the-line 24-bit/192 kHz DAC modules (Burr-Brown PCM1792) for the inverted and non-inverted signals on each of the right and left channels. With a Signal-to-Noise ratio of 124 dB, the sounds come from a truly black background, revealing all the nuances and subtleties. The patent-pending DAC design is enhanced with additional premium components:

Ultra-low jitter master clock
A separate temperature-compensated crystal oscillator, with jitter of less than 10 picoseconds after re-clocking virtually eliminates jitter. This best in class clocking eliminates the edginess issues found in some digital music players. The resulting sound is of unequalled transparency and tonal accuracy.

High-performance Sample Rate Converter
The new O6HD uses the latest TI SRC4194 to up-sample any lower audio standard to 24-bit/ 384 kHz, guaranteeing incredible purity in high frequencies and low-level detail.

High-end output stage
Enjoy warm, open and spacious sound. The O6HD eliminates slewing induced distortion by using ultra-fast op-amps with at least 20V/us slew-rate, and a gentle 2nd-order Bessel reconstruction filter. Witnessed in its exceptionally flat frequency response (+0/-0.5db, 20Hz-20kHz) and ultra-low THD+N of less than 0.0007% (at 20Hz-22kHz)

Dedicated headphone DAC
The O6HD also features a separate 24-bit/192 kHz PCM1792 DAC and TPA6120A2 High Performance Audio Amplifier for headphone use, giving users the sharpest possible sound regardless of how they’re listening.

High-Precision Linear Power Supply
The obsession for sound performance behind the O6HD’s design is further evidenced with the unique presence of dedicated power supplies for the analog and digital components. The highly sensitive analog section is powered by a dedicated linear power supply with a custom-built ultra-low noise toroidal transformer. A separate AC line filter, with noise attenuation at close to 80dB, reduces noise floor from the start.


Yes. It has a remote.

The Cost
The O6HD will make your wallet a little lighter. But the $5,000 price tag (give or take) is justified by its craftsmanship. Contact Olive to pre-order or to inquire about their other high-end media player components.

More Images

Available in Black.

Back of the O6HD.

Introducing "Must NOT See T.V."

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Rhodes) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 12:01:00 +0000

Now you see it. Now you don’t. Today’s large flat screens often dominate the design of any room. Great for football Sundays, but who needs to stare into an oversized black square when they’re reading a book or throwing a soirée for friends and family?

Media Decor and companies like it are restoring some tranquility to your home by hiding your TV behind a work of art or a mirror (see YouTube video below). You can even raise your TV out of a counter-top or cabinet, keeping it completely out of site until you’re ready for movie night or the morning news.

how it works.
Your TV stays hidden discreetly behind an elegant frame and the artwork that you choose. And with the touch of a button, the near silent mechanical motor reveals your TV when you’re watching and closes it when you’re not.

You can also hide your TV
behind a mirror.

You’re TV can also be hidden behind a mirror made with a special glass and mirrored coating. Media Decor also incorporates a black dropdown shade between the mirror and TV that provides a true mirror-like look when the TV is not in use. Talk to your media integration tech to see if mirrors are right for your environment.

GearSpy Suggestion: Instead of a remote make these devices compatible with “The Clapper.”

how much is it?
Prices vary from about $1,500 to $12,000 depending on the options you select. Prices can sometimes be a little higher if your installation requires extra labor hours or if you have selected expensive cabinetry or artwork.

see it in action.

Yes you can burn MP3s to a DVD blank. But why?

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Rhodes) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 03:53:00 +0000

Just because you CAN burn MP3s to a DVD blank doesn't mean you SHOULD.

Burning MP3s to a DVD disk sounds like a great idea since you can fit about a bagillion songs on a DVD disk. However it will only play on a DVD player, not a CD-only player. And even when you insert your DVD of a bagillion tunes into your DVD player it takes about 5 minutes to read the disk. And you can't skip through the tunes very fast either. Oh, and it won't play in your car's CD changer either.

Learn from my rookie mistake and do not try this. It's a terrible idea. As a public service, I refuse to share how it can be done (even though it's pretty easy). You'll make better use of your time by measuring the depth of the tread on your snow tires, needle pointing, or watching C-SPAN.

Meet Christine, The Angel of Music — a high-end reference turntable.

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Rhodes) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:08:00 +0000

Vinyl is STILL very vogue. And many audio enthusiasts intend to make sure it sticks around. Here’s a turntable that's humbly named “Christine, The Angel of Music” that’ll set you back a mere $57,500 (give or take). But don’t ask the manufacturer TTWeights Audio to explain themselves. They offer no apologies.

Here’s why.

For starters, the platter is designed with U.S. Navy-grade brass.

This gets a little technical, but you'll get the idea.

The musical interface is the physical contact with the platter and the coupling provided by our unique Outer Ring Stabilizer, no expense was spared to use the most stable and musical of materials for the platter. Machined from pure high grade US supplied NAVAL brass with carbon fibre inserts on the record face provides a very musical and extremely accurate and faithful reproduction of the record.

NAVAL Brass is not affected by humidity or temperature (50F to 90F), is stable immediately after machining and over many years. This Platter will not change its shape of tolerances from internal stresses found in polycarbonate and aluminum platters.

Here’s more specs on the turntable — which include aircraft-style drive systems.
Click here for more information.

CNC machined plinth from billet Aluminum 6061-T6511 with a Compact Design 18 x 16 inch footprint
Internally housed drive systems and motor
Internally Dampened plinth with brass and copper proprietary damping materials

Aircraft Style Drive Systems
DC Super Torque Servo Drive System
PWM Digital regenerative amplifier
DC Servo Speed Controller
Torque: 100 lbs-in at specified RPM quietest and most powerful motor in the industry
33/45/78 rpm

Massive Platter
80 LB Naval Brass /Copper /Carbon Fibre Platter
Massive moment of inertia
Specifications
Weight: Estimated 180 lbs (81.6 Kg’s) plus controller separate unit
Controller 19”x 3”x 12”/482 x 76.2 x 304.8 mm (W x H x D) Weight
Dimensions Including Feet and Isolation Disks
Height Without Center Weight: 8.300 inches (211.00 mm)
Height with Center Weight: 9.800 inches (249.00 mm)
Width: 18.00 inches (457.2 mm)
Depth: 16.00 inches (406.4 mm)
Shipped in two parts/Simple Installation
Shipping Weight 280 to 300 lbs
Bearing and drive all pre assemble, just place the platter on the platter mount, self aligning
Requires two people
20 years parts and labour

With the new iPort, your house will love your iPad, too.

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Rhodes) — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 13:07:00 +0000

Not So "Off the Wall."
The makers of iPort think hanging an iPod or iPad on your wall is not so “off the wall.” The company has introduced two new products in its Control Mount Series for the Apple iPad and iPod touch®. The CM2000 Control Mount for iPad and the iPort CM100 Control Mount for iPod touch both integrate the handheld Apple touchscreen products in an attractive in-wall frame, transforming them into in-wall touchscreens for display of weather, news, stocks and many other preferred Apps.

Works With Any Connected A/V System
The CM100 also transforms the iPod touch into an in-wall Internet radio source, and easily connects to any stereo or audio/video receiver. Users can download their choice of any Internet radio apps available in the App Store and play the audio back through any connected stereo system.

iPort's wall mount for the iPad (installed)

From the CEO
“As Apple’s products have evolved from media players to intuitive touchscreens, we remain committed to this, and to making our products useful in a way that is aesthetically compelling and easy to use,” said Ari Supran, CEO of iPort’s parent company Dana Innovations.

Control Your Whole Home with an iPad or iPod touch
Integrating an iPad or an iPod touch into a home automation system using the respective Control Mounts offers homeowners an elegant way to control their home entertainment lighting, climate, and more via control apps available from most home automation brands which link to the system over Wi-Fi.

The CM2000 and CM100 may be installed in either a vertical or horizontal orientation, depending on the functionality and design of the room. When installed into the iPort, the iPad and iPod touch remain constantly charged.

Suggested Retail Prices (Now Shipping):
iPort CM100 $250.00
iPort CM2000 $499.00

Both models can be installed
in landscape or portrait mode.

Take Your iPhone and "Stick It."

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Rhodes) — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 12:43:00 +0000

Ever seen a product and said to yourself, "It's so simple! I wish I'd thought of that." Here's one of those products that someone has probably prototyped in a few short hours by holing up in their garage — now they jet-set with Richard Branson and Steve Jobs (I don't really know that for sure).

The XShot is essentially a "stick" for your camera or iPhone that enables you to include yourself in the pictures you take. It extends over 3 feet, and the company claims you can have up to 10 people in the picture. It closes to 9 inches for easy transport, is made of durable metal, and weighs a mere 5 ounces.

It can be a great solution for travelers, families, and anyone that loves to take pictures and not be left out.

Ever been traveling in a "sketchy" part of the world and felt unsure about handing your $500 gadget to a perfect stranger and saying "Could you take our picture? (Please don't steal my iPhone!)."

Benefits of the XShot

There isn’t anyone around to take a picture of you on top of a snow-capped mountain ("Mr. Yeti, could you take my picture please?)
There is no time or space to set up a tripod.
You want to take easy pictures and videos on the go, to post on your blog or social network.
XShot allows you to reach high spots in crowds and concerts, take photos from fun angles and in places too difficult to reach, or even make cool 3D videos.
You may not always want to trust a stranger with your brand new camera or iPhone.

The Specs

The iPhone Adapter
(sold separately).

Universal camera attachment with a new support for heavier cameras and camcorders (maximum 570g).
Fits in any purse, bag, or back pocket.
High quality components including an easy-to-use camera adapter.
Telescopes up to 3 feet but compacts down to 9 inches.
The iPhone attachment is sold separately.

Cost: $29.95 for the XShot (latest version is the 2.0) and $29.95 for the iPhone case (prices vary depending on where you find it).

Here's the slick marketing vid.

Here's a better pic of the XShot
and the iPhone adapter (sold separately).

Microsoft and Blue Line Bring Energy Savings To Your "Hohm."

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Rhodes) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 01:11:00 +0000

Microsoft and Blue Line now offer a more immediate way for you to monitor and manage your home energy use (and save some dough).

You could lower your energy bills by 18% — so says the Redmond, Washington, tech giant. This week, the two companies announced that the Hohm-compatible PowerCost Monitor™ WiFi from Blue Line is now available (SEE VIDEOS, BELOW).

Microsoft Hohm is a free web app by Microsoft where you can assess your own energy usage and receive energy-saving recommendations. Log into the Hohm site, and start by entering just your Windows Live ID and zip code. Using this simple information, Hohm starts predicting your home energy consumption (okay, it also uses algorithms licensed from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the Department of Energy). From there, you can enter as much information as you want (up to 180 questions) about your home size, water heater, etc.

Blue Line's PowerCost Monitor WiFi is a portable, wireless device that claims to be easy enough to install for the DIY'er and easy to use for everyone else. It wirelessly sends your near real-time energy use to Hohm, providing you with more detailed energy use information than your monthly utility bill. You can view and track changes in your energy use almost instantly, and discover potential energy waste in your home and areas where you can save.

Benefits

See your own energy consumption patterns
Track and compare your home energy usage over time
Compare your energy usage to others in your area
Uncover the connection between your energy habits to your power bill
Compare energy usage and costs at different times of the day, week, month and year
Track your energy savings as you make changes and use less energy
Connect with others and learn while sharing your experience

About PowerCost Monitor™ WiFi Edition

PowerCost Monitor™ WiFi Edition has an MSRP $268 (at the time I wrote this article). It includes sensor, in home monitor, WiFi Gateway, AC adapter, mini usb, installation/user manuals and enables personal data feeds to Microsoft® Hohm™. The PowerCost Monitor™ and WiFi Gateway may be purchased separately.

NOTE: The PowerCost Monitor™ WiFi Edition and WiFi Gateway are available today in the US market only. The product will be released in Canada in Q4, 2010 simultaneously with the roll out of the Hohm™ Score for Canada.

The PowerCost Monitor™ WiFi Gateway is an upgrade accessory. A Blue Line Innovations PowerCost Monitor™ or Black and Decker® Power Monitor™ and an in-home wireless router are both required.

Sticking It To "The Man" — Solar Hot Water Heater

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Rhodes) — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 16:19:00 +0000

GEARSPY GREEN: And now for something completely different.

According to the YouTube video, this homemade solar hot water heater has been working in Grass Valley, CA. (about an hour outside Sacramento, California) for the last 30 years. While the home is not completely energy independent, the water heater helps to reduce energy bills and their reliance on non-sustainable power sources.

The homeowner built a manifold using corrugated sheet metal and copper tubing. The system works off convection and stores the hot water in a standard, insulated water tank inside the garage. The only part you don't see is the glass pane, which apparently covers manifold to help generate more heat from the sun (which had to be removed to perform repairs). Pretty cool.

"Simple and cheap to build." says Andrew Twidwel, owner of ABT Plumbing who posted the video.

Sonance Cinema Series In-Wall Subwoofers Take Home Theater Performance to a New Level.

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Rhodes) — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 00:10:00 +0000

PRESS RELEASE: San Clemente, CA— Sonance is now shipping two new in-wall subwoofers designed exclusively for home-theater systems.

The new models, SUB12-500 and SUB10-250, join the existing Cinema Series in-wall and in-ceiling speaker lineup expanding the options for media rooms of any size or configuration.

Benefits of the New SUB12-500 AND SUB10-250:

Tight, low-frequency performance
Each three-piece system features high- performance woofer and grille integrated into a vibration-free enclosure with an outboard mono amplifier.
Designed for CEDIA installation professionals who have requested sub bass performance that maintain an aesthetically pleasing slim profile.
Sonance’s Visual Performance micro-trim grilles

Construction Details

Constructed from a combination of ½” and 1” MDF for superior isolation of bass and extruded aluminum bracing for minimal obstruction of airflow inside the enclosure.
Mass damping of front and back walls of each enclosure and long strand fiberglass internal damping for standing wave dissipation is also incorporated.
Floating enclosure design minimizes vibration transfer to adjoining rooms. Both enclosures fit in a standard 2 x 4 stud bay and a blank pre-construction plate is included for easy installation.

Todd Tyan, Chief Speaker Engineer . . . .

"The 4” diameter voice coils were chosen for two reasons,” says Todd Ryan, Chief Speaker Engineer. “First a large diameter voice coil will be able to continuously handle high levels of power and absorb all the power from the new digital amplifiers. The second reason was to allow us to place the spiders on the inside of the voice coil. In most shallow woofers due to the short distance from the surround to the spider the cones have a tendency to rock. This rocking requires the use of a larger gap in the motor to reduce the output of the driver. In our design, the spiders are placed at the center of the driver and connected to a post which is bonded to the cone.”

The new Sonance in-wall subwoofers
started shipping in June, 2010

Class D Amplifiers For Continuous Power
The outboard Cinema Series subwoofer amplifiers feature Class D output stage, line and speaker level high pass filtering and are designed specifically to complement the SUB10-250 and SUB12-500 drivers and enclosures. Each amplifier is capable of driving up to two woofers.

Performance
The SUB10-250 extends down to 30Hz and using the matching SUB10-250D amplifier it is capable of producing 108dB of output at 1 meter.

The SUB12-500 extends down to 25Hz and using its matching SUB12-500D amplifier it is capable of producing 114dB of output at 1 meter.

So, What Does It Cost?

12-500 Subwoofer Enclosure — $ 1,000 each
12-500 12” Woofer and Grill$ — 1,000 each
12-500 Subwoofer Amplifier — $ 1,000 each
10-250 Subwoofer Enclosure — $ 700 each
10-250 10” Woofer and Grille — $ 700 each
10-250 Subwoofer Amplifier — $ 700 each

Cortexa's iPhone App Gives You Complete Home Control.

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Rhodes) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 21:40:00 +0000

The Cortexa iPhone app gives you complete control of your home — from anywhere.

Controlling your home from any corner of the world isn't the newest idea on the market. But many dealers are surprised at the number of homeowners that remain unaware of home automation's potential. Cortexa is one of many products available to consumers, and these video demonstrations of their technology give you an effective thumbnail sketch of what can be done directly from an iPhone.

Check out the YouTube videos.

Check out the instantaneous feedback between Cortexa's wall mounted touch screen and their iPhone App.

The Cortexa iPhone App is a free download.

See http://www.cortexa.com/ for more info.

The nPower Peg Is a Green Minded Portable Charger.

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Rhodes) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 01:30:00 +0000

Need to charge the celly and can’t find a place to plug in? No problem — that is if you have one of these.

The nPower® PEG is a light-weight, portable “Personal Energy Generator” that recharges your hand-held devices and untethers you from the power grid. It captures and stores the kinetic energy you generate by walking, jogging, or biking and then uses that renewable energy to charge your phone, Mp3 player, GPS, etc.

How it works: Just place the nPower® PEG vertically in your backpack or briefcase and carry it with you.

Features of the nPower® PEG include:

Industry standard USB 2.0 interface and universal iGo® tip system that lets you use nPower® PEG with all your hand-held devices.
Unique, adaptive control system that automatically adjusts to your activity and captures maximum power.
High strength polycarbonate frame and titanium casing gives the nPower® PEG durability.
Compact, recyclable lithium polymer battery stores energy for when you need it most.
Sleek, iconic design makes a bold statement about your commitment to sustainable living.
First 1,000 units will be specially engraved as “First Mover” editions.

“The nPower® PEG provides individuals the opportunity to capture and store their own kinetic energy. nPower® PEG makes the renewable energy revolution personal,” says inventor and founder, Aaron LeMieux.

How the nPower Peg was born: LeMieux was hiking on the Appalachian Trail when he wanted a way to recharge his radio and CD player — without the weight of extra disposable batteries. Several days into his three-month trip, he was inspired by the notion that his backpack possessed a significant amount of kinetic energy through the up-and-down movement derived by walking. LeMieux realized that if he could convert this excess motion into usable electricity he could use this power to charge his hand-held devices.

The nPower® PEG is available for $149.99 at www.nPowerPEG.com.

Jobs takes a few Jabs: Did Steve Jobs stoop to the competition when defending his latest iPhone?

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Rhodes) — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 10:50:00 +0000

Did Steve Job's try to throw Blackberry (and others) "under the bus" when defending his iPhone?

In last week's iPhone antenna press conference, Steve Jobs took aim at other mobile devices, including the BlackBerry Bold 9700, saying that these devices had similar issues with their antennas. The CEOs of RIM (makers of the Blackberry), returned fire.

"Apple’s attempt to draw RIM into Apple’s self-made debacle is unacceptable," they said. "Apple’s claims about RIM products appear to be deliberate attempts to distort the public’s understanding of an antenna design issue and to deflect attention from Apple’s difficult situation."

Read the full article on Blackberry Cool. Click here.

This is just my opinion: Apple makes a good product and will make this right, but taking shots at other manufacturers made the mobile giant look small and defensive.

Despite economy, LiteTouch keeps innovating, providing more control to homeowners, dealers.

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Rhodes) — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 17:38:00 +0000

LITETOUCH'S MAJOR SOFTWARE UPGRADE

The economy has been rough on everyone, but companies with ties to the housing industry have been among the hardest hit. Yet some home-automation companies have kept innovating and now provide more value to their consumers. Take LiteTouch, for instance. The Utah based lighting-automation company is releasing LiteWare 4.0, a tool that has as much to offer the consumer as it does the dealers who install it.

Quicker installs mean consumers can return to their home in less time. Expanded customization enables you to select the LED color, engraved button caps, and choose from over 200 icons.

LiteWare 4.0 Delivers Time-Saving System Design, Powerful Programming
LiteTouch, a lighting control manufacturer for three decades, announced the release of LiteWare4.0, which is already available for downloading.

LiteWare is LiteTouch’s proprietary Windows®-based programming software, which delivers the programming and integration power to the LiteTouch system. In addition to its versatile programming, today LiteWare is also used by LiteTouch Specifiers, Dealers and Installers for quoting, design, installation layout, billing, and scene adjustment.

“The release of LiteWare4.0 offers our dealers, installers, and system designers top-notch functionality, and features that are easy to use,” says Angie Larson, Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “Not only did we add even more powerful features, we also made enhancements designed to improve programming speed, saving dealers time and money when they need it most.”

Benefits of LiteWare 4.0:

Home Page and Software Suite
One-stop access to all LiteTouch software tools, including
Load Level Adjustment for real time lighting adjustments
CCU Control Panel for communication monitoring
Published Macros for quick custom programming
CAD Drawings for system design

Quick Framework-Programming

Save time by programming and add engraving to each button without even leaving the Keypad Grid View.

Quick Retrofit System Design and Programming

New Hybrid Wizard automatically performs initial programming
Immediately give your clients or their work crews a performing system

Build and Customize Keypads

Flexible keypad customization enables you to customize:

LED colors,
Engraving
Backlight options
Use the new .jpg export feature and add images to proposals.

Interior Design-Friendly
LiteWare4.0 includes a library of nearly 200 icons to choose from.

Since the time LiteWare was first introduced in 1988, in conjunction with the company’s release of the first residential lighting controller, the software has been on a variety of platforms, including the original DOS platform.

Bag the Landline. Get Skype. Save Dough.

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Rhodes) — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 18:48:00 +0000

Skype has many options that may cause you to rethink why you are still paying for your old POTS service (that’s telecom talk for Plain Old Telephone service). Some options are free, and the others are very cheap.

Free Skype vs. Paying for Skype
The free Skype service is generally used on your computer and enables you to make video and audio telephone calls to other users who also have a Skype account. You can also buy some devices, like video phones and Skype-enabled voice-only phones that enable you to “Skype” your friends. And when you pay a little more (and I do mean a little) for extra services, these devices can save you a lot of money in the long run when you a pay a little more for the Skype service itself.

How I Gave Myself a $700 Raise
For about $60 I bought a Skype account that enables me to have a normal 10-digit phone number for inbound and outgoing calls. And, just like my old landline, I can call any phone in the US and Canada, regardless if I’m calling someone on a landline, cell phone or on Skype.

Getting started requires no extra equipment if your computer already has a microphone and speakers. The free software is equipped to handle your 10-digit Skype number. Your $60 covers you for the whole year. Compare that to my landline with Wide Open West (WOW) which costs about $60 each month when you add in taxes. That’s a savings of $720 total for the year and about $660 minus the price of the service.

Get Skype Throughout Your Home With Skype-Enabled Handsets.
If you want to use your Skype account in other rooms of your home, you have a whole host of options. Skype.com has many different telephones to choose from. Most are not true telephones; they’re actually Wifi enabled handsets that look like telephones. Just go to www.Skype.com, click the Shop tab and select Shop For Accessories.

Skype Works On Internet or Wifi Ready Cell Phones
Many people with Internet service on their mobile phones can download the free Skype app, which is very similar to the desktop computer version. Check with your wireless carrier or go to www.Skype.com to learn more.

Does 9-1-1 Service Work On My Skype Phone?

Skype definitely DOES NOT enable you call 9-1-1 in any way. However if you purchase a dual-mode phone — one that makes Skype calls and landline calls then you can plug in your land line into the back of the Skype router and 9-1-1 may work (but it may not). In some areas of the country 9-1-1 service is still enabled, even if you cancel your landline phone service.

My 9-1-1 services work on my dual mode phone, even if I cancel my landline, but you definitely need to contact your local emergency authorities and test this for yourself. I can’t offer any guarantees.

Most people can use their cell phone to call 9-1-1. In many areas of the country dialing 9-1-1 from a cell phone can help emergency services pinpoint your location within a matter of a few feet.

Klipsch’s LightSpeaker is green, bright, and space-saving. Sounds great, too!

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Rhodes) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:34:00 +0000

The latest innovation from Klipsch® is easy on your wallet, the environment, and your drywall.

The LightSpeaker® is a high-quality speaker and an enviro-friendly light bulb. It is designed to fit into most 5″ and 6″ recessed lighting fixtures (with the LightHarp® accessory, you can also use them in common lamps) - READ MORE for the YouTube video.

So What’s the LightSpeaker Mean for You?

It’s so easy being green. Its LED light produces 40,000 hours of light and could last over 15 years before replacing it. It only uses 10 watts to produce light equivalent to a 65 watt bulb (that’s an 80% savings for the mathematically challenged).

It's wireless. You won’t need to tear up walls and make a big mess to distribute audio throughout your home. You can install up to eight speakers on a single system.

Full-bodied sound. The full-range speaker uses a 20 watt high-performance, low-distortion digital amplifier. That’s tech-speak for high-quality, energy-efficient sound.

Get music from your iPod® (and just about every other music source). Almost anything that plays music, such as a laptop, iPod, TV or home stereo system connects to the transmitter and it wirelessly sends the sound to the LightSpeaker.

It’s great for small rooms. It’s far better than standard shelf speakers because they don’t take up precious storage space.

The cost for the system is about $600.00. That’s gets you two LightSpeakers, a transmitter, remote and accessories.

You can buy the LightSpeaker directly from Klipsch. You can also get it from Crutchfield, Amazon, and other fine retailers.

Did I forget to mention that it's easy to install? I'm not sure that I'm grasping the need for wearing evening wear, makeup, and heels to install the LightSpeaker. But I think this picture says it all: “The LightSpeaker is so cool that even OSHA will look the other way.” This woman is a professional installer. Please do not attempt with your own pair of heels.

Check out the YouTube video.

The Zeppelin Mini iPod dock won Honorable Mention at this year’s CES.

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Rhodes) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 10:54:00 +0000

Remember the movie "The Christmas Story?" When Randy opens his gift and shouts "It's a Zeppelin!" Meet Randy's new Zeppelin (read more to view the YouTube video).

The Zeppelin Mini from Bowers & Wilkins is the perfect partner for your iPod or your iPhone. Its digital connection means it gets you closer to your music collection. However, it also means it’s not compatible with as many iPods as the analogue-based Zeppelin. So please check the list on the Bowers & Wilkins website to ensure your iPod is compatible with Zeppelin Mini. If not, Zeppelin is.

Zeppelin Mini isn’t just an iPod speaker – it’s also a highly-capable computer speaker. Plug your Mac or PC into Zeppelin Mini using the USB port at the back of the device, and you’ll be able to get the same stunning sound quality from your desktop or laptop as you would from your mp3 player. Once it’s connected, you can control iTunes directly with Zeppelin Mini’s remote.

There’s no need to undock your iPod or iPhone if you want to sync it with iTunes or add more playlists - you can do it all through Zeppelin Mini. Simply connect the speaker to your computer by USB and switch it to standby, and your iPod will be linked directly to iTunes. You can syncing your contacts, apps, bookmarks, calendars and playlists, too.

Lots of devices connect with the Zeppelin Mini. Using the AUX socket at the back of the speaker, you can connect your CD player, DVD player, other mp3 players – nearly any electronic device that plays music or sound. Using a device like Sonos or Apple’s AirPort Express, you could make Zeppelin Mini part of a wireless network, streaming music wirelessly from your computer’s hard drive.

Zeppelin Mini works with all the latest generation of iPods, playing and charging touch, classic and nano models. It’s also compatible with all iPhone models, including first generation, 3G and 3GS.

You can order the Zepplin Mini through Amazon and at other fine retailers.

Copyright © 2010 GearSpy.

Historic New York Home Gets a Hi-Tec Makeover.

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Rhodes) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 04:11:00 +0000

When this Lower-Manhattan Brownstone house was built, James Polk was president of America’s 29 states —more than a decade before the Civil War.

Fast forward to this century, when the home’s latest owner challenged integrator Frank DeFilippis of Link Your House to bring it into the current millennium by installing four stories of digital entertainment and fully networking the property. Oh, and there was one small catch. Hide all of the equipment, and don’t let a single wire show.

“The homeowner grew up in this house and had every intention of keeping it in the family for generations to come,” Frank said. Walls made of brick (including the interior walls) and plaster lathe presented significant challenges for wiring as well as WiFi performance.

The ‘Invisible’ Network

But Frank had a plan. Since very few walls could be opened, each wire run was carefully considered. And because so much brick and plaster would remain, multiple Wireless Access Points were required. Frank and his team identified a wiring closet on the fourth floor. “Over a half mile of RG6QS, Cat5E and Cat6 was run from locations all over the house into an OnQ structured wiring enclosure with OnQ distribution modules.”

“Our solution needed to be wired early in the process, so we used a wireless network analyzer to map out the locations for the clearest Wi-Fi access points.”

Producing secure, “five bars everywhere” WiFi was a real challenge given a heavy concentration of wireless networks from nearby homes, lots of radio-frequency noise, and all of the brick and mortar in the building.

“[The homeowner] is technology entrepreneur with knowledge of pro A/V concepts and networking. He already owned a media center PC and was comfortable with the user interface. It was clear that this client was a perfect candidate for a Windows-based media center entertainment system,” said Frank.

Using the new IP network for entertainment and data allows him and his family to enjoy his digital media anywhere in the home and also help justify the significant expense to properly wire this very old building.

The Result

Wiring a Viking intercom and door strike into one of the VoIP lines lets the client speak live to visitors and buzz them in from the phone. Handy when you spend most of your time one or two floors away from the front door, which is very typical in Manhattan.

A review of the floor plan revealed three rooms needing access to audio and video and five areas needing access to audio only. The video solution consists of a dual-tuner media center from Velocity Micro and two Xbox 360 elites equipped with HDMI. Each are capable of handling HDCP-compliant 1080P video to ensure compatibility with the latest flood of HD content that is soon to come. The TVs include a 50” 1080P Panasonic plasma for the den, a 42” 1080P Sharp LCD for the living room and 32” 1080P Sharp LCD for the master bedroom. The den and living room have surround sound; the master bedroom has amplified speakers. Because the Xbox can deliver a pure media center UI, the experience in all three rooms is identical, right down to the activity-driven Harmony universal remotes in each room. A Denon 4306 AVR handles surround sound processing and 1080P video switching duties in the den and a Pioneer VSX-917-K AVR in the living room. Reference Series loudspeakers from Klipsh were used in both places.

The distributed audio solution includes a 5 zone wireless music system from Sonos, allowing the family to enjoy their music collection in every corner of his house (and back yard)! Strategically placed zone controllers connected to in-ceiling or small bookshelf speakers let the music system appear no bigger than the wireless color LCD controllers sitting in each room.

Gear Specs

The new entertainment system gives the homeowner access to his growing media collection consisting of music, still images, home video, recorded TV, and extensive DVD library. The two home offices enjoy a data network with reliable Internet access, fast and omnipresent WiFi, and a fail-safe data repository.

Viking intercom and door strike.
50” 1080P Panasonic plasma the den to enjoy the big game.
42” 1080P Sharp LCD for the living room for then there different viewing opinions.
Reference Series loudspeakers from Klipsh were used in both places.
32” 1080P Sharp LCD for the master bedroom.
Xbox Elites in all three rooms provide the Media Center experience.
Activity-driven Harmony universal remotes in each room give the homeowner convenience.
Denon 4306 AVR handled the surround sound processing and 1080P video switching duties in the den.
A Pioneer VSX-917-K AVR manages surround sound in the living room.
A five-zone wireless music system from Sonos distributes audio throughout the house.
In the wiring closet: 1.5 TB RAID5 Microsoft Home Server, 1200 VA Battery and Surge Suppression, Sonos Zone Player, Linksys MCE extender and Sling Box, PoE modules for Access Points, Cisco 851 Router, and Netgear 1000 Mbps network switch.

Now that a couple of years have passed, this historic Brownstone appears to have maintained its 21st century upgrade.

“The homeowner is thrilled with his digital high definition entertainment system, which is working remarkably well given the mix of new technologies,” said Frank.

WiFi performance is still perfect in every corner of the house and the Sonos music system remains ultra responsive even though its wireless. The Home Server is surprisingly stable, and appears to be a great product.

To contact Frank, visit http://www.linkyourhouse.com/ — 1-866-656-LINK (5465).

© Ron Rhodes

GearSpy Rewind: NFL Kicker Adam Vinatieri Integrated His Whole Home in 2003.

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Rhodes) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 04:08:00 +0000

GEARSPY'S MEMORY LANE: Place kicker Adam Vinatieri could win yet another NFL championship ring as a member of the Indianapolis Colts®. But after winning his first ring with the Patriots®, Vinatieri contacted Home Smart Home to upgrade his home with some pretty cool gadgets for their day.

Let's step into the “way-back machine” and take a look at what he had.

A Poweline® Control Systems lighting system allows full programmable lighting control of this area and allows for various lighting "scenes" to be accessed at the touch of a button. The 8 zones of whole-house audio include the bar/game room, exercise room and dining room locations as well as an outdoor hot tub area. No matter where they are in the house, the Vinatieri's are never far from a Russound® keypad offering independent source and volume control for each audio zone. The 14 x 20 home theater room features a 96" Stewart® Firehawk screen and an InFocus DLP projector and was outfited with acoustic treatments by SoundWalls® which helped isolate the space from the rest of the house. A recessed soffit in the ceiling helps to further diffuse the sound and eliminate reflections. A Lexicon® remote allows for full AV system control and offers a portal to the security system whose cameras can be called up onscreen at the touch of a button. In fact, all of these technologies are so seamlessly integrated that all major functions are accessed with a single button press. When Adam and Valerie want to watch a movie on their new home theater system, they simply press the THEATER button and the lighting dims and equipment turns on. When they are finished, another button press turns the equipment off, ramps the lighting back up and plays background music for two minutes. The nicest thing is that all of the home's automation functions remain completely programmable should circumstances dictate a change. Adam and Valerie love the features of their new smart home and can't imagine living without the convenience and control it affords them.

The Gear List

Home Theater

B&K ® AVR307 7.1 A/V receiver, Sonance ® Virtuoso In-Wall Speaker(7), Sunfire ® True Subwoofer Mark IV, Harmon Kardon ® DVD50 DVD Changer, Mitsubishi ® HSU78 S-VHS Recorder, Panamax ® RacMAX RML200 Surge Suppressor, Middle Atlantic ® SRSR-2-18 Rotating 18-space rack, Middle Atlantic QFP-1 Cooling Fan, Lexicon 700 LCD Touchpanel remote, InFocus ® Screenplay 110 DLP Projector, Stewart Filmscreen 96" FireHawk screen, ProFlex High-performance Cables

Whole House Audio
Russound PR-4Z Multi-Zone AV Control Preamps(2), Sonance Sonamp 1230 12-channel Power Amps(2), Russound PCK-IR Multi-Zone Keypads(8), Russound DSC Keypads(4), Sonance Symphony 623SSTR Speakers(2), Sonance Symphony 623TR Ceiling Speakers(8), Sonance Symphony 623T In-Wall Speakers(6), Sonance Mariner 200 Outdoor Speakers(4), Sonance SoundHenge III Granite Rock Enclosures(2), Sony DVP-CX875P DVD Changer, Parasound TDQ-150 AM/FM Tuner, Niles WVC-1 10-Step Outdoor Volume Control, Niles ABS-1 Speaker-level A-B Switcher, Panamax 4100 Surge Suppressor, ProFlex High-performance Cables

Automation/Lighting System

PCS LM4L/S 2000 Modules(4), PCS SMST6 Keypads(3), PCS SMST8 Keypad

Courtesy of Home Smart Home (http://www.homesmarthome.net/)

A Dryer That's Smarter Than You. That's Just Great.

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Rhodes) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:40:00 +0000

THE SMART CONNECTED HOME

Whirlpool is promoting it's "smart-dryers" at the 2010 International Builders’ Show. Smart appliances are designed to help save you money in two ways: by consuming less energy and by using energy at low-usage times of the day (like late at night) when it's less expensive for you to "buy." These new appliances are designed for the next-generation energy grids that are already being installed in various locations throughout the country.

"We believe that the smart grid and smart appliances are the next big opportunity in energy savings," said Marc Bitzer, president, Whirlpool Corporation North America. "We are continuing to make significant strides in the development of smart grid-enabled appliances."

By the end of 2011, Whirlpool Corporation has committed to producing one million smart grid-compatible clothes dryers. By 2015, the company will make all of its electronically controlled appliances capable (globally) of receiving and responding to signals from smart grids. Connected homes are designed to help shift the nation's "peak" energy use to "off-peak" times - saving money and benefiting the environment - without noticing much, if any, change in the way they interact with their appliances.

Whirlpool has made an ambitious commitment to manufacture only smart appliances by the year 2016.

Yamaha's Latest Receiver Has a Built-In Subwoofer.

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Rhodes) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:46:00 +0000

A Yamaha receiver with a built-in sub-woofer? Really? http://bit.ly/4T83qx Sounds cool. You buy first! :-)

Unique Home Theater Package with a subwoofer-integrated receiver and an extremely slim front speaker that fits in front of almost any TV.

MAIN FEATURES

Advanced Features

UniVolume keeps volume during TV programs and commercials at the same level
HDMI CEC functionality
Built-in FM tuner
iPod compatibility via optional Yamaha Universal Dock YDS-11
Bluetooth compatibility with Yamaha Bluetooth® Wireless Audio Receiver (YBA-10)
Compressed Music Enhancer and four surround modes

Convenient Placement

World's slimmest Sound Bar* (2" high) can be placed in front of most TVs
Feet can be adjusted horizontally and vertically, for use with TVs from 32" to 50"; feet can also be removed
Subwoofer-Integrated Receiver allows one-cable connection
No additional speakers needed

* According to Yamaha data collected in July 2009.

HD Sound Quality

HD Audio compatibility (Linear PCM)
1080p-compatible HDMI (3 in/ 1 out)
Digital amplifier built-in (250W total power: 50W x 3 + 100W subwoofer)

Surround Realism

Yamaha’s Exclusive AIR SURROUND XTREME
Yamaha exclusive 24kHz HRTF (Head Related Transfer Function)
Yamaha exclusive Extended Stereo for well-defined sound location

Use the Eye-Fi Card to upload your photos on the fly!

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Rhodes) — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 13:05:00 +0000

A COOL HOME INNOVATION IN A SMALL PACKAGE.
The Eye-Fi Card is a memory card for your camera with wi-fi built right in. So what does that mean for you? It means that you no longer have to hole-up in your office to upload your photos. Just turn on your camera and it immediately connects to your wireless network then uploads your photos to your computer and favorite sharing websites. (READ ON TO SEE PRODUCT VIDEO).

© Ron Rhodes

Stream Pandora or Enjoy Netflix with Onkyo's Networked Receivers.

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Rhodes) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 04:10:00 +0000

08/24/09 - Onkyo's versatile new high-end network-capable AV receivers jump from seven to nine channels, adding two new amps that can be used for Audyssey DSX and Dolby ProLogic IIz expanded soundstage processing, added multi-zone capabilities, or to provide increased power to the main loudspeakers.

UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ (8/24/09) -- Onkyo has introduced three network- and internet-radio-capable, 9.2-channel THX Ultra2 Plus certified A/V receivers that deliver all the power, processing, and features to support cutting edge home theater and whole-house entertainment. The three new models, the Onkyo TX-NR1007, TX-NR3007, and top-of-the-line TX-NR5007, will all be shipping to dealers before the end of September.

"With nine amplifier channels, dual independent subwoofer outputs, and up-to-the-minute networking and AV processing, the flexibility of the 'double-0' series is unprecedented," said Paul Wasek, Marketing Manager, Onkyo USA. "You can have a full-tilt 9.2-channel theater using Audyssey DSX or Dolby ProLogic IIz, or a great five-channel theater with added power to the main speakers or to additional stereo zones - the list of possibilities is a long one. These receivers take home theater to the current frontiers of networking, audio, and video performance."

All three new receivers include a rear-panel Ethernet port, and provide advanced networking capabilities with streaming for Pandora, Rhapsody, vTuner, and Sirius Internet Radio services. Each receiver is Windows 7 compatible, and carries DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) 1.5 certification, ensuring optimal compatibility with other network-enabled equipment throughout the home.

The two top models in Onkyo's TX-series AV receivers, the TX-NR5007 and TX-NR3007, feature eight and seven HDMI 1.3a inputs each, respectively, including one on each front panel. Video processing, including upscaling of all video inputs to 1080p/24, is handled by an advanced HQV Reon-VX chipset. The less expensive TX-NR1007 features a total of six HDMI inputs on the rear panel, and 1080p upscaling via Faroudja DCDi Cinema processing. All three models include dual parallel HDMI outputs, allowing for display of current programming on dual monitors, simultaneously or independently, for increased setup flexibility. These models also include powerful ISF Certified Calibration Controls (ISFccc) for independent optimization and fine-grain adjustments of a full range of video sources, including day, night, and custom modes for each input.

Audio processing duties in each new model is handled by a trio of TI Aureus ™ DSP chips, and is compatible with every major surround format currently in use. Premium quality Burr Brown DACs—32-bit in the case of the TX-NR5007--in conjunction with Onkyo's exclusive VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry) are employed for digital-to-analog conversion. In addition to audio decoding, the receivers include a full suite of acoustic setup and optimization technologies from THX (Loudness Plus) and Audyssey (MultEQ XT, Dynamic EQ, and Dynamic Volume) that custom tailor audio output to ensure optimal system performance in any environment and at any listening level. Additionally, the TX-NR5007 and TX-NR3007 are the first Onkyo Receivers to include Dolby Volume, which maintains listening volume at a consistent level regardless of changes in the source material, such as commercials, or when switching from one source to another, such as TV to DVD.

The nine power amplifiers can be configured for a variety of different purposes. One option is for a full 9.2-channel theater system that includes independent left and right subwoofers, and two additional 'height' or 'stereo-wide' speakers when using Audyssey DSX or Dolby's Pro Logic IIz processing. The system can also be configured to power two independent stereo zones in addition to a five-channel theater set-up. Two channels can also be combined with the front left/right channels to increase power to the main speakers via bi-amplification or, in the case of the TX-NR5007 and TX-NR3007, in a bridged configuration. Finally, in the TX-NR5007 two channels can be tasked to power a second pair of main speakers for dedicated two-channel listening, allowing for independent 7.2-channel home theater and stereo audio speaker setups in a single room.

The TX-NR5007 is rated at 145 watts per channel, and its power supply features a massive toroidal transformer and a pair of 22,000 microfarad storage capacitors to handle even the most dynamic source material. Both the TX-NR5007 and the 140-watt-per-channel TX-NR3007 feature separate power supply transformers for audio and video processing and reproduction. All three receivers, including the 135-watt-per-channel TX-NR1007, feature a push-pull amplification topology, with three-stage inverted Darlington circuitry and the company's highly regarded WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology) for highly dynamic and linear response throughout the audible spectrum.

The TX-NR5007, TX-NR3007, and TX-NR1007 each include Onkyo's exclusive Universal Port, allowing for one-cable expansion with the company's HD Radio tuner and/or iPod dock unit. Each model is firmware updatable via Ethernet or (on the TX-NR5007 and TX-NR3007) front panel USB port. All three include Onkyo's new bidirectional and customizable preprogrammed remote control that dramatically simplifies the process of programming all the components in your system.

The Onkyo receivers will be available in September at suggested retail prices of $2,699 for the TX-NR5007, $2,099 for the TX-NR3007, and $1,599 for the TX-NR1007.

GearSpy Gives You the Scoop

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Rhodes) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 16:58:00 +0000

WHAT GEARSPY IS: The best web site for getting news on the latest products in home theater and home automation. We'll bring interesting articles on the most popular products and the people who use them. Whether you're just starting to build your home theater or if you've completely automated your entire home and can check your security cameras from you iPod touch(r), GearSpy can help you in your decision.

Home Theater and Automation

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Rhodes) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 23:12:00 +0000

Welcome to GearSpy!

Where you'll find the latest in home theater and home automation news.

Soon you'll be reading latest news from companies like Onkyo, Denon, Samsung, Lutron, AprilAire, DSC, AVAD, Sony, Russound, Insteon and more.

This site is still under construction, but will be up and running soon!