The Official Smarthome Blog - All Things Home Automation

The Superna ControlBox™ is a networking device that allows quick and easy installation of a home automation solution in any environment. Simply plug in an interface module or system controller to the ControlBox via serial or USB connection, connect it to your wired or Wi-Fi network and you are ready to go. No other infrastructure is needed! The Superna ControlBox offers you more than home control and automation - use it to experience whole-house digital audio and video distribution. Stream your digital media files from any computer or Media Center PC on the home network to any ControlBox.

• Home automation controller provides connectors for all common devices and systems
• Streams audio and video from any PC on the wired or wireless home network
• Features user interface customization to fit any device
• Price: $1300.00

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This veterinarian-designed 6-cup pet drinking fountain continuously circulates and filters your pet’s water, making it more appealing than standing bowl water. The flowing action breaks the surface tension of the bowl water to draw in oxygen from the air and aerate the water, keeping it fresher-tasting. Fresher-tasting water encourages water intake and proper hydration, which helps maintain a pet’s health. If you have a cat that likes to jump on counters in search of dripping faucets, this fountain can help stop counter-jumping by satisfying the cat’s need for running water.

• Free-falling stream entices pets to drink more water
• Charcoal filter ensures purity and freshness
• Pre-filter catches large particles before they reach the motor
• Adjustable flow
• Submersible pump for nearly silent operation
• Price: $59.99

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Fill your entire home with personalized mood lighting for any occasion. The INSTEON KeypadLinc Dimmer is more than a 600-watt local dimmer. You can use this 8-button controller to monitor and control eight different devices or sets of devices in and around your home. You can even use KeypadLinc as a central monitoring and controlling device: Install one by your front door and link up to eight individual lights or groups of lights, and you’ll be able to see the on/off status of each light by looking at the keypad. If you forgot to turn off your bedroom light on your way out in the morning, you could simply press the corresponding keypad button to turn it off without having to run all the way back to the bedroom.

KeypadLinc Dimmer is also available in Ivory, Almond, Black, Brown, Gray, and a 6-Button Dimmer.

• Two products in one: In-wall controller and 600-watt dimmer
• Monitor and control eight different devices or sets of devices
• Create whole-house lighting scenes in minutes
• Visually displays the status of any linked device with the built-in white LEDs
• Award-winning INSTEON technology: the ultimate in simplicity and reliability
• Price: $69.99

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A perfect solution to your dog’s dilemma when you’re gone and he needs to go: The Pet Loo is a backyard in a box for your dog! This easy-to-use, innovative solution is ideal for pet owners who live in apartments, condos or houses. The Pet Loo is a hygienic, convenient, and environmentally friendly way to allow your pet to do its business without relying on you for an opportunity, and without using newspapers or destroying your floor. This system is also ideal for elderly pet owners or those whose pets only have access to balconies, patios or garages.

• Eliminates puddles or stains on hardwood floors, tile or carpet
• Forget early morning or late night dog walks
• Stay inside when it’s raining, snowing, or cold out
• Peace of mind when you’re unable to get home on time
• Hygienic for you and your dog, easy to empty and clean
• Price: $299.99

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The iTouchless UV Toothbrush Holder/Sanitizer eliminates unwanted and harmful bacteria, fungi and viruses that can reside on your toothbrush. Using the UV-C sterilizing lamp, up to 99.9 of of these germs are eradicated from your toothbrush in approximately 7 minutes. The UV Toothbrush Sanitizer will hold up to four toothbrushes at a time, so it’s great for whole family. The UV Toothbrush Sanitizer is powered by AA batteries (sold separately).

• Toothbrush holder kills 99 percent of all bacteria in about 7 minutes
• Holds and sterilizes 4 toothbrushes at once
• Battery-operated unit won’t use up the last available outlet
• Price: $24.99

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Most pet carriers only provide a transportation method for getting your dog or cat from point A to point B. But the Climate-Controlled Pet Carrier will make sure your pet is comfortable en route: This convenient pet carrier has a built-in climate controller that activates automatically to cool down your pet when it gets too warm or to warm him up when it gets too cold. Since this pet carrier comes with a 12-volt car charger as well as a standard 110-volt power cord, you’ll be able to keep your pet in a temperature-controlled environment at home, in a hotel room, or in the car. Built with a folding handle that makes for easy seatbelt strapping in a car, the carrier is convenient and practical to take along on the road. The Climate-Controlled Pet Carrier is designed for small pets, up to 12.5 pounds (not for use with cold-blooded animals).

The Climate-Controlled Pet Carrier is also available in Pink, Red, and White.

• Climate control automatically activates when temperature is too high or too low
• Digital gauge displays current temperature and status
• Comes with both 12-volt cord for car use and 110-volt cord for home or hotel use
• Price: $299.99

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Save your back by avoiding the bending and scooping required by traditional dustpans. The Eye-Vac EV1850 Professional Automatic Dust Pan is a 1200-watt stationary vacuum that picks up dirt, dust, and hair instantly. Just sweep debris into the path of its always-on infrared sensors, and the Eye-Vac will vacuum it away instantly, turning off automatically when finished. It also features a manual on/off switch for added convenience. Ideal for tile, wood, vinyl, concrete, and most any non-carpeted surface, the Eye-Vac’s cyclonic vacuum action with dual-HEPA filtration ensures clean air return.

• Turns on and off automatically when debris enters IR sensor’s range
• Cleans air with HEPA filtration
• Ends need for germ-laden dust pans
• Canister full indicator light
• Price: $79.99

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The SWOOP really is your second-best friend. Its patented design grabs and bags your pooch’s poop in a single action, concealing it away, leaving you free to dispose of it in a hygienic and responsible manner. Its unique patented design grabs and bags waste at the touch of a button and conceals the mess inside discreetly — no more hand in the bag!

• Mechanical hand scoops dog poop so you don’t have to
• Product never touches waste - no cleanup!
• Scoop and dump in one easy “swoop”
• Price: $22.99

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This compact touch screen display can control anything from simple room lighting to complex appliance & lighting scenes throughout the home. You can also create and manage hundreds of scheduled events.

Touchscreen requires the INSTEON PowerLinc Modem and a RJ-45 cable (each sold seperately).

The In-Wall Touch Screen is also available in a table-top version.

• Controls hundreds of INSTEON-compatible devices
• Color 3.6-inch touch-screen display
• Internal memory battery backup
• Programmable scheduled events
• Price: $529.99

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These remote-controlled tealights flicker like real candles but use LED lights, so they’re safe for use in any location in and around your home. These battery-powered candles will not blow out in the wind and are ideal for use when real flames are not acceptable or allowed. The tealights have a burn time of up to 80 hours each, and use two 3-volt lithium batteries per candle (12 batteries included).

• Remote-control On/Off function
• Flickering effect looks like a real candle flame
• Safe and clean to use; no heat, flame, or soot
• Use indoors or out, immune to wind
• Bright LED lights last up to 80 hrs.
• Low Battery Indicator lets you know when batteries needs to be replaced
• Price: $69.99

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