The Official Smarthome Blog - All Things Home Automation

Tired of that old pull-string light fixture with the chain that disconnects every other time you pull it? Thanks to the Wireless Light Socket Switch, you’ll be able to turn the light on or off with a convenient wall switch that you can mount anywhere, without having to connect a single wire. The non-invasive installation takes just a few minutes, using a common flathead screwdriver. Add one to your attic, basement, garage, walk-in closet, laundry room or any other location that uses pull-string light fixtures, and you’ll never have to search in the dark for that pull-string again. This product is powered by 2, 3-volt lithium batteries that are included.

• Multiple channels - Use up to 4 separate switch kits in your home
• Perfect for closets, laundry rooms, and basements
• Installs in minutes with no wiring needed
• 50 foot operating range
• White and Ivory decora faceplates included
• Indoor use only
• Price: $28.99

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The Bose Lifestyle® V20 home theater system works with your existing component sources to deliver premium 5.1- channel surround sound. With this system, you can experience the full, emotional impact movies and music are meant to deliver. The Lifestyle V20 contains a host of innovative Bose® technologies, such as the ADAPTiQ® audio calibration system that customizes sound to the unique acoustics of your room. The system also simplifies the connection and use of multiple video sources, including those with HDMI. The Lifestyle V20 enables both audio and video switching at one touch of a button while automatically up-converting all video to the optimal resolution your TV can accept, up to 1080p. Direct/Reflecting cube speakers are included with the system which provide life-like sound from a small footprint.

A V30 version is also available.

• Automatic video upscaling up to 1080p over HDMI cable
• Bose® ADAPTiQ® audio calibration technology customizes the sound to the unique acoustics of your room
• Direct/Reflecting® cube speaker arrays providing incredible sound from a small footprint
• Elegant hideaway media console lets you connect and conceal you’re A/V sources
• Price: $1999.00

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Use this multi-scene wall controller to activate 6 unique scenes with unlimited devices on your Z-Wave network. The Z-Wave Accessory Wall Switch is part of Intermatic’s InTouch™ system, which uses Z-Wave wireless technology to communicate via RF for reliable and secure control. Requires “hot” and “neutral” wires, plus ground. This advanced mesh communication network offers effortless programming and maintenance, and the entire system can be easily expanded to suit the growing needs of a home or business. Requires a Hand-Held Remote Controller (#119306) for programming (sold separately).

• Signals sent via RF - no new wiring needed
• Allows control of up to 6 individual pre-set scenes
• Features individual scene status feedback for enhanced control
• Separate focus and control buttons allow the user to custom mix scene selections and vary light levels
• Price: $129.99

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Regular replacement of dirty air filters help reduce indoor pollution, allergens, and extends the life of your air system. With the Air Filter Alarm you’ll never have to worry (or forget) about dirty air filters. This alarm will let you know when it is time to change the filter on your air conditioning or heating system by alerting you with a pleasant tone. Easily attaches to the air filter (on the blower side) with push-on pins.

• Save money on utility bills
• Extend the life of your air system
• Pleasant tone
• Works for air conditioning or heating
• 5 year warranty
• Price: $14.99

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Looking for a way to access and manage common household devices via network-based software and an Ethernet network? This Home Network Adapter is exactly what you need! With two serial ports, three relays and six independent Infrared (IR) outputs, it can control IR, relay and serial devices, such as televisions, motorized blinds, security systems and more. In addition, you can easily modify the GC-100 Home Network Adapter by sliding in expansion modules (up to six) into the GC-100 enclosure to fit each individual installation.

• Connects IR devices, serial devices and relay switches to an Ethernet network
• Send commands over Cat. 5 instead of dedicated cable runs or powerline systems
• Enables the use of PC-based software to automate diverse devices throughout the home, such as TVs, stereos, security systems, etc.
• Great for homes with existing runs of Cat. 5 or a wireless network (requires a wireless access point)
• Includes rack mount kit for easy installation into standard rack system
• Price: $369.99

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Sound complicated? It’s not! Just speak into the microphone and send the message. One button will record the message and attach it to the email automatically. The quality of the recordings is excellent, and the created MP3 files are very small, so whether you’re using a Mac or PC, the USB Email Microphone is even suitable for dial-up connections.

• Works with AOL, Yahoo Mail, MSN, CompuServe, Netscape, Outlook and other popular mail clients
• Simply select a contact, click into the text field, press the record button and speak
• Speaking is faster and more convenient than typing a message
• Works with your existing contacts list
• Price: $49.99

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The iButton is a key-sized device that contains a computer chip and attaches to a keychain. Each chip has its own unique ID number and is unaffected by magnetic fields, metal detectors, water and most common chemicals. In other words, no two iButtons are alike. The iButton is a rugged, hermetically sealed, weatherproof identification device contained in a stainless steel can, measuring 16MM in diameter and 5mm thick. You can drop it, step on it, scratch it or wear it swimming. The iButton is wear-tested for 10-year durability and can be reassigned to a new user quickly and securely. The iButton will only work with the iButton Solo Keyless Lock. You can also use the same iButton on multiple locks once programmed.

• Extremely durable and light weight
• Compact and Convenient - Fits easily on your keychain
• Reliable - Works every time once programmed
• Finger-formed for easy grip and use
• Works only with the iButton Solo Keyless Lock
• Price: $33.99

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Are you tired of fiddling around with your set of keys to find the right key? Or are you just tired of using keys in general? With the iButton Solo Lock you don’t have to worry about those things anymore. The iButton Solo Lock is a durable, well designed door lock that can be used many different ways. The lock can be opened with a simple key code, iButton, mechanical key or any combination of the three. You can limit the access times for each and every user that is programmed in the unit, making this the perfect lock for your home or business. This item is a left handed, brass iButton Solo Lock that includes 3 iButtons.

Also available in a right-handed style.

• Handles 299 users
• Multiple access options - iButton, keypad, iButton + keypad or mechanical key
• Limited user capabilities - allow access during specific times
• Backlit keypad
• Auto lock mode
• 3 iButtons included
• Price: $189.99

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Extend the length of your Floodstop transformer wire for added convenience. The standard Floodstop transformer wire is 5ft long, so this cable will allow you to extend the length from 5ft - 14ft. The cables can be piggy backed and extended further in 9ft increments if need be.

• Extend Floodstop power cord from 5ft to 14ft
• Price: $9.99

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Fill your room with tremendous sound without breaking the bank. Specifically designed for in-ceiling applications, Custom Round Series (CRS) 8″ SpeakerCraft speakers are among the most affordable ways to integrate premium equipment into your home audio system. This two-way in-ceiling SpeakerCraft speaker is equipped with an improved high-density cone woofer and surround that increases bass response and power handling as well as pivoting tweeters that can be aimed toward your room’s listening area.

• With a powerful 8″ woofer, this speaker provides more than ample bass response
• The pivoting tweeter allows you to direct high frequency sound to the listening area
• Speaker is timbre-matched to other SpeakerCraft Three series speakers
• 36Hz - 20kHz frequency response
• Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
• Price: $400.00

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