The Official Smarthome Blog – All Things Home Automation

Finally there is a budget minded Audio Video (AV) receiver with high end features such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-Master Audio decoding, upscaling of all video sources (less than 1080p) to 1080p and the latest in HDMI 1.3a capabilities. The Sony® 7.1 Channel Home Theater Surround Sound Audio Video Receiver is optimized to work with Blu-ray Disc™ and is capable of one button operations with select Sony Bravia® televisions using Bravia Sync technology. The STR-DGDG920 receiver will accept 1080/24p HD video formats, x.v.Color (xvYCC) and Deep Color. Using a supplied microphone, Digital Cinema Auto Calibration takes the guesswork out of creating the ideal sound. Not only will you be able to connect your Blu-ray player and other standard audio equipment such as DVD players and CD players, but using the DIGITAL MEDIA PORT (DMP) you can connect other devices such as your iPod®, Walkman® or even your computer. If that wasn’t enough, the receiver is XM satellite radio ready. Sony has engineered this product to be the entertainment hub for your total HD experience.

• Video up-Scaling via HDMI (up to 1080p)
• HDMI “Active Intelligence” for optimal video and audio signals
• Support Dolby and DTS audio formats along with x.v.Color technology and Deep Color video formats
• Automatic digital cinema auto calibration with microphone
• XM Connect-and-Play Ready
• Price: $449.99

Read more

Setting up a surveillance system does not have to be costly or complicated. The Indoor/Outdoor Color Camera Kit and Wireless Surveillance System, is a great entry level monitoring setup for your home or small business. There are no advanced wiring techniques needed. It is an affordable system that includes two wireless cameras built to withstand outdoor exposure that can transmit video and audio up to 330 feet to the included receiver. Setup takes only minutes. Simply connect the power cables to your cameras and receiver, connect the receiver to your TV, VCR, or DVR using the included A/V cable, and you’ll be able to receive high quality video and audio from each of your cameras. The built-in IR LEDs allow the cameras to capture clear images in total darkness up to 23 feet away. Using this wireless surveillance system is a perfect solution for the do-it-yourself person that will give your home increased protection against criminals.

• Mini weatherproof cameras transmit color video and audio up to 330 feet to included receiver
• Cameras with built-in IR emitters can capture video in complete darkness
• Audio and video feeds directly to your TV, VCR or DVR
• High quality metal camera body and mounting base
• 902~928MHz frequency for stronger penetration than 2.4/5.8 GHz wireless transmission
• Two-channel receiver allows up to 2 wireless cameras connection
• Price: $169.99

Read more

The MSC-400 Master System Controller combines RF communication technology, redundancy, error-correction algorithms, and advanced engineering to make sure every remote control signal is delivered every time. If you use the MSC-400 Master System Controller in your home theater system, you can expand the RF control range in your home by connecting an Extra Antenna Module. The MSC-400 Master System Controller comes with one RFX-250 RF receiver; up to three can be connected. Since each RFX-250 typically gives up to 100 feet of range, huge estates can be given robust, reliable RF via a network of wired RF receivers. The antenna module will also work with the MRF-350 RF Receiver/IR Transmitter. Up to 3 antennas can be connected to the MSC-400 Master System Controller or a MRF-350 RF Receiver / IR Transmitter

• For us with MSC-400 Master System Controller system or an MRF-350 RF Receiver/IR Transmitter
• Extra antenna adds up to 100 feet of RF range
• Price: $99.95

Read more

If you have a cat, then you know that forgetting to clean the litter box can leave you with a smelly and clumpy mess. Eliminate the daily hassle of scooping your cat’s waste by hand, while maintaining a clean and odor free litter box that will keep you and your cat happy. The Litter-Robot™ Automated Self-Cleaning Litter Box is an automated and dependable cat litter waste removal box. A sensor detects when your cat enters and seven minutes after your cat leaves the box, the patented litter sifting system removes waste from the litter in a gentle and reliable fashion. A removable drawer collects the malodorous waste and can be pulled out and dumped every couple of days. Unlike other litter management systems, the Litter-Robot works with any standard clumping litter, litter crystals, pearls or biodegradable litter; and everything goes into a waste disposal drawer that lines with standard 8-gallon or 13-gallon trash bags. That means there are no special or costly accessories needed. The unit comes almost completely pre-assembled; simply put together the globe and base unit, plug in the 12 Volt AC adapter, add litter, and follow the instructions to program your unit with the electronic control panel. Make your life easier and give your cat a clean and safe waste environment.

This Product is also available in black.

• Sensor starts cleaning seven minutes after cat leaves the litter box
• No rake mechanism that will become jammed or gummed up
• No special litter required, works with any clumping litter, litter crystals, pearls, and biodegradable litter
• Large waste drawer holds several days worth of waste, trapping and eliminating unpleasant odors
• Constructed of solid, industrial grade components that are built to last
• Easy to use electronic control panel
• Price: $328.99

Read more

For the most contemporary, compact and stylish radio with the most channels available, look no further than the REVO® Pico Wi-Fi Portable Outdoor FM and Internet Radio. While the FM reception from this radio unit is superb, the real value lies in the wireless Wi-Fi broadband connection that can be made to access over 11,000 Internet radio stations. The unit wirelessly communicates through your broadband network router for Internet access, letting you enjoy any type of music or talk radio you can think of without even turning on your computer. Select from an unprecedented choice of radio content from the net, listen to audio tracks stored on PCs or Apple Macs connected to the same local Wi-Fi network or plug your MP3 player directly into the M-Port. On top of all that, it a has a splash proof weather resistant outdoor design and built-in rechargeable batteries that charge while it is plugged in, so you can take it to the backyard while you gardening or entertaining or put it outside while you are washing the car. Everything is displayed on large backlit LCD screen on the front and controlled with only six buttons and a tuning dial/button. This radio will give you every genre choice you can imagine and the option to play from your own stored audio; it has everything a music and radio enthusiast could ask for.

• Outdoor rated, splash proof design
• Built-in Ni-MH rechargeable batteries
• Wirelessly connects with Wi-Fi broadband routers for access to over 11,000 Internet radio stations
• Stream audio from a computer, connect an MP3 player or output to a stereo system
• Large backlit LCD display – only six large buttons and a tuning dial/button
• Price: $349.95

Read more