The Official Smarthome Blog – All Things Home Automation

The most essential component of any whole-home audio system is the amplifier. This 12 channel amplifier will provide enough power for large applications with control of up to six different zones (pairs of speakers). Each channel (speaker) is powered by a 35 Watt amplified output, enough to deliver for a full spectrum sound experience. However, this versatile device also allows for the internal amplifiers to be bridged, creating greater audio output for specific channels. A single source (TV, iPod, MP3 player, CD player, turntable) can be connected to the “Common Bus” so that each zone has the same audio output. Alternatively, the amplifier is flexible enough to let each zone be fed audio individually via a “Local Inputs” from differing zones or sources; this means you can have audio from your TV on in the home theater, music from your iPod or MP3 player on throughout the house, and sound from your CD player on in the backyard. Volume control can be set manually on the amplifier for the entire system or for each zone individually. Another option is to install a volume control between the amplifier and your speakers. For advanced setups, the amplifier features built-in in infrared (IR) control capability, letting you use an IR System to remotely control volume from each zone. It also features LED status indicators that will let you know which zone or zones are active at all times; you can conserve energy by turning off zones that don’t need to be active. The 12-Channel, 6-Zone Power Amplifier with IR Control is perfect as a shelf top or rack-mount component, and provides a great foundation for audio distribution and control throughout any home or office.

Please Note: Speakers, volume controls and IR systems sold separately.

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Protect your home automation, computer networking and home theater equipment with a surge suppressor that shields your home from debilitating power surges, even hardwired equipment. Designed specifically for residential use, this unit is rated for split single-phase panels up to 400 amps and will absorb an astonishing 2,700 Joules! With an ultra high spike capacity of 60,000 amps, this surge suppressor is one of the best values you’ll find for the money anywhere. This unit is even equipped with an LED light to indicate protection status. By installing this Whole-House Surge Suppressor at the point-of-entry service panel, you’ll not only protect against nearby lightning strikes, transformer overloads and problems from downed utility poles, you’ll also expand the longevity of your electronics.

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The problem with most intercom relay systems is that they often require a professional hardwired installation and only work with a single landline based home telephone. This door phone access control system uses GSM Quad Band technology for communication, allowing wireless communication not just to a landline based home telephone but to any landline based phone or cellular phone as well. Additionally, this device is flexible enough to work for home or commercial applications as up to 263 subscribers can be registered with the system. Each subscriber is given a unique subscriber number (from one to six digits) with two different phone numbers to answer a visitor’s call. This plug-in device can be wall-mounted or flush-mounted, as it is built of a rugged, weather-resistant aluminum alloy exterior casing, ideal for outdoor installations.

This access control system can be connected to a electronic door strike/lock as well as a single or double automatic gate opener, each sold separately. When a visitor arrives at your property, they simply dial the subscriber they are trying to reach, and whether or not that subscriber is on site, at the office, or on vacation halfway around the world, they will be able to grant access and unlock the door or open the gate at the press of a button. The unit features a full size keypad and a large LCD display for easy programming by the system manager and easy operation by visitors. The system manager can set three emergency phone numbers and enable or disable subscriber functions.

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If you are looking effective, affordable way to deter criminals from breaking into your home at night, the FakeTV Burglar Deterrent is the perfect solution. FakeTV is a plug-in unit about the size of a coffee cup that simulates light output equivalent to a typical 27″ TV. A built-in light sensor automatically turns the device on at night and/or when lighting in a room turns black (at 0.5 lux). From outside your home, it looks like someone is home watching TV. A built-in computer controls the super-bright LEDs to produce light of varying intensity and color that light up a room just like a real television does. Lighting effects included scene changes, fades, swells, flickers, on screen motion and color changes. Like real television programming, FakeTV is constantly shifting among more and less dynamic periods, more vivid and more monochromatic, and brighter and darker scenes; it is completely unpredictable, and it never repeats. FakeTV makes your home look occupied in a way that that a light on a timer cannot, by offering the impression that someone is inside your home watching television.

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Whether you’re at work or on vacation, gain peace of mind knowing that you can remotely watch and feed your pet via the Internet. The Petwatch IP Camera and Remote Pet Feeding System has a built-in video camera, audio feeding alert and automated food release dispenser, all of which are accessible via the internet. The camera will let you keep an eye on how your pet is doing while you’re away from home. If you forgot to feed your pet on the way out the door, or if you are away from home for a couple days, you can activate the audio feeding alert system to notify your pet food is on the way and select one of eight feeding levels to fill the bowl. The container holds about 700g worth of food, enough to last an average sized pet well over a week. Additionally, a manual release button is located on the feeder, so feeding your pet while at home comes at the press of a finger.

The food bowl easily separates from the feeder and is dishwasher safe. The included power and Ethernet adapter are integrated into one simple connection at the base of the feeder with a protective plastic molding that is safe for your pets. The cord splits apart at the opposite end providing convenient connection to your computer and power outlet. An On/Off switch is located on the side of the unit and an LED is located on the front of the device lets you know that it is on, whether or not the cover has been closed properly and whether or not your network connection is active. Once the Petwatch has been connected to your router via the Ethernet cable, you can access the feeder and its features from any web-enabled PC or mobile device.

Please note: Your home computer does not need to be on to remotely access the Petwatch as you login via a separate website.

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