The Official Smarthome Blog – All Things Home Automation

Ideal for applications with a centralized media distribution cabinet and/or closet, this pair of HDMI baluns allows users to transmit high-definition (HD) video and audio over long distances via inexpensive twisted pair cabling, such as cat. 5 or cat. 6. What sets this pair of HDMI baluns apart from others that transmit up to 1080p is that at less than two inches long and two inches wide, this balun is nearly half the size of most other baluns in it’s class, making it easy to conceal while doing the installation. Whether you are using an HD cable or satellite receiver, Blu-ray player, Playstation 3 or other component with an HDMI output, the HDMI cable (up to HDMI 1.3) connection to your HDTV or monitor is limited to a short range (usually 15 feet) before signal loss starts to occur. These small transformers convert HDMI video and audio signals from unbalanced to balanced and vice versa, making the necessary impedance adjustments for A/V signal transmission between different wiring systems. This means that you can run an HD signal (up to 1080p) over cat. 5 or cat. 6 cable from a source location in a centralized location in your home to a destination location on the other side of your home, up to 125 feet away. As an added convenience, Power and Status LEDs are built-in to provide visual diagnostics. This pair of baluns is the perfect solution for sending digital, high performance signals over structured cabling.

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Ensure a professional look and finish to your low-voltage HDMI cable installation using this Dual Port HDMI Decora-style Wall Plate Insert which keeps those unsightly cables from hanging in plain sight. It is designed for the knowledgeable home theater enthusiast looking to use an in-wall HDMI audio video connection between a satellite/cable/home theater receiver and a TV or display monitor. The plate mounts flush to the wall and allows your HDMI Connections to be sent inside the wall and out of sight. What sets this product apart from similar in-wall HDMI plates is the HDMI Pigtail connectors is that they use flexible, bendable female to female mini 4″ coupler cables that allow for you to make an in-wall HDMI connection in various, tight fitting applications; unlike other HDMI wall plates that have fixed position connectors on the in-wall side of the plate. Once the couplers have been snapped into place, you can make two HDMI connections. The couplers have an HDMI rating of 1.3b allowing for full 1080p HD signal transmission using the proper HDMI cables.

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The Digital Display Working Group (DDWG) has a specification which limits the approved HDMI cable length to 15 meters (approximately 50 feet.) for delivering a full HDTV signals. The HDMI In-line Signal Amplifier Dongle digital interface attaches to the display side connector of an HDMI cable and not only amplifies the signal but it cleans out any noise or digital artifacts from the data and retransmits the picture to the source display. The result is that a high definition video up to 1080p, compressed or uncompressed multi-channel audio, and intelligent format CEC command data can be delivered to 150 feet away from the source component all from one in-line adapter. No external power supply is required as the HDCP compliant amplifier with the adapter receives power from the connected HDMI cable while remaining entirely transparent to the source component and the display monitor. An LED power indicator even lets you know that the device is powered and working properly.

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The battery-free Misty 16 Personal Mister pressurizes easily by your own hand pumping action, and with a push of a button it propels an ultra-fine mist. Use the Misty 16 to cool your body anytime you’re in the sun or while working out. This compact, reusable mister has a fluid capacity of 16 ounces and can be taken almost anywhere. It is constructed of heat-resistant polycarbonate and other high-grade plastic components that are built to last. A built-in gauge lets you know exactly how much pressure is in the bottle, helping to prevent any damage that would be done by over-pressuring the bottle. Great for cooling down on hot days, it can even be used to mist your house plants or cool off your pets. Just fill it up with water, pump, and press the button to deliver a continuous stream of ultra-fine mist on command.

Please Note: This device should not be stored with pressure in the container. Make sure that all the air that has been pumped into the mistymate has been released; see owner’s manual for directions.

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Also Available in a 3 Ounce Size

The Smarthome Hidden IR™ Repeater System allows you to use an existing infrared (IR) remote control to operate up to eight audio/video (A/V) components located behind closed doors or walls in an entertainment cabinet or equipment closet. The built-in IR distribution technology gives you the ability to conceal, yet still control, bulky electronic equipment such as a cable or satellite TV receiver, stereo receiver or amplifier, CD player, DVD player, Blu-ray player, or virtually any component controlled by an IR signal. The system uses an IR receiver to take in the IR signals from an existing remote control and distribute those signals via IR emitters to A/V components. No more leaving cabinet doors open or struggling to remotely access your hidden equipment, you’ll be able to control up to eight A/V components from up to 40 feet away with extreme reliability.

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