Helios Labs has new software so Helios Odyssey media hub is compatible with uPnP devices as well as supporting P2P protocols such as BitTorrent and ED2K. This pushes Helios Labs closer towards a PC-less media center solution that directly connects the internet with HDTV in the living room.

The Helios Odyssey, a networking media hub capable of streaming content to multiple DMAs (network media adapter), wants to be the centerpiece for the future of digital media entertainment. The newly released software allows your customer to install a P2P download client directly on the Odyssey so that you can schedule download tasks via a web browser and have access to even more content on the Internet, all without the worry of power consumption or noise pollution of a PC.

Combined with up to 1TB storage capacity, the Odyssey now enables you to store, manage, access and keep track of all of your photos, music, downloaded clips, TV shows, movies and other random files effortlessly.

The Helios Odyssey will also be available to European customers in Q2 2008.

Go Helios Media Center Solution

HAI is now shipping its award-winning OmniPro II, Omni IIe, Lumina Pro, and Lumina automation controllers with five serial ports and flash memory (for easy firmware updates).

The OmniPro II and Omni IIe are part of HAI’s Omni family of home control systems that feature built-in UL Listed security and fire systems, lighting control, temperature control and audio control.

The Lumina Pro and Lumina home control systems offer full lighting, temperature and audio control, but differ in that they do not include built-in security. The Lumina series is for homeowners who do not wish for security functions or who would prefer to integrate the automation and lighting benefits of the Lumina Pro/Lumina with an existing security system.

Both the Omni and Lumina family controllers may be controlled via telephone or over internet. There is no increase in price for the additional features in the Ethernet versions of the Omni and Lumina controllers.

Go HAI Family of Home Controllers

Key Digital’s KD-VPHD3 video processor and KD-MSV8X8 video switcher can be easily configured with Control4’s versatile devices, so the two formalize a partnership.

“Key Digital’s collaboration with Control4 enables the advantages of audio and video processing, switching and distribution through the whole home by Key Digital technology while providing home automation control and ease-of-use from Control4.” says Michael Lakhter, Key Digital’s VP Sales.

Go Key Digital

The wireless keypad remote KP-900 controls all audio and video in a home, simplifying and automating operations. It can be mounted on a wall AND used as a handheld remote, making it ideal for retrofitting into homes with existing entertainment systems (as well as for new homes).

Four screws attach the KP-900's bracket to a wall, eliminating the expense and inconvenience of running new wires or opening up walls. The keypad mounts in any room (and anywhere in that room). It can be used on the wall in its bracket, independently as a handheld, or affixed to a metal surface (Think refrigerator.)

The keypad is compatible with iPods and other portable music players, and comes in three decorator finishes - white, light almond and black.

The KP-900 is compatible with Universal's pioneering MSC-400 Master System Controller, providing installers with options like triggered macros, RS-232 / relay control, video and voltage sensors and other devices.

The KP-900 should be professionally programmed using software via a Windows PC equipped with a USB port. The software is available at no extra cost from www.universalremote.com. While a basic set-up only takes a few minutes, fully automating an A/V system requires a detailed knowledge of the equipment, the user's preferences, and how the system is connected.

The KP-900 comes with 4 MBs of user-configurable flash memory to support 400 full pages of commands that can be distributed to as many as 255 devices. Additional features include a 255-color backlighting palette for the LCD display, one-touch blue backlighting for all the hard buttons, the ability to learn new IR commands, a small integrated speaker for audible feedback, a built-in sleep timer, and a USB cable.

Go BMB Has URC KP-900 in Stock

There will be a stand at CeBIT where they will place EEG electrodes on your head to measure your brain activity. Then they will capture 3 minutes of your EEG data to train a system to control all the functions of a house via…yes, you got it!..your own brain waves.

The brain wave system allows you to switch on the TV, play music, open the doors and windows, operate a camera at the door, walk through the house, and many other activities.

More importantly, this device may prove (although this research is not the intention of the maker) that we still have brain waves after being in this business for years.

Go Brain Control

On Show for the First Time in Europe at ISE, the latest version of the proprietary Kaleidescape Entertainment Appliance Operating System (KEAOS 3.5) offers new features include the ability to automatically synchronize music from a Kaleidescape System to iTunes on a PC, an iPod or other digital music player.

KEA OS 3.5 comes with an innovative classical music interface that lets users easily personalize their classical music listening experience; greater data safety in the event of disk drive failure; and new options for sharing personalised movie scripts and favourite scenes with other Kaleidescape users.

Go Kaleidescape