Crestron launches the second generation of media servers-- the ADMS-G2, featuring all the features from the first ADMS together with streaming media from services such as Vudu and Pandora.

Smaller than the first generation AMDS, the ADMS-G2 now allows users to access online services such as Netflix, Vudu, Youtube, Vimeo, Pandora and other digital sources and online content providers.

Built-in WorldSearch handles search functions, showing results (sorted according to relevance or quality) in an easy-to-navigate onscreen menu. Meanwhile the integrated web browser is HDTV optimised, and includes Flash and Silverlight support.

Go Crestron ADMS

Belkin announces availability of the WeMo device range-- modular, wifi-based products turning any device with an internet connection into a remote control for household appliances.

WeMo offerings currently come in 2 flavours-- the Switch (a device plugging directly into electrical outlets allowing the control of any device plugged in) and the Motion (a programmable motion sensor module for the Switch).

The WeMo devices are also compatible with IFTTT ("If This Then That"), an online service allowing users to program tasks (or "recipes") by combining different action on internet-based services (such as email or social media) into one platform.

For example, one can use the IFTTT WeMo channel to set up a motion sensor able to send an email (or a Facebook message, or a tweet) whenever it senses motion. Users can also tweet instructions to devices and program combinations of different WeMo devices (such as switching a light on when motion is sensed).

The WeMo device range is available now, and IFTTT is free to join and use.

Go Belkin Announces Availability of WeMo

Go The New IFTTT

Fusion Research launches a "significant" upgrade on its movie server system platform-- EPIC, the culmination of several years of work and a number of customer suggestions.

Together with a "brand new" UI, EPIC has a number of new features, such as EasyLoad. A simpler means of loading movies into the system, EasyLoad allows unattended movie loading for both Blu-ray discs and DVDs.

The system automatically imports movies as soon as one inserts a disc, with no need for button presses or menu selections.

An other new feature is Series Mode TV series management, now with an "entirely new" database system. It allows users to see just one entry for a TV series representing all show episodes. Once the user selects a series, the system shows a list with each season and episode.

Fusion says the EPIC platform has over 25 feature enhancements, and should be available for all Fusion servers in both residential and commercial applications.

Go Fusion Research Releases EPIC Platform

Windows 8 operating system will NOT feature built-in support for DVD or Blu-ray playback.

For the first time in 14 years, if you want to play discs, you’ll need to buy an aftermarket program. That's right: your customers will have to buy the right to play DVDs.

The main official reason Microsoft cites... "Our partners have shared clear concerns over the costs associated with codec licensing for traditional media playback..."

Micosoft says its costs "a significant amount" of money for the DVD codecs. From our point of view, for years most partners complaints have focused on the high price of Microsoft OS and Microsoft Office...and Redmond has not responded to that challenge.

Key Digital launches Compass Control, a one-hour programmable control system that uses its Compass Navigator software, a step-by-step process led by simple ‘drag and drop’ gestures.

You program a system using an iOS 5 device and the Compass Control App for the iPad, iPhone or iPod touch.

The Compass Control base system consists of a KD-MC2500 Master Controller, with Compass Control App on Apple iPad running under KD-CSL License.

The KD-MC2500 Master Controller works as the CPU for the system and has eight IR (learning) or RS-232 ports and TCP/IP/LAN networking control support as well as two sets of switchable I/O contacts for relay control.

Go Key Digital Compass Control

Extron is shipping the SM 3, a compact, fast-installing flush mount speaker featuring the Extron SpeedMount System.

This 8-ohm speaker features a 3" (7.6 cm) full-range driver and tuned bass port, a wide frequency response of 75 Hz to 18 kHz, plus a power rating of 15 watts continuous pink noise and 30 watts continuous program capacity.

The enclosure for the SM 3 measures less than 4" (10.2 cm) deep. SpeedMount is an Extron-exclusive, concealed mounting system designed to speed up installation. During rough-in, electrical contractors can install a 0-degree or 10-degree mounting plate on the wall and terminate the speaker cable to the mount's integrated wiring contacts. Later, installers can slide the SM 3 speaker onto the mount and secure it into place with a "click," automatically connecting to the wiring contacts on the mounting plate.

The SM 3 speaker is aimed at small to medium classrooms and conference rooms where surface mount speakers are desired, but wall space for speaker placement is limited. It provides wide frequency response and wide coverage from a compact enclosure to optimize voice intelligibility without compromising music reproduction.

A release on the speaker baffle allows for quick removal from the mount. The release is hidden and can be locked to deter theft, together with the concealed speaker wiring contacts. When used with the 0-degree mounting plate, the SM 3 protrudes less than 4" from the wall to comply with ADA requirements on protrusion limits.

Go Extron SM 3, Compact, Fast-installing Flush Mount Speaker