The XRAY Remote extender is an alternative to IR Extenders or IR Blasters: this X-ray RF Transmitter actually fits inside your existing remote control and converts your remote from infrared to digital RF so you can control your AV gear, through walls, up to 40 metres away.

Converts the infra-red signal from your remote to Radio Frequency, enabling you to keep your AV gear hidden away, operate your stereo from outside or change the Sky channel from another room.

The Simple.TV DVR has a fairly simple idea-- it combines DVR and streaming converter, feeding video content to connected devices via either USB, ethernet or wireless connections.

It connects to an HD antenna, cable connection and broadband connection, and in turn beams content to iPads, Roku boxes, Google TV devices and the Boxee Box in the shape of compressed MPEG-4 streams (converting content via Buffalo ViXS XCode 4210 chip).

Since it carries no internal HDD, the Simple.TV supports USB and network storage. It also lacks built-in wifi, and only connects to networks via Ethernet.

Customers demanding more than basic over-the-air recording and streaming will need to pay a $5 monthly fee though-- which also gives access to an electronic program guide, enchanced metadata, automatic program recording and simultaneous streaming to up to x5 connected devices.

Go Simple.TV

A/V switch and extender maker Gefen announces its entry in the A/V control market at CES 2012 with the GAVA (Gefen Audio Video Automation) system.

The GAVA line consists of 3 products-- the GAVA processor, the PACS (Personal Automation Control System) and Mini PACS control hubs. Both PACS models feature RS-232, IP and IR connections, together with relays for automated device control. PACS is ideal for centralised A/V control within a rack, while smaller Mini PACS is designed for distributed architectures.

Meanwhile the GAVA processor enables audio, video and home automation control via web browser, smartphone, tablet or regular home controller. It works in combination with the PACS models, which also carry built-in web browsers.

Gefen's CES stand also has a number of other products, including the USB Audio Amplifier (providing up to 25W per channel of amplification from PCs via USB port) and the 8x8 Matrix for HDMI with Gefen's ELR (Extra Long Range) and POL (Power Over Line) technology to extend display signals for up to 100m.

Go Gefen at CES 2012

The Microsoft CES 2012 keynote might be the last, but that doesn't mean it lacks in interesting news-- amongst other announcements, Steve Ballmer revealed the Kinect is coming to Windows PCs on February 2012.

The Kinect was a hit on the Xbox 360, with 2010 sales reaching around 18M units. It also proved to be fertile ground for inventive hackers, who used it for all sorts of experimental applications, such as PC control.

Now Kinect for Windows will allow for official gesture and voice control on Windows devices (Windows 7, 8 and Embedded), while Microsoft says it will "allow other companies to integrate Kinect into their offerings." It will also have a "near mode" for "close up" applications on desktop PCs.

A number of companies are already working on Kinect for Windows applications, including American Express, Mattel, Telefonica, Toyota and the United Health Group.

Ballmer's keynote also confirms Microsoft ambitions to transform the Xbox 360 from mere games consoles to "an entertainment hub for live TV, on demand videos, movies and news, social (networking), music and of course still games." Announced at CES is a partnerships with News Corporation, bringing content from Fox News, Wall Street Journal, Fox and IGN to the console.

Go Official Kinect Blog: Kinect for Windows Announcement

Crestron starts shipping a new line of "petite" 2.8" touchscreens-- consisting of the TPMC-3SM (for pro applications) and the TPMC-3SMD (for home applications), both providing the same functionality as the Crestron TPMC-4SM line.

The TPMC-3SM fits in a single-gang switch-sized in-wall box and allows one-touch control of lights, climate, home theatres, multiroom audio and AV control.

Meanwhile the TPMC-3SMD enables customisable touchscreen graphics and icons and provides control for lights, temperature, home theatre, multiroom audio, security cameras, iTunes libraries and more. Fitting inside a single-gang electrical box, it uses PoE to eliminate the need for a local power supply or dedicated power wiring.

Go Crestron TPMC-3SMD

Vision’s Techconnect Amplifier has been given an internal make over with a new memory function which allows the installer to pre-set the input and volume level.

Vision’s General Manager Stuart Lockhart: “Increasingly the Techconnect Amp is being used in hospitality and museum applications where the power is turned off centrally every night so this change is a result of responding to customer feedback.