July, 2010 | - Part 3

CIS - Providing Charlotte with home automation solutions from HAI

The wireless aspect means cable won’t have to be trenched for the sensor to be added to your automation system.

It sounds like science fiction, but the technology is real and New Orleans-based control manufacturer Home Automation Inc. (HAI) is using it for its latest product: the HAI wireless Driveway Sensor (63A00-1).

The technology is of course the earth’s magnetic field, and in the case of this new driveway sensor the company is utilizing it as a means to detect metal objects like cars to help alert homeowners when a visitor has driven onto their property.

Custom electronics pros can set the sensor up to turn on outdoor lighting or it can be used as part of a home security system when it’s combined with a video surveillance system.

HAI says that because the unit is wireless, installers won’t have to dig a channel to run underground cable, and through its industrial design, the company has provided installation options for post or wall mounting applications. Check with your local CE pro to see how it can be incorporated into your home automation or security systems.

by Robert Archer

http://www.electronichouse.com/article/hai_delivers_wireless_driveway_sensor/

Custom Installation Services, LLC – Charlotte ’s Home Theater & Technology Experts!

C.I.S. - Charlotte NC's Source for Technology Answers!

July 1 marks the satellite’s launch of DirecTV Cinema and DirecTV On Demand content in 3D, as well as n3D powered by Panasonic.

Where’s all the 3D content, you ask? Check us out today, answers DirecTV.

No, there aren’t a whole lot of scheduling details, but today, July 1, DirecTV has begun offering 3D content on its DirecTV Cinema channel, DirecTV On Demand channel and, in conjunction with Panasonic, a new “n3D powered by Panasonic” channel.

Flip over to channels 104, 105 and 103, respectively, to give them a look-see. The n3D channel, before we knew its name, has been anticipated since back at CES when Panasonic announced it, and, of course, DirecTV is touting Panasonic’s sweet new VT25 series as the ideal set to watch the new channels on.

The n in n3D can stand for “Network” or “In” according to Panasonic CTO Eisuke Tsuyuzaki, who discussed 3D, Panasonic TVs and the launch of the new channel during a national webcast on June 30. He said Panasonic worked with DirecTV because of its variety of programming, its national footprint and its On Demand channel’s prowess. He also noted that based on his talks with other broadcasters, this is clearly just the beginning—on the heels of ESPN’s 3D launch and before Discovery Channel’s 3D endeavor with IMAX.

“Everyone is talking about some form of 3D, and it’s all driven by the interest of consumers,” Tsuyuzaki says. “As I talk to networks and broadcasters, at least a dozen networks are very interested, in my personal opinion.” He predicts the rollout will work its way from satellite providers like DirecTV to cable channels and then to the major networks.

Obviously movies will be the big draw to the Cinema and On Demand channels; DirecTV and Panasonic say the n3D lineup will be a mix of movies, sports and entertainment such as concerts. For now, who knows if it’ll just be a loop of Monsters vs. Aliens, World Cup soccer replays and Jonas Brothers and Hannah Montana concerts. We do know that Wild Safari: A South African Adventure will be on at 9 p.m. tonight on n3D.

by Arlen Schweiger

http://www.electronichouse.com/article/directv_flips_switch_on_new_3d_channels/

Custom Installation Services, LLC – Charlotte ’s Home Theater & Technology Experts!