Pakedge Device & Software announced this week the P2 - a Two-Port Power Distribution product that can be wall-mounted or will fit into a 1U rack space. The P2 offers all the functionality of Pakedge’s larger power management products, including power protection, on/off power startup and shutdown, remote operation and monitoring capabilities.

The P2 provides two AC outlets and is a cost-effective way to add power management to one or two components in a custom installation A/V system or smart home network. Its small size makes it easy to install in an A/V rack, in a structured wiring panel or close to the components that are plugged into it.

Each of the P2 AC outlets can be individually and remotely turned on and off via LAN Access (Local Area Network), by email or by using Pakedge’s BakPak Apple IOS app for iPad or iPhone. Each outlet can be turned automatically on or off according to a programmed startup/shutdown boot sequence, to ensure that connected devices will be safely powered up or shut down.

The P2 has auto-ping and equipment reboot functionality. Simply connect a device to a specific outlet on the P2 and provide the P2 with the IP address of the device, and the P2 will ping the device every 15 seconds. If it does not receive a response, the P2 will automatically reboot the device. This provides “self-healing” network characteristics without the interaction of the dealer.

For example, if a control processor, receiver or even connection to the Internet goes down, the P2 will sense this and reboot the device automatically. There is no need for dealer and/or client interaction or support. This feature saves the dealer from having to make a service call to the client location just because the Internet goes down. The P2 will also send an email to notify the dealer so they can inform the client about the correction of the network. The P2 can be programmed to schedule power reboot events monthly, weekly or daily. It can also monitor AC power consumption and send a warning message when the aggregated AC draw from a system exceeds a pre-defined threshold.

Here are all the specs: http://www.pakedge.com/ Add a comment

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) announced this week that it is forming the R7.8 Working Group 2 to develop a new standard to enable home electronics to communicate energy use data to smart energy management systems and apps. The new standard will be called CE-Energy Usage Information (CE-EUI) and will conform to the North American Energy Standards Board Energy Usage Information (NAESB -EUI) model, which forms the basis for the national Green Button initiative.
 
“Product manufacturers already understand how much energy a device will use during operation, based on its design,” said Brian Markwalter, senior vice president of research and standards at CEA. “By programming that information into the device and enabling the device to calculate how much energy it uses over time, manufacturers can help homeowners accurately capture the data for their energy management systems and applications.”
 
The standard will be compatible with the new Green Button “Download My Data” and “Connect My Data” initiatives. Green Button defines how consumers and authorized third-party services can access a history of their home’s total energy usage and cost based on smart meter readings. By enabling each device to report its own energy usage, consumers will be able to see the energy each CE-EUI-compliant device consumes and make better informed decisions. The standard will be network agnostic, operating over networks, such as Wi-Fi, Ethernet, ZigBee and Z-Wave, that are an existing part of the home ecosystem.
 
For more information on this new effort and how to get involved, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Add a comment

Channel Vision has intro'd a new Varifocal Dome Camera in the 6821-O Varifocal Eyeball Dome, which uses the Sony 700VTL CCD. It offers the following features:

• IP66 Rated
• vandal-proof
• oil rubbed bronze finish
• waterproof outdoor design
• LED illumination for applications where there is no ambient light or shelter for the camera

The 3-Axis mount allows for external focus and zoom control screws for fine-tuning during installation.

The 6821-O Varifocal Eyeball Dome list for $122 and you can see it here: http://www.channelvision.com Add a comment

The new SANUS Basic Series BFV846 TV/AV Stand is actually three pieces in one: a solid piece of furniture, a tilting TV wall mount and an ultra-sturdy steel pillar. Use all three parts together to get the benefits of a wall-mounted TV without drilling, or use them separately to create your own custom home theater setup.

Other features include:

• Fits TVs up to 52"
• Open design maximizes airflow to equipment and provides easy access to back of components
• Thick tempered glass on a powder coated steel frame offers durability and aesthetics
• Cable management system organizes and keeps cables hidden
• Adjustable feet ensure furniture is level on any surface
• Quick and easy assembly; all hardware included
• Compatible with the SANUS ELM701 TV anti-tip strap

Here are all the details: http://www.sanus.com/us/en/products/av-foundations/av-basic/BFV846 Add a comment

The universe of U.S. television homes is growing -- and so is the TV audience. According to Nielsen’s 2014 Advance National TV Household Universe Estimate (UE), there are 115.6 million TV homes in the U.S., up 1.2 percent from the 2012-2013 estimate of 114.2 million. Nielsen estimates that 294 million persons age 2 and older live in these TV homes, an increase of 1.6 percent from last year.

Nielsen uses U.S. Census Bureau data and auxiliary sources such as state governments and the U.S. postal service to arrive at Advance TV UEs in early May before the television industry’s upfronts. It then distributes final UEs before the start of each TV season.

The 2014 National UEs reflect 1) real changes in population since last year; 2) updated TV penetration levels, differentially calculated for qualifying market break and age/sex demographic categories; and 3) the expansion of Nielsen’s current definition of a TV home to include homes that receive TV via broadband connection only.

“This year, the Advance National TV UEs are as we expected,” said Neilsen's SVP of Insights and Analysis Pat McDonough. “Though we see slight shifts reflecting trends in population changes, the Advance UEs are largely stable and television viewing remains very strong. The expansion of the definition of a TV household, which we announced in February 2013, will include viewing from additional sites in current homes and new homes for the September TV season. In collaboration with clients, we continue to expand the reach of television audience measurement—how and where consumers choose to view content." Add a comment