Satter Ramblings

What's up with Home Automation

Recently a bunch of companies have been announcing home automation services and products. Google bought Nest and Apple released an SDK for OEMs. Is something really changed?

Windows 7 Media Center

With the holiday vacation, I decided to see just how far the industry has come in the last five years for home media solutions. I have a Windows Home Server from HP. I figure between the WHS and Windows 7 I should be able to have a media cornucopia on tap at all times.

Toshiba A2 - HD DVD Player

Last year I bought a Vizio 42" Plasma and hooked up Comcast HD DVR. I have since become a video snub and tend to watch only HD channels. When I moved back to Houston last month I again ordered Comcast. However, the amount of content is a lot less. So I decided to buy a Toshiba A2 HD DVD Player.

Microsoft & Crestron

According to CEPro, Microsoft and Crestron are building something. Whatever it is Crestron is now a direct OEM working closely with Microsoft.

Home Server

Microsoft has release Home Server to manufacturing. Home Server is a new product that allows for ease of use home server. The product allows system builders to create an appliance for storing home users data like photos, videos, music, and documents on a network. It also can automatically backup those important documents.

Take a look at this unique product from Microsoft.

Kaleidescape Wins!

This is excellent news for the home theater crowd. Kaleidescape is the maker of an innovative DVD system. They were getting sued by DVD Copy Control Associate, DVD CCA.

Apple TV

I am very disappointed with Apple. The new Apple TV is not a breakthorough nor does it even have the capability that most other set top boxes have.