Rick Hunt has released a free Windows application to produce RF codes for the Philips Pronto remote so it can control the Byron Home Easy home automation modules. The Generator Will produce codes that will work with anything that is compatible with the HE200 remote...

We've just got details of a special offer for Automated Home readers. Laser has a limited time discount on Frank McAlinden's excellent HomeVision IO Expander units. Normally retailing at £46.95, they are now available at just £19.99 including VAT! Read on for the specs...

This time we're joined by Ian Lowe and Mal Lansell of the xPL Project. We discuss how the open source Home Automation Protocol came about, how it aims to be the glue in your smart home setup and the variety of hardware that can talk to each other through the systems hub... http://blip.tv/file/get/Markmccall-AH0016TheXPLHomeAutomationProtocol600.mp3iTunes (http://clkuk.tradedoubler.com/click?p(2554)a(1029496)g(32244)url(http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=278604675)) | Miro (http://subscribe.getmiro.com/?url1=http://automatedhome.blip.tv/rss) | Zune (zune://subscribe/?Automated%20Home%20=http://automatedhome.blip.tv/rss) | RSS (http://automatedhome.blip.tv/rss) | Right Click to Download (http://blip.tv/file/get/Markmccall-AH0016TheXPLHomeAutomationProtocol600.mp3) (43 Minutes - 20.0MB) Check out the show notes after the jump for all the links to the subjects covered...

The DB9 Connectors from the MaxBlox EZ Termination System allow you to terminate your cable with just a screwdriver! Ideal for those RS-232 or RS-422 cables in a home automation setup, these are a god-send when you want a fast finish and don't want to get the soldering iron out...

After buying a new Sony PS3 and seeing it in action on my Panasonic Home Theater Projector via the HDMI Inteface I was a little dissapointed when I turned on my original XBOX, which was connected to the Projector via its Component Cables.Now, obviously the XBOX is only 720p but it seemed extra dull and lackluster compared to the new HD PS3. After a little searching on the internet I found a unit which connected to the Component Cable and converted the signal to an HDMI Output. It seemed too good to be true at a very reasonable $50, too cheap to be any good? I thought why not give it a try so I just ordered it to see what it really does...

Sand Hill Engineering have released the new v6.0 of their Mac home automation software - XTension. With many new features including the X2Web web interface, a new database and graphic charting package XTdb plus new Video Pitcher...

We're honored to have been mention by Cali Lewis in her latest Episode of GeekBrief TV today (http://geekbrief.tv/gbtv-393-geekbrieftv)! Husband and Wife Team Cali and Neal produce an awesome tech news video podcast that recently took second place in our Top Ten Tech Podcast Awards (Announcements/Top-10-Tech-Podcasts.html).Do yourself a favour and subscribe to the Podcast (http://geekbrief.tv/) and follow Cali and Neal as they prepare to set out across America bringing us tech news from each state on their year long adventure. Watch the video after the jump...

Marmitek have launched their new SCART switcher - the Connect236. At around £65 the unit supports RGB, S-Video and Composite and can switch 6 inputs via its IR remote control. Marmitek say the unit supports Full matrix function with 6 analogue video-inputs, 3 digital audio-inputs, 3 analogue video- and audio-outputs and a digital audio-output...

Innovative UK smart home security system AlertMe have just announced a reduced monthly subscription - down from £11.99 to £9.99. They've also increased the monthly text message allowance from 20 to 50. On top of that they have launched a new £149 Starter Kit (the previous £399 kit will now be known as the Premium ). The Starter ships with a Hub, a motion sensor and a keyfob, but has the GPRS and Battery backup removed to save costs...

Launching at around $1,000 the Belkin Flywire is not cheap, but if you need to transmit those HiDef signals to your TV in the next room (or even out on the patio) and you don't fancy running cables then it might be for you. Any of its 6 source inputs can be selected by IR remote and it supports 480p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p/24 True Cinema resolutions and its HDCP-compliant too. A cheaper R1 model with In-Room range will be available too for around $700. Launch is set for October in North America, Europe and Asia with the R1 due Q1 2009...

The speed of development for the open source media centre Plex continues a pace. This weeks surprise announcement sees a partnership formed between Plex and the beautiful skinning engine from CenterStage. Check out the Flash Demo of the graphics after the jump...

HomeSeer's Mk2 version of their HomeTroller Home Automation controller will start to ship later this month. The new diskless, fanless unit promises low running costs from its energy efficient design. Starting at $895 the HomeTroller 2 is around $200 less than its predicessor. Read on for the full feature list...

We've updated the iPhone to V2.0 and installed a few apps to play with. Of most interest to Home Automators will be the new free Apple Remote application. Here's a quick two minute video tour showing just how quick and easy it is to install and use... 7gY_ZyeLhYo iTunes (http://clkuk.tradedoubler.com/click?p(2554)a(1029496)g(32244)url(http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=278604675)) | Miro (http://subscribe.getmiro.com/?url1=http://automatedhome.blip.tv/rss) | Zune (zune://subscribe/?Automated%20Home%20=http://automatedhome.blip.tv/rss) | RSS (http://automatedhome.blip.tv/rss) | Right Click to Download (http://blip.tv/file/get/Markmccall-AH0015AppleRemoteIPhoneApplication591.m4v) (2 Minutes - 27.1MB)

Another iPhone / iPod Touch smart home app lands. i Love Control is aimed at higher end home automation installations and promises to give your hand held device control of pretty much anything that can be manipulated by IP. Big name systems like Crestron, AMX, Control4, Lifeware, Lutron and NetStreams are all in the frame and you'll need your integrator to work it into your system...

UPDATED Apple have just released iTunes v7.7 in preparation for tomorrows iPhone 3G launch. The rumour is true - you will be able to use your iPhone or iPod touch to control your iTunes playback from around your home plus your Apple TV. Read on for all the details and more screen shots of the FREE Apple Remote app...

Inteset has unveiled its new 15 terabyte, TeraRAID XV-NAS storage server. The device is aimed squarely at the high end home AV market and its design means it's shallow enough (18 ) to fit inside an AV rack...

Data Robotics gave Automated Home their first interview outside the USA on their new and improved “storage robot” last week. Today we can reveal details of the brand new MkII Drobo which will replace the older unit with immediate effect...

Danny from Mavromatic has released another screen shot from his beta home automation software that's used in conjuction withthe HAI system. The graphics look really good and influences from recent mobile phone UIs are evident giving a modern clean interface...

The open source media player for the Mac formerly know as OSXBMC has a new name - Plex. In the words of developer Elan - Think Mediaplex, Movieplex, but more than movies and media, obviously.....The suffic -plex actually means comprising a number of parts ...

AV Custom Design company Polar Bear Solutions has announced a new in-wall docking station for the Philips Pronto TSU9600. As well as holding/charging the remote the dock also has four hard buttons of its own which are available even if the Pronto is not docked. These can be interfaced to a 3rd party lighting system for scene control for example. The dock is currently in the final stages of testing and should be available by September '08....