departments
Green matters
Here’s your round up of what’s new that’s green and smart. This issue we see that Biolytix Water has won an award for innovation, there’s a new hot water pump from EcoSmart, Solaris foldable solar panels and Lenovo’s M57 Eco — a very small PC with a 4-star energy rating.
Smart.Net
Smart.Net – where we give you a round up of what’s available in the digital zone. This issue we look at the age-old issue of backing up your PC and what products you can use, such as Carbonite Online PCBackup or Norton 360 and Norton Ghost. We also show you www.getprice.com.au — a comparative shopping site — and all the new VoIP deals from gotalk.
Connected home technology news including…
New products from Artcoustic, Bang & Olufsen, Bowers & Wilkins, Sharp, Echologic, TEAC, Fujitsu, Mirage, Bush and Grundig, Sony, Sanyo, Loewe, AMX, DECA, Philips, NEC, Panasonic, Swann Communications, JBL, Denon, Linksys, Sunbeam, HAL — and much more.
Events
A list of what’s on for those interested in smart homes — both here in Australian and overseas.
Showcase homes
In every issue of Australian Smart home Ideas we feature the best smart homes in Australia. In this issue, we take you into one of the most modern, chic and smart homes we’ve seen in a long time. This multi-award winning home is located in Queensland and the Sunshine Coast’s Ingenious Intelligent Integration worked out the high-tech design. And on page 84, we show you a home that Mildura-based AV Smart homes overhauled in Victoria — with stunning results.
Downloading
Here well-known Melbourne journalist, Adam Turner, gives you a roundup of more great websites to surf if you’re interested in smart homes.
CD Reviews
The latest and greatest CD reviews from our esteemed reviewer, Jez Ford.
DVD Reviews
A selection of some of the DVDs out for Winter by movie aficionado, Martin Fripp.
Opinion
Our regular columnist takes a well-earned break, so editor, Pamela Connellan, has stepped in to tell us all about the new compact fluorescent light bulbs from Philips — they’ve had a makeover!
Subscriber information
Find out how to have future issues of Australian Smart home Ideas delivered directly to your door.
Features
Keep the home fires burning
All heaters burn some sort of fuel — either in your house or at a power station — so your choice of home heating will have an environmental impact. Shireen Baguley gives you the full rundown of all your options. read it on-line
Stock up on some serious counter intelligence
We’ve been promised the ‘kitchen of tomorrow’ for over half a century and now it finally looks like technology is really stepping up to the kitchen bench. Steve Freeth reports.
Blu-ray has won the war — so where to from here?
It was surprising how quickly it happened but by February this year, it was clear Blu-ray had won the war. The question is now — where to from here? What should you buy to get into this new technology. Our esteemed tech writer, Stephen Dawson, gives us a clear indication.
Drop dead gorgeous
If you’re getting a sexy flat-screen TV, why sit it on a sideboard when it can drop down from the ceiling or be mounted on the wall — like the true work of art it is? Jez Ford investigates just about all the options available…
Product focus
The new Clipsal Saturn 250V collection offers a range of popular electrical accessories which are perfectly matched for each other — giving your smart home a great finishing touch. read it on-line
Product focus
Osram’s new Halogen Energy Saver light bulb range is available in all the usual shapes and sizes as incandescent bulbs, but they are far more eco-friendly.
Product focus
A closer look at the latest cordless phones from Uniden — called the Uniden Elite Cordless.
Product focus
Belkin’s N1 Vision Wireless Modem-Router will let you know just how fast you’re travelling via your network’s broadband [read it on-line]— and Belkin’s Concealed Surge Protector has you covered. [read it on-line]
Installer profile
Custom installer, Advanced Entertainment Systems, has decked out a partnering builder’s showroom in high-tech gear — including Vantage Controls home automation — so their customers get to see everything up close and personal.
Reviews
PIONEER
Pioneer DVR-LX60D DVD recorder
TANGENT
Tangent Quattro Internet radio
CANTON
CANTON CD3500 Wireless loudspeakers
LOGITECH
Logitech Harmony One remote control
About the cover: In this issue, we take you into one of the most modern, chic and smart homes we’ve seen in a long time. This multi-award winning home is located in Queensland and the Sunshine Coast’s Ingenious Intelligent Integration worked out the high-tech design.
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