FSR’s new DR-SOCK is a creative cable-pulling tool designed to simplify and accelerate every installation requiring cables and connectors.

The DR-SOCK is pre-assembled, easily accessible in frustration-proof packaging and re-useable. It protects cables and connectors from being damaged by taking the stress off the connection points while pulling through a conduit.

The design opens up to 1.25 inches, and features brightly colored sleeve tips to enable easy identification and a steel ring to allow quick and positive attachment of a pull snake. DR-SOCK can be used to safely pull FSR’s new Digital Ribbon Cables as well as others with connector shells.

Go DR-SOCK, the Cable Puller

Remote Technologies Incorporated (RTI) ships the 2nd generation T1-B remote control-- the T1-B+, an all-hard-button number promising customisable control inside a design ideal for all home and office needs.

The remote features 40 individually programmable backlit hard buttons, allowing one to control devices or execute multistep macros via Integration Designer software. The unit even offers 12 keypad buttons installers can outfit with custom keycaps for common control tasks (such as A/V source selection).

A new T1-B+ addition is RTI dual-RF platform, with support for 433MHz RF and 2.4GHz ZigBee for RF communications with RTI processors-- expanding functionality to include RS-232 control, contact closures, power sensing and more.

IHS reports global connectable STBs are to grow from 65.8 million units in 2012 to 125.6m by 2017, a 91% shipment surge driven mainly by the adoption of multimedia home gateways (MHGs).

A total of 45% of STBs shipped in 2017 will be connectable, up from 26% in 2012.

The analyst defines a connectable STB as one linkable to an IP network, usually via either ethernet or wifi. All types of pay-TV operators (cable, satellite, IPTV providers) distribute connectable STBs.

Samsung hopes to deliver smart TV functionality on dumb(er) TVs with the Smart Media Player (GX-SM530CF), an STB promising over combine live TV with apps such as Amazon instant Video, Netflix, Vudu and YouTube.

It features the same software familiar to all Samsung Smart TV (and some Blu-ray players) users, and also features AllCast for the mirroring of content from mobile devices on the big screen.

What lacks, however, is DVR functionality.

Remote Technologies Incorporated (RTI) starts shipping the KX2 in-wall controller, a handheld controller aimed for both residential and commercial applications.

It features IR, ethernet (PoE) and 2-way control together with a 2.8-inch 320x240 colour LCD display complete with customisable interface and 12 custom-engravable hard buttons.

More news emerges from the Amazon STB front-- The Wall Street Journal reports the retailer plans to launch the device on the holiday season, while 9 to 5 Google points out Amazon recently trademarked the name "Firetube."

Of course, Firetube might be the name of the rumoured Amazon smartphone, but one has to admit it would make more sense attached to a piece of online video streaming equipment of some kind.

The WSJ does not mention the "Firetube" name, instead saying the STB is code-named "Cinnamon." Apparently it will not only push media content available on the Prime subscription service but also connect to competing services "for streaming video and music, as well as some games."

Wait, games? Game Informer and TechCrunch did report Amazon is working on a games console a few months ago...