Sigma Designs unveils what it describes as its "most advanced set-top box design"-- one handling mulitiple HD streams while networking via powerline.

With HomePlug AV with ClearPath networking and Z-Wave technology, it comes in a miniature package that's just about a bit larger than a pack of cards.

It connects to TVs via HDMI, and can stream video from either network, IPTV or multiroom streams via connected DVR.

Powering it all is Sigma's own SMP8670 thin-client media processor, optimised to run graphically rich over-the top application environments (such as Adobe AIR for TV, XMBC or Flash Player). The company says it is also 40% faster than its previous thin-client solutions while using 30% less power.

The STB's reference design is now available to service providers and their equipment suppliers.

Go Sigma Designs Unveils STB Design

Sharp will soon start evaluating its "Eco House" of the future-- a building not only minimising power consumptions but also producing "zero CO2 emissions"-- at Green Front Sakai, Osaka.

The house carries the latest in energy-saving appliances (and Sharp's own AQUOS TVs), with HEMS networking everything together. Through the network, occupants (or the landlord) can check on energy consumptions on either tablet devices or the TV sets.

Lighting comes through LEDs, complete with energy management and brightness/colour adjustment systems. Photovoltaic panels supply part of the house's energy needs (in DC) while an electric vehicle traction battery (together with an intelligent power conditioner) stores energy.

Finally the house will also include an enormous 180" LCD screen as part of evaluation tests (for "suitability to today's green-conscious world").

Sharp will be looking for volunteers to occupy the 2-storey building-- something we don't think it will find too difficult.

Go Sharp to Start Evaluating Sharp Eco House

AMX will celebrate the opening of its new Dutch showroom's by inviting its customers and dealers to visit on the 29th and 30th June-- giving them a chance to check out its various offerings.

The company's product ranges cover unified control and automation, system-wide switching, audio and video distribution, digital signage and technology management.

The new showroom is in a Zevenaar technology park, and features working demos of AMX's full product range. The company will not only show its hospitality, but also offer guided tours of the facility.

The Dutch facility will also be acting as an AMX University training centre.

Go AMX

Legrand, North America will acquire Middle Atlantic Products. While terms of the deal are not yet disclosed, the transaction should be finalized in mid-June 2011.

Although Legrand and Middle Atlantic will operate as separate companies prior to closing, after the closing Middle Atlantic will operate as an independent business within Legrand.

Legrand is the global specialist in electrical and digital building infrastructures. Its comprehensive offering of solutions for use in commercial, industrial and residential markets makes it a benchmark for customers worldwide. Legrand reported global sales of $5.7 billion in 2010.

With this acquisition of a recognized maker of AV enclosure systems, Legrand would fulfill one of its key objectives: to establish a leadership position in the fast growing markets for AV infrastructure products, systems and solutions. Middle Atlantic has expert knowledge of these markets and a sales relationship with more than 3500 integrators in the US and Canada.

Powerful trends continue to drive market growth for integrated AV systems and supporting infrastructure, notes Legrand. A prime example is the increasing use of audio and video in venues such as airports, schools, retail, hospitals and corporate facilities.

Once this transaction is completed, Middle Atlantic customers would benefit from expanded product offerings, access to enhanced specification services and tools, and more complete AV infrastructure solutions. The combined offerings of the firms include more than 5000 AV products and services.

Mike Baker, president of Middle Atlantic Products, will lead a new 5th Division (Commercial AV) for Legrand in North America.

"The complementary strengths of these businesses, and the fit of the product offerings will be unmatched by any other supplier in this industry," says John Selldorff, president and CEO, Legrand, North America. "The combined leadership team is looking forward to making a real difference to the installation community, and the entire AV market, now and for the future."

Go Legrand and Middle Atlantic

The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) releases a new set of video playback interoperability guidelines at this year's Connected Home Global Summit.

A result of work with global cable, satellite and telecommunications providers the guidelines leverage DTCP-IP protecting streaming, which the DLNA says simplifies content availability for playback on digital TVs, blu-ray players, games consoles and STBs.

The new guidelines are already part of Cablelabs' tru2way home networking specification and associated open source reference implementation (which enables secure cable content transfer to DLNA-certified devices).

The DLNA should start certifying products to these guidelines later this year.

Go DLNA

Toshiba bolsters its smart-grid operations by purchasing Swiss smart metering provider Landis+Gyr for $2.3Bn.

Landis+Gyr specialises in smart metering, networking and service products for the utility industry.

Toshiba is the Japan's biggest nuclear reactor maker, and will now have access to Landis+Gyr's customer base-- one spread globally across 30 markets with over 8000 utility customers, including E.ON AG, Centrica, British Gas and PG&E.

The WW smart-grid market is a potentially lucrative one-- Toshiba says it could grow to $71Bn over the next 10 years.

Go Toshiba Acquires Landis+Gyr