Kwikset unveils its Contemporary Smartcode Deadbolt, its latest ZigBee and Z-Wave offering.

It carries Home Connect technology, with remote locking through a motorised deadbolt. Once integrated into a home control sytem, users can activate the deadbolt from anywhere via web-enabled smartphone.

The SmartCode Deadbolt needs x4 AA batteries, eliminating any hardwiring.

Kiwkset's offerings work wirelessly with other home electronics (including lighting controls and thermostats) with wireless communications secured using 128-bit encryption.

Go Kwikset Expands Home Connect Lock Suite

Samsung Techwin announces its DIY Security Systems, security products aiming for the home and SMB markets.

The systems are available in 4-, 8- or 16-channels and include a DVR with storage capacities starting from 500GB to 1TB.

Samsung's OmniView software provices a single user interface through which users can simultaneously manage an infinite number of systems set at multiple locations.

Meanwhile QuickConnect automatically configures the systems with a wireless network, allowing remote viewing via PC or smartphone. Users can also watch video from their security systems from their TVs.

The DIY lines offers box and dome hi-res cameras with night vision capabilities (up to 40'), IP66 weatherproof design and wireless/audio options.

Go Samsung Techwin

In USA, Comcast is the first ISP to enter the home automation and security services market.

Comcast's offering, Xfinity, handles video monitoring, alarms, lighting and heating. One accesses all online through either PC or smartphone. There's also an option for text and email alerts.

The company breaks the service into 2 tiers - "Preferred" and "Basic". The Basic package includes only limited access to the full mobile access service suite offered. No pricing details are mentioned as yet. But ISPs worldwide see the market to install and handle security as potentially lucrative (with security costs billed together with internet usage) and that will make ISPs direct competitors with security installers.

Go Comcast Xfinity Security

Vue's wireless camera system makes it simple for customers to set up and use. Wireless battery operated cameras connect to a gateway (plugs into router or modem). Users can check their camera feeds online through personal vuezone.com account (requires yearly subscription).

The wireless cameras transmit up to 100m to the nearest gateway. They mount on custom sticks via magnetic mounts, and easily relocate as needed. The cameras shoot video in flv at up to VGA resolution, and use FrameMesh wireless video encryption. Vuezone says battery life is up to one year under normal usage.

The personal video network starter pack contains 2 wireless cameras, 4 camera mounts, 1 gateway and 1 year's free subscription to a vuezone.com account. After 1 year, the vuezone.com account requires a yearly subscription for 2GB of video storage. Accounts can be shared as the user requires.

1 gateway syncs with up to 50 cameras, and a network takes up to 3 gateways.

Go Vue Personal Video Network