European Custom Installer

The next product category for Google-owned smart thermostat maker Nest is security-- Nest Secure, a product portfolio covering the alarm system, video doorbell, security camera and corresponding software and services.

The centerpiece of Nest Secure is the Nest Guard, a puck-shaped security base providing the alarm, keypad and voice feedback. It is placed indoors, facing the front door, and communicates with a set of motion sensors dubbed Nest Detects. Customers can place the Detect devices anywhere in the home, such as rooms, near windows and doors. In addition, a Tag keychain can arm and disarm the security hub without need to insert a passcode in the Guard.

Also in the range is the Nest Hello-- a video doorbell combining the previously released Nest Cam with, well, a doorbell. For customers wanting an outdoor security camera Nest has the Cam IQ, a tamper- and weather-resistant version of the Nest Cam offering imaging and intelligence via built-in Google Assistant.

CEDIA 2017 sees Metra Home Theater launch Velox Active-- HDMI cables reaching lengths of up to 30m, allowing installers to transmit bandwidth-intensive signals for longer distances.

The copper-based Velox Active HDMI cables are HDMI 2.0 compliant and verified to deliver the full 18Gbps bandwidth required to support UHD, 4K,HDR, 60Hz refresh rates and various chroma subsampling rates, including 4:4:4, 4:4:2 and 4:2:0.

To achieve such performance the cables use a new version of the Metra symmetrical HDCP and EDID rise time accelerator for both data and clock lines on the on the 12C bus (the display data channel). This eliminates EDID errors and, since the repair is bidirectional, ensures HDCP handshaking occurs reliably.

Remote systems management (RSM) provider Ihiji presents ProVue-- a combination of Invision and Service Manager providing the remote monitoring, management and support of client technology via refreshed user experience.

A redesigned UI of the initial ProVue web releases simplifies setup and management without sacrificing the power of Ihiji solutions. Meanwhile improved Invision features use the Ihiji device module and identification library for auto-discovery, device identification, setup and deep insights.

A ProVue Mobile app allows field technicians to more easily configure and discover devices on-site, as well as manage all power reboots while on-the-go. Another addition is HomeVue, a means for customers to get a snapshot of system health and perform self-help reboots.

Traditional pay-TV STBs remain a fixture in consumer homes worldwide, Futuresource Consulting reports, as operators add new features to counter the enhanced functionality of media streamers.

The analyst says global media box shipments (combining STBs and media streamers) total 339 million units in 2016, with STBs making 86% of the total. The total value of the 2016 media box market is up to $21 billion.

However, while the share of STBs making the media box market is "unlikely" to dip in 2017, the traditional STB is under threat by many competing connected devices-- such as media streamers, games consoles and smart TVs-- all able to access content from a variety of sources. Thus more desirable features are being added to STBs, including SVoD services, voice search and smart home functionality, as well as 4K/UHD upgrades.

Sonos accessory specialist Flexson announces a first in-ceiling speaker-- the 65X3, designed to pair with the Sonos Connect: Amp and featuring triple high-frequency drivers for wide sound dispersion.

The 65X3 promises flexible installation, since it is mountable in shallow ceiling voids with 50mm minimum space. It is also moisture-proof, allowing use in kitchen or bathrooms without complication. Room tuning options include a high frequency boost/cut 6dB switch and a bass attenuation switch for level control in case the speaker is located in a large void.

Installers can also take advantage of 180-degree phase adjustment to better match subwoofers if required. For optimum performance customers get a choice of 3 switchable modes-- normal, music of speech.