Jason Bradbury: DIY Smart Home Video Series
By Alexander Grundner |
June 15th, 2005
Comments (0)
Jason Bradbury, a UK TV personality and all around gadget hound, dropped us a line informing us that he has posted a three part video series titled “DIY Smart Home,” which he originally used as part of on-stage presentation at Grand Designs Live. Initial reaction: the videos are very well produced and entertaining (something for everyone), although he does note that they’re geared towards a non-techie audience. In any case, definitely worth a look – we’ll see if we can convince Jason to produce some videos for eHomeUpgrade.
Part 1: DIY Smart Home – Wi-Fi
- DSL-G604T: Wireless ADSL Router. Up to 54Mbps.
- DSM-320: 54Mbps Wireless Media Player More image formats than you can shake a remote at, delivered to any TV or Hi Fi within your wireless network’s range. It found my network out of the box and with a bit of jiggery pockery it recognised all of my image formats, audio and a good chunk of my video.
- DSL-G604T: Wireless ADSL Router. Up to 54Mbps.
- ANT24-0801: 8.5 dBi Directional Indoor/Outdoor Patch Antenna
- ANT24-0700: 7dBi High Gain Omni-Directional Antenna 7dBi. It features a sassy little magnetic base and can be desk or wall mounted for 360 degree coverage
- DSM-320: 54Mbps Wireless Media Player More image formats than you can shake a remote at, delivered to any TV or Hi Fi within your wireless network’s range. It found my network out of the box and with a bit of jiggery pockery it recognised all of my image formats, audio and a good chunk of my video.
- ANT24-0801: 8.5 dBi Directional Indoor/Outdoor Antenna. Perhaps the most specialist piece of kit featured here. It’s intended for point to point communications of up to half a mile (how cool is that?) but I found the 0801 boosted my internal home network just fine (a bit like using a Ferrari to go shopping but there you are.) When I get the chance I shall plant this antenna on my roof for the ultimate house to garden shed Wi-Fi experience
- ANT24-0700: 7dBi High Gain Omni-Directional Antenna 7dBi. It features a sassy little magnetic base and can be desk or wall mounted for 360 degree coverage. This is the perfect solution for those of you with home Wi-Fi niggles.
- DCS-5300W: Pan/Tilt Internet Camera. One of the highlights of my D-Link delivery, and every bit as fun as it suggests on the box.
- DCS-2100+: 22Mbps Wireless Internet / Security Camera. For a low cost security camera solution, you should consider the 2100+. Both it and the 5300W can be accessed from anywhere on the planet after a five minute install procedure.
Part 2: DIY Smart Home – X10
- TM13U Transceiver Module. Reacts to radio signals from Remote Controls, Wireless Switches and Wireless Sensors, converting any inputs to X-10 signals over your house’s mains circuit.
- KR22E Key fob Remote. Can control up to four appliances/lights with dimmer functionality.
- SS13E Stick-a-Switch. Elegant X10 interface that you can stick anywhere. Works just like the Key fob Remote.
- MS13E2 EagleEye PIR Motion Detector. This battery operated Passive Infrared Receiver registers your presence and sends a wireless radio signal to your TM13U transceiver; use it to turn on a light; set up computer sequences, you name it.
- LM12U Lamp Module. Plug & play X10 Lamp Controller
- LW10U Wall Dimmer. Same as the Lamp Module but replaces your standard light switch.
- CM11U X10 PC interface. When used in conjunction with Harmony software it enables you to control, schedule and ‘macro’ all of the above (and more, lots more) via your PC and any wireless PC on your network. And yes, that means total control over your home automation devices from anywhere with an internet connection. As easy to install and get up and running as a digital camera.
- Harmony 5 Professional with Harmony Announcer text to voice plug-in.
Part 3: DIY Smart Home – Media Center
- Windows Media Center 2005
- Elonex Artisan LX set-top MCE PC
- Elonex Lumina 32” LCD/Media Center PC
Android – 1 day 12 hours ago