ehome Netletter - edition January 2009

Netletter ehome - November 2008

ehome Congresses 2008 - Programs Online Now!!

Netletter ehome - August 2008

Netletter ehome - July 2008

ehome Team: Happy New Year - 2009

The ehome team would like to wish all exhibitors, congress participants and friends of the ehome a successful 2009. And besides that, we wish you all good health - where would we be without it? - a fun and interesting job and an enjoyable life. In the New Year, we will use NetLetter to keep you informed about activities and preparatory operations for ehome 2009, discussions and decisions from the ehome advisory board, and the latest developments in the areas of Home Networking, Building Automation, Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) and Energy Efficiency.

The next ehome is expected to take place October 6-8, 2010. The goal is for both events - belektro and ehome - to take place in parallel. If you would like additional information, or have questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact us at any time.

Your ehome Team

Living autonomously: The 2nd German AAL Congress 2009

Intelligent assistance systems based on electronics, micro-system technology and IT support are increasingly supporting people in their own individual environments. In the new research and application area “Ambient Assisted Living” (AAL), intelligent systems are being developed which enable people to live autonomously in their own homes and to better communicate with their social environment. The development of solutions to these accompanying social challenges presents an opportunity for the German economy. AAL products are custom-made to customers’ requirements and will find customers beyond Europe’s borders.

After the very successful kick-off congress in January 2008, the second German AAL congress (Jan 27-28, 2009) will place special emphasis on applications - Use Cases - in order to foster the development of custom-made and market-oriented products. The congress brings together developers, manufacturers, service providers, operators and users for an intensive exchange of opinions, information and knowledge via workshops and presentations. In addition to research & development, standardization, manufacturing, business models and best practice examples are in the foreground. Additional information is available here:
www.aal-deutschland.de.

German TV Platform – Symposium 2009 - Media Use and Technologies in Flux

Everyone is talking about digitalization. But the technology isn’t the only thing that is being transformed - user habits are undergoing radical change. Young users rely almost exclusively on the internet, and under the keyword “Assisted Living”, totally new applications and business segments are emerging in areas ranging from everyday life all the way to elder care. Taken together, they lead us to a new world of media with new program structures, content and applications. The German TV Platform will look into these topics at its next symposium, “Television - Lifestyle - MyMedia”, which takes place April 29, 2009, from 10am - 4.30pm in Mainz at the ZDF (Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen) studio.

At the one-day event, high-profile experts will provide information and discuss not only the classical media business, but also new market participants, e.g. from the Internet and telecommunications scene. In the morning, the focus will be the profound transformation of technologies and systems, including devices and networks, future standards and systems, developments, projects, strategies and visions. In the afternoon, attention will be directed towards changes in user behavior: How and why do today’s young people use digital media? What does media research have to say about it? Which utilization methods will the new area of “Assisted Living” feature? Which market and business models will address these methods?

With this range of topics, the German TV Platform offers its own members as well as external participants from the media business the opportunity to receive early, first-hand information about tomorrow’s trends. For more information, please see www.tv-plattform.de.Email: symp09@tv-plattform.de, Fax: 030/88 67 96 93.

LON: Recognized as International Standard

LON (Local Operating Network) is a field bus which can be used in building automation. LON has become the ISO/IEC standard. The technical committees (JTC 1) of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) have officially recognized the LON technology as ISO/IEC 14908, parts 1, 2, 3 and 4.

The European standard EN 14908 was taken over as the ISO/IEC 14908 Standard by the members of the Joint Technical Committee (JTC 1) of the ISO and IEC. This standard comprises the following parts:

• ISO/IEC 14908-1: Protocol Stack
• ISO/IEC 14908-2: Twisted Pair Communication
• ISO/IEC 14908-3: Power Line Channel Specification
• ISO/IEC 14908-4: IP Communication

First introduced in 1990, the LON control networking technology has been a worldwide embraced technology for control communications and has held European, American, and Chinese national standards designations for several years. In the US, it is standardized as ANSI/EIA-709.x and EIA-852, and in the European set of standards it is EN14908.

Now ISO/IEC has approved recognition of the standard to the highest level of international standards. This ratification will enhance the adoption and usage of this technology within the worldwide controls market, and, more specifically, in construction and real estate. While LON is also used in many other markets, such as outdoor lighting, transportation, utility, process control, and home automation, the majority of the over 100 million installed devices have been installed in or around building automation projects.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is the international federation for standardization organizations; the ISO develops international standards. In the areas of electrical equipment and electronics, it cooperates with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

LONMARK Deutschland e.V. is the interest group of all LON users and developers in German-speaking areas. Additional information (in English) is available at: www.lonmark.org.

Audio and Video in Home Networks - New Applications Based on the KNX Standard

In the kitchen, pop-music is coming out of the speakers, in the bathroom an Italian aria is playing and a Dr. Seuss story can be heard in the kids’ room. After only a few clicks on the computer or touch-panel, the desired music/sound can be heard in each room. Intelligent building systems technology based on the KNX standard provides variable control of multimedia technology throughout the entire home. According to a press release, KNX manufacturers are developing solutions for so-called multi-room systems which are becoming increasingly simple and convenient - for both the user as well as the installer.

Loudspeaker specialist WHD is making a name for itself with its KNX audio system. “When we introduced the KNX-controlled audio amplifier AMP 10DC, I knew that we’d discovered a market niche,” explained CEO Stefan Huber. The system is compatible with the touch-sensors from the KNX manufacturers’ switching programs and can be controlled via their touch panels and room control units.

The whole audio system consists of three components: The core is the audio actuator, which is installed in the KNX distributor box; two CAT-7 cables connect it with the pre-amplifier, which can be connected to up to eight audio sources. Power amplifiers are connected to the audio actuator’s four outlets; these fit in standard electrical sockets. WHD also offers speakers with an integrated amplifier. The system can be configured as either mono or stereo and is programmed with the ETS software from KNX. The leading manufacturers in electronic installation and building systems technology don’t offer their own audio or video systems; instead, they cooperate with well-known manufacturers, whose products can be integrated via an interface which operates on a principle similar to how the WHD audio system is integrated into the building control system.

For this purpose, Busch-Jaeger entered into a cooperative effort with Bang & Olufsen, the high-end provider of digital surround-sound technology. The Busch ComfortPanel has an infra-red interface with Bang & Olufsen’s Beo4 and Beo5 remote controls. In conjunction with the remote control, not only are all of the Bang & Olufsen video and audio applications available for use - at the same time, the remote can also be used to “magically” provide optimal mood lighting.

Gira is working with another provider of high-end audio and video solutions - the Swiss company Revox GmbH. With the help of a special module, the Revox audio system can be connected via the KNX standard. The multi-room system can be controlled by the Gira HomeServer via the corresponding interface. The HomeServer can also be used to universally control other audio and video systems via the corresponding interface. Those interested in the fruits of the cooperative effort with Revox can experience it live in the showrooms of Gira Revox Studios.

The Facility Pilot software, installed on the Facility Panel, is a control center developed by Albrecht Jung GmbH & Co. KG. This software enables hi-fi audio systems to be integrated into the building control system. Thanks to the defined interface in the Facility Pilot, any supported hi-fi audio system can be connected. Volume and song/title selection can be controlled independently via the individual room controllers.

Merten’s Internet-Controller from the merten@home series is another control option for audio and video products. Merten’s KNX Internet Controller IC1-V2 REG-K is a control device which enables access to the building control system via Smartphone, laptop or handheld device. Not only does this provide the ability to manage one’s choice of music from all over the world - up to eight web-cameras can also be connected to monitor the house.

The KNX audio and video solutions offer an abundance of options for technology enthusiasts and film freaks. Furthermore, the KNX standard provides numerous additional conveniences which make everyday life at home easier.

SMC: Wireless N Portal Announced

SMC Networks, a global provider of LAN hardware and broadband connectivity devices, has announced the launch of its Wireless N portal. This online reference point is designed to educate and promote the benefits of wireless connectivity in the home, SoHo (small or home offices) and the SME (small-to-middle sized business) environment.

The portal outlines the Wireless N standard, how it works and the advantages of wireless networking within the various spheres of IT deployment. Explained using simple terminology and visual diagrams, the portal is easily accessible for both the savvy technical engineer and the home user. The FAQs section on the portal breaks down any technical jargon and industry-wide standards in the realms of wireless technology.

“Due to the low costs, high speed and broad range of coverage and flexibility, wireless technology is the first choice for today’s small or home office,” said Heimo Adamski, SMC’S Regional Director of Central Europe. However, many users are not aware of the advantages and application spectrum. At the new portal, SMC specialists convey this expert knowledge in a user-friendly format and offer customers information about the latest developments.

Wireless connection provides low-cost, flexible networking without the need for expensive or intrusive cabling systems. The new SMC Wireless N portal outlines how the technology can be utilized in allowing desktop PCs and laptops to be accessed anywhere in the house or office. With high performance now comparable with wired connections, Wireless N is fast becoming the networking method of choice.

The portal can be reached at
wlan.smc.com. For additional information about SMC Networks, please see www.smc.com.

HomePlug: DVB-S-Receiver Uses Power Grid for Television Signal Transmission

Powerline specialist devolo AG is presenting the “world's first” DVB-S receiver that uses the power grid for satellite television signal transmission. The digital satellite receiver operates with the familiar HomePlug technology, sending the TV signal - without an antenna cable - from the satellite dish to every electrical outlet in the house, where it can then be viewed on a computer. devolo thus offers a solution for buildings which lack antenna wiring and provides DVB-S television free of stutter and in HD quality.

Digital satellite TV reception was previously only possible in those rooms where an antenna cable connection was available. The new dLAN TV Sat turns the computer into a second TV set for digital satellite reception. Without having to route antenna cables, you are now able to easily distribute a DVB-S signal in SDTV/HDTV quality via the building’s electrical wiring. The innovation consists of an HD-ready DVB-S2 receiver with an integrated dLAN 200 AV adapter, which feeds the DVB-S signal into the main power supply. The television program can be received at any power socket in the house using another dLAN 200 AV adapter; the program is then displayed on a computer or on a conventional LCD TV. The high data rate of 200 Mbps and integrated quality mechanisms ensure consistently high reception quality and stutter-free transmission.

The installation of the dLAN TV Sat is extremely easy. The dLAN TV Sat is placed near the satellite dish and directly connected to the LNB or a multi-switch via the coaxial connection, and then it is connected to the main power supply via a power outlet. Alternatively, you can also connect the device to an antenna cable connection in rooms which have such a connection. The DVB-S signal is retrieved from the power grid at any power outlet in the building using a second dLAN adapter and can be viewed on a connected computer. The user is thus given the freedom to choose: The satellite signal can be accessed at every power outlet. A further advantage is the time-shifting function: An integrated EPG (Electronic Program Guide) allows you to conveniently record TV programs on the hard drive. You can also enjoy high-quality audio thanks to Dolby Surround sound (AC3) support. The dLAN TV Sat is delivered with a remote control and an infra-red receiver so that you will not have to forgo the convenience of a conventional television set. For additional information, please see www.devolo.com

Lancom: VPN Router with 11n WLAN for Economical Branch-Office Networking

The DSL wireless LAN router LANCOM 1811n Wireless completes the comprehensive range of Virtual Private Network (VPN) products from LANCOM Systems. Along with DSL and ISDN for WAN access, the router features an integrated VPN gateway and an extensive range of security functions. Local networking is facilitated by a 4-port switch and 802.11n-compliant wireless LAN, which offers greatly improved signal coverage and longer ranges in comparison to previous WLAN standards.

Companies that need to connect with smaller branches or home offices over VPN can reap the most benefits from the router. Such locations can often be entirely networked by means of WLAN thanks to the long ranges available from the 11n radio module; no infrastructure other than the LANCOM 1811n is required at the remote site. Should additional infrastructure be required, the router simultaneously performs the function of a switch. The integrated USB 2.0 host port functions as a printer server.

The WLAN module in the LANCOM 1811n Wireless supports IEEE 802.11a/b/g/h and n; it transmits using the 2.4G-Hz band, or alternatively, it can use the 5-GHz band, which is significantly less congested. Standard equipment includes a comprehensive range of security features, such as fully functional IEEE 802.11i with WPA2 and AES encryption, and 802.1x/EAP (WPA Enterprise).

The LANCOM 1811n Wireless provides 5 VPN channels as standard. An add-on option provides an upgrade to 25 channels and activates an additional hardware accelerator. WAN connections are supported via any xDSL modem with an Ethernet connector or, for backup purposes, via ISDN. Furthermore, up to three additional switch ports can be reconfigured as WAN ports, enabling load balancing with up to four WAN interfaces.

Like all LANCOM WLAN routers, the LANCOM 1811n Wireless offers remote configuration and management capability. Furthermore, the wireless LAN radio module can be fully controlled via a LANCOM wireless LAN Controller/wireless switch, including 24/7 monitoring of security policies and quality of service guidelines. This means that there is no need for IT expertise at the branch office. For additional information, please see: www.lancom-systems.com.

Study from Pew Internet: Internet Use in 2020 Will Be Mostly Mobile

“The Future of the Internet III” is the title of a study from the Pew Internet and American Life Project. The most important result: In 2020, the mobile device will be the primary connection tool to the Internet for most people in the world. At any rate, around 80% of the people surveyed believe that Smartphones will be the preferred device for Internet access in 2020. Additional results:

• The transparency of people and organizations will increase, but that will not necessarily yield more personal integrity, social tolerance, or forgiveness.
• Voice recognition and touch user-interfaces with the internet will be more prevalent and accepted by 2020.
• Those working to enforce intellectual property law and copyright protection will remain in a continuing “arms race” with the “crackers” who will find ways to copy and share content without payment.
• The divisions between personal time and work time, and between physical and virtual reality, will be further erased for everyone who is connected, and the results will be mixed in their impact on basic social relations.
• “Next-generation” engineering of the network to improve the current Internet architecture is more likely than an effort to rebuild the architecture from scratch.

The study is based on a survey from Pew Internet and Elon University. Over 1,000 people were surveyed, including nearly 600 leading IT experts. A large consensus - 75% of those surveyed - believe that the Internet will be improved by new technologies, but that no “successor” to the Internet will emerge. For additional information, please see:
www.pewinternet.org.