Westport, Fairfield, Greenwich

What is a smart TV? It’s marketing-speak for a networkable TV that grants you access to Web services like video- and music-on-demand, games, news, sports, and anything else an app developer can think up. Most smart TVs can also access personal media files streamed from a computer or handheld device, to enjoy on the big screen. Web functionality used to be a feature reserved for the top models in a company’s TV line, but it has slowly trickled down to a point where, this year, you’re likely to see some type of Web platform even in a company’s lower-tier lines. Now that these Web platforms are practically ubiquitous, the big push is to refine the platforms–to offer smarter services and apps, as well as smarter ways to tie all the different pieces together in a user-friendly package.

A Smarter Experience
Multitasking was a buzzword at CES. Thanks to the use of more robust dual-core processors, some 2012 HDTVs will allow you to multitask, meaning that you don’t have to quit one app before you launch another–as is the case with most current smart-TV platforms. We’re now being promised an experience similar to what we’re accustomed to in the computer realm, where you can jump quickly and easily between applications.

Most of the big-name manufacturers have either slightly tweaked or thoroughly revamped their Web platform to provide a cleaner, more intuitive interface with better search capabilities across the different content options (TV, on-demand, and personal media). Sharp has completely redesigned its AQUOS Web platform, and Toshiba will launch its new MediaGuide interface, which uses Rovi technology to offer in-depth content info, personalized searches, and other advanced features. MediaGuide will be offered on top-shelf Toshiba lines like the L6200 and L7200 Series.

What’s a consumer electronics event without talk of the cloud? Panasonic’s VIERA Connect platform is moving to a cloud-based architecture that will allow for the addition of unlimited new apps, while Samsung’s AllShare Play service will now offer Web storage so that users can upload and share content between all of their connected devices, including TVs, smartphones, laptops, and cameras.

Not surprisingly, a smarter TV needs smarter, more interactive apps, and there were a few of those on display, as well. Samsung will be the first TV manufacturer to add Angry Birds directly to its TVs. Samsung also showed off a new Fitness program that allows users to connect a TV and smartphone to track fitness regimens and goals; you can even connect a WiFi-enabled scale and even use the TV’s built-in camera as a virtual mirror. Samsung’s Family Story makes it easier for family members to share photos, videos, and memos across devices, like the TV, cell phone, and computer. Samsung and Panasonic also debuted new kid-friendly interactive content; Panasonic has partnered with Disney to provide interactive storybooks.

As an admitted TV addict, I was particularly interested in Panasonic’s announced partnership with MySpace to bring the MySpace TV app to Panasonic TVs later this year. Panasonic already offers a Social Networking TV app that allows you to simultaneously watch live TV while accessing Facebook and Twitter (and will add a similar function for Skype this year). MySpace TV takes that idea even further, more thoroughly integrating the live-TV and social-networking experiences to allow friends and families to enjoy shared, real-time entertainment channels across multiple platforms (TV, phone, computer, etc.). The service will put a large emphasis on music and music videos during the early-goings but is expected to branch out into other areas like sports, news, and reality TV programming.

Smarter Control
Let’s face it: The smarter the TV gets, the dumber a traditional remote control seems. As part of the goal to improve the overall user experience, manufacturers are experimenting with creative ways to navigate and control the TV. LG’s motion-controlled Magic Remote has been available for a couple of years; this year, the remote adds a microphone and voice-recognition mode for easier text input, and gesture control will also be available in higher-end models. Likewise, Samsung’s premium TVs will feature “Smart Interaction” technology that combines motion control, voice control, and face recognition.

Smarter control also demands smarter integration with peripheral devices, like a smartphone or tablet. Most of the major TV manufacturers offer a remote-control app for your phone or tablet, and wisely most of them now include a virtual keyboard for easier text input. For those who don’t own a smartphone or tablet, consider a TV that supports the addition of a wireless keyboard.

Look for the ability to throw or push content from a computer, tablet, or phone to your TV, and vice versa. Some LG TVs will incorporate Intel’s Wireless Display (WiDi) technology, which allows you to directly connect your TV and PC without Internet access or cables, and the new Screen Share function in LG’s Smart Share Plus system lets you stream TV content to an external device over WiFi. Samsung, meanwhile, offers an app called SwipeIt that allows you to throw videos and photos from your iOS or Android device to your Samsung networkable TV. Panasonic demoed a similar function that will be part of its new VIERA Remote App version 2.0.

Perhaps the smartest claim of all comes from Samsung, which is calling its 2012 smart TVs “futureproof”–thanks to the development of Smart Evolution kits that can be inserted into an expansion slot on the TV’s connection panel to incorporate new technologies down the road. Now, I think we all know there’s no such thing as “futureproof” in this industry, but the Smart Evolution kit is still an intriguing concept that can help prolong your TV’s relevancy when this year’s smarter smart TV become next year’s smartest smart TV.

The Control4^® 7″ Portable Touch Screen with Camera delivers always-on, dedicated system control in a sleek tablet form-factor that works as a portable or a tabletop touch screen for ultimate control and flexibility. The 7″ Portable features full-motion video intercom and the fidelity of wide band audio intercom for crystal-clear communications and control throughout a home or business. Intercom is optional and may be activated with the purchase of an Intercom License.

• Easily configured as a true portable or as a tethered tabletop for flexible installation.

• Integrated camera with full-motion video for high-quality video communications with Door Station with Camera and 7″ In-Wall Touch Screen with Camera.

• Integrated speakers and dual microphones with beam forming and G.722 wide band audio for uncompromised high-fidelity sound.

• Audio intercom integration with the following in-wall touch screens: 5” In-Wall Touch Screen;  7” In-Wall Touch Screen.

• Full-color, capacitive LCD touch screen control along with 4 hard programmable buttons offers convenient fingertip control.

• Wired and wireless connections through Wireless-N, ZigBee, and 10/100 Ethernet.

• Flexible power options with AC power supply adapter, Power over Ethernet (PoE) or internal battery.

One of the main reasons that 3D hasn’t taken off is the lack of content. Well, Samsung is certainly doing its part. The company just announced availability of YouTube 3D for its customers.

Samsung’s original announcement says that the service will add the option to view thousands of 3D videos with 720p HD quality.

Smart TV users in North America, the UK and Japan should now have access to YouTube 3D. Just look for an update in Samsung’s Smart TV app portal.

Please come and experience our 3D Surround Sound system, play multi-room music, see high definition surveillance cameras, and finally experience Smart Home technology.

Call or email today for appointment!

Home energy monitoring software companyEragy has made a free app available forControl4 home control system users.

The Watts on Now! software provides a simple user interface that shows the amount of energy being used on the network. Users can see the cost per hour, easy-to-understand month-to-date costs and estimates—as well as use the system to turn devices like lights on and off.

A paid version of Watts on Now! can monitor whole-house energy use with the addition of a power sensor such as TED 5000 series or eGauge. Eragy says that Watt’s on Now!, coupled with a compatible in-home power sensor, enables homeowners to save up to 20 percent or more off their monthly electric bills.

Paid version users also have access to a web portal and their energy histories. They can monitor their energy usage from their TV screen, iPad, Control4 touchscreen or web browser. Smartphone users can access their energy info from the phone’s web browser. Specific apps for smartphones are planned.

Not every home system is all about the iPad.Control4 makes adding that portable into the home an option. However, for people that want that iPad style in a dedicated home control, there’s the Control4 7-inch Portable Touch Screen.

This newly announced full-color LCD panel offers two-way control and navigation around any Control4 system. The touchscreen has that sleek look that homeowners want in a portable, but dedicated Control4 functionality that isn’t available in any other tablet device.

One of those unique features can be found in the panel’s four programmable buttons, which provide instant access to favorite control features. Tap the screen to get a peek at the home’s subsystems, such as lighting, music and security, as well as Flash-based apps for energy monitoring, streaming music, door locks, and more.

The Portable comes packing a rechargeable battery and a tabletop charging station. That charging station is perfect for the nightstand, an end table, or the kitchen counter. When you want to roam, Control4 says that the tablet has a decent wireless range. In other words, you should be able to take a nice stroll in the backyard, and still have complete control over the entire system.

Control4 also makes intercom functionality an option on this touchscreen, via a $399 license activation. This feature allows room-to-room conversations, privacy features, and more.

Why should iPhones® have all the fun? With the Wirepath™ Surveillance DVR App for Android, we’ve made it easier than ever to view and control your DVR and cameras from anywhere in the world – watch live video, search/playback recordings, even take a screen capture. All from the palm of your hand! And while some other guys charge for the “privilege” of remote access, we give it to you… for free.

With the Wirepath™ Surveillance DVR App for iPhone®/iPad®*/iPod® Touch, peace of mind comes standard. We’ve made it easier than ever to view and control your DVR and cameras from anywhere in the world – watch live video, search/playback recordings, even take a screen capture. All from the palm of your hand! And while some other guys charge for the “privilege” of remote access, we give it to you… for free.

Strong™ Fixed Mount for iPad & iPad 2 with 90 Degree Rotation (Black)

The Strong™ SM-PAD-ART1 gives maximum flexibility for wall mounting an iPad or iPad2. Place it in a corner. Under cabinetry. Or both! Whether you’re using it as a whole-home controller, multimedia station or commercial kiosk – the articulating mechanism lets you get creative to deliver the best looking solution, with the capability to position the screen at nearly any angle.

Strong™ Stand Mount for iPad & iPad 2 with 90 Degree Rotation (Black)

The Strong™ SM-PAD-STAND will keep your iPad standing stable and proud for easy table-top use. Smooth rotation makes easy to use in both portrait and landscape modes, making it the perfect accessory for desk, bar, and boardroom applications.

More iPad & iPad2 mounts available. Please contact us for more information.

Control4 home automation solutions let you easily manage your security system, lights, home entertainment, thermostat and various other electronics…from your iPad!

Please go to our Videos section on the left to see a live demo!

Control4 Home Screen on iPad app.

Dimming your lights, and executing lighting scenes.

Selecting music for the whole house music system.