Friday, June 20, 2014

D-Link Extends Connected Home Offerings with Wi-Fi Motion Sensor and New App for Managing Devices

D-Link Extends Connected Home Offerings with
Wi-Fi Motion Sensor and New App for Managing Devices
 
New Wi-Fi Motion Sensor and Free mydlink™ Home Mobile App Work Seamlessly with
Wi-Fi Smart Plugs and Wi-Fi Cameras for a Complete DIY Connected Home Solution
 
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. – June 19, 2014 – D-Link today announced it is now shipping a new Wi-Fi Motion Sensor, the company’s latest addition to its line of Connected Home products designed to make ones’ home smarter and safer. The compact motion sensor plugs into an open power outlet and alerts users of activity at home with a push or text notification as soon as it detects motion. Whether you want to know when the kids get in from school, make sure the puppy goes outside during the day, or receive an alert when the garage door opens, the Wi-Fi Motion sensor makes it simple to stay aware of what’s happening at home.
 
D-Link today also announced the intuitive mydlink Home mobile app for iOS® and Android smartphones and tablets, providing instant control over D-Link® smart devices from anywhere, anytime. In addition to transforming a mobile device into a remote control for D-Link smart products, the free mobile app can also be used to pair D-Link smart devices together to truly automate a home. For example, easily pair a D-Link Smart Plug with a Wi-Fi Motion Sensor to make home electronics immediately react to motion, such as setting an action for the lights to turn on as you walk in the front door, another for a fan to keep the living room cool while you’re there, and another for music to play when you step on the treadmill.
 
“D-Link’s Wi-Fi Motion Sensor, along with Wi-Fi Smart Plugs and Wi-Fi Cameras, provide a complete Connected Home Solution that gives our customers the peace of mind that comes from knowing their home – and everything in it – is safe and sound while they’re away, ” said Daniel Kelley, vice president of marketing, D-Link Systems, Inc. “The ability to control devices remotely, automate electronics and get a quick view of what’s happening at home from virtually anywhere puts our customers in the driver’s seat of their home security solutions.”

D-Link’s Connected Home solutions truly simplify home automation and security. The mydlink Home app features an intuitive design that is easy to navigate and fun to use, and the Wi-Fi Motion Sensor uses a simple one-button installation – simply press the WPS button on the Motion Sensor and on the existing router to connect to a home network in minutes.
“Keeping your home safe and secure shouldn’t be difficult, nor should it cost an arm and a leg,” said Kelley.  “We’re excited to offer our customers a flexible, full-featured DIY home security solution that can be set up quickly and doesn’t require any monthly fees or subscriptions.”

More about the Wi-Fi Motion Sensor (DCH-S150):
·         Instant Alerts – Sends push or text notifications via the mydlink Home app when motion is detected
·         Pairs with Wi-Fi Smart Plugs – Works seamlessly with D-Link Wi-Fi Smart Plugs to turn devices on/off in response to motion
·         Compact Design – One-piece wall-plug design is compact and portable; no additional power cables required
·         Wi-Fi Protected Setup – Push button setup for easy connection to a wireless network
·         Wi-Fi Connectivity – Requires no additional hub or device, works with virtually any Wi-Fi network
·         Watch the Wi-Fi Motion Detection video here
 
More about the mydlink Home app:
·         Control – Turn connected devices on and off remotely from virtually anywhere
·         Schedule – Set simple schedules so devices turn on and off right when you want them to
·         Pair – Easily pair D-Link the Wi-Fi Motion sensor with a Wi-Fi Smart Plug to make devices respond to motion
·         Instant Notifications – Receive instant push or text notifications so you always know what is happening at home
·         Create personal rules – Turn events into actions and create a customized home experience.  Turn on a device or receive an alert when motion is detected or view your camera for additional peace of mind
·         Watch the mydlink Home app video here
 
Availability and Pricing
The mydlink Wi-Fi Motion Sensor (DCH-S150) will be available for $39.99 at Amazon.com, Bestbuy.com, Office Depot, OfficeMax and throughout D-Link’s vast network of retail and e-tail outlets. Detailed specifications are available online at www.dlink.com/dch-s150.
 
The free mydlink Home app will be available for download on the App Store and on Google Play.
 
About D-Link
D-Link is the global leader in connectivity for home, small business, mid- to large-sized enterprise environments, and service providers. An award-winning designer, developer, and manufacturer, D-Link implements and supports unified network solutions that integrate capabilities in switching, wireless, broadband, storage, IP Surveillance, and cloud-based network management. For more information visit www.dlink.com, or connect with D-Link on Facebook (www.facebook.com/dlink) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/dlink) or D-Link’s blog (http://blog.dlink.com/).
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Vivitek Qumi Q7 LED Pico Projector Review by Jeff Roy

Long gone are the days that projectors were only used for business, standard definition, and very bulky. Now, not only are they extremely portable and even high definition. They are also economical. They even work great for multimedia. Enter the Vivitek Qumi Q7. It is a pico LED powered 720p projector.

Features and specs:

Key features

  • Up to 800 ANSI lumens of brightness with a 30,000:1 contrast ratio
  • LED light source with up to 30,000 hours of operation
  • High definition (HD) resolution with large widescreen image projection up to 107”
  • Direct 3D and 2D-3D conversion through HDMI
  • Built-in MS Office® and Adobe™ PDF document viewer
  • Multimedia player for playback of audio, photo and video files
  • Embedded web browser* for surfing the Internet (*Wireless dongle required)
  • Ability to wirelessly* project video, photos, websites and more over a wireless LAN
  • MHL device compatibility for streaming of video and audio content from a compatible mobile device
  • USB slot and 4 GB of onboard memory for additional content and memory expansion


Native Resolution
WXGA (1280 x 800)
Brightness800 ANSI Lumens
Contrast Ratio30,000:1
Max. ResolutionUXGA (1600 x 1200) @60Hz
Native Aspect Ratio16:10
Lamp Life and Type30,000 Hours LED
Display TypeSingle chip DLP® Technology by Texas Instruments
Chip SizeDMD
Throw Ratio1.3 - 1.43 : 1
Image Size (Diagonal)29" - 107"
Projection Distance0.8 - 3 m
Zoom Ratio1.1x
Offset100%
Speakers2W x 2 (Stereo)
Video CompatibilitySDTV(480i, 576i), EDTV (480p, 576p), HDTV (720p, 1080i/p), NTSC (M, 3.58/4.43 MHz), PAL (B, D, G, H, I, M, N), SECAM (B, D, G, K, K1, L)
I/O Connection PortsVGA-In (15pin D-Sub), HDMI, Composite Video, Audio-In (RCA), Audio-Out (Mini-Jack), USB type A for Display(Frame display) and JPG reader(Photo: Jpeg / Video: Mpeg4,H.264)
Dimensions (W x D x H)238 x 180 x 40 mm
Weight1,4 kg
Noise Level33dB/38dB (Eco-Movie / Normal-User)
PowerSupply: AC 100-240V, 50/60Hz Consumption: 141W/120W (Normal/Eco Mode), <0 .5w="" mode="" tandby="" td="">
3D Ready(DLP link, PC+Video)Yes
2D->3DYes
WirelessYes
Remote Control P/N5041825100
Standard AccessoriesVGA Cable, HDMI Cable, HDMI-MHL Cable, User Manual (CD), Lens Cap, Carrying Case, Quick Start Guide, Warranty Card (by region), Remote Controller (with battery), AC Power Cord
Optional AccessoriesRemote Control P/N: 5041825100
WarrantyStandard Warranty: 3 years projector / 1 year on lamp or 1000 hours whichever comes first
UPC Code814964 338549 (W) 814964 338532 (B) 


The Vivitek Qumi Q7 came in a standard box with printed specs and pictures of the device. Also included was the user’s guide, remote, storage bag and multiple cables. Construction is mostly plastic. Quality of materials used as well as fit and finish seemed very good. It felt fairly solid in hand.

I liked its efficient design. Both of its sides were almost entirely vents, as well as over half of the front. This should provide very good ventilation and should also help with performance and give a longer life. On the back are all the connections for power, USB, multiple HDMI, VGA, composite, audio out, and IR.
On the top are all of the controls, including focus and zoom add to all of this the fact that it also uses LED so there is no lamp to worry about replacing. It even does 3D! I can’t help but to be eager to see how it performs! 

Although I admit I am a bit skeptical at it using DLP, as I am prone to seeing the rainbow effect.
Setting up the Vivitek Q7 was rather simple. It was just a matter of plugging in the HDMI and power cables. Following the on screen menus was simple enough. While it accepts 1080p signs, it was obviously not 1080p. But the WXGA native resolution did look good. It also wasn’t a light torch, but at 800 lumens it threw a decently bright image. While it is big for a pico projector, it is also significantly brighter than a typical pocket projector. 

Now it’s time to see how it actually performs. For an entry level projector, I was fairly impressed. If you are not looking for an overly bright image, you could go up to 100 inches. Overall the image was a tad soft. Skin tones looked natural. Resolution was good. Blacks looked pretty black. Shadow detail could be quite a bit better, but was sufficient at this price point. Out of the box, the image was a tad warm, but I was able to improve that with the settings. Color saturation was good without appearing to be over saturated. Using the focus wheel on the front of the projector took some time to get right. It was rather stiff, so it was easy to over shoot where you wanted to have it. I was able to get the focus right. Once focused, it had an ok sharp image, but not as sharp as I would like. Being made using DLP. I was able to see the occasional rainbow. But I am also sensitive to them. The fan is also fairly loud.



Overall the Vivitek Qumi Q7 is a good product. It is bright enough to throw a large image. While it does not support native 1080p, it will display blu-ray, and it can also do 3D. While the fan was also loud for a home theater projector, it’s size makes for easy portability. And the image did look good for its price point. And I love that it is LED, so there’s no need to worry about bulb life. With an MSRP of $999, it is fairly priced. Based on it’s design, features, quality, and performance, the Vivitek Qumi Q7 has earned our Value Award. For more info and complete specs, check out their website at www.vivitek.com.


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Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Denon® Announces Wireless Multi-Room-Sound with HEOS


Denon® Announces Wireless Multi-Room-Sound with
HEOS by Denon
A State-of-the-Art Wireless Audio System that Fills Any Room
with Great Sound from All Your Favorite Music Sources

Launch the app, Choose the room, Pick the songs, Share the Enjoyment with Denon audio quality- beautifully designed, easy-to-use speakers— users connect with an existing home Wi-Fi network to hear what they want, wherever they want


Mahwah, NJ (June 2, 2014) – Denon Electronics, a leading manufacturer of premium home and personal audio products, announces an exciting new wireless multi-room sound system, HEOS by Denon. Easily connect to an existing Wi-Fi network to bring Denon-quality audio to any—or all— rooms with a state-of-the-art smart device application available for both iOS and Android*. Through elegantly designed, compact wireless speakers, HEOS by Denon delivers favorite music from the world’s leading online music services including top cloud sources, “legacy” sources, and any smart device, to the room users want to hear the music they enjoy.  HEOS by Denon is expected to be available in late June at select Denon dealers and online. 

The HEOS by Denon product launch ncludes three stunning, wireless multi-zone music players (MSRP range from $299-$599). These incredible music players offer easy access to the most popular cloud music services and familiar Wi-Fi setup.  With a single app, users can control the whole home, available from iPhone and Android devices. An optional access point range extender will be available to improve or expand the users existing home wireless network (sold separately).

“HEOS by Denon represents the next evolution in products from Denon, a company that for over 100 years is still leading in sound quality, new technologies and innovative products that not only appeal, but anticipate what consumers are looking for,” said Brendon Stead, Denon’s vice president of product development. “The great-looking HEOS Multi-Room Wireless Speaker plays music contained on your smartphone. If you have more than one speaker, they can work as a multi-room system for your entire home. It’s the ideal audio set-up transferring Denon’s music experience to today’s busy consumer, allowing them to enjoy their favorite cloud music services to the fullest.”

The Denon Difference: What Makes HEOS by Denon Amaze Your World
SoundLet’s start with the sound, Denon’s premier audio quality. Denon brings over eight years of development combined with over 100 years of experience as a leader in audio innovation to the design of HEOS by Denon. Here’s why the new system’s sound quality stands alone:
 
·       Audiophile-level synchronization. The system is designed with new technology that makes for an incredible level of synchronization, a level even audiophiles can appreciate.
 
·       State-Of-the-Art audio DSP optimization. Denon partnered with Waves Audio, the world's leading developer of professional audio digital signal processing (DSP) technologies. The Denon Multi-Room-Sound will use embedded MaxxAudio® by Waves, a sophisticated sound enhancement suite customized to provide top-of-the-line sound quality for an optimized listening experience. 
·       Superior acoustic design. Denon’s audio expertise has evolved to meet the unique needs of today’s connected music consumer.
Easy to Use Open the box and HEOS by Denon comes to life with its simple, intuitive and well-designed whole home control via the Denon Controller app for iOS and Android. This makes it easy and convenient to set up and operate the players through frequently used wireless devices. Working with any existing home Wi-Fi network, the players connect effortlessly to a home network. Truly within minutes users can begin enjoying the sound of their favorite music filling the room—no Ethernet cable required.

The Wi-Fi connection is key to great playback and sound quality and Denon’s dual-band Wi-Fi uses modern Wi-Fi networks to their fullest advantage. The system integrates dual band 802.11n Wi-Fi to provide long range and bandwidth, giving you the freedom and flexibility to place your HEOS by Denon Multi-Room-Wireless Sound products anywhere in your home. The Denon system avoids common sources of interference from single-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth devices, microwave ovens, baby monitors and cordless phones.

If users need to overcome difficult Wi-Fi conditions created by poor Wi-Fi range or have a need to create a network for the first time, Denon offers a Range Extender. The HEOS Extend differs in that it strengthens the entire home network for all Wi-Fi devices.

Content and Playback Once set up, sit back and enjoy your experience with access to the world’s leading online music services. With USB, the HEOS by Denon Multi-Room-Wireless Sound system allows users to also stream music collections stored on a hard drive and thumb drive. Play content locally, to another Denon wireless speaker, or to all Denon wireless speakers with playback times that don’t miss a beat when it comes to responsiveness.

HEOS by Denon Multi-Room Wireless Sound System will follow up the initial product launch introduction with pre-amp/amp expansion products. The pre-amp and amplifier products will allow for functionality of legacy audio products. The amps drive passive speaker systems and give you the ability to create additional zones of audio. These are expected to be available in the months following the initial release and into 2015, and beyond. Products will be available at select Denon dealers and online at
Denon.com.

*A wireless home network is required.

About Denon ElectronicsDenon is a world leader in the manufacture of the highest-quality home theater, audio and software products. Denon is recognized internationally for innovative and groundbreaking products and has a long history of technical innovations, including the development and groundbreaking commercialization of pulse-code modulation (PCM) digital audio. Denon Electronics is owned by D+M Group. For more information visit www.usa.denon.com .

About D+M GroupD+M Group is a global company dedicated to enhancing life through inspired sound solutions delivered anytime, anywhere. With a strong belief that “Performance is everything,” D+M is focused on innovation to meet the needs of customers in an increasingly digital world. Serving the consumer, professional and automotive markets, D+M Group brands include Boston Acoustics®, Denon®, and Marantz®. D+M Group has approximately 1,500 employees worldwide, with products and services marketed in more than 45 countries. D+M Group is a Bain Capital portfolio company.

All product and brand names with a trademark symbol (except MaxxAudio which is a registered trademark of Waves Audio Ltd.)  are trademarks or registered trademarks of D+M Holdings, Inc. or its subsidiaries.

DISCLAIMERStatements in this news release that are not statements of historical fact include forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future financial performance of the company. We wish to caution you that such statements are just predictions and that actual events or results may differ materially. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties surrounding competitive and industry conditions, the ability to launch products on time and enable new features sets, market acceptance for the company's products, risks of litigation, technological changes, developing industry standards and other factors related to the company's businesses. The Company reserves all of its rights.   


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