Smarthome & Home Theaters News and Events

Maytag Dishwasher Fire Danger

WASHINGTON - Maytag Corp. is recalling about 1.7 million dishwashers because of a fire hazard.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission, which announced the recall Thursday, says the company has received 12 reports of electrical failures in the dishwasher heating element that led to fires and damage.

One kitchen fire caused extensive damage, the agency said. No injuries have been reported.

The recall includes Maytag, Amana, Jenn-Air, Admiral, Magic Chef, Performa by Maytag and Crosley brand dishwashers with plastic tubs. The recalled dishwashers were made with black, bisque, white, silver and stainless steel front panels and sold at department and appliance stores nationwide from February 2006 through April 2010. They cost between $250 and $900.

CPSC advises consumers to immediately stop using the recalled dishwashers and disconnect the electric supply by shutting off the fuse or circuit breaker controlling it.

Consumers can schedule a free in-home repair or receive a rebate of $150 or $250 toward the purchase of select new Maytag dishwashers. The amount of the rebate depends on the type of model to be purchased.

More information on the numerous serial numbers involved in the recall can be found at the company's website or the website for the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Cablevision Service Changes - Newsletter

Dear Jared,

** IMPORTANT INFO regarding Cablevision Service **

Starting May 6, 2010

Cablevision will require all TV's to have a cable box. If you have a TV in your home without a cable box IT WILL STOP WORKING by June 22, 2010.

Cablevision Update

We can install your cable box for you BEFORE the cut off date May 6th so that you can enjoy your TV without interruption. Simple or complex installations, Smarthome and Theater can make this transition easy for you.

We are already booking appointments in advance. Call us today to schedule an appointment. Feel free to forward this warning to any of your friends that have Cablevision service.

Click HERE to schedule your update

Thank you for taking the time to read our emails. We appreciate this opportunity and the chance to serve you in the future.

Sincerely,

Jared O'Mara

97 Buckingham Ave

Milford, Connecticut 06460

Smarthome & Theaters Systems

203-659-4734

Crestron iServer Network Audio Server Using Apple iPod

Our 3rd article about Crestron control of Apple Products. Check out our News and Events page to see the other articles (plus articles on other subjects).

The iServer from Crestron(R) provides a very practical and cost-effective network audio server solution utilizing the popular Apple(R) iPod(R) as its engine. Designed for shelf or rack mount installation, the Crestron iServer provides a permanent housing for the iPod, adding high-speed Ethernet connectivity to enable full integration with a Crestron control system while still allowing syncing with iTunes(R) software.

The Crestron iServer uses the latest Apple authentication chip, enabling high speed music library browsing and compatibility with the latest Apple products and features. The chip supports 6th generation (and later) iPod classic(R), and late model iPod nano(R), iPhone(R), and iPod touch(R).

Touchpanel Control
Integrating the iPod with your Crestron system enables full control and navigation using touchpanels, APADs, keypads, computers, and handheld remotes anywhere throughout a residence or office. From any touchpanel, you can search the entire iPod library by genre, artist, album and track, and even view album cover art.

Sync to iTunes(R) over Ethernet
Using USB-over-IP technology and Crestron Sync, the Crestron iServer allows the iPod to connect with any networked computer running Apple iTunes software without ever having to undock it from the iServer. Syncing the iPod to iTunes works the same as if it were hooked up with a USB cable, affording full capabilities for organizing and transferring your music and video files, podcasts, audio books, and playlists anytime you want.

Simple Setup
Mounting the iPod device into the iServer is as simple as placing it in the front panel docking bay and connecting the docking cable. Once mounted in the iServer, the iPod becomes a permanent component of your entertainment system, although it is easily swapped out at any time to allow for upgrade or repair.

Adagio(R) Plug-and-Play
The Crestron iServer affords easy plug-and-play setup as part of a complete Adagio system. Without any programming, Adagio delivers full access and control of the iServer from every room.

Audio and Video Distribution
Buffered outputs on the rear of the iServer enable audio and video signals to be fed from the iPod to your home theater or multiroom distribution system. Discrete composite and component video outputs are included. Both unbalanced and Crestron "CH" CAT5 balanced connections are provided for total compatibility with Adagio(R) and Crestron Home(R) systems, as well as with conventional equipment.

Smarthome & Theater Systems is a dealer for PowerDynamics eMonitor. We install primarily in the state of Connecticut. We cover the entire state from the greenwich, darien, westport, fairfield area up north to farmington, west hartford, glastonbury area and up the shoreline to branford, guilford, madison and clinton. We have traveled as far as the litchfield hills, marlborough and near the casino at montville.

Check out what we can do for you. Contact us: 203-659-4734.

Whole Home Energy Management w/ Internet Dashboard

How Can I Reduce My Energy Usage? How Can I Stop Wasting Energy? Check out the very latest in Energy Monitoring.

PowerHouse Dynamics has created the ultimate in affordable home energy management. PowerHouse's eMonitor(tm) requires no wiring and can be installed and configured so that you are up and running in under an hour. It's highly graphical and intuitive web-based interface will begin providing valuable information almost instantly. And, with the eMonitor doing the monitoring and delivering proactive alerts, you stay on top of critical events without having to continuously log into the system.

Did we mention, with the eMonitor you will stop wasting money on your energy bills?

With The eMonitor by Powerhouse Dynamics you will know - in real time - how much energy every appliance in your house is using, how much electricity is being produced by the solar panels on your roof, and how much power it took to charge your electric car last night.

With this system you'll receive a text alert when your power goes off at home, or your iron was left on. And even when you are away from home you can turn it off with your smart phone, or adjust your heating or air conditioning.

Imagine a day when you have Total Home Energy Management. You'll not only save money on energy, but you'll have peace of mind about your home.

And, just as important, you'll be doing your part to create a greener planet.

Total Home Energy Management(tm)

PowerHouse dynamics is building a Total Home Energy Management solution that lets you manage all uses - and sources - of energy in your home. Total Home Energy Management:

Starts with real-time monitoring at the right level: every circuit in the home plus
selected individual outlets.
Continues with targeted suggestions for reducing energy use and
leveraging renewable energy.
Enables you to control your thermostat and other devices to maximize
comfort while reducing costs.
Adds ongoing alerts about appliance or PV problems, unusual usage,
overloaded circuits, energy bills to-date and more.
Provides you the ability to see how your actions impact your carbon footprint -
and how you compare with others.

Easy to Install, Easy to Use, Easy on The Wallet

Check out this video where the eMonitor was featured on Ask This Old House. The eMonitor section starts around 2:30 if you want to jump ahead to the good stuff.

What new rules take effect from CARD act?

The changes due to the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act (CARD) are aimed at protecting cardholders from "any time any reason" punitive rate increases on existing balances and changing the formula for calculating monthly interest payments.

Here are a few of CARD's new regulations and how they protect consumers:

Overpayments Go Toward Highest Interest Balances: If the card holder has varied interest rates for different services or accounts, any overpayments must be applied to the account that is incurring the highest interest rate.

Cardholder Opt-Out: If there are significant changes made to the terms of the account, card holders can choose to reject those changes and will have five years to pay off the balance under the original terms.
More Notice for New Interest Rate Changes: Card issuers must give card holders 45-days advance notice in the event of an interest rate increase. Additionally, promotional rates must apply for at least six months and, unless disclosed up front, card holders cannot have their rate increased in the first year.

Older Age Restrictions Added: Card issuers are no longer allowed to issue a credit card to anyone under 21 unless they can prove they have the means to repay debt or if an adult over 21 co-signs on the account. Credit card companies also face new restrictions on how they can promote cards to college students and can no longer offer free gifts as enticements on campuses.

New Rules for Monthly Statements: In response to complaints that bill due dates were being moved up-and leading to increased late fees-monthly statements must now be mailed or delivered 21 days prior to the due date. Additionally, card issuers can no longer set a payment deadline before 5 p.m. and cannot charge card holders if they pay online, over the phone or by mail-unless the payment is made over the phone either on the due date or the previous day.

Smarthome & Theater Systems works primarily in the state of Connecticut. We cover the entire state from the greenwich, darien, westport, fairfield area up north to farmington, west hartford, glastonbury area and up the shoreline to branford, guilford, madison and clinton. We have traveled as far as the litchfield hills, marlborough and near the casino at montville.

Check out what we can do for you. Contact us: 203-659-4734. We Offer Consumer Financing Thru GE Money

Can Apple iPad be used as a Crestron Touchpanel?

Crestron eNews Extra - February 18, 2010

The Apple iPad will revolutionize the home control industry. Experience the Web, check email, view photos and video, iTunes, iPod and all those apps. Now you can add 'Control Your Home' to that list. The iPad becomes the least expensive wireless touchscreen control for Crestron systems.

The hot new Apple (R) iPad is a full 2-way Crestron (R) touchpanel - available the same day it ships from Apple. Immediately take advantage of the free Crestron Mobile� app (currently available from iTunes (R)) to transform your iPad into a complete home automation touchpanel, or use the Crestron Mobile Pro� app to turn the iPad into a entirely customized user interface while enjoying the sleek, stylish Apple look, right from day one.

The iPad connects to the Crestron controller via WiFi or 3G network the same way the iPhone (R) or iPod touch (R) does today. Simply add complete Crestron control to any room in the home, or take advantage of the 3G iPad for control anywhere, whether in the car, on vacation or at the office.

Use existing Crestron software tools to create GUI designs and seamlessly integrate with any Crestron control system, including Prodigy®. Use the vast library of free Crestron graphics or produce custom images desired. Browse, select and play songs and movies; control lights and adjust temperature, all from the iPad.

Crestron is committed to offering great solutions for integrating Apple products into the home. Create touchpanel interfaces with XPanel for Mac® to take full Crestron control from any iMac (R) or MacBook (R). Convert your iPod (R) into a Crestron controlled media server using the Crestron Interface for Apple iPod (CEN-IDOCV), Crestron iServer (TM) (CEN-ISERVER) or the Prodigy (R) Interface for Apple iPod (P-IDOCV). Crestron Mobile (TM) lets you use the iPad, as well as iPhone and iPod touch, to take complete control of any system, anywhere.

Crestron Integrates with many Apple Products. Come back often to read more articles about the way Crestron and Apple make you entire home easier to use.

Smarthome & Theater Systems works primarily in the state of Connecticut. We cover the entire state from the greenwich, darien, westport, fairfield area up north to farmington, west hartford, glastonbury area and up the shoreline to branford, guilford, madison and clinton. We have traveled as far as the litchfield hills, marlborough and near the casino at montville.

Check out what we can do for you. Contact us: 203-659-4734.

Save on Your Electric Bill. Reduce your energy costs.

Energy Savings From Smarthome

Having trouble viewing this email?Click here

Once I enroll, when will I see savings?

Signing up is easy, all you need is a copy of your electric bill. You will need some of the basic information to fill out the simple enrollment form. Once you complete the enrollment form, your information is submitted to your utility to notify them that you have switched your generation provider. On your next meter read date, the switch goes into effect. You will notice the savings on your bill once you have gone through one meter read cycle.

What's the "Catch"?

There is no catch. Connecticut along with many other states is deregulated for electricity generation. You can choose who you buy your electricity from. You have no loss of service, you still get one bill, you still call the utility if you have a power outage. The only difference is when you get your bill the price you pay for the generation portion of your bill is lower.

Smarthome Has Partnered to Bring You Savings on Your Electricity!

Dear Jared,

The Crew at Smarthome & Theater continue to bring you the best in Home Theater technology, Lighting Control and Home Automation. Along with those ways to save energy and natural resources, we now offer you another way to save up to 20% on the Cost of Your Electricity!

Calculate Residential Savings

The Choice is Yours! You will still receive your electric bill from CL&P or UI, but you won't have to pay their rate anymore. CL&P and UI will still provide you with maintenance, read your meter, and handle any emergency service calls. Discount Power will provide your energy generation. This means you get high quality service at a very low price.

Smarthome & Theater remains your technology partner and we are pleased to bring you cost savings on the electricity that you use everyday. Once you take advantage of the savings, pass this along to your friends and family. As always we appreciate you taking the time to read our newsletter.

Sincerely,

Jared O'Mara
Smarthome & Theater Systems

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Does Crestron allow webpage control for Apple Mac?

Apple Mac users can now enjoy remote, virtual touchpanel control of their home, business or classroom.

"XPanel was built on the industry's first IP-based control technology, which Crestron developed more than 10 years ago," said Vincent Bruno, Crestron Director of Marketing. "Originally designed for PCs, we are now pleased to offer the same capabilities to Mac users, particularly in schools and residences where Macs are in frequent use."

Check out what we can do for you. Visit our website: www.iwantatheater.com

Now available, Crestron XPanel for Mac®enables system managers and end users to access and control Crestron systems from any connected Mac computer or laptop. XPanel for Mac transforms an iMac® or MacBook® into a virtual touchpanel, and is a great complement to other Apple® productsthat are integrated with Crestron, including the iPhone®, iPod® and iPod touch®. For all Crestron dealers and partners, XPanel for Mac is a free application available for download from the Crestron website.

XPanel for Mac replicates the Crestron touchpanel experience on a computer screen, so a client can remotely check to see if lights were left on and turn them off, or arm/disarm the security system from any location. System managers can take control of a classroom and help an instructor get a presentation up and running quickly, without physically going to the room.

Smarthome & Theater Systems works primarily in the state of Connecticut. We cover the entire state from the greenwich, darien, westport, fairfield area up north to farmington, west hartford, glastonbury area and up the shoreline to branford, guilford, madison and clinton. We have traveled as far as the litchfield hills, marlborough and near the casino at montville.

Check out what we can do for you. Visit our website: www.iwantatheater.com

How does CARD act affect consumer financing? What are the CARD act new regulations?

Want to finance your home theater? Visit our website: www.iwantatheater.com

What are the new regulations?

Disclosure language on credit terms, sales slips,
OFPs (promotion disclosures) have changed.

"No Payments" promotions go away
(promotions without monthly payments).

"Less Than Six Months" promotions go away
(promotions like "90-Days").

Advertising promotions need additional headline
disclosure content.

Minors or students under 21 require paper
application or GE online applications.

Monthly income must be considered and entered on all applications.

Advertising credit with tangible incentives targeted to students on, near or at an event sponsored by an institution of higher education is prohibited.

Advertising "With Payment" promotions in print or on the Internet have new requirements that impact disclosure content and design layout.

Even with these new changes to consumer financing we continue to offer ways to finance your purchases. Please contact us to find out how we can help or to receive an application for credit.

Smarthome & Theater Systems works primarily in the state of Connecticut. We cover the entire state from the greenwich, darien, westport, fairfield area up north to farmington, west hartford, glastonbury area and up the shoreline to branford, guilford, madison and clinton. We have traveled as far as the litchfield hills, marlborough and near the casino at montville.

Check out what we can do for you. Visit our website: www.iwantatheater.com

How does the CARD act impact me? How does CARD act affect consumer financing

In May 2009, President Obama signed the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of
2009, sweeping credit card reform legislation that marks the most significant changes in industry
history. This new law will change card practices and business models, reshaping the way consumers
have access to and use their credit cards.

Want to finance your home theater system? Contact us: www.iwantatheater.com

Changes in Interest Rates

Prevents interest rate increases and universal default on existing balances � the repricing of interest rates on previously borrowed money has essentially been eliminated;

Prevents rate increases within the first year after a card has been opened and requirespromotional rates to last at least six months � this locks in the terms on card borrowing for a longer period of time;

Prohibits double-cycle billing, a practice that involved charging interest on a loan taken during prior billing cycles under certain circumstances; and

Requires payments above the minimum to be applied first to balance with the highest interest rate. This arises, for example, where a consumer has transferred a balance from another card that is subject to a low rate and has made new charges on the new account that are subject to a higher rate of interest.

Changes in Fees

Prohibits over‐the-limit fees unless the cardholder elects to allow the issuer to complete overlimit transactions, offering consumers more control over such fees, but raising the possibility that such over‐the-limit transactions will be denied;

Prevents issuers from charging a fee to accept a payment except in expedited circumstances; and

Requires gift cards to have a minimum life span of five years, while placing limits on certain fees.

Changes in Disclosure

Requires full disclosure of late payment penalties and for card agreements to be posted on the Internet. When coupled with the complete re-write of card disclosures mandated by federal regulators, this will result in greater transparency and customer awareness over the terms of their credit card contract;

Requires 45 days notice of interest rate, fee and finance charge increases;

Requires issuers to provide individual consumers with account information that discloses the period of time and total interest it will take to pay off the card balance if only minimum monthlypayments are made; and

Requires bills to be mailed at least three weeks before payment is due.

Credit Availability for Students

Since credit card companies will be prohibited from issuing cards to customers under 21 without a cosigner
or proof of ability to repay, credit for students will be drastically limited. This will inconvenience
millions of young adults who use their cards responsibly, while making it take longer for many to build
up a credit history that is necessary later in life.

Changes for Young Adults

Requires issuers extending credit to young consumers under the age of 21 to obtain a co-signer or proof that the applicant can make the payments.

As the industry works to enact these changes, it is important to understand the full scope of the modifications and the effect they will have on consumers. While consumers will benefit from improved transparency, there are also some unintended consequences that affect the availability and cost of credit. For example:

Annual Fees Will Be More Commonplace, Limiting Perks

Customers will likely see annual fees become more common, while reward programs such as airline
miles or cash back rewards may be limited. Also, since promotional offers will both be paid back
differently and be required to last at least six months, cardholders will see fewer offers with
introductory low interest rates.

Limiting Credit, Lower Limits

With this new one-size-fits-all approach, card limits will be lowered since lenders will be limited in
managing risk going forward. Even customers that have a good credit score or have never missed a
payment will likely see less credit available to them.

Higher Interest Rates for All

The new legislation restricts the ability of credit card companies to price based on the individual risk of
the customer. As a result, the system becomes a one-size-fits-all model, meaning that interest rates will
likely increase for nearly everyone, including those with a good credit history, as those who successfully
manage their credit will be subsidizing those who have not.

Limiting Customer Flexibility

Many customers may also have less flexibility in how and for what they can use cards (e.g. limits will be
lower for many, so credit cards can't be used for large purchases or unexpected medical and other
expenses) and have fewer options in how they repay.
Restricted

Smarthome & Theater Systems works primarily in the state of Connecticut. We cover the entire state from the greenwich, darien, westport, fairfield area up north to farmington, west hartford, glastonbury area and up the shoreline to branford, guilford, madison and clinton. We have traveled as far as the litchfield hills, marlborough and near the casino at montville.

Check out what we can do for you. Visit our website: www.iwantatheater.com