Share HDMI Sources to Multiple Rooms

High-Definition Multimedia Interface, HDMI for short, has become the de-facto standard for delivering uncompressed digital audio/video data. It is estimated that by end of 2009,  close to a billion HDMI devices will have been installed throughout the world. As more and more HD video sources utilize HDMI  as their preferred connection to video displays and audio amplifiers, [...]

OnQ’s Unity System: Intercom, Music, Video Surveillance, Etc.

Ever since OnQ/Legrand came out with their Studio Collection, I’ve started recommending intercoms as a must have home system. The style is definitely more modern and the color schemes are well suited for today’s homes. The inside room stations can communicate to any or all  intercom locations with a touch of a button. 
When used with OnQ/Legrand’s music [...]

Old Dog, New Tricks: Some Cool Ideas for the Voice Alert Sensor

Through the years, I’ve used the Crosspoint Industries’ Voice Alert Kit (CIVA6000S) in myriad applications with great success. From announcing guest arrivals to triggering lawn sprinklers to discourage neigborhood dogs from using my yard as a dog run, the CIVA6000S has served me well.
The built-in contact closure of the CIVA6000T PIR Sensor has allowed me to use external [...]

UPB Filters, Repeaters, etc…

What??? Filters for UPB??? I thought they were supposed to be bulletproof and can power through the noisiest of environments. Well, reality is there are situations where the powerline must be “cleaned” up. With the proliferation of high efficiency aplliances like washers, pool pumps and HVAC fan motors with continuously variable speed drives, chances are noise [...]

UFO-Shaped Barely-Visible Camera

Seco-larm, one of my preferred manufacturers,  has introduced a discreet camera with an aesthetically pleasing design.  Shaped like a UFO and a minimal outward footprint, it blends in with any decor. The camera enclosure is made of cast aluminum and all screws are hidden from sight. The Sony Super HAD CCD chip onboard provides 420 [...]

Surplus Door Jamb Light Switch and more

After looking over our surplus product list I came across this part LV6773CBX  Leviton Sensor Control Unit . Well, what the heck is this part for? In its previous useable life, it was part of Leviton’s occupancy sensing light control package. It’s input power is 120VAC  and the output relay contacts are rated for 120 [...]

Super Deals on HCI Surplus Sales!

Home Controls has an absolute treasure trove  of new but overstock and manufacturer discontinued items that we’ve been selling below cost to the consumer ( sometimes to the chagrin of our dealers ). They are sold on a first come first serve basis and obviously  the item goes back to its original price when sold out or forever gone [...]