Editor’s Pick: 10 Automation, Networking Products at CEDIA Expo 2009

With all due respect to my colleague Bob Archer, these are the 10 products you'll want to check out at CEDIA Expo 2009.

Granted, Bob's an A/V guy and I'm a control/networking chick.

With that in mind, here are some of the booths I recommend. Please end me your recommendations once you've had the chance to browse the show floor (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)).


Universal Remote Control's The MX-5000 handheld touchscreen remote with tactile feedback. You gotta touch it to believe it. The new KP-4000 in-wall touchscreen isn't too shabby either. #1443

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Autonomic Controls: I have a little crush on this company. They really know how to manage media. This year, their partners are showing Apple TV with two-way feedback and control for Crestron, AMX and URC. #2865

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Lutron's RadioRa 2 is the next generation of its popular wireless lighting control system. It's cheaper and better than the original. Also, the company has some gorgeous new keypads for Homeworks. And, lots of new motorized shading solutions #2408

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In the market for a new home automation system? Check out Stardraw, makers of rich PC-based automation systems. They're not new. They've been doing it for years. #3055

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How does S1Digital do it? Their new Digital Entertainment Platform solves a DRM issue that prohibits users from streaming protected CableCard content over the network. Currently, you can stream it to a Media Center Extender, but not to another PC. You can stream to a Windows Media Center PC with the new S1Digital solution. #5729


The folks in the Z-Wave Alliance are no slouches. They've developed RS-232 bridges for both Lutron and Control4, allowing controllers from those manufacturers to communicate with hundreds of wireless Z-Wave devices – thermostats, lights, motorized shades, garage door openers and more. Z-Wave products tend to be cheaper than Lutron's proprietary products, and Control4's ZigBee-enabled devices. (CORRECTION: Lutron is communicating with Z-Wave devices via HomeSeer automation software) #1201

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Control4 has been working hard to get third-party manufacturers to embed the Control4 OS into their products. The company looked to have a good start with the Escient Vision, but then Escient dropped that movie server line. Now NAD is announcing an AV receiver with Control4 inside. NAD #2926, Control4 #161

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This chair from First Impressions. It's not too comfy but it sure looks cool. #237

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A $5,000 multiroom audio system might not be considered "cheap" if it were coming from NuVo or Russound. But this 4x8 system, called Protégé, is coming from Savant, makers of high-end Mac-based automation and A/V systems.

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OK, I haven't seen it yet, but I've written about SpeakerCraft Nirv and the preliminary buzz is pretty good. Nirv is the company's IP-based Cat 5 solution for audio, 1080p video, intercom, data and control. And SpeakerCraft has sassy ads all over the Expo. #2418

Seen it before, but still

If you missed Crestron's ADMS last year, make sure to check it out this year. The "WorldSearch" feature lets you search movies that reside anywhere in the world – from your DVD changer to YouTube to Netflix….

NuVo (Renovia) and Russound (Collage) are almost shipping their innovative powerline-based multiroom audio systems.