[CES] 2006 Exclusive Update

[BraveSirRobbin]

Please read THIS General CES 2006 Update Disclaimer FIRST:

I had a meeting with Ted Singh, Business Development Manager, and JB Golee, President & CEO of Embedded Automation, Inc. Embedded Automation is noted (on CocoonTech) for their mControl software which can use Windows Media Center for home automation control.

They recently released a new product called mTheater which is a Media Center server PC with their mTheater software. The important news with this release is their hardware complies with the new Intel Viiv (dual core) standard (for digital media PC's). This VIIv standard is Intel's new architecture for dual core Pentium platforms specifically created for digital media center PC's.

Embedded Automation believes it is VERY important to comply with this new Intel standard as well as Microsoft's MCE standards if their software is to be prevalent with the mainstream public.

This also makes their product more compatible with future hardware as well. For instance the future may hold VIIv compatibility for a variety of devices including televisions, Media Center extenders, or media capable cell phones. Also VIIV compatible devices will "look for" and should interface with other VIIV devices on an existing network.

This strict adherence to Intel's VIIv and Microsoft's MCE standards separates them from other systems/solutions. This also brings up the future possibilities of imbedding their software (say mControl) into Viiv hardware systems such as televisions.

Viiv compatible systems will "recognize" other Viiv systems on a network thus making communications between systems easier for developers.

Ted also asked if I had tested or used their mControl software lately. I haven't and had only briefly tested their initial roll out version. He excitedly stated that one should test their latest release as it has options and enhancements added since their original version.

Future versions of mControl will provide an XML file for establishing your own style sheet for custom icons.

They also plan on adding capability for some IP based cameras.

mControl currently supports Insteon and Ted mentioned that because they developed their Insteon support via its "SALAD" interface (vs. the standard development kit) it has superior stability.

Other upcoming features for mControl (possibly mid-year) include:

Home Security
HVAC
ZWave
Database that is editable via a conventional keyboard interface

Also note that you don't need MCE operating system to run mControl (it can also run on Win2k, Win2003 Server, and WinXP).

Embedded Automation wants their home automation and theater solutions to exist in the "mainstream" homes. This includes catering to the "do it yourselfer"! For more information please visit their web site.

 

[tedsingh]

First of all, thank you for your time to do a review of our company.

Please let me clarify a few items:

The important news with this release is their hardware complies with the new Intel Viiv (dual core) standard (for digital media PC's)

see: http://www.intel.com/buy/viiv.htm

Future versions of mControl will provide an XML file for establishing your own style sheet for custom icons.

mControl v1.31 already supports this functionality, but we will continue to expand on this functionality.

They also plan on adding capability for some IP based cameras.

mControl v1.31 already supports D-Link IP cameras, but we plan to support other manufacturers as well in future versions.

mControl currently supports Insteon and Ted mentioned that because they developed their Insteon support via its "SALAD" interface (vs. the standard development kit) it has superior stability.

What we meant by this statement is that we offer a robust interface *NOW*. The current alternatives are in beta.

Database that is editable via a conventional keyboard interface

We will continue to expand the 2 foot capabilities (i.e., keyboard/mouse) but will always retain our 1 inch (touchscreen) and 10 foot (remote) functionality.

Embedded Automation wants their home automation and theater solutions to exist in the "mainstream" homes. This includes catering to the "do it yourselfer"!

We believe that for home automation to become mainstream, it must become part of the family's lifestyle. For us this means:
[a] It must be available for everyone to access and use - hence our MCE and Viiv focus - from TVs to touchscreen panels to Xboxes. It can't be just relagated to just the traditional "dads in the den". Though we fully respect the importance of this group as the early adopters and technology influencers.
It must be fit the implementation model for everyone, not just the "super rich". Since, MCE/Viiv are targeted at the mainstream - we have ensured that from user interface to supported hardware (e.g., INSTEON, D-Link) to pricing, also fits this "mainstream" model.
[c] It must fit the lifestyle - while you're watching TV or walking in the hallway or away at the office; full-OS or embedded OS or mobile OS.

Thanks again for giving us the opportunity to tell our story.

Ted

 

[electron]

Thanks for the update Ted, wish I could have made it