Plasma Televisions

Plasmas Use Proprietary Technology
Samsung Electronics is charging aggressively into the plasma display arena with the release of four new plasma units: the 42-inch SPN4235, the 42-inch HNP4239, the 50-inch HPN5039, and the 63-inch HPN6339. The plasmas check in at a slim 3 inches. Samsung is also including for the first time its proprietary Digital Natural Image engine (DNIe), which is said to improve detail and white tones while reducing video noise. The SPN4235 has a native resolution of 852 x 480, and the other models provide full HD-ready resolutions of 1,366 x 768.

MSRP for the SPN4235 is $4,999, MSRP for the HPN4239 is $6,49, MSRP for the HPN5039 is $8,999, and MSRP for the HPN6339 is $19,999. Samsung Electronics America, Ridgefield Park, N.J., 800-726-7864, www.samsungusa.com

In-Wall Speakers

Two Tweeters Are Better than One
The C 70 in-wall loudspeaker from California-based Parasound Products is a two-channel version of the company's C 65 in-wall model. By offering a two-channel version of its C 65 speaker, Parasound can provide homeowners with a single-chassis speaker that outputs stereo music when space becomes an issue, such as in a hallway or a bathroom. Parasound builds the speaker with a 1-inch tweeter that can be pivoted up to 15 degrees, depending on the position of the speaker.

MSRP is $325 per pair. Parasound Products, Inc., North Beach, Calif., 415-397-7100, www.parasound.com

Homeowner Safety

Heat Alarm Has Battery Backup
The HD6135FB AC/DC Heat Alarm from BRK Electronics provides an early warning indication of excessive heat from fire in locations where smoke alarm installations are not applicable. The alarm sounds off when its heat sensor detects a heat level of 135 degrees Fahrenheit or if the sensor detects a 15-degree-per-minute rise in heat. The heat alarm is designed to complement residential and commercial smoke alarms, and meets the standards defined by NFPA 101 and UL 539. Powered by a 120-volt line, the unit also features a monitored 9-volt battery backup.

BRK Electronics, Aurora, Ill., 630-851-7330, www.brkelectronics.com

Design Software

Software Saves Documents as Web Pages or PDFs
The Xactimate for Remodelers software from Xactimate facilitates a number of design functions for builders of all types. When a builder starts an estimate, the software provides the ability to import contact and other information. After the import steps, the software then enables a builder or remodeler to open the software's sketch tool to draw rooms faster than using a pen and paper, and the tool calculates surface areas such as floor and wall square footages on the fly. The software also features a summary matrix area that provides users with information such as material qualities, unit costs and labor.

Xactimate, Orem, Utah, 800-424-9228, www.xactware.com

Sales Software

No Lines In This Store
Aareas Interactive Inc.'s new Web Store software allows potential new homebuyers and investors to make reservations online for the homes of their choice, rather than using traditional reservation tactics such as waiting in line during the opening of a sales center. To use the Web Store's services, potential buyers register with a new-home builder to preview floor plans, pictures and drawings. The registered account saves the client's choices, and the builder is left with a lead for a potential customer.

MSRP is $3,000. Aareas Interactive Inc., Naples, Fla., 888-613-2677, www.aareas.com

Central Vacuuming

Vacuum Sends Dirt Down the Drain
The Aqua-Air Wet/Dry central-vacuum system is capable of performing all the normal vacuuming duties and additional cleaning duties through the use of hot and cold water. The Aqua-Air Wet/Dry system incorporates a water-filtration system that wets down dust and dirt with a cold-water mist and automatically sends the dust and dirt down the home's drain. It saves homeowners from having to empty a canister or filter. However, to help prevent something from accidently being vacuumed up, the vacuum does employ a nylon screen that catches larger items while the filtered water streams down the drain. The other cleaning option the system offers is a carpet-cleaning function, which can also be used on furniture and linoleum flooring. Aqua-Air Wet/Dry, Salt Lake City, Utah, 800-916-5777, www.aquaair-wetdry.com

Lighting Control

Bright Ideas for New Dimmer Products
Lutron Electronics' new Ooto and Faedra dimmers (along with the "no visible screws" Faedra wallplate) offer builders new lighting control technology that can be easily installed without any special wiring and are powered by 120-line-voltage power. The Ooto dimmer retails for $20 and features a large oval on/off push-button, with a slider that adjusts the light level. The Faedra dimmer retails for $40 and features a large oval push-button, LED indicator lights that show the brightness of the lights, and raise and lower buttons for simple fine-tuning.

Lutron Electronics Co., Inc., Coopersburg, Pa., 800-588-7661, www.lutron.com

Plasma Televisions

HDTV Offers 84 Inches Where it Really Counts
California is seemingly the home of the status symbol, and the epicenter of the status-center home. Bigger. Better. The latest. The greatest. It is therefore fitting for TheaterWall to introduce its new HDTV rear-projection home theater—all 84 inches of it. TheaterWall features the projector and special optical mirrors positioned behind the professional-grade screen in a darkened 36-inch space, allowing for normal lighting in the family room during viewing. Plus, its 84-inch screen is nearly twice the image area of the largest plasma or PTV box.

TheaterWall, Rancho Dominguez, Calif., 877-367-4449,www.hometheaterwall.com

Home Theater

Plasma TV, DVD Player Make Debut in Home Theater Exhibit
What would a home technology expo be without a home theater? Not to worry, Nelson Design Group and Theatre Design Associates are taking care of that, providing attendees of the tecHOMExpo with a complete home theater set up within their booth in the exhibit hall. The setup will give homebuilders ideas on what can be done with a reasonable amount of space within new-home construction. According to Michael Nelson, home theaters can be easily installed into rooms as small as 10 by 12 feet, allowing the homebuyer to have two or three reclining or theater-style chairs or a sofa. In addition to showcasing what can be done with home theater designs (from moderate to large-scale homes), the booth will also showcase new products from Pioneer Electronics—the PDP-5040HD 50" PureVision Plasma Television, and the Pioneer DVR-810H-S DVD Recorder/Player with Hard Disc as well as theater chairs from Theatre Design Associates. The PDP-5040HD is a 50" wide screen high-definition plasma TV with full 1280 x 768 resolution.

Its MSRP is $14,500. The DVR-810H-S is a full-function DVD player/recorder with a built-in 80GB hard drive, and comes with TiVo basic service included. Its MSRP is $1,199.

Theatre Design Associates, Chicago, Ill., 800-786-6832, www.theatredesign.com
Nelson Design Group LLC, Jonesboro, Ariz., 800-590-2423, www.nelsondesigngroup.com.
Pioneer North America Inc., www.pioneerelectronics.com

Structured Wiring

Wiring Enclosure Can Be Customized
The new OnQ Custom Enclosures from OnQ Technologies offer homeowners a customizable structured-wiring solution that can be altered to meet the needs of a changing household. The enclosures can be customized by adding an expansion plate, a door frame and frame inserts. The custom frame and frame inserts allow the homeowner to choose different colors that blend with the surroundings. The enclosure also features new mounting patterns, which allow the modules to be mounted on the left, center or right, as well as vertically or horizontally. In addition, the units feature two oval-shaped openings at the top and one on the bottom for easier wiring access, and dust covers for wire organization.

OnQ Technologies, Inc., Middletown, Pa., 800-321-2343, www.onqtech.com

Home Networking

Building the Networked Home
Seattle, Wash.-based Wiretracks is helping to enable the connected home with its latest product release the Wiretracks NC. The NC product is specifically designed to meet the needs of new homeowners. The Wiretracks NC allows builders to network their clients' homes with low-voltage cabling that can be used for voice, data, audio and video signals. The product is also designed to adapt to changing technology by allowing free access to the Wiretracks system to change out cabling runs.

Wiretracks, Seattle, Wash., 206-361-6102, www.wiretracks.com

Distributed Audio

Audio System Takes Advantage of CAT 5 Wiring
Tyco Electronics has released its new whole-house audio system, the A-BUS, which is available as part of the company's AMP Netconnect Home Net-Works Cabling System. The new system is described as more flexible than traditional distributed audio methods, where speaker wires would have to be installed from the audio source to each zone. The A-BUS audio system distributes audio over CAT 5 wiring to amplify volume controls located throughout the house. Tyco Electronics, Harrisburg, Pa., 877-222-6828, www.home.ampnetconnect.com

Builder Software

Enhanced H2 Real Time to Debut
HomeOwner HomeWork (H2) will debut its enhanced H2 Real Time data technology product at the International Builder Show. This innovative product allows homebuilders to immediately access homeowner feedback on products and services. With H2, Builders can choose from customizable email, web, telephone and mailed surveys. All feedback from customers is then captured in H2 Real Time, and builders can receive surveys and reports online and in real-time. Reports are customizable for each user, and data is provided in printable graphic format that can be inserted into other media.

MSRP not available. HomeOwner HomeWork, Tampa, FL, 813-925-1997.

Lighting Control

Seizing Power Over Your Home's Lighting

Lutron Electronics' new RadioRA large-button master controls are the perfect addition to the existing RadioRA whole-home dimming system product line. A RadioRA system provides one-button control of every light in the home. You can even turn the lights on and off from the car. The master control features large, rounded, easy-to-read buttons. A single home can have up to 12 of these controls, allowing homeowners to control one light or, a group of lights, fine-tune the light levels and turn every light on or off.

MSRP begins at $1,800. Lutron Electronics Co., Inc., Coopersburg, Pa. 800-588-7661, www.lutron.com

Design Software

Building Organization
Built on Timberline's widely used accounting and estimating applications, integrated Timberline Office software for homebuilders includes tailored solutions for custom, semi-custom, production, and multifamily builders of all sizes. The newest offering, Timberline Office Desktop, is an enhancement software product aimed at streamlining a builder's workflow with personalized views unique to individual requirements. With direct access to all Timberline Office functionality and fully customizable start pages, users are able to organize tasks, inquiries, and reports unique to their jobs, as well as connect to essential tools and information residing beyond Timberline Office.

Timberline Software, Beaverton, Ore., 503-439-5207

Personal Video Recorder

PVR Has Multiroom Capabilities
Video junkies will like the fact that the new ReplayTV 5500 allows up to 320 hours of recording, with the ability to skip commercials and to automatically record shows by using a keyword or theme. In addition to play, pause and priority recording features, the ReplayTV 5500 has multiroom video capabilities. Using networking technology, the 5500 can integrate into a home network to send non-copyright-protected programming across the Internet to other ReplayTV units. Its networking features let homeowners connect to the Internet via a broadband modem or an analog modem, and it can create digital slideshows when it is connected to a PC.

ReplayTV, Santa Clara, CA, 408-565-7000, www.replaytv.com

HVAC Controls

Whole-House Humidifier Delivers Comfort to Home
Research Products Corp-oration, the manufacturer of Aprilaire-branded products, has released its new whole-house humidification device, the Model 400 automatic humidifier. The Model 400 uses a patented water-delivery system that employs a small float chamber, electronic-water level sensors and a wicking-water panel. Aprilaire says the float eliminates the need for a reservoir and the wicking-water panel allows for 100 percent of the water in the unit to be used in the evaporation process with no standing water leftover. The Model 400 comes with a bypass damper and automatic-humidifier control.

Research Products Corporation, Madison, Wis.,888-782-8638, www.aprilaire.com

Home Networking

Cables Good for A/V and Data
Adding to its Brilliance line, Belden Cable's new Multi-Media Touch Panel Control cable can be used for both analog and digital applications, such as PC networking, A/V and Internet. The 1502R and 1502P two-pair composite cables claim to offer low-noise immunity and have been tested to meet 100-ohm impedances. Belden rates the signal/control pairs at 300V and temperature capacity at 75 degrees Celsius. All of the cables meet the physical and electrical requirements of EIA RS-422/485, NEC, UL/(C) UL, AMX, AXLink and Crestron Cresnet.

Belden Electronics Division, St. Louis, Mo., 800-235-3361, www.belden.com

Whole-House Audio

Amplifier Runs Cool in Tight Spaces
Building upon its experience with its Big Bang series of multichannel amplifiers, SpeakerCraft's new DBB-1265 multichannel amplifier employs technologies that provide the same power as the company's older amplifiers, but in a smaller, lighter chassis that runs cooler. The DBB-1265 is rated to deliver 65 watts to each of its 12 channels, and it offers numerous control options for homeowners.

MSRP is $2,250. SpeakerCraft Inc., Riverside, Calif.,800-448-0976, www.speakercraft.com

HDTV Antennas

HD Antennas Boost Reception
To meet the demand for a growing off-air high-definition television market, Terk Technologies has released three new rooftop antennas. The TV32 is a 13-element, small- directional antenna with a four-bay bow-tie design that can be used for UHF reception in urban areas. The TV36 is a 33-element, medium-directional UHF/VHF/FM antenna capable of mid-range reception. The TV38 is a 43-element, large-directional UHF/VHF/FM antenna with a double-boom design, which can be used for long-distance reception.

MSRP for the TV32 is $99.99, MSRP for the TV36 is $129.99 and MSRP for the TV38 is $199.99. Terk Technologies, Commack, NY, 800-942-8375, www.terk.com

On-Wall Speakers

Speakers Complement Plasma Displays
The new Quantum Plasma speakers from Pinnacle Speakers are designed to blend with the décor of a room and the trim of a plasma display. The speakers are available in two sizes and feature a die-cast aluminum cabinet and built-in overload circuitry. The Quantum Plasma 5 is a five-driver speaker that incorporates two 3-inch woofers, two 3-inch midrange units and a 1-inch titanium-dome tweeter. The Quantum Plasma 3 incorporates two 3-inch woofers and a single 1-inch titanium-dome tweeter.

MSRP is $650 each for the Quantum Plasma 5, and $450 each for the Quantum Plasma 3. Pinnacle Loudspeakers, Plainview, NY, 800-346-2863, www.pinnaclespeakers.com

Distributed Media

Full Intercom System Comes with Music Option
The new DMC1 distributed media communications system from M&S Systems is designed to provide full intercom and monitoring functionality, along with an attractive new look. The system is based on CAT5 wiring and offers privacy capabilities in each room. The system supports 15 room speakers and three door speakers. An optional 6-disc CD player can be added to the systems, along with an optional power amplifier for stereo music distribution.

MSRP not available. M&S Systems, Dallas, Texas, 214-366-5662, www.mssystems.com

Home Theater

Theater Chairs You Can Really Sink Into
With names like The Jazz, The Cruiser and The Montreal, you know you're in for something more than the ordinary when it comes to these home theater chairs. These are the latest offerings from Theatre Design Associates. The three new chairs are part of the company's Dream Lounger collection. The Jazz features a contemporary look, is offered as a stationary club chair, rocker or recliner, and can also be ordered as a reclining sofa. The Cruiser is a roomy, low-riding, avant-garde-design club chair, which comes with a matching ottoman. The Montreal is a leather recliner, with options of two different arm styles and three different back and seat designs.

MSRP for The Jazz is $1,500 standard, $1,700 recliner; The Cruiser with ottoman, $2,700; The Montreal in leather, $2,180. Theatre Design Associates, Chicago, Ill., 800-786-6832, www.theatredesign.com

Back-Office Software

Software Automates Lead Tracking
A partnership between Be Home Wise and Respond.com gives new homebuilders who employ the Be Home Wise software the opportunity to connect with new homebuyers on the Internet through the Respond.com Web site. The Be Home Wise application automates the leading tracking process across multiple Web site listings for builders. Through this partnership new-home builders will be able to list and sell their homes on the Internet without having to use a realtor, which in turn can save a builder from spending money on advertising and other marketing initiatives.

Be Home Wise, McLean, Va., 866-246-6399, www.BeHomeWise.com

Builder Software

Builder Software is Compatible with XP
HomeSphere has been producing its BuildSoft builder's software since 1988, and the company is set to debut its latest version of the software with the release of BuildSoft V4.0 at the International Builders' Show. The new software features a 32-bit interface upgrade that makes it fully compatible with Microsoft's Windows 2000 and Windows XP operating systems. Through BuildSoft v4.0's new interface, users can navigate systems tools such as problem-solving wizards that simplify day-to-day and monthy tasks like account reconciliation and monthly account closures. In addition, the software allows users to cut and paste from programs such as Excel and Word for specific business analysis.

HomeSphere, Golden, Colo., 800-274-2632, www.homesphere.com

Programmable Thermostats

Thermostat Communicates with Automation System
Home Automation Inc.'s (HAI) new Omnistat line of communicating thermostats allow homeowners to control their home's temperature remotely via a cellular phone or through the use of a Web browser, and save money by regulating their use of utilities. The Omnistat thermostats also offer traditional programming functions from their user interface, and are backlit for added convenience. Another of the line's key points is its compatibility with today's home automation systems, which include HAI's own Omni Pro series of home automation systems.

Suggested retail prices (SRP) begin at $199. Home Automation Inc., New Orleans, La., 800-229-7256, www.homeauto.com

Whole-House Audio

Speakers Engineered for Performance
The Spec-Grade Sound is the latest line of audio components from Leviton Integrated Networks. The company designed these products after examining the high-performance audio market, and then implementing what it had learned to build its new loudspeakers. The Spec-Grade Sound line includes one in-ceiling loudspeaker, two in-wall loudspeaker models, an outdoor loudspeaker, the Decora Strauss Transformer-Free volume control, and the Impedance-Matching 6-Zone Audio Distribution Module with AutoSurge products.

Leviton Integrated Networks, Bothell, Wash., 800-722-2082, www.levitonvoicedata.com

Lighting Control

Lighting Control for 2,500-Square-Foot Homes
The CL-24 is a third-generation whole-house lighting control system from CentraLite Systems, Inc. The CL-24 is designed specifically for homes less than 2,500 square feet, and it offers users digital dimming and whole-home lighting management with scene management. Included in the system's standard features are more than 500 dimming levels, 40 scenes, RS-232 ports, which allow for a third-party product to control the system, contact closure inputs and outputs, a key-chain remote, and engraved keypad buttons.

MSRP is $3,000. CentraLite Systems, Inc., Mobile, Ala., 877-466-5483, www.centralite.com

Home Theater

Receiver Delivers 80wpc
Denon's latest A/V receiver, the AVR-2803, provides homeowners with a sub-$1,000 receiver that incorporates the latest processing and software technologies. Powered by an Analog Devices Melody 100 SHARC DSP chip and AD-1835 24-bit/192-kHz D/A converters, the 2803 is capable of delivering Dolby Digital 6.1, Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Digital, DTS-ES Discrete, DTS-ES Matrix, DTS 5.1 and DTS-Neo:6 surround-sound modes. Denon rates the receiver's amplifier at 80 watts x 7 channels, and the receiver also provides video switching and DVD-A and SACD compatibility.

MSRP is $799. Denon Electronics, Pine Brook, N.J., 973-396-0810, www.usa.denon.com

Sales Software

Software to watch over me
Let's face it. Follow-up is not the forte of most homebuilders. Which is why software products can be invaluable to help you keep your projects, and prospects, in order. With that in mind, MetaBuilder Corporation will de-but its new OptionBuilder software at the International Builders Show. The software tool has been designed with the residential homebuilder in mind, and features a four module suite of applications that let builders list their homes with options, cost their homes and options, present the option selection lists to their prospects, track their prospects, determine potential profitability of a sale, inform subs and vendors about the sale and their upcoming responsibilities, display the construction schedule of the home, and provide daily to-do checklists for supervisors.

MSRP not available. MetaBuilder Corporation, Sterling, VA, 703-736-2631, www.metabuilder.net

Telephone System

Cordless Phone System Boasts New Features
Panasonic's two new TripleTalk 2.4GHz ex-pandable cordless phone systems allow homeowners to use their phone systems in multiple areas without the need for separate phones or access to phone jacks for each handset. Each system includes a base station, a charger and two cordless handsets. The systems provide convenient features such as built-in phone directories, caller ID with memory, one-touch dialing and an optional cordless handset. Both the KX-TG2352 and the KX-TG2382 operate over the 2.4GHz range and employ frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) digital operation to help ensure a secure line.

MSRP for the KX-TG2352 is $129.95, and MSRP for the KX-TG2382 is $149.95. Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co., Secaucus, N.J., 800-211-7262, www.panasonic.com