HTINews Editorial

Big things is happenin' out there.
Bob Hetherington, Editor HTI News

Whew, it's been an incredibly busy time here at Home Toys and throughout the Home Automation industry lately. This is our 4th issue of the HTINews and it's the biggest yet. Several important developments have occurred recently that will determine the future of Home Automation.

CEBUS - Home Plug and Play will set the standard for the future. Imagine being able to buy a new device, plug it into the home network and have it configure itself. Sounds too idealic and I'm sure it won't be flawless (anyone using windows plug and play components know what I mean) but it is definitely a step in the right direction and time will provide reliable products that work with the standard. I hope to attend the conference in San Francisco to find out what it's all about and will report back in the June issue. The other exciting news in the CEBUS world is that there are several product announcements due out in the next few months. I'm told by reliable sources that we're going to see some new controllers, wall switches, modules and other devices at last. Keep your eye on upcoming News Releases and Announcements in the HTINews as I will post information as I get it.

RESIDENTIAL GATEWAYS - Another conference taking place in San Francisco is the Residential Gateways Conference hosted by CABA and Parks Associates. Representatives from such companies as GTE, IBM, Honeywell, Sony, AT&T and many others will discuss the issues of why, when and how our homes will be linked to the outside world. There's 3 wires coming into most homes today (Hydro, Cable & Telephone). Each one can carry information. The question is, what information will they carry and how do we link these resources to our new home network. Heady stuff.

SMARTLINC - This new company formed in association with Home Automation Systems promises to bring us some new Home Automation products. Their first move was to purchase CompCo. Keep an eye on this new development as in my opinion the combination and timing is right for a new power to emerge in the industry. Home Automation Systems has a proven marketing and distributing record. This could prove invaluable to the start-up technology company as one the most difficult tasks facing a product developer is setting up the distribution channels. As we all know, you can invent the most incredible device known to man but if the world doesn't find out about it you'll soon be broke. I'll try to do an email interview with the involved parties for the next issue so we can find out more.

HOME AUTOMATION AND SECURITY DIRECTORY - Many of you answered "Yes" to the survey question in last month's issue indicating that you would like HTI to develop a Home Automation Directory. Well, we did. Now we need to fill the database with companies from the industry so that it will become the best resource on the internet. If you work for a company in the Home Automation, Security or Home Theater industry please take a moment to register an online application. We plan to build the database over the next few months and bring the search engine online as soon as we have comprehensive data. Tell your friends and associates about it or drop me a line with your suggestions.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY HTI - Yes, we've been online for a year now and many changes have taken place in that time. What started out as an online catalog has evolved into a Home Automation Resource for all. My philosophy from the very beginning was to listen to what you had to say and provide the services that you required. Judging by the response to the HTINews (instigated in Oct 96) we're doing our job. We'll continue to listen and provide the services you ask about (The Home Automation Directory being the latest). I guess my greatest challenge in the years to come will be maintaining all of these services and building more while keeping you abreast of the latest developments in the industry. Without the continuous input from the contributors (articles, news items etc.) and readers, none of this would be possible and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support and encouragement. The next year will be even better.

The second greatest challenge I face is making my next mortgage payment. If you believe in the shareware concept as I do, then please contribute to the success of our services by sending a small donation of $5 or $10. I hate to ask but I gotta make a livin' too. HTI Home Toys, 9185 Inverness Rd., Sidney, B.C. Canada V8L 5G1.

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