Sigma Designs has unveiled a new Ultra-Thin reference design for the set-top box market. The new solution combines networking and set-top box functionalities in one ultra thin platform.  According to Sigma design it enables set-top box platforms to stream high-definition content from the web, in 1080p resolution via networking through the AC power adapter. Core technologies include Sigma’s SMP8670 media processor and HomePlug AV with ClearPath and Z-Wave.

Cloud Engines has launched a mobile focus version of their PogoPlug range called Pogoplug Mobile. Schedule for general release next month; Pogoplug Mobile offers a new look with an emphasis on ease of use and mobility.  It is optimized for Android and Apple’s iOS based devices; and offers the flexibility to share and access your photos, music, movies and other digital content from anywhere and anytime.

Sony debuts two new entrants for the digital home the SMP-N200 3D network player and BDP-S185 Blu-ray player at this years IFA show in Berlin, Germany.  Both devices are internet ready, the SMP-N200 is the upgrade to the SMP-N100 released last year. It features an XrossMedia Bar like your PS3 and is all ready for some 3D action too courtesy of the 3D Experience app. According to Sony, It’s an easy way for everyone to enjoy Internet TV. With streaming speed and quality constantly improving, you can discover a limitless world of online channels, music and movies on your TV screen with no need for separate entertainment devices. Sony described the BDP-S185 Blu-ray player as an affordable way to enjoy the latest home entertainment.

Release recently from Grace Digital Audio is the first tabletop Pandora radio (GDI-IR2550p) to offer the same features that Pandora listeners use on computers and smart phones, which includes 1-button access to the thumbs up/down song selection and play/pause functions.  You can even skip songs and even bookmark songs directly from the remote and front control panel. You can connect wirelessly to get access to podcasts, over 50,000 radio stations such as BBC, CBS, iheartradio, NPR/NPR on-demand, FOX News, NOAA Weather Reports, Live365, KROQ, and Sirius Premium Internet radio. The Grace GDI-IR2550p digital radio will also connect and play music directly from your iTunes library stored on your PC or MAC – wirelessly. 

A Home Run - Berlin, Birmingham and Beijing are no different to Boston or Bangkok: citizens everywhere are spending more and more time connected and are excited about 4G networks, machine-to-machine technology and embedded mobile devices. Amdocs’ market research survey of some 4700 consumers in 14 countries shows that consumers want, and will pay extra for, a “connected home” - a home environment conveniently controlled from residents’ smartphones, tablets, PCs or even connected-TV interfaces.

Wyoming-based triple-play service provider, Tri-County Telephone (TCT) Association has selected Entone’s Fusion TV solution to offer hybrid TV services to its customers.  Already offing advanced digital TV with HD and DVR support, high-speed Internet and voice-over-IP residential services, TCT will now be able to offer a single point of interaction – the television.

The dawn of the digital home has created new opportunities for Digital Service Providers (DSPs) to increase customer satisfaction and grow revenue per subscriber through deployment of home network equipment and delivering connected home applications and services. It also comes with many challenges in terms competition, customer service and implementation. This is according to a new whitepaper from Parks Associates titled “Service Providers and the Connected Home”.  It details the steps broadband, television, communications, and wireless service providers can take to win the race to serve the digital home.

Approximately two months after the release of the TX-NR1009, the world's first nine-channel home theater Receiver with DTS Neo:X Technology; Onkyo has announced another two high-end network 9.2-channel THX Ultra2 Plus-certified A/V receivers, the TX-NR5009 and the TX-NR3009. As the top models in Onkyo's line, these receivers deliver improvements on previous models such as the use of the latest HQV-Vida and Marvel Qdeo video processors, new DTS Neo:X dimensional surround processing, Dolby Volume, and new streaming internet radio channels.

The City of Gresham, Oregon has deployed Sensus’ AquaSense intelligent water management technologies to promote sustainability and boost operational efficiency. The AquaSense solution unites a two-way communications network with advanced meters, software and services to enable Gresham and its customers to better manage water resources.

Telvent announced today that Zunyi Electrical Power Supply Company of Guizhou, China has selected its OASyS DNA supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system to accurately collect and analyze real-time data on grid operations for approximately 800,000 customers.

Telvent's smart grid technology will allow Zunyi Power, a utility managed by Guizhou Power, to gather and analyze data via a user-friendly interface that operates in conjunction with current Telvent technology being implemented in all of Guizhou's provincial cities.