The HomeGrid Forum today welcomed the news that the G.hnem standard has entered the final stages of approval at the ITU, the UN's International Telecommunications Union. Two new recommendations, G.9955 (PHY and system architecture) and G.9956 (DLL) form the global G.hnem standard for low frequency (9-500 KHz) powerline communications (PLC) for smart meters, energy management systems, electric vehicle communications, control and home automation.

ThinkFlood the developers of the RedEye control systems today launches the RedEye Pro a networked home automation processor capable of whole-house control along with an updated version of its RedEye universal remote control. The RedEye Pro comes with additional connectivity so that it can control more devices across multiply rooms, and controllable from a choice of smart devices and PC.

Savant systems launches a new line of Apple-based Audio Visual control and distribution platform, called SmartSystems, which consist of eight systems. The new solutions replace the current Rosie and PROTÉGÉ range and include an iTune-based digital media server. The SmartSystems will allow you to manage all your smart home appliances including home-theater control, whole-home automation, lighting, media and A/V distribution.

Billion Electric, a leading Asia Pacific-based provider in network equipments and green management products, will highlight its latest Solar and Wind Energy Management Solutions, Intelligent Streetlight Control and Management Solutions, Smart Grid AMI Solutions, and BPL / EoC Broadband Access Solutions at Hannover Messe 2011 which will be held on April 4th to 8th in Hannover, Germany, visitors will have the opportunity to witness the most up-to-date technologies.

Cablevision has extends its digital TV service with the launch of the Optimum App. for the Apple iPad.  The new app allows you to access hundreds of channels and video on demand (VOD) services on your iPad in the comfort of your home.  The application delivers the full cable television experience to the Apple tablet device, and allows the iPad to function as a handheld television.  The service is free to Optimum cable television customers.

The Zigbee Alliance community members and the public are being asked to submit their comments on the Zigbee Smart Energy v2.0 revised technical documents and Public Application Profile. The new standard offers a range of new features including IP-based control for advance metering infrastructure and home area networks (HAN).  Over the next few weeks the alliance is hoping received feedback to take the standard forward.

Onkyo has released a new home cinema AV receiver with Spotify,  the online music subscription service. The new affordable TX-NR609 receiver will allow access to the Spotify music service straight from your television, if you are a Spotify premium member.  The new AV receivers offers the latest in connectivity and high quality surround sound solutions from THX, Audyssey and Dolby.

ThinkEco has announced that it will work with Tendril, the Energy Platform company, to deliver a comprehensive demand response system that serves utilities and their customers by integrating one version of ThinkEco's patent-pending modlet plug-load management technology with Tendril's extensible technology platform, Tendril Connect.  Demand response is increasingly viewed as an essential way to meet growing energy demand, comply with peak load and emissions reduction targets, and help customers control and reduce their energy costs.

Amimon one of the companies behind the wireless TV evolution has received a $15 Million injection as part of a second round of financing. This round of funding, said Amimon came from strategic investors along with existing investors, and that the “funding will accelerate the development of follow-on generations of AMIMON’s WHDI chipset enabling further integration, cost reduction and facilitating growth in the wireless home video market.”

Broadcom has changed the way Microsoft mediaroom clients connect to each other, with the release of its Broadcom BCM4717V system-on-a-chip (SoC) solution. Previously, users with multiple set-top box would connect them together via wire network using MoCA, Ethernet or HPNA and connect to the TV.  The BCM4717 changes this and allow you to connect wirelessly throughout the home.