Automation Associates is moving!
Over recent years Automation Associates has experienced massive growth and has now outgrown our premises in Parnell.

We are moving to new premises at number 7 College Hill , Ponsonby, where you will be able to experience state of the art technology in a comfortable, modern setting.

With construction well underway, we look forward to you joining us for our premiere in September.

George FM Dropped from Sky TV.
George FM listeners who rely on Sky TV for their connection to the Ponsonby based dance music station will have noticed the lack of a Sky Channel 504 this morning.

Sky customer service confirmed that "George FM has been dropped as of last night" and no, there were no plans to reinstate it in the future.  "Is there anything else I can do for you?" the helpful customer services lady asked "Put it back on" I said. 

For those of you who, like me, have trouble getting George FM over the radio waves, it is available streamed on the internet at  www.georgefm.co.nz and it is listed on the Freeview website. For help with a freeview installation, click here.

[01/06/08]

Panasonic unrolls Web-oriented TV.
The PZ850 high-definition plasma TV displays Web content including YouTube and Google's Picasa photo-sharing site. The unit is camcorder-friendly and equipped with an SD card reader. Pocket-lint.co.uk

Get ready for web-oriented TV and future-proof your home with smart-wiring.

Microsoft introduces anywhere touch screen.
The LaserTouch system lets users interact with any display or projected image via an infrared camera and laser sensor. Microsoft says the interface is a low-cost method for achieving two-handed, mouse-free navigation. CNET

Blu-ray Wins!
It's all over folks - Toshiba officially withdrew it's HD offering late last month and the format war is over.  If you have been sitting on the fence until a clear winner emerged - now is the time to get involved! 

There is a lot of confusion over HD but it is all pretty simple. Most screens these days come with 1080 lines in them - you just need a source with 1080 lines like a Sony PS3 or Freeview Terrestrial, and the right cable in between

click here to have someone call you about getting set up to enjoy HD at your place tonight.

Navigation features come to more cell phones.
GPS technology is making the transition from vehicles into a growing number of mobile handsets, as manufacturers continue to find ways to incorporate its user-friendly features. Garmin recently introduced its first branded mobile device, featuring a touch screen for navigation. Yahoo!/Agence France-Presse

Automakers', consumers' enthusiasm for distractions concerns some.
Lawmakers and advocacy groups are working to curb the number, type and placement of gadgets that may cause motorists to tune out while driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports 80% of car accidents can be attributed to a driver whose attention wasn't fully on the road. CNET/The New York Times News Service

Apple TV gets upgrade.
Apple has released its Apple TV software upgrade, which now allows customers to rent movies using the iTunes music store. The Apple service has gained support from various movie studios, including 20th Century Fox, Warner Bros., Walt Disney, Paramount, Universal and Sony, and is expected to feature up to 1,000 movie titles by March. InformationWeek

VisualHub adds 5.1 surround output for Apple TV.
Electronics firm Techspansion has released a update for its VisualHub video-conversion software, adding the ability to encode 5.1 surround output for output on the Apple TV. The MAC-supported product will also support 5.1 AC3 audio, according to company officials. Yahoo!/Macworld

Get ready for digital cameras that label photos.
Digital cameras that place the shot's location on the photos -- a process called "geotagging" -- are just around the bend, executives said at a recent photo-marketing show in Las Vegas. A few companies also demonstrated the technology. CNET

(page updated 01/06/2008)