14 DAY TRIAL // Although the truly impressive CES announcements were mostly related to the audio/video segment, we've also come across several smaller, yet very interesting devices, which could open the way for tomorrow's all-automated home. And that's exactly the case with IRLinc announced by SmartLabs, a simple plug-in interface that allows remote control of INSTEON-compatible lighting and appliances using almost any universal home theater remote control.
Compatible with a large number of codes in most universal remotes, IRLinc receives IR commands from a universal home theater remote through a wide-angle sensor that can be placed on top of the TV or DVR. The "brains" of the system reside in a plug-in module, which is hidden away behind the homeowner's gear and transmits the INSTEON signal onto the electrical wires of the home.
According to the company, the setup process is a very fast and simple one, allowing users to create multiple lighting commands and scenes, all accessible through an existing universal remote control. IRLinc can control over 400 INSTEON-compatible devices.
"If you're one of those people who wants one remote for everything, IRLinc is a perfect fit," said Laurie Maroni, SmartLabs VP, Marketing. "The IRLinc lets you set up a 'Movie' scene that dims your sconces and turns off your kitchen light and lets you create an 'Intermission' button that brightens the sconces and turns on the kitchen light for mid-movie snacking. Dealer / installers are especially excited about this product."
The INSTEON IR Receiver can only be pre-ordered for the time being (at SmartHome, the official SmartLabs online sales branch, for 100 US dollars), but since home automation is becoming quite popular with users, these things might actually arrive in stores at even lower price tags.
We are just a few, but there are many of you, Softpedia users, out there. That's why we thought it would be a good idea to create an email address for you to help us a little in finding gadgets we missed. Interesting links are bound to be posted with recognition going mainly to those who submit. The address is 
.