PRODUCT

TECHNOLOGY

Automobiles was my first love but I didn't want to spoil my love for cars by making a living with them. I began my working life in 1964 and knew that the future was in electronics and technology. That is what I did for a living for 30 years and somehow it stays with me. Now I use my experience to bring electronics and technology to the automotive world and give you my opinions of it.

IN THE HOME

When you park your car, it is usually in the garage, at your house which is the central nervous system of your life. Technology should spread to the home as well as the car. We recently had our house burn and it reminded me of the many houses that I wired for technology. The most common oversight when building a new home is the lack of structured wiring. You know that you will want Cable TV, Satellite, Computer systems, Cameras to watch your house and car, telephones, intercoms and even home theatre systems. It is cheaper to do it when you build than to do it as an afterthought. We will discuss all the aspects of each of the systems mention above and how they can benefit you when you shut the hood of your car and open your front door.

Just a sample of what you can use in your home. The HAI Omni II controller has been updated. It includes HVAC and lighting control for energy management, integrated UL-listed security for enhanced safety, and telephone and Internet access and control. You'll also find additional zone capacity, unit control capability, a higher speed modem, and more. That means you can control up to 72 lights, appliances or groups - 64 of them via powerline-carrier modules. You can have one installed for $3,000 to $5,000.

PERFORMANCE SHIFT KIT

A favorite among Corvette, Camaro, TransAm and Street Rod owners, or for those lucky enough to have a truck or SUV with a THM700 already installed, there is a way to make a great unit even better: by adding a 700 Performance Shift Kit from TransGo.

For over 30 years, TransGo has been the Performance Shift Kit technology leader. TransGo engineers each of their kits to fit specific applications. Holding 1st-3rd gear shift points to any RPM you desire, and backshifts to any gear you select, a TransGo THM700 Performance Shift Kit can be tailored for heavy duty use, all the way up to full race mode. Installation is done using normal hand tools without transmission removal, and a full color, detailed, step-by-step instructional video is included with the kit.

For more information you can talk to someone at TransGo Performance at 626-443-4953.

SONICblue Go-Video DVR4000

Men don't multi-task as well as a woman but this unit can multi-task enough to impress me. The front of the unit has both DVD and VCR compartments. Users can watch a DVD while recording something from TV with the VHS half of the unit, or use both sections to make a tape from the DVD. It can also be used with Video CDs, Super Video CDs and regular audio CDs. The unit shares common controls, making for very easy manual use. There is also a Copy button on the front of the unit. The player also comes with a great remote control that has a lot of neat buttons and functions, but it can be a little tricky. Our main problem was when a DVD was in the player and we went to watch a tape, the DVD would automatically start, no matter what button we pushed. I guess you are supposed to put your DVD away when you finish. The remote allows users to bookmark up to three scenes, as well as fast forward and rewind through different scenes. You can also zoom in on any part on the screen, change angles, or add 3D sound. The unit was very easy to hook up. You'll pay about $349 for one of these and won't regret it. For more information about a unit like this, contact: 480-998-3400.