Smartlabs Gaming And Movie TechnologySmartlabs Gaming And Movie Technology

The idea came out of the Insteon technology group at Smartlabs.

Imagine the lights in your home begin to flicker as thunder and lightning affect the characters in the movie you're watching or the video game you're playing. Wouldn't that make it the ultimate movie or gaming experience? It's possble, and I'll tell you how.Before you can understand the idea behind interactive movies and video games, you have to understand Insteon technology. It is designed to automate everyday function in the home, such as lights and security system. CocoonTech has a pretty good handle on Smartlabs.

If at night, for example, the fire alarm is triggered by smoke, the lights in the home may turn on to allow any occupants to find their way out in the dark. Wi-Fi Planet also does a good job of explaining the basic technology.

Anyway, let me get back to the gaming and movie experience. You know how some video games make the hand controls shake and vibrate? Well, Jim Gale, senior software programmer at Smarthome, a Smartlab subsidiary, wrote an application based on Insteon technology.

It lets gamers or movie watchers pull up the DVD in Windows Media Player and add tracks to tie in automation from home fixtures, such as lights, window shades and door bells, that have been outfited with Smartlabs products.

Evidently, Smartlabs is in the midst of talking about this application with Microsoft, other video-game designers and some movie studios. Ken Fairbanks, VP of business development, explains ...

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