Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Wasted heat from Metro stations to heat apartment building in Paris]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/13/wasted-heat-from-metro-stations-to-heat-apartment-building-in-pa/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/13/wasted-heat-from-metro-stations-to-heat-apartment-building-in-pa/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/13/wasted-heat-from-metro-stations-to-heat-apartment-building-in-pa/#comments
Close to the Centre Georges Pompidou on the Rue Beauborg, Paris Habitats renovating a residential building in an environmentally friendly manner, and it's including some pretty out of the ordinary heating methods in it. The old building has a staircase which connects to the Metro station beneath it, thus making it cost effective to build the system, which will produce heat from the bodies of the people and trains moving below, and will be used in conjunction with a traditional heating system. It is thought that it will be able to cut carbon dioxide emissions by one third when the building is completed. The project is set to get underway next year.

Wasted heat from Metro stations to heat apartment building in Paris originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 11:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apartmentapartment buildingsApartmentBuildingsapartmentsbuildingefficicentefficiencyemissionsfranceheatheatinghomeshouseholdparispeoplesubwayMon, 13 Sep 2010 11:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Cable companies losing stranglehold on apartments]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/29/cable-companies-losing-stranglehold-on-apartments/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/29/cable-companies-losing-stranglehold-on-apartments/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/29/cable-companies-losing-stranglehold-on-apartments/#commentsThrowing TVIt's no secret that loads of folks loathe their cable company, but for some apartment dwellers, there's exactly one choice of service providers for TV, internet, and/or phone service. See, cable companies in some areas (read - anywhere they can) have negotiated exclusive distribution rights in buildings that they wired up, keeping other services at bay. Well, those castle walls are crumbling as a the Court of Appeals in Washington has upheld the 2007 FCC ruling that banned such practices as anticompetitive. Don't expect this decision to revamp the entire landscape -- cable companies are well-versed in how to keep competition down -- but this decision should make it easier for offerings like FiOS and U-verse to make inroads to dense metro areas. If all that's standing between you and FiOS is a shady cable company arrangement, now's your time to grab some fiber!

[Image courtesy Videogum]

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Cable companies losing stranglehold on apartments originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 29 May 2009 13:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apartmentapartmentsappealcablecable competitionCableCompetitioncompetitioncourtfccgovernmenthdFri, 29 May 2009 13:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Engadget HD: Best home theater setup for small spaces?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/29/ask-engadget-hd-best-home-theater-setup-for-small-spaces/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/29/ask-engadget-hd-best-home-theater-setup-for-small-spaces/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/29/ask-engadget-hd-best-home-theater-setup-for-small-spaces/#comments
Let's face it, not everyone has $60k to drop on a dream home theater, and even they did, might not have a place to put it. If space is your major constraint, like our guy Geoff, achieving the best setup can be quite trying:

"In a previous lifetime circa early 2000s, I had a dedicated media room and the latest in technology. I'm closer to the city now and square-footage is a premium. Knowing that I'll likely be in an apartment/townhome/condo for the foreseeable future, should I try to use some of my old components (listed below) or just sell them and start new? Keep in mind that I doubt I'll be able to mount any rear channels, so I'm thinking the setup with either have to include rear satellites or be a 2.1 system. I don't require a movie theater-like experience, rather something that's extremely solid for movies, music and gaming.

-- Sony STR-DE945 receiver from 2000 (i.e., no HDMI)
-- Klipsch Quintet 5.1 Home Theater circa 2000
-- No Blu Ray player
-- Xbox 360 Elite and, sadly, HD DVD add-on
-- Samsung 42-inch LCD (perfectly fine)

I've been following the new HTIB offerings from Sony and LG, thinking those might be the answer since my budget is probably around $600, not including whatever I can make on the sale of the above. The Sony system seemed attractive since Blu Ray was incorporated."

There it is, we know your palatial estate is covered with inflatable screens and the like, but condo and apartment dwellers need love too, and not at too high of a price. Let us know what you'd put in that type of space.

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

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Ask Engadget HD: Best home theater setup for small spaces? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apartmentaskask engadget dhask engadget hdAskEngadgetHdcondofeaturedfeatureshdhome theaterHomeTheatersmall spaceSmallSpaceWed, 29 Apr 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon gears up for FiOS rollout in 27,000 Aimco apartments]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/25/verizon-gears-up-for-fios-rollout-in-27-000-aimco-apartments/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/25/verizon-gears-up-for-fios-rollout-in-27-000-aimco-apartments/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/25/verizon-gears-up-for-fios-rollout-in-27-000-aimco-apartments/#comments
It's incredibly obvious that one of Verizon's main opportunities for growth in FiOS TV is locking down contracts with housing facilities and apartment complexes, and while we've seen some small to medium-scale rollouts before, this one takes things to a whole 'nother level. Last year, the provider inked a deal with Aimco that would eventually bring fiber-based FiOS services to residents of some 27,000 apartments in 11 states across the nation. Now, 100 Aimco properties from coast to coast will be lit up with FiOS TV / internet / digital voice services prior to the onset of 2009, and that should make for quite a few happy tenants this holiday season.

[Image courtesy of Apts247]

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Verizon gears up for FiOS rollout in 27,000 Aimco apartments originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 06:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AimcoapartmentapartmentsCaliforniaexpansionfiberfiosfios tvFiosTvFloridahdIndianaMarylandMassachusettsNew JerseyNew YorkNewJerseyPennsylvaniaRhode IslandrolloutTexasverizonVirginiaTue, 25 Nov 2008 06:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon gets FiOS TV / high-speed internet into Bronx's Parkchester complex]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/21/verizon-gets-fios-tv-high-speed-internet-into-bronxs-parkches/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/21/verizon-gets-fios-tv-high-speed-internet-into-bronxs-parkches/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/21/verizon-gets-fios-tv-high-speed-internet-into-bronxs-parkches/#comments
And so it begins. It appears that the FCC's efforts to facilitate programming competition for apartments last year have been successful, with Verizon inking its second contract with a New York-based complex this month. This time, the agreement is with Parkchester, the largest privately owned condominium complex in the US. The deal will bring Verizon's FiOS TV and high-speed internet to residents of Parkchester in the Bronx, giving some 12,271 apartments in 171 buildings access to a fiber-based alternative. As you could likely guess, this is the provider's largest agreement ever in the urban multiple-dwelling-unit market, and while a specific date wasn't mentioned, everything should go live before the end of 2008.

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Verizon gets FiOS TV / high-speed internet into Bronx's Parkchester complex originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Oct 2008 20:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Around this time last year, we heard that the FCC was looking to facilitate programming competition for apartments, and apparently, it has succeeded. Just this week, Verizon proudly announced that its FiOS TV programming service was on the way to residents in 2,029 Yonkers public housing apartments. In total, 18 buildings will get gifted with the fiber-based services (TV and high-speed internet), and the carrier has already begun the build-out of the necessary fiber network. There's no word on when or if a similar agreement could take other apartment complexes by storm, but it appears the biggest hurdle has been lifted.

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Verizon's FiOS TV coming to Yonkers apartment buildings originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apartmentcompetitionconsumersfccfiberfiosfios tvFiosTvhdnew yorkNewYorknyverizonYonkersThu, 09 Oct 2008 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[DISH Optical Network to bring service to apartments]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/01/dish-optical-network-to-bring-service-to-apartments/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/01/dish-optical-network-to-bring-service-to-apartments/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/01/dish-optical-network-to-bring-service-to-apartments/#commentsFor many answering our latest inquiry, switching from cable to satellite simply isn't possible. If you're stuck in an apartment or other form of multiple dwelling unit, there's at least a fighting chance that your landlord won't allow the drilling and such typically required to get a dish installed. To that end, DISH Network will soon be rolling out its DISH Optical Network service, which essentially takes satellite delivered material beamed to "a group of dishes" and pipes the content over fiber lines to up to 128 subscribers. Needless to say, this could be a real boon for leasers who only have a limited selection for programming, but sadly, we'll be forced to wait until rollouts begin in undisclosed locales "later this year" before wrapping our heads around a price.

[Via The Capital Times, image courtesy of Sat Pro Atlanta]

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DISH Optical Network to bring service to apartments originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 May 2008 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apartmentapartmentsdishdish networkDISH Optical NetworkDishNetworkDishOpticalNetworkexpansionfiberftthhdsatelliteThu, 01 May 2008 16:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Arlington, VA's Liberty Tower Apartments pre-wired with FiOS]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/27/arlington-vas-liberty-tower-apartments-pre-wired-with-fios/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/27/arlington-vas-liberty-tower-apartments-pre-wired-with-fios/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/27/arlington-vas-liberty-tower-apartments-pre-wired-with-fios/#commentsAs if it wasn't official enough already, here goes: the fiber carriers are on the hunt looking for new dwellings to incorporate their services into. Just a week after hearing that Indiana's Harrison Square condominiums would be available with FiOS TV / internet from day one, we've now received word that Liberty Tower Apartments in Arlington, Virginia is offering the same. Reportedly, a tipster laid down a deposit on a unit and was informed by the staff that Verizon's fiber-based services would be available if he (and any other resident) wanted. So yeah, if you're thinking of relocating and you've been itching to try fiber, it may not be such a bad idea to call around beforehand and see if you get lucky.

[Thanks, Daniel]

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Arlington, VA's Liberty Tower Apartments pre-wired with FiOS originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apartmentarlingtonfiberfiosfios tvFiosTvhdLiberty Tower ApartmentsLibertyTowerApartmentspre-wiredverizonvirginiaThu, 27 Mar 2008 23:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtual doormen becoming more ubiquitous]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/29/virtual-doormen-becoming-more-ubiquitous/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/29/virtual-doormen-becoming-more-ubiquitous/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/29/virtual-doormen-becoming-more-ubiquitous/#commentsAmazingly enough, virtual doormen aren't exactly new, but it seems that they're becoming entirely more ubiquitous (and accepted) in today's society. Increasingly, more and more apartment dwellers are coming home to voices in the wall rather than a physical life form, but virtual doormen can still let tenants into their room, allow deliveries to be made and keep disgruntled in-laws out. As you'd expect, these firms rely primarily on an internet connection, a webcam and a couple of microphones, and while typical services can range from "$10,000 to $70,000 for installation and $6,000 to $30,000 in annual maintenance," that still beats the $250,000 or so it would purportedly take for a small building to be staffed with full-time, on-site doormen. The next evolutionary step? Androids answering the buzz, and subsequent hacks to gain entry into any room you please.

[Via ChipChick]

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Virtual doormen becoming more ubiquitous originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 29 Dec 2007 01:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apartmentcyberdoormandoormaninteractionsocialvirtualvirtual doormanVirtualDoormanSat, 29 Dec 2007 01:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon aims to compete with cable in Newburgh, New York]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/17/verizon-aims-to-compete-with-cable-in-newburgh-new-york/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/17/verizon-aims-to-compete-with-cable-in-newburgh-new-york/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/17/verizon-aims-to-compete-with-cable-in-newburgh-new-york/#comments
It's not like New York is hurtin' for FiOS TV or anything, but the latest news involving the two revolves around a bit more than just expansion of service. Just under two months after the FCC approved a rule that would ban exclusive agreements that cable television operators have with apartment buildings, the New York Public Service Commission has issued an order "confirming Verizon's video franchise with the town." Reportedly, such an order will enable consumers in the Orange County town of Newburgh to have "a real choice for their cable television service" when FiOS TV arrives sometime next year. Additionally, Verizon has secured video franchises in 75 other NY communities, all of which are conveniently listed in the read link below.

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Verizon aims to compete with cable in Newburgh, New York originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apartmentapartmentscablecompetitionfccfiberfiosfios tvFiosTvhdlawlegalmandateNew YorkNewburghNewYorknyregulationverizonvzwMon, 17 Dec 2007 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Sanyo creates inspection robot to check structural integrity]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/07/sanyo-creates-inspection-robot-to-check-structural-integrity/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/07/sanyo-creates-inspection-robot-to-check-structural-integrity/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/07/sanyo-creates-inspection-robot-to-check-structural-integrity/#comments
This certainly won't go down as the first underfloor robot we've heard about, but apparently, Sanyo's aiming to use all these fantastic ideas to actually bring a product to market. The fairly attractive bot is designed to cruise underneath apartment buildings, offices and essentially any other place of residence to check for structural damage, and it boasts integrated sensors that enable it to avoid obstacles while on duty. Apparently, the creation -- which can scoot about for just over two hours on a full charge -- can beam back live video of what it sees, and landlords can zoom in on curious spots to find out if there are indeed any problems that need attention. Unfortunately, we're hearing that it won't be on sale till next year, but it shouldn't cost much more than ¥1,000,000 ($8,736) when it finally arrives -- which, by our estimation, is a small price to pay to avoid months of back problems and terrifying encounters with all sorts of rodents.

[Via AkihabaraNews]

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Sanyo creates inspection robot to check structural integrity originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Nov 2007 11:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apartmentinspectionInspection RobotInspectionRobotlandlordsanyoWed, 07 Nov 2007 11:22:00 EST<![CDATA[FCC treats apartment dwellers to cable competition]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/31/fcc-treats-apartment-dwellers-to-cable-competition/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/31/fcc-treats-apartment-dwellers-to-cable-competition/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/31/fcc-treats-apartment-dwellers-to-cable-competition/#commentsWe realize what day it is, but we're pretty certain the FCC isn't messing around on this one. Right on cue, regulators have "approved a rule that would ban exclusive agreements that cable television operators have with apartment buildings, opening up competition for other video providers that could eventually lead to lower prices." The move was apparently "unanimously approved," and Chairman Kevin Martin went on to say that there was simply "no reason that consumers living in apartment buildings should be locked into one service provider." Not surprisingly, a spokeswoman for Comcast proclaimed that "many consumers were likely to wind up paying more for services if the FCC's interference in the competitive marketplace stands," but it's fairly safe to assume Verizon and AT&T see things very differently.

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FCC treats apartment dwellers to cable competition originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apartmentattcablecable competitionCableCompetitioncompetitionfccgovernmenthdtvlapartmentstime warnerTimeWarnertwcverizonWed, 31 Oct 2007 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[FCC treats apartment dwellers to cable competition]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/31/fcc-treats-apartment-dwellers-to-cable-competition/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/31/fcc-treats-apartment-dwellers-to-cable-competition/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/31/fcc-treats-apartment-dwellers-to-cable-competition/#commentsWe realize what day it is, but we're pretty certain the FCC isn't messing around on this one. Right on cue, regulators have "approved a rule that would ban exclusive agreements that cable television operators have with apartment buildings, opening up competition for other video providers that could eventually lead to lower prices." The move was apparently "unanimously approved," and Chairman Kevin Martin went on to say that there was simply "no reason that consumers living in apartment buildings should be locked into one service provider." Not surprisingly, a spokeswoman for Comcast proclaimed that "many consumers were likely to wind up paying more for services if the FCC's interference in the competitive marketplace stands," but it's fairly safe to assume Verizon and AT&T see things very differently.

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FCC treats apartment dwellers to cable competition originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apartmentattcablecable competitionCableCompetitioncompetitionfccfibergovernmenthdlapartmentssatellitetime warnerTimeWarnertwcverizonWed, 31 Oct 2007 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[FCC looking to facilitate programming competition for apartments]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/30/fcc-looking-to-facilitate-programming-competition-for-apartments/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/30/fcc-looking-to-facilitate-programming-competition-for-apartments/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/30/fcc-looking-to-facilitate-programming-competition-for-apartments/#commentsApartment dwellers frustrated with the outright lack of choices when it comes to selecting a content provider may soon be feeling relief, as the FCC is expected to approve a new rule that would "throw out exclusive cable television service contracts with apartment buildings and open up competition to phone companies." Supposedly, the new regulation "could significantly lower cable prices for millions of subscribers who live in apartment buildings and have had no choice in selecting a company for paid television," and of course, the execs at Verizon and AT&T are likely licking their chops at the notion of being able to steal away precious market share while potentially providing a cost savings to boot. Granted, some states already have provisions in place to prevent landlords and tenant associations from inking exclusive deals with cable providers, but for those currently stuck in a "take it or leave it" situation, all that could be changing in the very near future.

[Via AP / Yahoo]

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FCC looking to facilitate programming competition for apartments originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 03:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apartmentapartmentsattcable competitionCableCompetitioncomcastcompetitionfccgovernmenthdtvtime warnerTimeWarnertwcverizonTue, 30 Oct 2007 03:50:00 EST<![CDATA[FCC looking to facilitate programming competition for apartments]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/30/fcc-looking-to-facilitate-programming-competition-for-apartments/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/30/fcc-looking-to-facilitate-programming-competition-for-apartments/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/30/fcc-looking-to-facilitate-programming-competition-for-apartments/#commentsApartment dwellers frustrated with the outright lack of choices when it comes to selecting a content provider may soon be feeling relief, as the FCC is expected to approve a new rule that would "throw out exclusive cable television service contracts with apartment buildings and open up competition to phone companies." Supposedly, the new regulation "could significantly lower cable prices for millions of subscribers who live in apartment buildings and have had no choice in selecting a company for paid television," and of course, the execs at Verizon and AT&T are likely licking their chops at the notion of being able to steal away precious market share while potentially providing a cost savings to boot. Granted, some states already have provisions in place to prevent landlords and tenant associations from inking exclusive deals with cable providers, but for those currently stuck in a "take it or leave it" situation, all that could be changing in the very near future.

[Via AP / Yahoo]

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FCC looking to facilitate programming competition for apartments originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 03:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apartmentapartmentsattcablecable competitionCableCompetitioncomcastcompetitionfccfibergovernmenthdinternetsatellitetime warnerTimeWarnertwcverizonTue, 30 Oct 2007 03:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Pet Loo: backyard in a box for an apartment-bound Fido]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/28/pet-loo-backyard-in-a-box-for-an-apartment-bound-fido/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/28/pet-loo-backyard-in-a-box-for-an-apartment-bound-fido/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/28/pet-loo-backyard-in-a-box-for-an-apartment-bound-fido/#comments As much as your dog might enjoy using the entire city (or at least a few nearby blocks) as its own private bathroom, taking your little furry friend for a "walk" every time nature calls can sincerely put a crimp on that wannabe hermit lifestyle you've been working on. Luckily, the new Pet Loo from Australia allows your pet to do his thing in style and comfort -- and keeps you away from those nasty and dangerous human beings you might encounter during a stroll. The Synthetic Grass provides a familiar bathroom zone for your dog, but is easy to clean and resistant to smells. There's also a collection tray in the bottom of the unit for "liquids." We're sure your dog won't mind a bit more freedom in his bathroom schedule, and we're absolutely looking forward to a review from Unkie Walt -- with his newfound penchant for bathroom gadgetry.

[Via gizmag]

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Pet Loo: backyard in a box for an apartment-bound Fido originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Aug 2006 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apartmentbathroomdogloopet looPetLoorestroomMon, 28 Aug 2006 19:45:00 EST