re: skg and its home automation ###x10 is not widely used is the...

re: skg and its home automation ###x10 is not widely used is the best description.
In fact i would go on to say its the worst system on the market here.###

X10 still has it's place in the market, but it can be unreliable in the fact that 1 in 200 times the signal will fail. It's main application is lighting control and security cameras.
X10 is not used by W-home to transmitt VOIP or VOD or broadband.
Insteon and zigbee are the two new technologies on the block.
Insteon is owned by "smarthome"...........smarthome still distrubute X10 products and "smarthome' use www.eon3.com (owned by skynetglobal) to distrubute their products in Australia.

http://www.eon3.com/content/distributors/

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Here are your choices:

INSTEON is a powerful, wireless home-control networking technology that simply, affordably and reliably integrates systems in the home for improved comfort, safety, convenience and value.
It can be intergrated with x10, so you don't have to change or throw out old systems.

ZigBee & Z-Wave: Single-band (RF-only) wireless networks that require a network controller.

HomePlug: Focused on broadband applications; not a cost-effective technology for home control.

Bluetooth: Designed as an ad-hoc, short-range network technology, not intended for home-control networking.

X10: Inexpensive but lacks the robustness, flexibility and reliability required by today's home-control applications.

UPB: Expensive single-band technology.
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As you can see only 3 of the applications are feasible and 2 of them are distributed by eon3 (SKG).
zigbee requires a network controller, which adds expense to the product.
There will always be emerging technology coming onto the market but skynetglobal have the largest distrubtion network in Australia for wireless products.

SYDNEY 4th August, 2004
Sales distribution outlets to increase from 500 to 10,000 with Anyware Computer Accessories
SkyNetGlobal (ASX: SKG), today announced that its subsidiary W Home Automation has finalised a distribution agreement with Anyware Computer Accessories, a leading importer and wholesaler of computer accessories in Australia and New Zealand.

W Home Automation currently distributes its products to over 500 retail outlets including Dick Smith, Dick Smith Powerhouse, Tandy, Harvey Norman, Domayne and NARTA stores.