Abstract: A sleep assistance device is provided-for, including a contactless biometric sensor, a processor, memory, and a speaker. The processor detects a user's sleep state by reading signals from the contactless biometric sensor. The processor may then initiate a wind-down routine upon detecting a sleep-readiness state, including playing relaxing sounds or playing a respiration entrainment sound. The processor may also play noise-masking sounds upon detecting that a user has fallen asleep and seamlessly transition between the sounds played during the wind-down routine and the noise-masking sounds.

Abstract: A digital media distribution system, for use in several different spaces or rooms each of which is provided with electric power from a common supply system, and the system operable using Ethernet-over-powerline. The system comprises a digital media source device, such as a computer, which holds digital media files, and a signal transmission means. The space(s) have a local module connected to the power supply system, the local module being adapted to decode media signals carried on the power supply system. Selected media files are delivered as digital signals from the source device, over the power supply system to the local module. The local module is a device that produces audible and/or visual stimuli to be heard and/or seen by a person in the vicinity, such as one or more loudspeakers and/or display screens.

Abstract: An audio system is provided, the audio system comprising one or more user devices connected to a network having at least one audio amplifier and associated loudspeakers. The one or more user devices may comprise memory holding a plurality of libraries of audio items in digital form, each library being associated with a particular user. The one or more user devices may also comprise means for compiling a database of information relating to the audio items in each library. The database of each library may be available to any user, and selection of an item from a database causes the item to be played from the library in which the audio data is held.