X10.com, a leading manufacturer of home automation hardware and software, has volunteered to distribute 13,699 free "Firecracker" starter kits (a suggested retail price of $73.00 each) to AnchorDesk subscribers on a first-come, first-serve basis, starting today. Those who do not qualify in time for the giveaway will receive coupons and other consolation prizes. Go to http://www.anchordesk.com for full details.

"Remote control is not just for TV anymore," said Jesse Berst, editorial director of ZDNet AnchorDesk. "Today’s digital technology lets people remotely turn on and off their lights and appliances, monitor their nanny over the Internet, wirelessly share movies and music throughout the house and much, much more. This type of gee-whiz gadgetry is no longer reserved for George Jetson!"

Concurrent with the sweepstakes, AnchorDesk will launch its "Wired Home Briefing Center," linking users to new features from across ZDNet every day. The AnchorDesk series begins with a "Berst Alert" introduction from Jesse and an article from Jon C.A. DeKeles, AnchorDesk’s technical director. In addition, ZDTV and ZDNet’s Equip site -- the field guide to the digital age -- will produce home-control stories to be featured in the new briefing center.

"We're delighted to be participating in Jesse's coverage of the burgeoning home automation marketplace," said Alex Peder, president of X10.com. "We’re taking advantage of this opportunity to launch Firecracker -- the key to the wired home -- marking the first time we’ve done a full product launch exclusively on the Web. We’re confident that this will be an effective way to spread the word on our latest home control innovations."

The Firecracker home control kit contains four main components, all of which are wireless: the PalmPad controller with 16 selectable control buttons; a Link Module; a single lighting control module to control any incandescent lamp; and finally, a tiny, power-packed Computer Interface for use with almost any notebook or desktop computer. Giveaway recipients will be required to pay shipping and handling fees.

About ZDNet
Based in San Francisco, ZDNet (NYSE: ZDZ) develops and maintains the ZDNet Web site (http://www.zdnet.com), a leading source for technology and Internet content and commerce. By combining groundbreaking, interactive technology with editorial from its own award-winning editorial team and from Ziff-Davis' worldwide network of journalists, ZDNet produces original, compelling content and communities of common interests in technology. ZDNet is consistently ranked by Media Metrix as the number-one Web site in the News, Information and Entertainment category. ZDNet is a division of Ziff-Davis (NYSE: ZD).

About X10
Based in Seattle, X10.com is a division of privately held X10 Ltd., the world leader in design and manufacture of proprietary home control, entertainment and security technology and products for over 20 years. To date, X10 has shipped well over one hundred million units of home control products world-wide. X10 has received numerous consumer and industry awards. X10.com sells and promotes X10 products direct to the consumer through its Web site http://www.x10.com. Recently, Media Metrix has ranked X10 as a top one hundred e-commerce Web site based on traffic and sales.