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avtechnologysworld · 3 months

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Integrating Audio-Visual Design in Smart Homes

With the advancing technology, smart homes have become popular in recent times. These homes allow automation and remote access and control of various home appliances and functions using devices and internet connectivity. An important aspect in designing a smart home is integrating audio-visual solutions which enhance the lifestyle and experience of living in these homes. This blog discusses how audio-visual design can be incorporated in smart homes effectively.

Audio visual service contract template is a legal document used for maintaining audio-visual equipment installed in homes, offices or other establishments. Integrating quality audio-visual systems in smart homes requires proper service and maintenance which a contract ensures.

Components of an Audio-Visual Design

Home Theater

One of the primary considerations for audio-visual design in smart homes is the home theater system. It includes equipment like LCD/LED TV, surround sound system, Blu-ray/DVD player, set-top box and streaming devices. Quality screens ranging from 55-75 inches along with 7.1 channel surround setup with dedicated speakers and subwoofers create an immersive theater-like experience. Popular brands for theater components include Samsung, LG, Sony, Bose, Polk Audio etc.

Home Automation

The whole idea of a smart home is to automate various functions using voice commands or mobile devices. Audio solutions need to be integrated with smart devices and virtual assistants like Google Home and Amazon Alexa for remote control. Speakers placed in various rooms can be linked to play the same or different audio depending on the zone. Automation simplifies entertainment and enhances user experience.

Whole Home Audio

Instead of limiting audio to just the home theater area, a whole home audio system distributes music to different rooms. In-ceiling and in-wall speakers are installed throughout the house along with streaming modems/decoders to play the same or independent audio sources zone-wise. Brands like Sonos and Bose offer modular wireless solutions ideal for whole home setup.

Outdoor Audio

Smart homes make the most of indoor as well as outdoor spaces. Weatherproof speakers are placed in patios, gardens, pools or decks for uninterrupted music. These can be part of the indoor system through additional amps/receivers or operated separately. Brands like JBL, Klipsch, Polk offer outdoor speakers suitable for smart homes.

Home Automation Technologies in Audio-Visual Design

Smart Speakers and Virtual Assistants

Intelligent speakers from companies like Google, Amazon, Apple and Samsung act as control hubs for audio systems and other smart devices. Commands for playing music, switching inputs or changing volume are given through voice. Notifications, reminders and queries can also be handled using virtual assistants like Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant.

WiFi Streaming and Multi-Room Audio

Streaming audio wirelessly using network or Bluetooth offers flexibility to play the same or independent sources all over the house. Sonos, Bose and other brands have solutions allowing multi-room synchronous or asynchronous playback using a mobile app or voice. Sources can be locally stored music or audio from online streaming services.

Home Automation Protocols

Popular protocols like Crestron, Control4, RTI and Savant allow integrating audio, lighting, security, HVAC and other systems on a single platform. Scenes and activities can be programmed through interfaces to automate complex functions as desired. For example, dimming lights and playing romantic music with a single command. These are ideal for high-end luxury smart homes.

Installing an Audio-Visual System in Smart Homes

System Design and Layout

The first step is consulting an AV professional to understand owner's requirements, do a site survey and come up with the best design. Important factors like speaker locations, sizes of screens, placement of equipment racks and streaming devices are determined based on the home layout and budget. Installation feasibility is also assessed at this stage.

Equipment Selection

After finalizing the design, specific products are selected based on criteria like features, reliability, reputation, pricing and aesthetics. While big brands are preferred, lower cost or niche options are considered if they meet audio quality standards. Equipment for core components like TVs, projectors, receivers and networking gear are purchased.

Installation and Configuration

Professional installation ensures neat wiring hiding cables and optimal mounting of speakers and screens. Equipment is set up, wired together as per schematic and configured through on-screen menus or dedicated apps. Sources are linked, streaming accounts configured, control integrated with smart home system through programming.

Configuration and Calibration

An AV professional fine tunes the system for optimal performance. Screen sizes and projector placement is optimized through calibration. Speaker levels, positioning, distances and crossovers are set for accurate soundstage. Bass management and room correction through Audyssey, AccuEQ etc is done for clarity and fidelity.

Maintenance and Service Agreement

Though smart home AV systems have evolved to require minimum maintenance, critical annual checks need to be performed to ensure longevity and reliable performance. A service contract signed with the installation vendor looks after maintenance tasks like cleaning, firmware updates, testing cables/connectors, and addressing minor/major issues if any come up. Replacement of obsolete components down the line is also planned through such agreements.

Integrating Audio-Visual Systems with Other Smart Home Features Audio can be integrated with various smart capabilities through home automation platforms:

Control lights, motorized shades or sprinklers through scenes triggered on audio activity

Get notified on mobile if alarms or door/windows are opened when music is playing

Automatically lower volume or pause when Ring or Nest doorbell is pressed

Sync audio with activities like starting workout videos on a TV or mirror

Use voice commands to play music, check weather or latest news throughout the house

Remotely access security cameras, doorbells and baby monitors on TVs using streaming devices

Benefits of Incorporating Audio-Visual Systems in Smart Homes

Creates a true connected home entertainment experience for residents

Enhances lifestyle with flexibility to enjoy music or movies anywhere Automation using voice assistants saves physical effort of controlling via remotes

Multi-room audio offers intimate listening zones tailored as per activity

Adds a luxury aesthetic appeal to modern smart homes Future-proofs the property, maintaining resale value through latest technology

Safety features like voice activation in risky environments like kitchens or workshops

Whole home audio helps keep families connected across floors

Conclusion

Incorporating well-designed audio-visual systems tailored for smart home capabilities greatly elevates the lifestyle and user experience in modern residences. Right from the project planning to maintenance stages, an expert integration ensures seamless control and enjoyment of multimedia all over the living spaces. As technology evolves with trends like personalized audio, immersive experiences and AI assistants, AV design too will adapt to deliver superior connected lifestyle solutions. Installing such solutions at the construction phase future-proofs homes for many years through upgradable components and ongoing service agreements. Overall, integrating pro-standard audio-visual design in smart homes completely transforms the way residents experience music, movies and connectedness through technology

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news1latest · 5 months

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Unleashing the Potential of Powered Speakers in Various Settings

Powered speakers have revolutionized the audio landscape, offering a dynamic combination of amplification and speaker technology in a single package. In this article, we explore the versatility of powered speakers and their potential to transform various settings, from home entertainment to professional environments and outdoor spaces.

Advantages of Powered Speakers

Built-In Amplification

Unlike traditional speakers that require external amplifiers, powered speakers come equipped with built-in amplification. This streamlined design eliminates the need for separate components, simplifying the audio setup process for users.

Simplified Setup and Connectivity

Setting up powered speakers is a hassle-free experience. With integrated amplification, users can connect these speakers directly to audio sources, reducing the complexity of wiring and configuration. This user-friendly approach makes powered speakers accessible to individuals with varying levels of technical expertise.

Enhanced Sound Quality

The marriage of amplification and speaker components in powered speakers results in enhanced sound quality. Users can expect clear and powerful audio reproduction across different frequencies, providing an immersive listening experience.

Powered Speakers in Home Entertainment

Immersive Audio for Movie Nights

In the realm of home entertainment, powered speakers elevate the cinematic experience. Whether paired with a home theater system or used as standalone units, these speakers deliver rich, immersive audio that enhances the impact of movies and TV shows.

Transforming Gaming Experiences

Gamers appreciate the heightened audio experience powered speakers bring to their gameplay. From subtle footsteps to thunderous explosions, the detailed sound reproduction adds an extra dimension to gaming, increasing the overall enjoyment for players.

Elevating Music Listening

Powered speakers are not limited to visual entertainment. In the realm of music, these speakers provide audiophiles with a high-fidelity listening experience. With precise sound reproduction, users can rediscover their favorite tracks with newfound clarity.

Powered Speakers in Professional Settings

Audio Solutions for Offices and Conference Rooms

In professional settings, powered speakers offer practical audio solutions. Offices and conference rooms benefit from the clear and powerful sound, facilitating effective communication during meetings and presentations.

Versatility in Educational Institutions

Educational institutions find value in the versatility of powered speakers. From enhancing lectures to facilitating audio-visual presentations, these speakers cater to the diverse audio needs of classrooms and lecture halls.

Enhancing Presentations and Workshops

Powered speakers play a pivotal role in professional presentations and workshops. The clarity of audio ensures that every participant can hear crucial information, fostering engagement and comprehension.

Powered Speakers in Outdoor Environments

Portable Audio for Events and Gatherings

The portability of powered speakers makes them ideal for outdoor events and gatherings. From picnics to beach parties, users can bring high-quality audio wherever they go, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Creating Ambiance in Outdoor Spaces

Outdoor spaces, such as gardens and patios, can benefit from powered speakers to create a relaxing ambiance. Users can enjoy music while gardening or host outdoor dinners with a soundtrack that complements the surroundings.

Wireless Solutions for On-the-Go

Advancements in powered speaker technology include wireless capabilities. Users can enjoy music on the go, whether hiking, camping, or simply exploring the outdoors, without the constraints of wired setups.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Powered Speakers

Power Output and Speaker Size

Selecting the right powered speakers involves considering power output and speaker size. Larger rooms may require speakers with higher power, while compact spaces may benefit from smaller, more efficient models.

Connectivity Options and Compatibility

Users should assess the connectivity options of powered speakers to ensure compatibility with their audio sources. Whether wired or wireless, the speakers should seamlessly integrate with existing devices and systems.

Budget Considerations

While the advantages of powered speakers are numerous, budget considerations play a crucial role in decision-making. Users should explore options that align with their financial constraints while meeting their audio needs.

Setting Up Powered Speakers

Placement for Optimal Sound Distribution

Optimal placement of powered speakers enhances sound distribution. This section provides practical tips on speaker placement to achieve balanced and immersive audio experiences in various settings.

Calibrating Settings for Different Settings

Calibrating speaker settings is essential for tailoring audio experiences to different settings. Users can learn how to adjust settings for home entertainment, professional presentations, and outdoor events to maximize the potential of powered speakers.

Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues

Addressing common setup issues ensures a smooth user experience. This subsection offers troubleshooting tips for issues such as connectivity problems, audio distortion, and other common challenges users may encounter.

User Experiences and Reviews

Real-World Feedback from Home Users

Gaining insights from home users provides a realistic perspective on the benefits and challenges of powered speakers. This section compiles real-world feedback, showcasing the diverse experiences of individuals integrating powered speakers into their homes.

Insights from Businesses Incorporating Powered Speakers

Businesses that have incorporated powered speakers share their insights. From improved communication in offices to enhanced presentations in conference rooms, these testimonials highlight the positive impact of powered speakers in professional settings.

Outdoor Event Organizers' Perspectives

Organizers of outdoor events share their perspectives on using powered speakers. From music festivals to weddings, these experiences shed light on the versatility and reliability of powered speakers in diverse outdoor settings.

Future Trends in Powered Speaker Technology

Integration with Smart Home Systems

The integration of powered speakers with smart home systems is a burgeoning trend. This section explores how these speakers seamlessly connect with smart home ecosystems, offering users centralized control and automation.

Wireless Advancements and Connectivity

Advancements in wireless technology are shaping the future of powered speakers. From improved Bluetooth connectivity to emerging wireless standards, users can anticipate more convenient and reliable wireless setups.

Predictions for the Evolution of Powered Speakers

Experts in the audio industry provide insights into the future of powered speakers. Anticipated innovations in design, functionality, and integration are discussed, offering readers a glimpse into the evolving landscape of powered speaker technology.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the potential of powered speakers extends far beyond traditional audio setups. From the immersive audio experiences in home entertainment to the practical applications in professional settings and the portability for outdoor use, these speakers redefine how we engage with sound. Exploring the versatility of powered speakers opens up new possibilities for users across various settings.

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smarterhomesworld · 4 years

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How Much Does Luxury Home Automation Cost?

Explore The Luxury home automation calculator.

If you straight out ask an integrator how much it costs to turn your house into a smart home, the answer will most definitely be “it depends.” So, if you’re in the market for home automation and looking for a ballpark price, here’s a quick and easy way to calculate all of the factors “it depends” on.

These questions for your consideration come straight from the Build a Budget Tool at the bottom of this article. It’s a pricing system calculator designed by the Home Technology Association that quotes prices based on industry standards. It is the most accurate, realistic depiction of what it costs to have smart home technology installed today. As you work through the create a budget process, this article will give you an idea what you need to decide on before you can create an optimal price range.

Start with Scale

What is your home’s square footage? What about the cost of living in your area? While inputting your home's square footage in the calculator below (a round number is OK)

How many rooms will need advanced technology of some sort? Having a good idea of not only what you want but also how much of it you need is a great place to start as you consider approaching a smart home integrator. For example, you know you want WiFi for your new estate but does it need to extend outdoors to reach the back patio, barn, pool, gate, etc.

Let's talk about wiring. What best describes your Homes Wiring situation?

My house is already “fully” wired

I am building a house and need all new smart home wiring

I need some new wiring installed

My house has old wiring, need all new wiring

Note: Prewire calculations assume you would like your home fully wired for ALL home technologies shown throughout the budget calculator, including 'future-ready' wiring. Prewire pricing can vary substantially based on what features you would like in your home. Wiring budget is for low-voltage wiring, not for electrical.

How about Wi-Fi?

None

Consumer-grade (is not recommended with smart homes)

Enterprise-grade (more secure)

Keep in mind that our modern lifestyle and our home's technology systems are extremely reliant on a quality network and Wi-Fi system. Most homes are moving towards enterprise-grade hardware and away from the types of products you could buy in an office supply store or a consumer computer store. We recommend that all homeowners consider the network and Wi-Fi system to be the most important system in the home. Click here to read more about this subject.

Plan Out Your Home Entertainment. Let's talk music

How many rooms would you like music in the two categories described below?

Include exterior areas too!

Higher-quality sound or higher-grade architectural finishes. (If none, just enter 0)

Basic background music. (If none, just enter 0)

If music throughout the house is important to you, it’s crucial that you decide the quality of sound you want as well as how many rooms you want it in. Consider that you may want speakers installed in more places than just the media room. Calculate the number of televisions you want in the house and consider how you’ll be getting entertainment on those devices, whether that’s cable, streaming, or otherwise. Don’t forget the outdoor amenities!

Now on to Televisions.

Price Range will include video sources such as AppleTV, a blu-ray player, satellite receiver, and remotely-locating them for best aesthetics. A basic soundbar is included for better dialog audio. TV's between 60" - 100" diagonal size - (If none, just enter 0)

TV’s between 32" - 55" diagonal size - (If none, just enter 0)

Do you want to centralize your video sources (Cable TV, Apple TV, Roku, Blu-ray player, etc.) in one location and have them viewable on all TV's?

This is called “video distribution” and reduces the amount of audio/video equipment located at each TV location / room.

Choose Yes or No

Do you have a dedicated home theater room? Please select a budget.

Pricing listed below does not include seating or room build-out costs.

Entry Level ($10K - 40K)This budget is typically for a 4-6 seat theater room with a 100" - 120" screen, a sub $10K video projector, and a receiver-based audio system with in-wall speakers.

Enhanced ($41K - 90K)This budget is typically for a 6-8 seat room with a 120" - 140" screen, a brighter, higher performance projector, and a higher quality sound system.

Performance ($91K - 150K)This budget is typically for an 8-16 seat theater with a 12' - 15' wide screen, high performance projector, and theater-quality sound system.

High-Performance ($151K - 300K)This budget is typically for an 8-20 seat theater with a 12' - 20' wide screen, reference-grade video projector, reference-quality sound system, and acoustic design.

Ultra-High Performance ($350K+)This budget is typically a spare no expense theater with the very best equipment available and acoustic design.

Do you plan on outfitting a room in your house with a surround sound system? Please select a budget.

A surround sound system creates an immersive sound experience, much like a dedicated home theater room, though in a dual-purpose room such as a Family Room, Master Bedroom, etc. If you would like more than one surround system location, click on the "Add Another Surround System" button below

Entry Level ($5K - 15K)This budget is typically for a 65-75" TV with a "receiver-based" 5.1 audio system with in-wall or in-ceiling speakers and a subwoofer.

Enhanced ($16K - 30K)This budget is typically for a 75-85" TV, a "separates-based" 7.1 audio system with higher performance in-wall or in-ceiling speakers and a subwoofer (or two).

Performance ($31K - 75K)This budget is typically for a 85"-100" TV, a "separates-based" 11 speaker Dolby Atmos audio system with higher performance speakers and a subwoofer (or two).

High-Performance ($76K - 150K)This budget is typically for a 75" TV for daytime use plus a 135" motorized projection screen for movie viewing and a theater-quality 11 speaker Dolby Atmos audio system.

Think About Security

Do you want a security and fire detection system?

Choose Yes or No

Incorporating smart security into your home is one of our most practical and convenient solutions. It goes beyond just alarm systems and cameras. Smart security means monitor your home, unlocking the doors, controlling garage doors and gates, and responding to the doorbell all from your personal device. Make a list of just how convenient and safe you’d like your home to be.

How many security cameras do you think you need to cover your home?

Here you will enter the number of cameras you would like to budget for. (If none, just enter 0.)

Typically, homeowners want to see the following areas: front of house, front door, driveway / gate, sides of house, and pool. If you are more concerned about security, you may want to add cameras for the perimeter of your property. Good-quality cameras see about 75 feet of distance on average. The high range of the budget estimate includes higher resolution cameras, better night vision, and longer surveillance recording time. To learn more about security camera option, click here.

Do you need a whole-house intercom / IP phone system?

Choose Yes or No when filling out the form below.

IP phone systems are great for business professionals who have IP phone systems at their main offices. This way the company can push an important call directly to the person working from home just as fast as if they were working physically at the main office.

Consider the Luxuries

When you think smart home - voice control, lighting automation, and motorized shades come to mind. Are you here for convenience, safety, luxury, or all of the above? Take a tour of our services to get the thought process going. The more you can hone in on your smart home priorities, the easier and more accurately you’ll be able to create a smart home automation budget.

Do you want a lighting control system for the whole house?

Lighting control systems reduce wall clutter, allow preset lighting scenes at the push of a button, increase security, and add convenience.

Yes, for the whole house and exterior

Yes, for the main areas of the house and exterior only

Only for a couple rooms

No, I will use conventional wall switches

Do you want any motorized shading?

Motorized shades add beauty, convenience, address privacy concerns, and can be used to save energy. If desired, provide your best guess on how many windows/shades you want to motorize. The higher-end of the budget range includes higher-end fabrics, large windows, and dual-roller shades (both sheer and privacy shades on one window).

If none, just enter 0

Do you want to control your house through different multiple apps?

Single app

Multiple app

No house control

For example, a house music app, an app to operate your TV, an app for lights, an app for locks, an app for cameras, an app to open close garage doors & gates, etc. Or do you want to control the house through a single unified app that controls all the systems in the home? You can read more about the smart home by clicking here.

Let us know what home systems you want to control on a single app.

Music, TV, Lights, Climate, Alarm, Motorized Shades, Security, Cameras, Pool/Spa, Locks, Gates/Intercom, Garage

Once your form is completely filled you you will get your budget range calculated. You can then email the budget to yourself and your local technology integrator. Just enter your email address to have the Budget Calculator results sent to you: Separate multiples emails with a comma. Your email is kept private and not shared with any other entities

Get started now! and create your budget!

#Home Automation #Build a Budget #Smart Home Technology #Smart Home Pricing Austin #Home Entertainment #Home Security #automation

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datawiresolutions · 7 years

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Crestron Home Automation System Helps Couple Entertain Guests

Suzanne and Irl Engelhardt love entertaining – so much so that they have set up their extraordinary home largely for that purpose.

“We bought kitchen towels that say, ‘Guests of our guests may not bring guests,’ but we’ve broken that rule,” Sue Engelhardt says. She has held parties for their grown children, for their friends, for employees, college alumni, even her book club from St. Louis. “I love to have people come and stay,” she says.

The five-bedroom house is unusually long and narrow. Most rooms have windows on two or three sides plus private patios. “We might have eight guests each in their own areas – but when they’re ready to socialize, they all congregate at the center of the house.”

The center is a beautiful living room, kitchen and dining area, with floor to ceiling windows that retract, on both sides, to bring the outdoors inside. Here the Engelhardts and friends can lounge in the sun, eat, talk, watch movies, or binge-watch Netflix. “After dinner, we always love to watch something, whether an action movie, a drama or Downton Abbey. We take turns deciding what it will be, but we watch it together. It’s a form of bonding.”

Blending Design & Smart Home Technology

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Sue Engelhardt says she and Irl bought their original property in Naples in 2003, but after retirement they were able to purchase the adjacent lot, tear down their existing house and build something special.

“I knew nothing from a technical point of view, but I know good design,” she recalls. She found Vero Beach-based architect Clem Schaub and loved his designs. “He grew up in Puerto Rico and enjoys the tropical lifestyle,” she says. “He understands that if you’re in Florida you want to be outside.”

She had trouble finding a good technology integrator, but Schaub recommended Will Gilbert of Fort Lauderdale-based Think Simple. “I felt comfortable with Will. He’s very open with how they will build something and transparent about pricing. If I would say, I really want this to be this way, he would always find a way to do it.”

The living room is something special. Schaub and Think Simple designed a media system with a JVC projector, James Loudspeaker surround sound and a huge projection screen, but hid everything in the ceiling and behind a beautiful piece of fabric art by Olga de Amaral. But because the family hates to close draperies, Think Simple also installed an 80” Sharp TV, a better option when the room is bright. Press a button on a handheld remote or iPad and the artwork rolls out of the way to the right, revealing the TV or lowering the screen and projector. “It’s really cool,” Sue says. “You can’t even tell they are there.”

Sue says she was surprised and impressed when the Think Simple people came back after the audio system was installed and tuned each room with Crestron’s Surround Sound Tuning Kit, using a microphone to compare the sound coming from the speakers with a reference tone generated by a computer. “It’s night and day how much better it sounds.”

As concerned as she was about sound and image quality, Sue did not want to look at the A/V equipment when she wasn’t using it. Think Simple installed an equipment rack in the attic, mounted speakers in the ceilings, and hid TVs in cabinets whenever possible. In the master bath, they installed Seura mirror TVs, which disappear when powered off. If someone wants to play a movie or song list from a phone or tablet, they can connect wirelessly via AirPlay. The sound system defaults to the room they connect from, but it’s easy to play music in multiple rooms or throughout the house.

The Finer Details

Getting the details right was a bit of a challenge. Gilbert says he had the bathroom vanities custom built so that the glass would match the glass in the Seura mirrors perfectly. “We also had to use linear actuator motors in the living room to keep from damaging the artwork,” he adds.

Think Simple owns its own “CNC” computer-controlled lathe and milling machine, which they used to build bronze plates for security cameras and wood plates for some of the outdoor lighting fixtures, all of which exactly match fixtures chosen by Schaub interior architect Christine Pokorney.

Network, Lighting and Security

In addition to the A/V systems, Think Simple installed the home network, a home telephone system including a cellular antenna, and Crestron controls to integrate the security, lighting, shading, climate and A/V, coordinating with the family’s security and IT suppliers based near their main home in St. Louis.

“The name of the company [Think Simple] is interesting,” Sue says. “As technical as they are, they really do make it very simple for the end user. I was impressed, too, with their service after the sale. I was watching a movie with some friends one evening and something happened – the movie just quit. I called Will, and he fixed it immediately by connecting remotely to my house. We went right back to our movie.”

“The Think Simple people are all kind of nerdy but a good nerdy,” she adds. “They are all truly excited about what they do, and they are always looking for the next thing that will be great to use in a home.”

That’s one reason she recommended the company to a neighbor down the street. But the other is simply that she loves her integrated home.

She says her son is building a new house now and she told him to be sure to include an automation system. “I said, ‘Do it now before the house is finished. You’ll be really glad you did.’”

The post Crestron Home Automation System Helps Couple Entertain Guests appeared first on Electronic House.

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datawiresolutions · 7 years

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Gold Home of the Year: Crestron System Provides Luxurious Living in 12,000-Square-Foot Lake House

Dubbed the “Modern Lakeside Retreat,” this 12,000-square-foot home lives up to its name, thanks in part to a Crestron automation system and Lutron lighting system expertly designed and installed by Service Tech Audio Visual, of Cedar Park, Texas. The technologies that work tirelessly and transparently in the background are more than just “modern,” though — they’re state-of-the-art smart. This intelligence is combined with a design and orientation that soaks in the views of a nearby “lake.” And lastly, the ease by which the house can be managed makes going there feel more like a vacation retreat than a permanent residence.

These three facets fuse seamlessly together to create a one-of-a-kind home environment that’s fun, effortless, and exactly what the homeowners had envisioned when they hired Service Tech to integrate a bevy of brainy systems into it during construction. It’s a formula that also made this project a worthy recipient of the Electronic House Home of the Year, $150,000 and up (modern/contemporary) Gold award. See here and here for other Home of the Year winners.

17 Listening Zones Open to Family and Friends

One of the first suggested solutions Service Tech brought to the table was a whole-house audio and video system. Given that the owners had requested from the get-go a dedicated space for a cinema, it wasn’t too far of a stretch for Service Tech to assume that the owners would also appreciate having music and video accessible in other rooms of the house, as well as outside. Their assumption was spot on. Built into the ceilings of the house would be enough Sonance architectural speakers to deliver music to 17 independent listening zones. A Crestron audio matrix ties the speakers to an Autonomic Controls Mirage music server, as well as to a generation-3 Apple TV, which lets the family and guests stream music to any and all zones via AirPlay.

In charge of passing video from a cable TV set-top box, Apple TV, and Blu-ray disc player, and surveillance cameras to eight TVs is a Crestron video matrix. The owners choose what they want to watch and where they want to watch it from a nearby iPad, which is usually stationed in a wall dock for convenience and charging. Music selection and direction is handled though the same Crestron app that controls the distribution of video. Alternatively, the owners can grab one of several Crestron HR-150 handheld remotes to control the A/V action in its dedicated room.

Back-to-Back TVs for Double the Entertainment

The diversity of entertainment is impressive, certainly, but so is the way in which at least two of the eight TVs were installed. In the main living area two 65-inch Samsung TVs pressed back to back lift together out of custom-built cabinet when commanded from the Crestron home control app. The screen of one TV faces the fireplace and sitting area while the other screen looks out to the kitchen.

Even the outside of the house was primed for entertainment by Service Tech. Rock speakers dot the landscape so that music can be clearly heard by the swimming pool. Tunes from in-ceiling speakers blanket the outdoor kitchen, patio, and cabana. A Vizio TV stationed inside a covered patio safely away from the wind, rain, and sunlight pulls video from the video sources inside the house where the rest of the entertainment and automation components also reside. Again, the Crestron app puts the owners in charge of what’s playing on the outdoor speakers and TVs. They can even stream music to indoor and outdoor speakers installed in a crow’s nest that overlooks the lake.

Automated Lights, Shades, Bug Screen, and Pool Join the Mix

Whole-house audio and video are a natural high-tech choice for a home that’s designed for entertaining. Less obvious but equally as important, however, are smart thermostats, lighting, and shading. They can set the mood, the tone, and the comfort level for the occasion, so after getting the go-ahead from the homeowners, Service Tech added to the Crestron control platform eight Crestron thermostats, a Lutron HomeWorks QS lighting system, Lutron automated drapes and shades, Somfy motorized bug screen on the patio, and Jandy swimming pool system.

With these systems seamlessly integrated, the homeowner can use the same Crestron app that operates the whole-house entertainment system to brighten a certain group of lights, adjust a particular thermostat, open and close select shades, activate the swimming pool heater, and lower and lift the patio screens that offer protection against insects, for example. A misting system can also be activated to cool off the outdoor air when necessary. In what could have taken several minutes of setup time, they can complete in seconds right from an iPad.

The preferred settings of each of these components was programmed into the Crestron system by Service Tech, which means the homeowners can just press a button and know that the entertainment atmosphere will be set precisely to their liking. However, preferences are bound to change, so Service Tech supplied the owner with the Lutron app, which allows him to easily modify the settings of lighting scenes as well as choose to which rooms to assign those newly created scenes.

Home Theater Caps off the Project

So what ever happened to the plan for the home theater — the impetus of this extreme integration of smart home technology? As the architects at Jauregui Architecture, Interiors & Construction were working on the layout and design of the cinema, Service Tech was busily specifying home theater components. As the home’s premiere entertainment destination, the home theater would comprise some of the finest A/V equipment available. This would include Dolby Atmos surround sound with Sonance cinema-grade speakers, Sony 4K projector, and 173-inch Screen Innovations screen. Naturally, as is the case with the rest of this sprawling lake house, the Crestron system boils down the control of this high-end gear to a simple tap of a button. Technology, combined with design and simple control, creates the epitome of easy living for the owners of the Modern Lakeside Retreat.

Systems Design & Installation

Service Tech Audio Visual

Cedar Park, Texas

Equipment Highlights

Crestron automation, thermostats, A/V distribution

Lutron lighting & shades control

Somfy motorized insect screen

Sonance speakers

Samsung TVs

Screen Innovations screen

Sony projector

Autonomic media server

The post Gold Home of the Year: Crestron System Provides Luxurious Living in 12,000-Square-Foot Lake House appeared first on Electronic House.

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datawiresolutions · 7 years

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Blu-ray Movies the Video of Choice in Custom Home Theater

Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Video, and other streaming services have caused a paradigm shift in the home theater marketplace. Physical media has taken a backseat to the convenience of streaming current movies, TV series, and other content directly to the screen of a home theater. But Blu-ray movies still have their place, as the owners of this 484-square-foot, 8-seat home theater will attest.

50+ Blu-ray Discs Available

A speically constructed room at the back of the theater holds the family’s large Blu-ray Disc collection, plus several A/V components. A JVC D-ILA video projector is anchored to the ceiling.

“They are big movie watchers and have a huge selection of Blu-ray Discs which they still use,” says Mark DiPietro of SoundVision, a home systems design firm in Mooresville, N.C. To make it easy for the family to pop a disc into either a Samsung 3D Blu-ray player or a Sony Blu-ray player, Pietro with help from the builder of the 6,500-square-foot home, created a special equipment closet at the back of the room. Measuring 8×8-feet, “It’s roomy enough comfortably walk into, select a disc and load it into a machine,” DiPietro continues. At the same time, a movie-goer can grab a bucket of popcorn from the popcorn machine graces the large closet along with a well-appointed equipment rack.

The specially constructed equipment closet helps maintain a clean, uncluttered aesthetic, and leaves plenty of room for the family to stretch out and utilize every square inch of the room. “One of their requests was that there be enough room in front of the seats to do Wii Fit,” DiPietro says.

Fusing A/V with the Room Design

A 7.2 surround-sound setup comprised of Episode speakers and subwoofers eats up none of the space either. DiPietro gave the builder the exact measurements of the speakers so that perfectly sized cavities could be constructed within the wall studs to hold the speakers flush with the wall surface. The Onkyo A/V receiver that drives the audio hangs out with the rest of the gear in the equipment closet.

Because this theater set apart from the rest of the house in the lower level, and is used primarily for movie viewing, concealing the screen and projector was unnecessary. As long as they didn’t look out of place or consume valuable floor space, the family was fine with these two pieces of equipment being exposed, DiPietro remarks. He paired a JVC DILA 3D video projector with a 120-inch Dragonfly screen to provide the larger-than-life visuals.

Cuing a movie is as easy at tapping a button on a URC MRX890 remote, which DiPietro programmed to streamline start-up and shut-down process. In addition to controlling the A/V equipment, the remote also signals the URC light switches to dim as the movie starts and to brighten when the show is over.

Taking the Entertainment Outside

The back yard audio system was added after the home theater.

As is the case with many families, the home theater served as a launching pad to other modes of home entertainment. “Their A/V budget during the construction of the house would only accommodate the home theater,” DiPietro explains. “The homeowners said they wanted to live in their house for a while to figure out where they would spend their next A/V dollar.” This ended up being the backyard, where a swimming pool and patio became one of the family’s favorite places to relax.

Music was the choice of entertainment outside. But unlike in the theater, streaming would be the main method of accessing tunes. Through the Sonos system that DiPietro installed, the family can stream songs from their mobile devices as they lounge poolside. To ensure that the audio would blanket the backyard evenly, six in-ground landscape speakers and one in-ground subwoofer from Origin Acoustics were planted among the landscape. DiPietro added a beefy Crown amplifier to provide the audio muscle.

With the outdoor audio addition, the family is able to utilize modern streaming services, while still enjoying the nostalgia of their impressive Blu-ray disc collection when movie viewing is on the docket. A mix of old with new entertainment styles make this house a stellar example of how technology can be customized to meet the unique needs of its users.

The post Blu-ray Movies the Video of Choice in Custom Home Theater appeared first on Electronic House.

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