Published Feb 09, 2012 By Ron Goldberg

Home control systems have been on the market for decades, but thanks to the growing sophistication of both the technology and consumers themselves, the idea is finally gaining critical mass. The convenience of automated and/or remote control of your home’s electronic devices and systems — entertainment, climate, security, lighting — is now accessible for any household.  But what’s the best way to get started?

Here are 10 questions worth asking as you explore the possibility of a home control system for your own house:

1. What are you looking to accomplish?

Home control can be as elementary as being able to shut off a downstairs light from upstairs, but it can also be a sophisticated command center for virtually anything that runs on electricity in your house.  Tasks like multi-room audio and basic lighting control can be practically plug and play these days, while more elaborate schemes that integrate with your thermostats and security systems are best specified and installed by a professional.  Qualify your own goals before starting to shop.

2. How much scalability do you need?

In part, the answer here relates to the previous question about your overall interests.  Some systems are designed for basic tasks and not much else. Other systems are capable of sending not just control commands, but also data-intensive media like video and audio throughout the house.  You want the flexibility to be able to build on today’s purchases tomorrow. Brands and technical platforms aren’t necessarily compatible with each other, so it pays to consider the future when you begin to assemble the system.

3. How remote do you need your remote control to be?

Many of today’s home control systems are capable of connecting to the Internet, which allows you to monitor and control your connected devices even when you’re not at home.  This is useful when you’re away from home a lot for business or vacation travel, and also for getting the house ready for you when you come home from work or the kids arrive from school.

4. Which control medium is right for you?

Home control systems send commands through a transmission medium.  Some, like Zigbee and Z-Wave, use radio waves and are wireless.  Others use your already-installed home electrical or phone wiring.  The most elaborate (and reliable) systems use Ethernet cable installed throughout the house.  If you’re building a new home, consider structured Ethernet wiring for your home control.  If you want the easiest way into the game, think a wireless or power/phone line medium.

5. How much complexity will your family tolerate?

Basic control systems use familiar (and proprietary) push-button remote controls that are easy enough for anyone to operate, so long as you don’t mind another clicker or two on the coffee table. In many (not all) cases you can program the codes from these yourself into a universal remote, such as the ones that control your A/V system.  More elaborate control systems use custom hand-held or in-wall keypads, sometimes substituting iPhones and iPads.  It all sounds cool, but even the prettiest interface can’t make complex ideas completely simple. Before you pick a system, try to see it through the eyes of the least technically oriented member of the household who will use it.  Will they be able to work things when you’re not home?

6. Proprietary or open protocol?

Some systems work only with their own brand-specific control components. Other systems have their own branded components, but also interface with many other brands and technologies.  Still other systems use widely-adopted technologies that work with almost any brand’s components.  As you consider your system, think about all the different devices you’d want to control in the home, and determine the compatibilities and possible incompatibilities in advance.

7. Installer only or user configurable?

There’s obviously great attraction to a control system you can simply plug in and work with minutes later.  But realistically speaking that’s only going to work with a few control tasks and a few brands.  Perhaps that’s all you need.  Some systems work with familiar browser-based interfaces and other user-oriented programming tools.  If you’re relatively IT savvy and want to take the time, you really can program many of these systems yourself.  But for an elaborate whole-house system, you’ll want an experienced integrator who can help you plan the system, as well as program it and support it.

8. Wired or wireless?

Wireless systems like Zigbee, Z-Wave and conventional Wi-Fi are easy and inexpensive, but they’re subject to roadblocks throughout the house that can impede their signals. Older homes with plaster walls are a particular challenge for wireless systems, as are larger homes with serious distances between floors and rooms.  A wired system is always going to work more reliably, which is is goal #1 for a control system.  If you haven’t built your home yet, consider structured wiring, not only for your IT needs but for expandability into home control.  If whole-home wiring isn’t practical, check into powerline and/or phone line based systems.

9. Cost

For most people, cost is a priority consideration.  Basic control modules for lights and small devices can start under $100.  A simple system for multi-room audio can be had for under $1000.  A full-blown whole-home controls system that incorporates entertainment, climate and security will cost four or five figures by the end of the day.  Keep in mind that you don’t have to buy everything all at once.  The better systems will let you build over time, buying only the capabilities that you need, when you need them.

10. Is there any other way?

Home control is a wonderful addition to almost any home, but for many, it’s overkill.  Ask yourself if it wouldn’t be just as easy to put another small sound system in an upstairs bedroom, instead of installing new speakers and control panels tied to the sound system downstairs.  If all you want to do is control lighting from your easy chair, there are lots of inexpensive ways to do it without going the whole nine yards into home control.  And for many home control tasks, service providers like your local cable or phone company, and your home security company will be glad to talk to you about what they offer and what’s possible.

Chester Springs, PA – November 3rd, 2011 —-  Home Technology Specialists of America (HTSA), announced today that Jon Summer, President of Cybersound & Security located in Scottsdale, AZ and Jim Richards of Fresno, CA based Futurehome Systems & Design will become new board members effective January 1st, 2012.  Messrs. Summer and Richards replace the seats previously held by Jeffrey Anderson former CEO of Aurant, Salt Lake City, UT and Bob Gullo, President of Piscataway, NJ based Electronics Design Group, Inc. Gullo opted not to run for a third term after serving six consecutive years as a board member, most currently as 2011 HTSA President. HTSA board members serve three year terms.

Returning board members are Brian Hudkins of Gramophone Ltd., Timonium Maryland; Joe Barrett of Barrett’s Technology Solutions, Naperville, Illinois;  Brad Whitehead of Paragon, Glenwood Springs, Colorado; Mike McMaster of Wilshire Home Entertainment, Thousand Oaks, California; and Leon Shaw of Audio Advice, Raleigh, North Carolina; Craig Abplanalp of Definitive, Seattle, Washington. Jon Robbins, president of HiFi House, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has been selected as President for 2012.

“Both Jim and Jon represent excellent choices for the board from among the vast talent and experience we have in our membership and I’m looking forward to working closely with both as we continue to grow and strengthen HTSA” states Bob Hana, Managing Director of HTSA.

“Jim and Jon are seasoned veterans, both bring unique skill sets to the board. Jim had 20 years corporate experience with GE before founding Futurehome, and Jon has Electrical and Security experience, these guys will certainly impact our group’s future direction” said Bob Gullo.

“The energy and commitment that have been added to the group by Jim and Jon’s election to the board will be immeasurable. They will each add fresh perspectives to continue to further the HTSA evolution.” said Robbins, 2012 HTSA President

About Home Technology Specialists of America

Home Technology Specialists of America (HTSA) is a national association of electronic system technology experts, who service the residential and business markets.  HTSA’s members are located in 38 states from coast to coast and each location is staffed with expert technologists who design, engineer, service and install high-end audio, video, automation, lighting, and climate control solutions for a discriminating clientele.  HTSA represents 60 members, 95 storefronts and over 400 installers nationwide. The impeccable work of HTSA members is affirmed through references and endorsements from designers, architects, builders and clientele, as well as partnerships with real estate developers and electronics manufacturers who recognize their commitment to quality.  Visit www.htsa.com for more information.  You can also find us at:

• HDLiving.com or it’s Facebook page and @HDLiving on Twitter
• Follow HTSA on Twitter – HTSA_
• On Facebook as HomeTechnology Specialistsof America
• Subscribe to our YouTube channel – HTSATV.

Savant's iPad App

It’s not quite “set-it-and-forget-it” automation of energy management, but we’re getting closer.

Each processor has 24 ports for circuit-based monitoring via current transformers (CTs) that clamp around the mains and circuit wires of an electrical panel. Multiple processors can be ganged together for additional circuits.

Savant says the system can also monitor individual lighting loads via CTs that can clamp around wires behind switches, though wiring them to a centrally located or nearby processor could be an issue.

The system can also be used to automatically shut off devices or dim lights when preset energy ceilings are reached. However, that will require additional programming.
Pricing is not yet available.

The newly announced controller blends a fourth generation iPod touch into a slim handheld, which has all of the traditional remote features you’ve come to know and love, such as traditional backlit buttons and navigation keys (31 of them!).

Using Savant’s TrueContol II app, this remote has touchpanel functionality inside a slimmer package. It can control everything in your AV setup, as well as lighting, climate control, security, cameras, and anything else you’ve got connected to a Savant Smart System.

It also allows you to switch from that control to a quick game of Angry Birds, or one of the thousands of other apps available from the iTunes Store.

Savant Select is also compatible with TrueCommand, Savant’s On-TV menu, which users to browse and select multimedia content and other services easily and efficiently. Other features include the built-in Wi-Fi and a 3.5-inch Multi-Touch Retina display, which has a 960-by-640-pixel resolution.

The Savant Select is now available via authorized Savant dealers.

The 7” Portable Video Intercom fits into a recharging tabletop cradle for power or can be screwed into the dock more permanently. The video touchscreen also serves as a Control4 interface and features four programmable buttons for quick access to favorite control features. Battery life for the touchscreen varies from 4 to 12 hours, depending on use.

The intercom allows a homeowner to have an ongoing conversation with a person at another intercom device without requiring either person to hold down a button; occupants can ring room-to-room; “Do not disturb” and privacy features are also available to provide control over the use of the intercom. The Portable also adds whole home intercom functionality by allowing users to take an intercom device from one room to another room or into parts of the house where you might not install an in-wall touchscreen.

The Portable Video Intercom will be available by the end of the year for $999. The Door Station video doorbell will follow. Intercom license is an additional $399.

Centralized Lighting

The IP-based control system maker also showed a hard-wired Panelized Lighting Solution that is controlled over Ethernet. The company previously offered decentralized wireless lighting control using ZigBee mesh networking technology.

Lighting control modules that make up the system can measure each electrical load via a built-in chip commonly used in utility-based smart meters.

Module faces protrude from a panel for manual control if needed and feature an 8-channel (zone or load) dimmer module, an 8-channel relay module and an Ethernet switch. The wired lighting control system can be used with Control4’s wireless lighting systems and will be available in the first quarter of 2012, the company says.

One of the most inexpensive ways to curb household energy consumption is by replacing some of your home’s toggle-style light switches with dimmer models. Studies show that by lowering the intensity of a light bulb by just 10 percent, you’ll save 10 percent on electricity costs and double the life of the bulb. Dim the bulb by 25 percent, and you’ll realize a 20 percent savings.

With dimmer switches costing as little as $10 a pop, the return on your investment is definitely worth the time and effort you’ll spend to install the new devices.

Plan of Action

So what’s the best course of action for adding dimmers? Should you change out every switch in your house or start with just a couple of rooms? According to the experts, you’ll get the biggest bang for your buck in the kitchen and bath. “These two rooms have a tremendous amount of installed lighting,” says Phil Scheetz, home systems marketing manager at Lutron Electronics. In a kitchen, for example, there might be recessed lighting over the stove and cooktop, pendants above the island, a set of lights under the cabinets, some above the cabinets, and another group by the breakfast nook.

By placing all of these lights under the control of a few dimmer switches, you’ll be able to adjust the settings of the lights in a number of different ways to suit your tasks. For instance, after a meal is prepared and you’re ready to eat, you could use the dimmers to put the lights by the stove at a 10 percent intensity level but brighten the fixtures over the table to 80 percent. The other lights could go to 60 percent—a level that provides general illumination but allows you to save energy at the same time.

In addition to the kitchen and bathroom, other areas that are good candidates for dimmers are family rooms, dining rooms and the exterior of your house.

“The exterior is the most overlooked area in a lighting plan,” says Grant Sullivan, product marketing manager for Leviton. “But what household really needs its outdoor lights burning at full intensity all night?” He suggests dimming these lights to 50 percent to save energy and provide enough light for people returning home late at night.

Selection of Styles

After you’ve decided which rooms deserve dimmers, your next task is to choose the dimmer switches themselves. Dimmers come in a wide variety of styles and price ranges. You’ll find old-style rotary dimmers that work by twisting a knob, dimmers that regulate the lights via a small slider bar, and those that adjust the lights according to the position of your finger on a touch-sensitive wall plate. Some dimmers are basic in design while others look like a piece of art.

Dimmers also differ by how many lights, or loads, they can handle, as well as their ability to communicate with home control systems. Naturally, you’ll pay more for a smarter, prettier dimmer than a plain-Jane model. However, with prices ranging from $10 to more than $200, you’re sure to find a style that suits your home’s decor and fits your budget.

Maximize Your Potential

You might be tempted to stick with the least expensive dimmers, but pricier models have the potential to save the greatest amount of electricity. A dimmer managed by a home control system, for example, can be programmed to adjust automatically at prescheduled times of the day and to react to certain conditions around the home. For example, if a daylight sensor notices that there’s ample light coming through the windows to illuminate the space, it could signal the home control system to turn off the lights and open the shades. Another scenario could involve your entertainment system.

Still another energy-saving feature could involve the activation of a GREEN button on a home control keypad or touchscreen. When this button is engaged, the home control system could sweep through the house, dimming every light to a predetermined percentage. “The homeowner would work with his or her home systems installer to decide which fixtures to put on the GREEN button and how much to dim them,” explains Scheetz. Expect to pay a few thousand dollars for a system with features like daylight sensing and green commands, but they’ll definitely make it easier to curb your household energy costs.

The Soundcast ICO-411 Outcast will be the talk of your outdoor event, and most certainly will not be an outcast in the audio media world. The OutCast is equipped with a weather-resistant, wireless speaker that brings music to your ears through its multi-directional stereo sound through your house, yard, tailgate, or pool. This product has a broadcast range of up to 350 feet, and can receive transmissions through walls, floors, and ceiling without any tangled wires to keep you from your audio media.

The OutCast can receive and control wireless transmissions from various devices such as your iPod, computer, MP3 player, and even your television. The onboard controls allow you to adjust volume, track up/down, and even pause or play audio from remote operation of your iPod or computer. No burning CDs, no lost iPod, and no MP3 players dropped in the pool.

When Being an OutCast is a Good Thing

The OutCast has audio capabilities like no other wireless speaker on the market. With an 8″ downward firing woofer and four 3″ high frequency drivers in an omni-directional array, this product projects bass you can feel thumping in your chest and a high range of notes with the clarity of a high-end stereo.

In this case, being an OutCast is a good thing. It prevents your media from being interrupted by inferior technology and interference. The 100-watt built-in amplifier of a single OutCast speaker allows you to know without question that you have more than enough power to listen to your audio media in any noisy situation.

Click here to view the embedded video.

It’s Easy Being an OutCast

Not only does OutCast have impeccable sound, but this quality is also easy to access. The first step to setting up your OutCast is charging the built-in battery, but you can also use AC power if you just can’t wait to become an OutCast user. You can be confident that if you leave it outside, it will trudge through any storm, soccer ball, or puppy.

The Rest of the SoundCast Family

The SoundCast System is a simple coordination of transmitters and receivers, in which OutCast is just one of many receiver options. SoundCast uses frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) technology. This means that the transmitter constantly and automatically searches for open channels in the 2.4GHz band. This constant movement allows the system to avoid interference with other products in your vicinity including telephones, cell phones, microwaves, and other products. But thanks to this technology, these are things you never have to worry about.

Despite ongoing legal battles with Hollywood, the company continues to innovate new products. Wanting to demonstrate how easy its products are to set up and operate, Kaleidescape sent me its KSERVER-1500 1U rack server with 6TBs of storage, as well as its M500 player, modular Disc Vault, some support accessories, and pre-loaded Essential DVD and Best of Blu-ray collections.

Features

The rack server is a RAID-enabled unit capable of providing multiple terabytes (TB) of storage and network integration for metadata retrieval.

The M500 is the brains through its inclusion of components such as a Blu-ray drive, Dolby TrueHD and DTS Master Audio HD decoding, bitstream audio outputs and a user interface that can make Apple envious. The M500 facilitates home CD/DVD library content ripping and management.

The Disc Vault provides a means of storing and managing Blu-ray collections. It holds up to 100 discs, and dealers can utilize multiple Vaults as long as they are connected to the M-Class products.
As for software, Kaleidescape offers a growing selection of media packages that it can pre-load.

Setup

I ran an Ethernet cable to the demo unit’s router and I connected an HDMI cable from the M500 to a Key Digital video processor. I linked an optical cable to the M500, ran it to my Bryston pre/pro, connected the Vault to the M500 via USB and powered everything except for the Vault.

Per Kaleidescape’s instructions, I turned the components on so I could verify the latest version of its operating system. After seeing version 4.0.1, I rebooted it, which activated an automatic update, and with the download installed I plugged in the Vault and began to load Blu-ray discs.

I tried to access the dealer menus by typing in “my-kaleidescape” into my PC’s browser. With the link not working, I entered an internal IP address, which successfully brought me to the “installer” menu where I was able to select the proper audio output.

The entire setup took about 60 minutes.

Performance

Driven by a user interface that’s so good and intuitive, my family and I found the system simple to navigate for content. With choices such as Dora the Explorer, The Backyardigans and Disney/Pixar titles, even my kids were completely engaged.

The system also became a big conversation topic with family and friends visiting during the holidays. Most of their questions dealt with the interface, which wowed everyone, and the impressive storage capabilities.

Content looks every bit as good as the master hard copies, with no added noise or artifacts. DVD material like The Princess Bride, for example, presented with fine quality from a Digital Projection Cine-260 projector. Also, the pure speed was very good, even Blu-ray loading worked instantaneously.

I found system’s ability to rip and catalog content, as well as include accurate metadata, worked within a reasonable time line. About the only thing negative I can point to is the propensity of the cover art menu to rearrange the titles before you finish reading the descriptions.

Value

I know there’s a lot of engineering, but I’m not going pretend that any server system is a “value” at Kaleidescape’s luxury range. That said, no one has ever questioned the reliability and potential of such a “go-to” product line. Kaleidescape has established its products as the benchmark in the category and I found the system lived up to its reputation as the best server line on the market.

What is it And Why Do I Care?

Pre-wire is the installation of “structured wiring” inside the home’s walls and floors that can pass low-voltage electronic signals to devices that you’ll eventually install, like TVs, multiroom audio setups and security/home monitoring systems.  Until recently, each of these device types required their own specific kinds of wire, like coaxial cables, HDMI cables and twisted pair copper for telephones. Many of them still do.  However, the latest structured wiring solutions are capable of running many of these signal types over Ethernet — a digital cable technology that’s fast, easy and economical. The specific types of cable you’ll need will depend on the home systems you’re thinking of and where you’re going to put them, but the best pre-wiring strategies will leave you with plenty of flexibility to make those decisions when it’s convenient for you, and not for the contractors.

DIY vs. Professional

Can you pre-wire your home yourself?  Frankly speaking, unless you’re pretty experienced with this sort of thing, you’re probably (much) better off leaving this job to a professional.  Low-voltage wiring doesn’t require a certified electrician, but a pro who has done this before (many times before) is usually licensed, insured, has seen it all and will anticipate many more “what-ifs” than you will.  They also know where to install the connection junctions for maximum reliability, how to isolate signal wires from electrical interference, and how to code the different cables for easy identification later on.  They’ll also usually have experience scheduling (and sometimes stalling) the contractors who will be chomping at the bit to finish your home construction so they can get paid and move to the next job.

Why Not Wireless Instead?

Simply put, wireless signal transmission is not as robust or reliable as a hard-wired connection.  In the case of data-intensive signals like HDTV, most wireless systems are (so far) barely up to the task in a small space, and in a larger house they will disappoint.  If your home has plaster walls, stone interior facades or other common residential obstructions, the performance from wireless systems can be sketchy or even non-existent.  Trust us on this one — if you really want whole-home technology, you’ll wish you had put wires in the walls before they were sealed up.

Planning Works

The beauty of structured wiring is that a good scheme gives you plenty of versatility to place your components (TVs, audio systems, etc.) wherever in the house you want whenever you want, instead of having to lock everything down at the outset.  Still, it pays to have a plan in mind when you hire someone to do your pre-wiring; the job will go faster and the installer will be able to do better work knowing your anticipated needs.  Here are a few tips to think about and talk over before the job starts:

• Will there be a main entertainment room (home theater, etc.?) More than one? Let the installer know where you’d like these to be; shorter, more direct signal runs in the wall are more effective than longer ones.  Also, knowing these locations will also allow dedicated electrical runs to the house’s main AC circuit box, which are desirable.

• Do you want distributed audio throughout the house?  It will be better to run speaker wires and in-wall keypads now than later.  In-wall speakers?  In-ceiling? Free-standing?  Now is the time to think these things over.

•  Will you be installing a monitoring home security system?  Have a good idea of where on your property the cameras will go so the installer can include them in the wiring plan.

• Will you be integrating — now or later — home control technologies, such as intelligent lighting, motorized shades or remote home monitoring?  Even if it’s a thought for down the road, let the installer know.  A little expense now in the form of a few extra wire runs is better than a lot of expense and work later.

• Ask your integrator about evolving technologies like Ethernet to your thermostat placements.  With energy policies changing (and in many states de-regulating), a little wiring now will give you the flexibility to upgrade to these “smart” climate controls, a strategy that can pay for itself in reduced energy costs.

Cat5 wires attached to a wall stud with an Arlington drive ring.

Published Jul 15, 2011 By Stephanie M. Adamow

When searching for various new items, they found someone to update the TV system, add a house stereo system and eventually to remodel the basement into a theater.

After talking to several firms about the audio and video systems, it became apparent that Jim Richards and his staff at FutureHome would be their choice, due to their understanding of priorities and because of much greater experience in doing a detailed theater remodel. FutureHome understood the clients’ concerns about budgeting the house stereo and TV systems, while also keeping in mind that the major investment would be the theater.

The clients adored FutureHome’s beige and black theme theater room featured in their showroom, and decided to replicate the look in several aspects, but incorporated their own style with elaborate millwork and moldings. They also choose the wide aspect ratio screen, a bright, high-definition Runco projector and a great-sounding B&W reference speaker system, concealed behind the perforated screen.

The theater is controlled by a compact handheld color touch screen, which operates all the audio and video components and also controls the lighting—one of the most innovative aspects of the theater. The main lights are sconces that are in the form of Martini glasses, with accent lighting behind the front columns. Recessed can lights provide reading lighting at the seats.

The homeowner liked the look of the components, so they are artistically fitted into the rear wall with wood moldings accenting the rear accessible equipment rack.

Not only did FutureHome help with power planning, lighting design and acoustical design but also with the selection and installation of interior fabrics and the wonderfully comfortable leather motorized recliners.

The other unique feature of the theater is the access to the basement. FutureHome was able to design the theater to use the exterior cellar door as an emergency exit; then an elevator became the primary access for the owners and their guests to arrive at the theater, which adds to the ambiance and drama of the theater.