Essential Install | Home Automation Platforms
DID YOU KNOW : In 1975 , the first general purpose home automation network technology , X10 , was developed .
Home Is Where The Art Is
Daniel J Sait takes a look at the most recent up-dates from the world of residential home automation systems .
URC ’ s Total Control has added several new twoway interaction possibilities
The URC platform , available in the UK from AWE , has announced new modules and increased functionality for its Total Control platform .
The maker says the new releases are to ensure its products remain in line with the latest technological advancements and include a number of two-way control modules . The additions have been designed in house at URC and are completely free of charge to installers who have purchased URC systems through AWE .
Everyone is talking about the latest way to control systems ; voice control , and URC says it is an approach it is seeing interest in from installers and end users alike . For this reason , URC Total Control is now able to integrate with Amazon Echo . This development will see consumers able to control their music , heating , lighting and more by speaking to the Amazon system .
With many security conscious consumers turning their attention to home technology , URC has also introduced a module for Doorbird door entry . Via a URC interface , consumers will be able to control and view who is at the door . URC says it has invested a great deal of time and money into developing new built-in updates , including reactive push notifications , geo-fencing and software scheduling . New on-wall and remote hardware have also come on-board to allow for intercom services between rooms internally .
Pulse Cinemas recently celebrated becoming an official Crestron reseller , the results of which can be seen in this issue with EI ’ s exclusive look at the updated demo space and training centre . The Pulse team ’ s aim with the new update of the company ’ s facilities has been to take Pulse to another level when demonstrating cinema and what the team consider to be the finest control system currently available .
Pulse says the relationship was already a close one as its team have years of experience in dealing with Crestron and of demonstrating its range and functionality at the company ’ s Stansted HQ . The Crestron range is available to order now from the company . Mike Beatty , company MD , explains : “ Crestron provides the best training in the industry to its most valued integrators and partners and Pulse Cinemas has always been known for offering UK dealers unparalleled service and support on a host of AV brands . After the recent announcement , we can boast that our dealers are now able to enjoy Crestron control , delivering a complete solution for all things cinema .”
Pulse technical director , Kapes Patel , adds : “ We are delighted to add Crestron to our already impressive range of products and services . Pulse Cinemas has always acted patiently in acquiring additional complementary brands and waiting for what we consider to be the very best control system was no different . We are incredibly proud that Crestron has appointed our team to represent the brand and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship .”
Pulse confirms it will be able to supply and support any part of the Crestron product range deemed suitable for the projects it is assisting dealers with .
Dealers wanting to know more should contact Kapes Patel or speak to any of the Pulse Cinemas team .
As for Crestron itself , the big news of late has been the release of the latest version of its Studio Software , recently showcased at ISE . Crestron Studio ( v1.6 ) boasts quite a few improvements with the main thrust being to make programming easier , faster and more accessible to a wider range of technicians with different levels of skills and experience . Crestron says it has never been simpler to create intuitive touch screen interfaces , add components and create custom living solutions , all without having to write a single line of code .
Some of the headlines include the fact that Crestron Studio is now fully compatible with Crestron Pyng software . Functionalities such as Pyng Smart Graphics software applications and Pyng Trigger / Listens can be added to Studio projects . Anything created in Studio should now port easily to Pyng , without any additional effort on the part of the installer . Crestron adds that technicians need not learn anything like SystemBuilder or SIMPL Windows , the advanced programming software previously required for almost all Crestron systems .
Crestron claims that even beginners can be ready to install some systems after the three-day ‘ Studio for Residential ’ course at the company HQ .
Distributed in the UK by AWE Europe Ltd
7 ” touch screen wall and desktop controllers with intercom
connect @ awe-europe . com + 44 ( 0 ) 1372 729 995 www . awe-europe . com
54 | February 2017