There are projects when clients are not really interested in the newest technology. The main objectives in this project were: security, real-life applications of only necessary technology, convenience and ease of use.
Not without a hesitation homeowners (retired couple in mid 70.) agreed to install advanced technology in their newly renovated home.
The whole house was properly wired for all low voltage subsystems. The Panasonic phone system provides communication throughout the house, including a main audio doorbell. The door entry system could be rerouted to the owner’s cell phone if needed.
UTC Security burglary system is installed with a combination of different sensors (door/window contacts, glass breaks, motion detectors, smoke and heat detectors, etc.) and is integrated with Control4 system. As an add-on feature we customized security on the windows. The original window screens were uninstalled and wired for protection with a thin, trip wire every 4” through a fiberglass window screen. The wire is being attached to a tiny contact sensor. If wire is cut or screen removed the alarm is tripped. The owners can leave the windows open and still feel protected. The outside CCTV cameras connected to DVR increase the security.
As an entertainment feature we have installed audio distribution in a whole house and back yard. The video distribution system was a bit more challenging because of completely different viewing preferences of the homeowners. The husband likes to watch a few specific channels only (TCM – Classic Movie TV, MeTV – Memorable Channel, …) and, as his wife says: “All old sitcoms, the older, the better. And all of them in black and white”. At the same time the wife enjoys new shows and full action movies, like ”EG Transformers”.
Project Gallery
The couple loves the features of AppleTV and NetFlix allowing them to first watch a movie preview and then rent or buy the film. We enabled this technology on the (4) Samsung LED televisions located throughout the house. All the televisions have access to shared sources. The sources are: (2) Comcast cable tv receivers, Blue-Ray, AppleTV. Video distribution is provided by a HDMI switch. It was a bit challenging to deal with different screen formats, resolution issues and HDMI formats.
We worked with the homeowners to add the following extra touches to their system in order for them to truly enjoy full benefits of a smart home. The custom programming with features like: “Take a pill”, “Birthdays”, “Anniversaries”, etc. were introduced to enhance the living experience. The right message appears discretely on a TV screen or the system touch panel. The message could be also announced via speakers.
Finally, we installed a lighting control system connected to an astronomical clock to operate outside lights, added integrated thermostats, provide wired and wireless internet in a whole house and connected automated drapes.
The control system is based on the Control4 solution because of its ease of use and ability to upgrade as needed. The whole system is controlled from either any system remote, a 7” in-wall touch panel located in the Foyer or an iPad.
While the homeowners are eagerly adjusting their daily habits to take advantage of the lifestyle enhancements made possible with this technology, they are already planning future upgrades to their home system.
