Home Entertainment & Automation Services in Matthews, NC.
Home Entertainment & Automation Services in Matthews, NC.
Home audio and Video Services in Matthews, NC.  TV installation, Surround Sound, Home Entertainment Systems
Smart House Keeps Owners Cool
 

CIS : Asheville, NC's Choice For Home Automation Needs!

CIS : Charlotte, NC's Choice For Home Automation Needs!

Full integration, including lots of motorized shade controls, make this home run smoothly.

These homeowners were building their “dream home” in Winter Park. So why not add some dream home electronics systems to really bring out the best in it?

They enlisted a local custom electronics pro to outfit the 6-bedroom, 6.5-bath residence, and the installers served up a suite of security, lighting, audio, video, window treatment control, outdoor screen control, entry gate control, network, telephone and video monitoring.

According to Smart House’s William Leaton, the mandate from the homeowners was pretty simple. “The integration of the systems must be intuitive. They did not want to have to refer to an owner’s manual of call us for instructions,” he says. “The need to control the systems from multiple locations was a key requirement. We provided the owners the ability to control their entire home from wall touchpanels, wireless touchpads, their laptop computers, as well as their PDA cell phones.”

The installation incorporated technologies and products from manufacturers such as HomeLogic, CentraLite, Elan, Mitsubishi, Vutec, KEF and Denon.

Also, not only did Smart House make operation of everything easy and convenient, they made sure the precious electronics were well protected from any potential power problems. “The entire central control center is powered through a UPS and the entire house has a backup power generator,” Leaton says. “The cable and telephone service feeds go through surge protection prior to distribution to the systems in the house. All the televisions and computer system in the house have surge protection devices to minimize damage from power fluctuation.”

Here’s a more in-depth explanation of each of the home’s systems, courtesy of Leaton:

Security System – The system has multiple communication ports that provide the required flexibility and control. It provides different looks and scenes when armed. The system is directly integrated with the lighting control, automated window dressing, front gate control and the security video monitoring system.

Front Gate Control – This system is integrated not only with the security system, but also with the garage roll up doors and the data network system. When the owners set the alarm, the security system checks to see if the garage doors were left open. If the doors are open, it will give a command to close the doors. The owner can monitor the security video cameras for the front gate from any of their control devices, even when they are away from their home. If the owner’s receive a telephone call on their cell phone from someone requesting to get access to the house they can view a camera from their cell phone and see the person at the gate. Then they can then open the gate for the visitor.

Lighting Control – This system is designed to supplement the way the house is used. The lights integrate with other systems to create scenes for special functions. This would include setting lights scenes for entertaining, pathway lighting, mood settings and burglar alarm.

Automatic Window Treatment – This system is integrated to enhance various scenes. In the morning all the automatic window treatments on the east side of the house close until the sun is overhead. Later in the afternoon when the sun is on the west side of house the window treatment will close until one hour before sunset. The shades and drapes randomly close and open when the house is set in the armed mode. When in arm mode the schedule changes constantly in order to appear that someone is in the house. There are drop down screens in front of each of the doors exits that go to the lanai area. The screens are integrated with the lighting system. There are dedicated control buttons on the light switches adjacent to each of the exits. There is no need to go to a touch pad in order to open the drapes; it is done right at the door.

Motorized Outdoor Screen – Each outdoor screen is individually controlled or used as part of an integrated scene.

Swimming Pool and Spa Controls – The swimming pool has some unique water features that are activated by the control scenes on the touch pad controllers, network computers or the owner cell phone. The owner has the ability to turn on the spa and set it to a desired temperature directly from his cell phone.

Security Video Monitoring – This system monitors critical areas of the house interior and exterior. The video cameras are networked. This allows the owners to view their home from anywhere in the world with a network connection or cell signal. The cameras are integrated with the security system. In the case of an alarm, all of the video is recorded on to a network storage system for later review.

Video and Music Entertainment and Distribution System – This system is integrated with the home televisions and the whole house audio system. All the audio and HD video are stored in a single location. This media can be distributed to individual rooms in the house. The audio system is also integrated with the phones for paging and answering the front door and gate intercoms.

Network – This is the key to the success of the integration of components in this project. This works because the subsystems are IP based. This allows for easy future expansion and changes as technology evolves.

CIS - Asheville, NC's #1 Choice For Motorized Shades!

CIS - Asheville, NC's #1 Choice For Motorized Shades!

CIS - Asheville, NC's #1 Choice For Motorized Shades!

by Arlen Schweiger

http://www.electronichouse.com/article/smart_house_keeps_florida_owners_cool/

Custom Installation Services, LLC – Audio/Video Sales, Service and Installation in North Carolina and South Carolina

Posted in Automation, Home Theater, lighting control, technology | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment


4 Tips for Cleaning Screens
 

C.I.S. - Charlotte, NC's Home for Samsung TV Installation and Service!

Here are some tips and products to keep your displays, cell phones and remotes controls streak-free and spotless.

With spring just around the corner, it’s time to clear away the cobwebs and get your house back in shape.

In addition to windows, walls and floors, your spring cleaning project should also include TV screens, iPods and remote controls.

What’s the best way to de-grime them? Here are a few products we’ve run across as well as tips from custom electronics professionals.

1. “Most cleaners—even soap and water—are either too harsh or leave water spots on the surface,” says Joshua Huffman of RG Convergence Technologies in Raleigh, N.C.

“Keeping this in mind, we use microfiber cleaning cloths from Blue Wonder.” They’re a little pricey at $6.50 a cloth [check site for current price range], but they’re reusable and won’t scratch the surface of the screen (www.bluewondercloth.com).

2. You can protect your remote from gunk build-up by fitting a clear cover over it. If your kids’ messy hands to find the remote, you can easily wipe away the grime with a sanitary wipe or household cleaner.

3. Jayson Small of Adobe Cinema & Automation, Mashpee, Mass., recommends laying an anti-glare film ($15 from the Apple store) on the screen of your iPod, iPhone, iPod touch or iPad. “This will protect the screen from scratches and can easily be cleaned with a dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth.”

 4. Most of us have gone through a cell phone or two due to water damage. A product called the Bheestie Bag ($20, www.bheestie.com) promises to dry out electronic devices. You just take out the battery, drop the device into the bag and let it sit overnight. The company says it can be used for products such as iPods, too. Water absorbing beads pull out the moisture. Does it work? We haven’t tried it, so we’d love to hear from someone who has. Email us.

by Lisa Montgomery

http://www.electronichouse.com/article/4_tips_for_cleaning_screens/

Custom Installation Services, LLC – Audio/Video Sales, Service and Installation in North Carolina and South Carolina

 

Posted in Flat Panel TV's, Home Theater, Media Rooms, News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment


How to Make Energy Savings Sexy

energy_savings_sexyStandby mode, component selection, automation and power conditioning can be touted as energy-savers.

12.09.2009 — Consumer interest in residential energy conservation has been on the rise since Energy Star-qualified desktop PCs and monitors became available over 15 years ago.

Consumers are well aware of the Energy Star logo when seeking out a new major appliance, heating or air conditioning system, flat-panel LCD TV, or just replacing their light bulbs. Newly built homes can also receive the Energy Star qualification if they meet specific criteria.

But apart from flat-panel TVs, consumers may not be fully aware of the opportunities for energy conservation in audio/video systems for a home theater and audio/video distribution. Receivers, amplifiers and DVD players can be major sources of energy consumption when powered continuously without adequate management.

As a result, an A/V system has the potential to consume as much energy, or even more, than major household appliances.

It’s up to CE pros to:

1.Make consumers aware of the energy consumption options
2.Sell them on energy-saving systems

A/V Energy Consumption

In simple A/V installations for homes with a single home theater system, it is likely that the consumer will actively turn on and off all components as the system is being used. However, in larger homes with multiple systems and multiroom A/V, it’s more likely that equipment will be unattended and left powered on indefinitely.

Such equipment is likely to be hidden away in cabinets, equipment closets and other locations where everyday user access is unlikely.

In addition to consuming more energy when left continuously powered, components (especially amplifiers and receivers) radiate heat. In cabinets and racks, fans are then required to prevent overheating, further contributing to energy costs. Additionally, supplemental air conditioning may be necessary to maintain room temperature.

The potential energy consumption can be estimated for audio amplification in a typical whole-house system. In the case of a four bedroom home with six A/V zones with each zone powered with two channels at 70 watts each, the total amplification required would be 840 watts which could be covered by a 12-channel power amplifier.

Lets assume that this amplifier consumes 35 watts when running idle, and is powered 24/7. Under these conditions, even before a single watt is converted to the outputs, this amplifier would consume during 300 kWh (kilowatt-hour) during one year. This is close to the estimated energy requirement for running a dishwasher over the same period, based on Energy Star guidelines for annual household usage.

Other energy-consuming products that may also be used in the system, including TVs and DVD players, will further increase energy costs.

The simple solution to lowering power consumption of amplifiers, receivers, DVD players, and other components in an A/V system is to manage their usage. This can be accomplished by selecting products, especially those that are Energy Star certified, that feature a standby mode whereby energy usage is greatly minimized.

Energy efficiency can also be improved by setting up control systems to power off devices when not in use.

An important aspect of an audio device or DVD player in conserving power usage is the ability to engage a standby mode. When a product is in standby, it is essentially assumed to be “off” with normal functions disabled, but is still minimally powered. One advantage of a standby mode is that the device consumes little power when not actively being used, yet remains in a state whereby user activation through handheld IR or home automation control is still possible.

Most DVD players, amplifiers, receivers, surround sound preamps and processors, and other audio products include a standby mode. However, the amount of power consumed by such devices while in standby can vary. Some products may draw less than 1 watt in standby, while others may draw several watts.

One way to help ensure that a devices standby power is minimal is to select products that are Energy Star qualified. A requirement is that the product offers a standby-mode power draw no greater than 1 watt. This is similar to the Energy Star program for televisions (though the program has since evolved to include power draw specifications during normal operation).

The ability to engage a standby mode is also important in reducing energy for an amplifier. Another is the efficiency of the amplifier during normal operation or when running idle. Traditional Class AB amplifiers are the most common, but are also known for dissipating significant amounts of heat, thus requiring adequate ventilation and possibly cooling in racks and cabinets.

Class D amplifiers convert a far greater proportion of the incoming power into their outputs, and can therefore be much more efficient with substantially less heat dissipation and reduced power consumption requirements.

When selecting an amplifier for its energy efficiency, look for low power consumption and thermal dissipation specifications. Ideally, these specs should be provided for standby, idle, and typical operation or the more accurate 1/8 power.

An efficient amplifier not only contributes to lower energy costs, but also runs at a lower operating temperature. This helps to maintain the reliability and life of the amplifier, as well as other products situated near it in a rack or cabinet.
Automating, Managing Energy

In setting up home automation systems for clients, CE pros can create master controls that allow the client to turn on and off multiple devices at once. Separate controls can be created depending on the specific function, whether listening to music throughout the house, watching TV in multiple rooms, or using the home theater.

With these controls, the owner can easily manage system usage with a touch of a button, from anywhere in the house, without having to directly access products that may be hidden away in a cabinet or rack.

In addition to active system control, CE pros can also set the components in the A/V system to be automatically powered on at a specific time during the day, and then shut off for the night. To further realize energy savings, separate schedules could be employed for the work week and the weekends.

Another way to manage energy consumption through automation systems is to set them up to monitor activity. If no user interaction, motion detection, or A/V signal activity is detected over a predefined period, one hour for example, then the devices would be powered off by the control system.

Power management is an effective approach to improving energy efficiency for A/V systems. Reducing power consumption can be achieved by ensuring that audio products and DVD players have a standby mode to ensure minimal energy consumption when not being used, and by actively or automatically managing their usage with key home automation features.

Because audio devices and DVD players can be a significant draw on energy in the home, the energy savings through effective power management can also be significant. It’s comparable to removing a major appliance, such as a dishwasher or clothes dryer. Effectively managing power usage for A/V systems leads to energy cost savings, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced product reliability.

By Casey Hall

http://www.cepro.com/article/how_to_make_energy_savings_sexy/K332/D1/

Custom Installation Services, LLC – Home Entertainment Audio and Video services in North Carolina.

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Custom Installation Services, LLC | P.O. Box 132 Matthews, NC 28106 | 704-400-8701 | dmiller@cis-nc.com
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