4K Ultra HD video delivers stunning beauty and resolution. But like most new technology, it comes with challenges as well.

For starters, enormous bandwidth (10 Gbit/s) is required to deliver 4K video. This places unprecedented demands on distribution infrastructure. So, how can you ensure flawless implementation for your clients? By knowing how to design 4K distribution systems that address these five challenges:

• Mismatched resolutions
• New frame rate considerations
• Signal integrity issues
• New cable length restrictions
• Source/display compatibility

Manufacturers of 4K sources and displays must take a holistic approach to testing their products to ensure that they are up to
the challenges of an integrated 4K system, liberating system designers and integrators from having to take on this daunting
challenge themselves.

4K technology overview
The term “4K” is used generally to refer to video signals with a horizontal resolution on the order of 4,000 pixels. Previous generations
of video resolutions were described by the vertical resolution (e.g., 1080p refers to a signal with 1080 vertical lines). Had the naming
convention for SD and HD been used, 4K video might instead be referred to as “2160p”.

There are also an increasing number of “tweener” devices that fall between 1080p and 4K resolution. Even if a given system is not
being designed for 4K content, hardware designed for 2K signals will not carry these higher resolutions

Challenge #1: Mismatched resolutions
720p, 1080i, and 1080p video all share the same aspect ratio – 1.78:1 (16:9). Since essentially all sources and displays have used
this aspect ratio, we’ve seen an era of relative simplicity. There’s been no need to make accommodations for various aspect ratios for a
number of years. With 4K, that all changes because it presents the challenge of managing two different standard resolutions

3840×2160 , commonly referred to as Ultra HD, is precisely four times the resolution of 1080p, resulting from doubling both the
horizontal and vertical pixel count of 1920×1080. Therefore, it has the same aspect ratio as HD – 16:9. Most, but not all, 4K display
devices have a native resolution of 3840×2160.
4096×2160, commonly referred to as 4K DCI, is used in movie production and exhibition in commercial cineplexes. There are some
display devices with a native resolution of 4096×2160, but it is not as common as 3840×2160.
Many 4K cameras and source devices can be set to either of the two resolutions. Veteran AV professionals will recall the SXGA computer resolution of 1280×1024, which had a non-standard aspect ratio of 5:4 when nearly every other signal was 4:3. This led to similar problems – displays and sources had to be carefully matched and correctly configured in order to display all of the information without unwanted cropping or stretching.

…To be continued, OneTouch Automation

Credit: Crestron white paper, “Challenges of Distributing 4K Video”

The industry-leading DMPS Series delivers bit-for-bit, no latency HD video switching and display, including HDCP-protected content. DMPS makes it easy to seamlessly connect your MacBook® or PC laptops, making presentations from almost any device fast and easy. It integrates an amplifer, audio DSP, mic mixer, multimedia matrix switcher and control system in a single 3-space rackmount system.

Add new AirMedia, the ground breaking device for wireless HD presentation
and collaboration

With AirMedia you can walk into a meeting space and wirelessly present PowerPoint®, Excel®, Word and PDF documents, as well as photos and screen shots, from your personal iOS® or Androidâ„¢ mobile device on the room display. Up to 32 users can connect at the same time in the same room and present content. Using Quad View, up to four presenters’ content can be displayed simultaneously.

The AirMedia console easily connects via wired LAN, so it leverages existing IT security policies. Even better, no software installation is required, making it ideal for small to mid-sized organizations and guest presenters.

Designed to work together seamlessly

AirMedia communicates with the control system in the DMPS to provide important data and advanced automation capabilities. When you walk in the room you’ll see the URL and access code to connect to AirMedia displayed on the Crestron touch screen. Simply connect your laptop or mobile device and then room settings automatically activate for the presentation: the display turns on, light dim, shades lower. On the back end, the system administrator can collect actionable usage information, such as which devices are offline, idle, or in use, and how many people are connected, for how long and how often.

DMPS/AirMedia Highlights

• True 1080p/60 HDCP protected content
• Wireless collaboration and presentation of documents and photos      from mobile devices
• Network managed and controlled – leverages existing IT security      policies
• Choose from different options based on system or room requirements

Credit: Crestron Web Publication

Last week we had a look at a room that is often neglected when it comes to home automation, the kitchen. This week, we’re going to move on to a different space that doesn’t always get the automation it deserves – the bedroom.

Home automation exists to enhance different parts of your lifestyle – security, convenience, entertainment, assisted living, safety, energy efficiency, and lets not forget, fun.

There is an opportunity to take advantage of all of these in an automated bedroom. Let’s take a look at few ways that a modern well-designed system can make your life better.

 Privacy and Security

These are two of the most obvious. Motorized window coverings should now be considered standard equipment in the bedroom of any quality home. When you choose a top of the line product like Crestron, you can order double shades. The daytime shade will preserve your privacy while allowing a view of the outside. Put down the blackout blind and night, and you will have total privacy and no street lights or passing headlights to disturb your sleep.

You will also want to make the bedroom part of your housewide security system. Prowlers come around when you’re asleep. A bedroom, especially a ground floor bedroom, should be protected with window break alarms, and lights with motion detectors outside the windows. Make sure one of your security cameras captures the area outside the bedroom too.

 Lighting

In our stressful world, the bedroom should be an oasis of calm. Indirect dimmable LED lights are not only energy efficient, they also enhance the décor of any bedroom. By adding the lights to your home automation system, you can use the touch of a button at your bedside to turn on the lights anywhere in the house. This is especially good if you have to check on a crying baby or find out what that noise is downstairs.

 Music

Music in the bedroom is overlooked, but should be a part of the system. Whether you use the bedroom as a computer room, a refuge to read in or a place to relax and have a nap, your choice of background music can help. Or, you can hear the latest weather report in the morning as you get ready for your busy day. All the music selections can be easily controlled from your bedside touch panel or from an I-device.

 Entertainment

Another item that has become standard equipment in most bedrooms is a flat screen TV. You could just have a cable signal, but why stop there? In a fully automated home, you can have access to the internet, Netflix, cable and satellite. Why not add a wireless keyboard and surf the internet from your bed on the giant screen? Use your bedside touch screen and you can call up any film that is on your media server. Start watching a movie in the living room and finish watching it in bed. Access all your favourite sports channels. The sky is the limit. You can even put the TV sound through the ceiling speakers for a theatre experience in your own bed.

 Fun

The home automation business is always coming up with new devices. There are many that make for fun additions to a bedroom system. How about a robot vacuum cleaner that is programmed to come out every morning after you leave for work and clean the floor? How about using the touch panel to turn on in-floor heaters in the en-suite bathroom before you get there? You’ll never feel cold tiles on your feet again. What about window coverings that react automatically to sunlight, so that even if you aren’t there they will still close and protect your valuable furniture and floors from sun damage. What about a skylight over your bed with a motorized blackout shade? Sleep under the stars when you want, or keep it closed for perfect privacy.

The possibilities are endless and are limited only by your imagination and the skill and knowledge of your home automation integrator. At OneTouch Automation, our designers and programmers carry the highest level of certification in the industry. Offering only the best products from companies like Crestron, AMX, Pakedge, Tannoy and Kaleidescape, our mission is to provide you with systems that are ahead of the curve and ready to provide years of trouble-free system. Our designs are flexible, adaptable and future-friendly.

Call OneTouch Automation today for a no-charge consultation with one of our Home Automation experts.

A question that comes up again and again in home automation is “Do I have to hire a professional company to automate my home or can I do it myself using my own computer to drive the system?” That should be a straightforward “Yes/No” kind of question, but it’s actually a lot more complicated than that. The answer is “Yes, it’s possible,” but the answer may also be “No, you don’t want to try and do it yourself.” Let’s have a look at some of the benefits and pitfalls of attempting to do this as a home handyman project.
For starters, you are talking about using a home computer to run the system. Sales of PC’s are way down, because most people are moving into a tablet or laptop system. But you can’t run this type of technology on a computer you take with you. If this is going to run your house, it has to be on all day every day, when you’re on holidays, when you’re at work, when you’re asleep. That means the first thing you’ll need is a very sturdy computer to become the 24/7 server that operates your house.
Then you’ll need software. Here’s where it starts to get tricky. There are many different ways of controlling devices in a home. The big companies like Crestron and AMX have their own protocols, languages and methods that take years to master. You don’t have the time or money to learn these systems, so you have to look at something simpler.
Software like Home Director of Homeseer is often based on the assumption that you are going to use “X10” devices. There are many devices made for X10 control, including lights, thermostats and TV remotes. X10’s main trick is that it sends signals through the power lines that are already inside the walls of your house. That eliminates the need to run new wire, but it is also a system that can drop messages or misinterpret cable noise as a command (for example, turn on a light when you don’t want it on) The signal can also bleed into your neighbour’s wiring. A system called Insteon was devised to address these problems, but they can still happen.
If this is making you nervous, you could look at a system based on UPB (Universal Powerline Bus) which is a bit more reliable, but there just aren’t as many devices available for it. Maybe the answer is to go wireless.

Still with me? If you choose to do your own wireless system, you can look at open-source technologies like Zigbee. You still have to be careful, because even though all Zigbee is supposed to be the same, the truth is it isn’t. A better bet might be to try Z-Wave. It’s controlled by one company so there are fewer compatibility issues. What does it take to make a device work? Let’s imagine for a moment you are using Homeseer on a PC and you want to control a light wirelessly on Z-Wave. Here are the instructions for setting it up, as described by Zack Stern in PC World:

Let’s say you want to configure a hallway lamp. Attach a lamp module to your outlet. You’ll use a Z-Wave remote to connect the lamp module to your Z-Wave network: Position the Z-Stick Series 2 (or a similar computer adapter) next to the lamp module. Push the button on the USB adapter, and then push the main button on the lamp module. The two will pair, and the USB adapter will store this information for the PC.
Turn your lamp on, and connect it to the Z-Wave module. (The lamp should stay dark.)
Connect the USB adapter to your PC. Install any driver software if needed, and import the lamp details into the HS2 software. You configure the software in a Web browser (which is great for accessing the HomeSeer PC from a networked computer of any OS). Click through to the Interface tab to attach the Z-Wave USB adapter.
Most important, be sure to configure the correct COM Port. With the USB adapter attached, open Device Manager and pick Ports. Check the port number of the USB stick, and enter that back in the HS2 configuration page; if you have the wrong COM Port, the software won’t show the adapter, and it won’t reveal a clear error either. When you’ve configured the software properly, you can import the details about the Z-Wave lamp module. You can now control the lamp from your PC, turning it on, shutting it off, and setting the brightness.
Once it’s installed, you might want to control it from offsite with software like GoToMyPC.

Did you feel comfortable with those instructions? That project is described as an “easy” one. I know there are some of you who will read that and say “No problem.” If so, you are probably the best candidates to take on automating your home as a hobby. But whether you think you’re ready to do it or not, be prepared for a system that still isn’t up to Crestron standards. When you use the real thing, you get leading edge technology that will do so much more than turn lights on and off. When you use a professional home automation company, you will be getting an experienced designer to develop the perfect system for you based on your needs. You will be getting a free-standing system that doesn’t depend on your PC or the internet to run. And you will be getting the technical support of someone with a career commitment to this technology. A simple system as a weekend hobby could be fun, but when it comes to true whole home automation, some things are just worth paying for.

The experts at OneTouch Automation are here to help. We are dedicated to selling you no more and no less than exactly what you need to give you the electronic lifestyle you want. Contact us today for a consultation.

One of the words that gets thrown around a lot in home automation, and many other electronic systems, is “wireless.”
There is no question that people want wireless technology. They associate “wires” with clutter, confusion and trip hazards. They think of wireless as cleaner, more up to date technology.
The problem is, wireless can mean a lot of different things, especially in home automation. It can mean a signal travelling by radio frequency or a signal travelling by infrared. It can mean a system that actually isn’t wireless at all, but hides the wires so you can’t see them. It can also mean a system that depends on a strong internet signal to function, or it could mean a system that operates completely independent of the internet.
There’s a reason you should care. The type of wireless system can have a major affect on the cost, performance and reliability of your home automation system.
How do you make wires disappear, and what is the best system for you? Time to learn a bit about the different ways to make the wires go away.

Hidden wires

This is wireless in so far as you don’t see the wires, but they’re still there. A perfect example of this is in-wall and in-ceiling speakers. In almost every home automation system, they are wired, but you don’t see the cable. The reason they are wired is twofold. 1. It gets them a strong reliable signal. 2. If they weren’t wired, they would have to be powered somehow, and that would mean there would still be a wire running to them, but a much more expensive one. There are wireless rechargeable speakers, often used outdoors, that accept signal from a radio frequency transmitter or in some models, a bluetooth signal. (Bluetooth is simply a different form of radio frequency in the short wave band that needs no license. It is intended for Personal Area Networks – usually personal electronics at close distances.) But rechargeable speakers are not practical in your ceiling. Wired speakers will still be with us for the foreseeable future.
In some home automation systems, the video signals are also carried on hidden wires. Current technology allows huge amounts of data to travel on a single Cat6 or fibre optic cable. This is often the best way to carry many signals to a television. The small single cable is hidden in the wall.

Wall mounted touch screens may also be connected to a single cable to give them power and to send control signals, but once again the wires are hidden. It’s the same for powered shades. They require only a small low voltage cable to power and control them, and it’s easily hidden.

Infrared

The oldest of the home wireless controls is infrared – which is simply light at a frequency too low to see. Since 1950, it has been wirelessly controlling home devices. It is cheap to make and virtually every home entertainment device from projectors to TV’s to Blu-ray players has an infrared sensor in it. While it may be inexpensive, it has its drawbacks. The major one is that is has to see the device its controlling. If you don’t have line of sight, you can’t use it. Think of the times the TV remote didn’t work, and you had to wave it around (and maybe slapped it a couple of times) before getting it to function. Oddly, the most popular work-around for this problem is to use a wire. The technician puts a wired InfraRed probe on the device you want to control, then patches it into a radio frequency system. Infrared will be with us for a long time, but it isn’t practical to base a whole-home control system on it.

Radio Frequency

This is still the go-to wireless technology for home automation. There are a couple of variations on this signal, and they each have their problems and benefits.

Proprietary wireless

This is the method that turns your home into a completely independent broadcast and receiving system. Used by top-quality manufacturers like Crestron and AMX, it receives and broadcasts the signals on a frequency that is completely separate from cell phones, computers and your neighbour’s garage door opener. The advantage is the strong signal and the obvious fact that as long as you have electricity, you have control of the system.

Internet Control

There are some less expensive systems that leverage the wireless internet signal that many people already have in their homes. In some cases, this is contolled by a PC using software by companies like HAI Controls, or Thinking Home Software for Mac. The obvious advantage is the lower cost. The downside is that you are completely dependant on your Internet Service Provider to make your home function. If you’ve ever had an outage from your ISP, you know the risks involved in trusting the operation of your house to this technology

Gesture Technology

This is the next generation of wireless control. Crestron is one of the companies on the leading edge of this technology. They worked closely with Microsoft to find a way to make Kinect-style motion sensing system practical for home use. That means no remotes or touch panels at all. Simply gesture with your hand and control your home. Some people are a bit uneasy with this technology, but this year at Infocomm, expect to see hundreds of new devices that work with the wave of your hand.

When deciding on the right technology for your application, there is no substitute for expertise. When it comes time to automate, contact the experts at OneTouch Automation to make sure your wireless system, and every other part of your smarthome, is exactly what

Far too often in our industry, we encounter people who have had bad experiences with home automation. They swear they will “never touch that stuff again.” We understand their feelings. They usually feel this way because they picked the wrong contractor and ended up with a lot of promises and no performance. This is an industry where it is possible for almost anyone to claim to be home automation specialist. There is currently no licensing and almost no government standards for this technology.
What do you do? The good news is, you have the chance right at the start of the process to make sure you are getting involved with the right company.
On this blog, we have looked as some of the ways you pick a contractor. We want to make this as simple as possible. When you sit down with a potential home automation provider, have a sheet ready with the following questions:

1. What is your company profile?
One of the questions people will often ask is “How long have you been in business.” That may or may not help you in this case. Home automation specialty companies are a fairly new concept. Just because a company is fairly new, it doesn’t mean they don’t have experience. That’s when you go the question about experience and certification. Another question that is often asked is “How big is your company?” as if size was the same as quality. In fact, many people are finding that bigger isn’t necessarily better. A really large company can have high overheads that increase prices, use sales reps under strict quotas that encourage them to load you up with gear you don’t really need. It can also lead to a less personal approach that can sometimes leave you being passed from department to department when you just want to talk to someone about your home. It is now common for companies to deliberately remain smaller and more agile and use a regular stable of outside suppliers to help them. There’s nothing wrong with that. It provides a personal touch  that may otherwise be missing.

2. Are you certified, licensed and insured?
These are questions that should be easily answered. While there are no government standards for home automation, there are legal standards any contractor, including an automation company, should meet. They should be certified by one of the major manufacturers like Crestron or AMX as installers and programmers. If they are doing audio visual as well, they should have certification from Infocomm. In most jurisdictions, they should be registered as a business with the government. For insurance purposes, they should have some kind of liability insurance, though they may only need to insure that specific project.

3. Can you actually show me what my user interface will look and work like?
A reputable company will have sample product on hand,  and/or good support from the manufacturer so that they can show you exactly how the interface you will use every day will look and feel. The type of touch screen and buttons you want to use is a huge choice. You need someone who can really help with this part of the job.

4. What does your paperwork look like?
You don’t want to deal with a company that sketches out systems on the back of a napkin. They should have examples of previous projects that show the quality of their documentation, including wiring diagrams, rack elevation and functional drawings. There can be no excuse for using poor paperwork.

5. Who owns my program?
This is often overlooked. Home automation systems are programmed using a special code that your friend who is good with computers knows nothing about. You can be held hostage in a service contract if the supplier won’t give you the code and passwords. Make sure early on that these will be turned over to you the day the system is completed.

6. What happens after the job is installed?
What do you get in the way of a warranty? If a potential integrator tells you that the manufacturer’s warranty protects you, a red flag should go up. The manufacturer takes no responsibility for the programming, for removing and re-installing equipment or for problems caused by simple mistakes like accidentally shutting off the power. You need to know what the supplier will do for free and for how long, and what happens after that for both programming and equipment issues. You need to know how many times they’ll come to your house before they start billing you.  A good supplier will offer you the option of an affordable long-term contract that will give you peace of mind knowing your system will be supported now and in the future.

7. Can I please have your references?
You don’t want to be any company’s first customer, so they should have references. When you contact the references, there is a different set of questions you should ask. Keep this list handy and take notes about the answers.

ï‚· What work did the contractor perform for you?
ï‚· Did the contractor meet or exceed your expectations?
ï‚· How did the contractor treat your home while they were there?
ï‚· Was the contractor punctual?
ï‚· How well did the contractor communicate?
ï‚· Have you had any issue with your system, post installation and, if so, how did the contractor address the issue?
ï‚· If you could change one thing about your experience with the contractor, what would it be?
Taking the time to find the right technology partner is an essential part of doing your homework. It’s the way to make sure you’ve made the right choice of integrator. At OneTouch, an educated client is our best friend. We believe we have the right answers to all your questions and the skills and experience to fulfill all your automation needs. Get in touch when your ready to make life in your home a better, safer and greener experience.

A lot of companies, including us, want homeowners to be aware of the potential energy savings you can achieve through home automation. Green technology is very big right now, but as usual there are people who want to exploit “Green” as nothing more than a way to sell their products. This is called “Greenwashing” and it is becoming far too common. At OneTouch Automation, we want you to be well informed before you make any home automation decision. We will also never make promises about energy savings that can’t be supported by the facts. So here is the straight story on what home automation can and can’t do to save energy.

Your Automation System Only Saves Energy If It Is Designed To Do So

This may be the most important thing you should know. A poorly designed home automation system can actually use more energy. The thing to remember is that home automation systems use energy. Obviously, you will only save energy if the system saves more power than it uses. That won’t happen unless the home automation system has the right equipment to work with. That means starting with an energy smart design for the home and buying energy efficient appliances. Once you have the right appliances and lighting in place, it is the job of the automation system to find ways to control the outside environment (like sunlight) and to reduce the operating time and operating level of powered equipment like the lights, furnaces and air conditioning. There are many systems that could be part of an energy saving strategy. They include:
Hot water systems.
Appliances.
Home office, home entertainment and other electronic equipment.
Lighting.
Heating and cooling/air conditioning systems.
Fans and air pumps/heat shifters.
Powered window blinds, shutters and awnings.
Powered vents and window openings.
Water pumps, pool pumps and spas.
Garage doors.
Security systems.

Where You Can Really Save Energy

Heating and Cooling

Design your home to make the best use of solar energy and natural ventilation for passive heating and cooling before you consider your automation options. Use temperature sensors in different rooms to control heating and cooling. Appropriate placement of temperature sensors and the use of heating/AC timers can significantly reduce energy use, even if automated systems are not used. Analyse your heating/cooling needs and how you will manage these. Ask yourself what rooms need to be heated/cooled, when and to what temperature? Aim to heat/cool living areas when people are home but heat/cool bedrooms only at night and the early morning when they’re occupied. Bedrooms do not need to be made as warm or as cool as living areas, to be comfortable for sleeping. Avoid heating and cooling halls, laundries etc. Plan your automation system. Consider how opening and closing blinds, awnings, windows and vents can assist passive heating, cooling and natural lighting.
Your hot water heater should either be on-demand or one that shuts down when you are away for long periods. You don’t want to keep hundreds of litres of water hot when there’s no-one there to use it.

Lights

Once you have energy efficient lights, like CFL or LED, they should only be used when needed. That means using the convenience of a touch panel to shut off unused lights and using motion sensors so that a vacant room will shut off on its own. Focus on rooms like bathrooms where lights are frequently left on. Look at setting the lights to a 60% level during the day. You won’t notice and the power savings are immediate.

Appliances

Most modern appliances are “instant on.” In order to do that, they never actually shut off, but stay in “standby” mode, which means they are constantly using power. A home automation system can be used to actually power the equipment down completely at times when it isn’t likely to be used. In a large home, this can avoid wasting hundreds of watts of power. This is especially important in energy-hungry devices like large TV monitors, but it can also apply to everything from coffee makes to computers.

Window Coverings

Controlling sunlight in the house can definitely make a difference in energy use. Let the sun heat your house in winter, and still keep AC at a minimum in the summer by using powered blinds or curtains programmed to close at exactly the right time to maximize comfort and savings.

Electricity Demand

More and more utility companies are changing pricing based on the time of day the electricity is used. A top of the line home automation system can be programmed to adapt to this system (for example, automatically cutting back on air conditioning during peak periods). It can also be programmed so that a warning appears on your touch screen at times when power is at its most expensive. This may not cut consumption, but it can still help with the utility bills.
At OneTouch Automation, we want to make sure our clients are given only the most accurate information about automating their home. If someone makes energy-saving promises that sound too good to be true, they probably are. Saving power is a good thing, and within limits, home automation can help but it doesn’t do miracles. It is an important part of an overall green strategy that responsible homeowners are now putting in place. For a custom designed system that works perfectly for your needs, contact us today.

A few weeks ago, we had a look at what AMX has been up to lately. This week, we want to have a look at some interesting new initiatives from the other top automation company, Crestron. Always wanting to stay ahead of the curve, Creston is now introducing exciting new products in lighting and sound.
In lighting, it began a few months ago when they introduced their own brand of LED drives, but at the ISE show in Amsterdam in February, they unveiled a line of complete Crestron lighting fixtures intended for the European market.
The Crestron Illutube, Illucube and recessed LED fixtures feature smooth dimming to 0 percent, “meaning you can dim it all the way down without powering the light off,” David Silberstein of Crestroin says. “This allows for the ‘smooth’ part of the dimming – there’s no flickering.”

This is a huge change. Up until now, automating lighting, especially LED, has been risky at best. Often, when the fixtures are chosen by the interior designer there is no concern about how they will work when they are actually installed. This has led to poor dimming, short lamp life and inconsistent colour.
That won’t be a problem with the Crestron lights. These fixtures produce a warm colour of light similar to the incandescent lights we are used to. They are even offering a light with red green and blue bulbs that will be tunable to any colour you want. Crestron guarantees that the colour will remain consistent from one fixture to the other, a real sore spot in previous LED’s.
A further advantage is the fact that as long as you are using Crestron gateways and controllers, they can assure you that these lights will function exactly as promised.
Now the bad news. At this point, the products have been introduced in Europe, but Crestron still hasn’t announced a date to introduce them in North America. That would require a voltage change, but it would also require a change in thinking on the part of the design community. They would have to start with the complete fixtures and design around then, instead of the current system of the designer choosing the fixture and integrator choosing the drive. Still, it’s a good start towards having truly seamless integration of perfectly controlled lighting.

Never a company to stand still, Crestron is also taking their game up a notch in the speaker business. In the past, Creston has been known for supplying reliable affordable speakers that were a popular choice for home automation, especially for background music. Now, Crestron is offering the audiophile new choices with the Essence and Aspire speakers.
The Aspire has woven poly-glass composite woofers and 1-inch synthetic polymer dome tweeters. Offset post-mounted tweeters are also there to reduce midrange frequency response anomalies. The Essense, on the other hand, adds in woven Kevlar woofers and 1.1-inch advanced synthetic polymer dome tweeters. It also has cast aluminum woofer baskets to crank out the bass.
Depending on the model, you can expect these speakers to handle between 100 and 175 watts of power, with a wide frequency response. Both of the new 2-way speakers also have paintable, zero-bezel grilles, making either one perfect for ceiling and wall installs. The easy installation of these speakers is a big advantage to the home owner, as it makes for decreased labour costs and less mess when they’re installed. It’s one more option for people who want the added sound quality of premium speaker, but want to stay completely within the Crestron line.

OneTouch Automation is proud to partner with Crestron and other industry leading manufacturers. We are constantly straying on top of advances in the industry, and continually upgrading our skills so that we can offer you the latest innovations and solutions. You don’t have to be an expert in home automation. Let us take care of finding you the right design, product and programming to make your home automation dreams a reality. Call us today to arrange a consultation.

What is the right time to install home automation? Some people think it’s after the home has been completed. That is possible. Here at OneTouch Auntomation, we have done many retrofit projects that have been very successful. It is do-able to install home automation after a home is complete, especially with the new wireless options available. Still, the truth is the ideal time to automate your home is before it’s built – at the design phase.
There are a lot of reasons for this. Let’s look at a few.

Lower cost: This is everyone’s favourite. It’s always less expensive to run wiring when the wall are open. Not only do you save money on labour, you also have the chance to put in any conduit that may be required to make sure your system meets local building codes.

You can get the right experts on board early: You will want to find a real pro for this kind of work. They will be able to supply your General Contractor with a list of cables, boxes, conduit and power requirements that will allow a smooth and simple pre-wire. If the contractor is unfamiliar, the AV professionals can help in making sure best practices are followed during the cable pull. Also, the automation company is now taking responsibility for the cable run. If anything is missing in the system, they will have to make it right.

A chance to future proof for very little money: This is the best time to run extra cat-6 cable, fibre optic cable, additional A/C or conduit to make sure that all your needs will be taken care of for many years to come. Putting in future capacity is an option that has to be considered. It’s a lot cheaper and a lot less messy than knocking holes in the walls and ceilings ten years from now. You’ll feel very smart when the time comes to upgrade the bandwidth of your home automation or entertainment system and all the right cable is waiting in the walls.

You may find there are things you want to change about your home: After you meet with the automation specialist, you may find that you want to dedicate a different room for home theatre, or change the design of a room to accommodate it. You may want to go with automated shades, and that may require different wiring, the construction of valences or different window frames. You may find out that your home is not well set up for security, and you want to improve this part of the design. You may find you want a motorized garage door or an automated sprinkler system. You don’t want to start digging trenches after the landscaping is in. This is the time to find out all the things that will personalize your home for the maximum amount of comfort and convenience, and to make any design changes that must be done.

It will help you get a better idea of your budget: A custom build is almost always someone’s dream home. You don’t want to get to that last part of construction and find out that you haven’t budgeted for the things that will make the home the dream come true you always wanted. By working at the design phase, you can realistically budget for this important aspect of home comfort, security and entertainment. That way, the day you take possession of the house it will truly be the home and the lifestyle you had in mind.

Your pricing will be guaranteed: By finding a reputable integrator who will give you a firm quote for the complete system, you will have certainty on your home automation pricing even if there is a price increase on equipment or labour before the home is built.

To design your system early, you need to find a home automation integrator that is experienced in working at every phase of construction, including pre-build. Look for a supplier with a high level of industry certification, a good knowledge of blueprints and CAD and a strong track record of working in conjunction with other trades. They will have the expertise to envision the right solutions and come up with a cost, and a plan. At OneTouch Automation, we pride ourselves on having extensive experience working at the pre-construction phase. Contact us any time to discuss your needs.