Connected Design

Snap One introduced the new  Binary B-260-ARC Audio Return Extender  developed specifically for professionally-installed Sonos systems that allows integrators to locate a Sonos Amp up to 150 meters (492 feet) from the source TV. According to Andras Balassy, Snap One’s senior business development manager for control & entertainment, Binary worked with Sonos to make the popular wireless audio system even easier to integrate by allowing the Sonos Amp to be located virtually anywhere within a home . “Snap One is always looking for ways to help our Partners meet the demands of clients with new products that simplify and expand the functionality or use cases with systems like Sonos,” said Balassy. “The new Audio Return Extender allows for Dolby 5.1, DTS 5.1 and two-channel LPCM audio signals to be sent from a TV to a Sonos Amp up to 492 feet away, which is perfect for professionally-installed home AV systems where components are often located in rooms f...

  While smart home technology integrator are never a moment without dreaming up possibilities to enrich and simplify their clients’ lives, relaying the seemingly infinite options to these very clients isn’t always the easiest task. Angus Murray of London’s New Wave AV has found that having a Control4 Experience Center showroom offers the perfect environment for enabling wild imaginations. Take his project in the London suburb of Kent, for example. Through a mutual relationship with the project’s interior designer, Murray met some eager homeowners who visited the Experience Center for ideas on their new 12,000-square-foot home. The main desire for this family of four was to own a system that allowed them to enjoy both audio and video around the property with minimal equipment on display. In addition, they wanted a dedicated cinema room as well as a secondary projection system in their bar/media room for more informal viewing. With teenagers ruling the roost, ther...

  Ring announced the launch of Ring Access Controller Pro 2 , the second-generation Ring Access Controller that makes it easier than ever to remotely grant gate access to visitors. Now, supporting both Cellular and Ethernet connectivity in one single device, Ring Access Controller Pro 2 enables customers to unlock their electronically-controlled gate and offers secure, in-gate delivery services with Key by Amazon. Ring Access Controller Pro 2 features a smaller form factor for a sleeker look and easier installation — perfect for gated single-family homes or small, multi-unit apartment buildings . Ring Access Controller Pro 2 enhances existing, compatible electrical access gates and enables customers to remotely operate entryways directly from their Ring app, as well as receive secure, in-gate, eligible Amazon package deliveries via Key by Amazon. Customers can also connect Ring Access Controller Pro 2 to Ring Video Doorbells and Security Cams to see, hear, an...

MantelMount will be showcasing its Automated MM860 Robotic Mount at the CEDIA 2021 show in Indianapolis, September 1-3.  Sporting unparalleled functionality, this Smart Home Ready motorized TV mount automatically lowers and swivels a TV to eye level, for a comfortable home theater viewing experience. It’s the ideal solution for upscale installations high on a wall or over a fireplace. Relying on feedback from both the installer and consumer communities, the Automated MM860 Robotic Mount represents a superior home automation solution that works with all popular automation control systems, including Control4, Crestron, RTI, Savant, Logitech and URC, with command sets for hard-coding additional systems – a major plus for the custom integrator. In addition, the MM860 can be controlled through the included 433 MHZ RF remote, as well as IR-based remotes from Logitech and URC.  The patent pending multi-axis hub, proprietary software, and precis...

Savant Systems, Inc. , smart home technology innovator, has acquired Racepoint Energy, an engineering-driven company known for smart electrical panel, automated power, storage and energy resiliency solutions for consumers, home builders, businesses and utility companies. Renamed Savant Power , the company now joins GE Lighting, a Savant company, as the two newest additions to Savant Systems, Inc.’s diverse portfolio of scalable, easy-to-use smart home solutions. By adding automated power, Savant encompasses solutions across connected home spectrum – climate, lighting, entertainment, security and now energy. “Over the past 12 months, we have made significant strategic acquisitions triggering rapid revenue growth and projections for our brands,” said Bob Madonna, Chairman and CEO, Savant Systems, Inc. “Savant Power’s innovative smart electrical panel and microgrid solutions align perfectly with trending investment in a rapidly growing energy sector.” “Savant Power ...

  Connected Design magazine is pleased to announce that industry expert Joe Whitaker is joining its staff as contributing editor. Whitaker brings with him more than 20 years of experience in the industry , starting in business and information technology. “Having sat in almost every seat, worked in almost every segment and sweat blood and tears in each of these categories, I am able to understand and sympathize with the struggles we as integrators all face, the cheer of the accomplishments we make today, and the end results we all hope for,” said Whitaker. After founding his own audio, video and smart technology company, Whitaker moved on to working as a contract design engineer and also began serving on CEDIA ’s board of directors – currently he is the chair for developing CEDIA Certification Councils’ new and upcoming ISO/ANSI Accredited Advanced Network Certification. He also worked in publishing as a contributor of product reviews and technology news and lat...

  With the Ring Partner Program, both custom integrators and their clients win big.  In his 20+ year career as a smart home technology integrator, Joe Whitaker, president of Thoughtful Integrations, based in St. Louis, MO, has seen a fair amount of challenging projects. And like many custom integrators , he and his team have found solutions to meet needs and surpass expectations. One particular project he encountered recently required ingenuity, resource allocation and deep understanding of the product and client needs. Most importantly, however, the seamless integrator-manufacturer relationship made all the difference.  Solving Problems; Generating Revenue   As a former Global Board of Directors member Governance Committee Member for CEDIA and current Chairman Networking JTA at CEDIA Certification Commission, Whitaker takes full advantage of the programs the organization provides, including the Propel Program, an affinity ...

 AudioControl (audiocontrol.com) has announced the availability of  a certified driver that brings Crestron Home integration to their Director D Series and M Series amplifiers as well as their complete lineup of Concert and Maestro Series Home Theater AVRs and preamp/processors.   The new AudioControl driver for Crestron Home enables integrators to provide clients with seamless control of their entertainment system within the Crestron Home user experience. Homeowners can access key features such as Global On/Off, Volume Up/Down, Tone controls, Matrix switching features, Zone On/Off (in the Director amplifiers) and much more. Integrators will appreciate intuitive and efficient setup of whole-house entertainment and home theater systems within the Crestron Home ecosystem. AudioControl now offers support drivers for all popular smart home ecosystems including Control4, Crestron, Elan, Josh and Savant. The new Crestron Home driver for AudioContr...

  Snap One today introduced new Control4 solutions that advance the smart home security  experience at ISC West 2021.   “Control4 marries security and automation so that partners can provide their customers with a simple, intuitive smart home experience that delivers complete peace-of-mind,” said Clint Choate, Snap One Security Market Director. “Our booth features several demos that showcase how security pros can leverage automation to build sophisticated, all-encompassing experiences for their customers.” Debuting for the first time together since the merger in 2019, the Snap One stand features new products such as the all-new T4 Series Touchscreen that delivers a professional-grade smart home performance, and the Control4 Chime Video Doorbell that brings an unparalleled automation experience to the front door....

  Legrand | AV announced the addition of five new models to its popular On-Q In-Wall Power & Cable Management Kits. The kits provide installers with everything they need to safely extend power to wall-mounted displays and accompanying devices while neatly concealing power and AV cables inside the wall. The expanded range now includes unassembled top-box models with or without USB, pre-wired kits with USB or surge protection, and a completely unassembled kit with a 12-foot cable that are all compatible with any TV mount, including SANUS premium mounts. “When we introduced our first two In-Wall Power and Cable Management Kits, we received resounding feedback on how they answered installers’ need for a simple, clean power solution that would allow them to install and power displays and other devices almost anywhere their clients wanted them, without modifying the existing electrical wiring or cluttering homes with unsightly cables,” said James Rutherford, On-Q p...

    Smart home technology innovator   Savant ® has unveiled a West Coast residential experience center in the greater Las Vegas area. The home features an advanced smart living ecosystem combined with modern architecture, all with captivating views of the Las Vegas Strip. Together with Las Vegas-based design-led firm, Blue Heron, and technology integrator Eagle Sentry, this smart living showcase, or Vegas Modern 001, is a 15,000-square-foot home, designed with the latest technology advances, all hidden to the eye.   Lighting Vegas Modern 001 incorporates Savant’s award-winning smart lighting system paired with tunable LED lighting and specification-grade fixtures from USAI Lighting. The optimal illumination for every scenario is achieved utilizing Savant’s Daylight Mode to synchronize lighting color and temperatures to match the natural light from the sun at any time-of-day.  To complement the natural light, every room also features Savant motorized shades, desi...

American Lighting introduces Spektrum+, an innovative line of Bluetooth® mesh technology to streamline lighting applications throughout the home. Making smart lighting easier than ever, the Spektrum+ line offers a new user-friendly App and an open mesh network to optimize functionality across product types.   Smart LED Lamps  (A19 and BR30) – Spektrum+ RGBTW Lamps are wirelessly controlled through the Spektrum+ Smart Lighting App and provide RGB + Tunable White color temperature ranging from 2700K to 6000K and 90+ color rendering index. The A19 lamp includes up to 800 lumen output, while the BR30 delivers up to 650 lumens. Both lamps are cULus, cETLus and damp location rated, respectively. ·        Downlights  (4” and 6”) – Featuring 90+ color rendering index and RGB + Tunable White, from 2700K to 6000K, Spektrum+ Downlights deliver a nearly endless array of vibrant color customization with wireless contr...

  Set to display at ISC West next week is the newest Z-Wave-connected smart lock from residential security manufacturer Kwikset ®. The Home Connect 620, Kwikset’s first smart lock in the “Home Connect” line, features a 10-button keypad with one-touch locking; and the latest Z-Wave 700 chip technology, which includes Z-Wave’s SmartStart and the security of the S2 framework.  Designed with an all-metal design and a choice of traditional or contemporary styling, the Home Connect 620 connected smart lock was crafted to integrate with a variety of smart home systems, serving as an ideal “entry-level” smart lock. The Home Connect 620 delivers complete remote locking/unlocking via smartphones and tablets, as well as total home control.  With the new Z-Wave™ 700 Series chip this smart lock includes extended wireless range and wireless security features that reduce the vulnerability of the network during enrollment, as well as increased battery life.  ...

  Parks Associates research finds 49% of US broadband households own a smart speaker or smart display, driving voice to the forefront of the connected home consumer experience. “ Voice control quickly captured consumer interest, driving smart speaker adoption with early use cases focused on quick information requests and music streaming,” said Jennifer Kent , Senior Director, Parks Associates. “However, the user experience across smart speakers varies greatly, so as voice control moves into more critical use cases, such as emergency detection and response, companies will need to ensure QoS with a well-designed solution to maintain consumer confidence.” Additional Parks Associates Consumer Data: 74% of smart home device owners also own a smart speaker. 18% of US broadband households report that COVID-19 has increased their interest in products and services that enable “touchless” control of smart home devices using voice control. About Parks Associate...

  As the smart appliance market quickly grows as one of the most popular elements in the smart home , voice control represents a critical technology feature supporting it. According to research from SAR Insight, more than 66 million voice processors for smart appliances are expected to ship by 2024, representing a CAGR of 55% between 2019 and 2024. To that end, last week, Knowles Corporation , a global provider of advanced micro-acoustic microphones and speakers, audio processing, and precision device solutions, announced the AISonic™ White Goods (WGs) Standard Solution. According to Vikram Shrivastava, senior director, IoT Marketing, Knowles, the new White Goods Standard Solution was developed specifically to address the growing need for voice support in smart appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, washing and drying machines, and others.  “As this market grows, so does the demand for voice integration. As such, OEMs and ODMs are being asked to...

Ring has announced the new Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro, in keeping with its mission to make neighborhoods safer. According to the company, it is its most advanced outdoor security camera, equipped with 3D Motion Detection with radar and Bird’s Eye View.  The new Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro builds upon the features of the Ring Floodlight Cam to monitor outdoor spaces with motion-activated LED lights and HD video. Jamie Siminoff, Ring’s Founder and Chief Inventor, said in a statement: “By expanding our 3D Motion Detection technology and Bird’s Eye View to Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro, we’re giving customers greater insight about what’s taking place on their property for additional peace of mind.” In addition to 3D Motion Detection and Bird’s Eye View, the Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro features include:  Audio+ for enhanced audio and echo cancellation Customizable Motion Zones and Privacy Zones Video End-to-End Encryption  110db siren Color ni...

  At the ISE 2020 show, URC announced a two-way IP module for seamless integration with Home Connect appliances with its Total Control system. End users can enjoy conveniences that automate morning routines – for example, coffee brewed by Home Connect appliances can be ready simultaneously with a wake-up alarm sounding, thanks to seamless integration of URC’s smart automation technology with Home Connect. “End users with URC’s Total Control smart automation and control system can now automatically or manually brew the coffee of their choice from any URC Total Control interface, or even via voice commands in English or German, via URC’s TRC-1480 handheld remote with voice control, or any Amazon Alexa device connected to URC’s Total Control system,” said Lars Granoe, URC’s vice president of product management, in the announcement statement. “And, with the URC’s Total Control system a dealer can even automate their normal routine through this integration with Home Connec...

For many families working and schooling from home, 2020 wasn’t the ideal time to redo a space as essential as the kitchen or bathroom, noted Todd Tomalak, principal at JBREC, in the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) and John Burns Real Estate Consulting (JBREC) Q3 2020 Kitchen & Bath Market Index (KBMI). However, as we settle into 2021, designers and technology integration pros are reporting a significant uptick in both inquiries and project starts. In fact, NKBA’s recently released 2021 Market Outlook report—based on homeowner feedback—reports a tailwind of big interior projects and indoor kitchen remodels, and indicates smart home products will be a popular premium feature upgrade. That’s opportunity knocking! “Smart kitchens and bathrooms used to be nothing more than a concept—a vision of the future—but now they’re quite common,” notes Gordon Van Zuiden, owner of CA-based systems integration firm cyberManor, whose new smart home experience center near Silicon Valley...