Digital Smart Homes Blog and News
<i>Smart</i> <i>Living</i> <i>Journal</i>
Digital Smart Homes
  • © 2024 Digital Smart Homes | By Appointment: 999 W Broadway 7th Floor, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1K5 | 604.670.7647 | Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Whistler, Surrey | Control4, Sonos, Lutron | Home Automation, Multi-Room Audio, Home Theater | Email 0

Smart Living Journal

Seamlessly Integrating Carrier Infinity/Bryant Evolution with Control4

In the world of smart homes, the fusion of high-end HVAC systems with cutting-edge home automation is the pinnacle of modern living. Imagine the sophistication of Carrier Infinity and Bryant Evolution systems seamlessly coexisting with Control4, orchestrated by a sleek custom driver. developed by Epic Systems

We recently integrated this solution, providing our client with an unparalleled level of control and efficiency. This synergy between top-tier Carrier HVAC systems and Control4 ensures that homeowners have absolute command over their home climate, offering an exceptional blend of convenience and control.
control4-carrier-gui Read More...

Elevate Your Music Journey with Control4: Experience the Enhanced Spotify Integration!

We're thrilled to unveil an enhanced Spotify experience for all you music enthusiasts out there who are part of the Control4 family. Control4's latest improvements are designed to make your music exploration seamless and delightful, ensuring you never miss a beat.
WhatsNew_Spotify_Connect_ContentImage

Read More...

Unleashing the Power of OS 3.2.4: Elevate Your A/V Control with MultiDisplay Manager!

We're thrilled to introduce the latest upgrade to our operating system, OS 3.2.4, designed with you in mind. This update brings a host of fundamental platform enhancements, providing an even more seamless and versatile audio-visual experience for both retail and commercial deployments.

So, what's in store for you with OS 3.2.4? Let's dive into the exciting features that will redefine the way you interact with your audio-visual setup:
multi-display
Read More...

Empowering Control: Elevating User Experience with the Latest Access Features

In today's dynamic world, touch screens are omnipresent, enhancing interactions in various settings, from child bedrooms to sports bars and boardrooms. However, not all touch screens should provide the same level of access to everyone. Imagine being able to customize and define the access levels for individual touch screens and television interfaces. Well, with the latest enhancements in our Access agent, coupled with the Identity and UI Configuration agents, this level of control is now at your fingertips.

Access-Features Read More...

Navigating the Seamless Transition: Certified Control4 Dealers and the Seamless Handover of Smart Homes

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern living, home automation systems have become an integral part of households, offering convenience, security, and energy efficiency. However, when it comes to selling a home equipped with sophisticated systems like Control4, the transition from one homeowner to another can sometimes be a challenging process. In this blog post, we'll explore the intricacies of this transition and emphasize how certified Control4 dealers like ourselves contribute to a smooth handover.
smart-home-for-sale

Read More...

D-Link Connected Home Wi-Fi Sensors & Outlets Control4 Driver Package Released

Integrate Control4 with D-Link Wireless Devices
control4-dlink
Now the popular and inexpensive Wi-Fi enabled D-Link smart home products can augment your Control4 system. The mydlink Control4 driver pack includes support for the following devices.

Water Sensor (DCH-S160)
Smart Plug (DSP-W110)
Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring (DSP-W215)
Siren (DCH-S220)
Motion Sensor (DCH-S150)
Read More...

Downtown Vancouver Penthouse Control4 Home Automation System

Control4-Downtown-Vancouver
Our starting point for this beautiful, modern and spacious private Penthouse in Downtown Vancouver was to design a robust network as the basis for a reliable private home automation system. A Control4 Home Automation system is seamlessly integrated with all the lighting, music, video, motorized shades, climate control and security, enabling control through a single intuitive interface. Access is provided through a combination of iPads, iPhones and Control4 wireless hand remote controls.
Read More...

A look at how Control4 home automation can help those with autism live a fuller life

autism-control4-homeautomation
Sometimes Home Automation is more than just convenient. Take a look at how a Control4 system gave the Wildes family the freedom to leave their 20-year-old autistic son home alone without sacrificing their peace of mind. Get the tissues ready—this one tugs the heartstrings.

[VIDEO]
http://www.control4.com/v/p7hw0yvd2v

Find out more about how Control4 has teamed up with Architectural Digest and ACT Today! (Autism Care and Treatment) to raise awareness and provide solutions to the challenges faced by ‪autism‬: http://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/technology-design-coordinating-for-a-cause-article

Announcing the DS2 Door Station from Control4

control4-ds2
With great new features like better low-light performance, motion detection and detection, the ability to see the camera independent of a call, and email snapshots, the new DS2 door station will be used to protect and connect even more homes.

The DS2 door station will be available in four models in a Satin Nickel finish, with or without a keypad, and as a flush mount or a surface mount.

The Control4® DS2 Door Station will be available later this year
Read More...

Control4 OS 2.8 is now available

control4-os2_8
Last night, Control4 announced t from CEDIA in Dallas, TX the release of OS 2.8, which features new native streaming music services like Pandora, TIDAL, and Deezer; improvements to the user experience with music and movies; and a simpler and more robust security experience for all Control4 customers. Additionally, Control4 announced a Limited Edition Red 7″ Tabletop Touch Screen!
Read More...

Kwikset Introduces SmartCode 916 Touchscreen Electronic Deadbolt

SmartCode_916_4c_600_px_w

Kwikset®, the leader in residential security, introduces the NEW SmartCode™ 916 Touchscreen Electronic Deadbolt with HomeConnect™ technology! Expanding your security system solution with a Kwikset SmartCode 916 Touchscreen deadbolt with Home Connect technology will allow the lock to communicate wirelessly with a Control4® system.

New Features:
- Capacitive touchscreen
- SecureScreen™ security feature – helps to ensure that user codes cannot be identified by examining fingerprints
- Sleek metal design for enhanced quality
- Tamper resistant interior cover

916_Smartcode_RAS_Family_Image_3_Finishes_600_px_w
Available in: 
Satin Nickel

Polished Brass

Venetian Bronze

Invisible RFID Access with Control4

RFID-Cntrol4
Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is the wireless non-contact use of radio-frequency electromagnetic fields to transfer data, for the purposes of automatically identifying and tracking tags attached to objects. The tags contain electronically stored information.

Now your Control4 system can be used for home and commercial access control. Using RFID tags, a Control4 system in conjunction with HouseLogix Access Control Database (HACD) driver we can give you a robust way to manage multiple users.

Check out the video below for more info.


Personalize your smart home with Invixium

Invixium-control4
Invixium brings the world’s first smart biometric solution to personalize your smart home. Invixium’s fingerprint based biometric products are designed to seamlessly integrate with Control4 for a “true personalized” experience.

By integrating an Invixium device into a smart home automation system, traditional keypad locks are replaced with fingerprint biometric access for security and convenience. Biometrics also allow households to create user profiles to customize the home environment to a person’s liking and mood with just a touch of a finger!
Read More...

Control4 receives top honors in CE Pro 100 Brand Analysis

2015 CE Pro Brand Analysis reports Control4 is the leading brand in multiple categories for smart home solutions.

Salt Lake City, UT, June 1st, 2015 — Control4 Corporation (NASDAQ: CTRL), a leading global provider of smart home solutions, has been named as the top Whole-House Automation brand by the 2015 CE Pro 100 Brand Analysis report. CE Pro magazine is a leading trade publication for professionals involved in the custom electronics business. The report released today on CEPro.com includes a survey of the highest revenue-generating businesses in the custom installation industry which reveals that Control4 is viewed as a leading brand in seven unique categories, including recognition as the top brand in four of these categories as follows:

· Whole-House Automation – Top Brand
· Multi-Room Audio – Top Brand
· HVAC/Energy/Smart Grid Management – Top Brand
· Access Control – Top Brand
· Universal Remote Control – In the Top 2 Brands
· Lighting Control – In the Top 2 Brands
· Intercom Systems – In the Top 3 Brands

Read More...

Control4 Occupancy Simulation Driver - Mockupancy

Control4-occupnacy-driver
The driver will allow us a quick and simple way of providing our clients with realistic lighting occupancy simulation when they are away. It does this by continually 'recording' the day to day lighting activity over a seven day period. When the client is away the driver will 'playback' the lighting events.

It is is very simple to set up on a Control4 system. With the client we simply select which lights and blinds should be included in the playback from the list of all such devices in the home.

The driver will record the levels of all lights and blinds in the project every 15 minutes. During playback changes are randomized over 15 minute periods for best effect. We can even optionally reduce the intensity of lighting during playback to save energy.

Recording and Playback can be initiated in one of three ways.
  • Connect the driver to Control4 keypad buttons to start/stop recording or playback.
  • Use custom programming
  • Connect the driver in Composer any Security System driver. Then playback will commence when the system is armed, and recording will recommence when the system is disarmed.
  • Optionally the driver can also add entertainment to the occupancy simulation mix. The driver can monitor the activity of a cable or satellite receiver in a specified room. During playback the driver will then select a specific channel on the device. An empty house is no longer a quiet house.
Contact us for more information.

Control4 Automated Modern Contemporary Home in Vancouver with a beautiful glass ceiling wine room

Control4 Automated Modern Contemporary Home in Vancouver with a beautiful glass ceiling wine room from Digital Smart Homes on Vimeo.


Fully Automated Control4 home in Vancovuer. Clean, Modern, Contemporary design. Centralized light switches with only the most strategically located Keypads and Touch screen on the wall keeps this home looking clutter free and user friendly. With so many homes being designed with open spaces, walls become more valuable for hanging art pieces - not banks of light switches. Audio, Video, Network and Control systems are all located in an enclosed horizontal rack cabinet by Salamander Design. Security, Doors, Garage, Gate, Music Zones, TV Zones, Water Fountain, Heat Lamps, Nest Thermostats, CCTV, Intercom, lighting and more are all controlled from an intuitive Control4 interface on the clients iPhone, iPads, MAC's and built in Touch screen.

Control4 Announces New 4K Multi-Room Video Solution

LU1082Back-HR
We are excited to announce the all-new Control4 4K Ultra HD multi-room video solutions with new audio and video matrix switches. With the recent acquisition of Leaf, (by Control4) a leader in video and audio distribution, we built these switches to make it possible for you to distribute copy-protected 4K Ultra HD, and all of your favorite video content, to every room in your home with a clean and simple install.

We know you want the very best picture and sound from your entertainment, and 4K is the new standard for high-definition video. Delivering four-times the picture resolution of 1080p displays, it is redefining home entertainment. Movie studios, and other companies producing video content, have come together with manufacturers to define standards that result in both stunning video and audio.
Read More...

Honeywell VAM Control4 Driver Now Available

control4-honeywell-VAM
Honeywell’s VISTA Automation Module (VAM) provides an easy, affordable home and business light automation "starter" option for consumers. With the Honeywell VAM Control4 driver, you can now integrate your security system and ZWave lights into Control4 for extended functionality.

Driver features:
  • IP enabled - no serial cables needed!
  • Support for home, away and stay alarm modes
  • Arm and disarm
  • Multi-partition support (up to 4)
  • Z-wave dimmer control for up to 232 lighting loads
  • On/Off, dim, set level
  • Zone feedback status for up to 250 zones
  • Take complete control of your panel & VAM device through the Control4 system
  • Provides control and feedback from the security panel & associated ZWave light dimmers


Read More...

Five things you need to know before you invest in home automation.

Control4
Control4 offers the ultimate in home automation—and so much more—by making the products and systems you already have and use everyday, work together. Learn how home automation can benefit your life in ways you never imagined possible. Below are five things you need to know before you invest in home automation.

1. Do you have the right home for automation?
2. Determine what you want to automate
3. You’ll need the help of a professional—and that’s a good thing
4. Evaluate your home network
5. Expect the Unexpected

Download the Advanced Guide which investigates the 5 points in more detail.

Read More

Vancouver West Side Automated Control4 Home Video

Control4 Vancouver West Side Fully Automated Home from Digital Smart Homes on Vimeo.


Designed by renowned architect Frits de Vries, built by Natural Balance and fully automated by yours truly, Digital Smart Homes. This Vancovuer home features state of the art Control4 smart home control. In this video we take a closer look at the lighting and audio features of Control4.

Savant vs. Control4 (Savant Smart Host vs. Control4 HC250)

savant-vs-control4
As an avid installer of smaller home systems and theaters for my clients, I’m finding little value in Savant’s new Smart Host. I have been working with Control4 for a number of years now, and it seems to me that Control4 is still continuing to dominate this space. For comparison purposes, I’ve gathered the below details that I could from the Savant and Control4 websites:

control4-vs-savant

While the Smart Host is boasting more IR, I find that the more IR ports needs are becoming less needed. Control4’s Simple Device Discovery Protocol for IP connected devices has made the world of IP control of Smart TVs, Blu-Rays and media players such as AppleTV super easy to set-up, without the need for cumbersome IR Buds. Even when I do need IR, but don’t want the IR bud, the Control4 Blaster is there to help. For my customers, the On-Screen Display is used often for searching their movie database… often treated as a “coolio” factor with friends.

While Savant’s message about controlling up to 12 rooms is interesting, the HC250 can do the same thing for less money. Depending on the customers, needs, we leveraged keypads, remote controls and the Z2IR device to control multiple zones with a single HC-250.

The HC-250, plus Control4’s new SR-260, creates an awesome solution for entertainment centers and home theaters, at an MSRP that is less than the Smart Host itself. I’m struggling to see the real benefit of Savant’s system. I know they have a great app for use on tablets and smartphone, but I have yet to have a customer that runs their theater without a remote. Savant’s remote is twice as much as the SR-260.

I remember coming across an article last year that really highlighted the HC-250’s capabilities, a white paper by Dennis Burger. I think this article really speaks the unmatched capabilities of the HC-250, especially at a price point that speaks to customers.

Further expanding on this issue of pricing, from my personal experience, I’ve found that programming the Control4 system is way easier than any Savant system and the customer gets a solid, elegant experience with a ton of expandability.

Control4 OS 2.7 is now available!

control4-0s2.7
The Control4 Operating System serves as the foundation upon which Control4 home automation is brought to life. And Control4 is raising the bar in smart home technology with our latest software release, OS 2.7. A new level of functionality and elegance will enhance the way you keep your home comfortable, communicate with everyone in the home, listen to music, control your pool and spa, and provide a slew of new features for added comfort and peace of mind in the home
Read More...

Not every home on the block is a Smart Home... Yet!

Control4-home-control-trend
A survey done by the ERA Real Estate (ERARE) and HGTV is revealing the phenomenal potential of smart home technology--especially in terms of resale value.

Real estate has and will likely always be one of the best investment options for anyone that want to protect their wealth. With that in mind, the values of the properties themselves don’t grow without the proper add-ons as time passes by, and the recent survey done by ERARE and HGTV is proving just that.

Among some of the answers homeowners as well as potential buyers got from the surveys were:

  • What are new the new generations of home buyers looking for?
  • What type of additions and new technology should a property possess to make it more appealing to home buyers?
  • How has the Internet of Things changed people’s perspective on property management?
As the report shows, buyers are looking to purchase homes with smart technology pre-installed. This can only mean one thing: Sellers must meet the demand. The technology doesn’t have to be anything extravagant. Rather, buyers are looking for some of the practical necessities that will help drive efficiency and comfort. Things such as automated climate control, energy management and remote monitoring should all be on the top of every homeowner’s priority list if they’re looking to put their homes on the market.

According to the survey, 7 in 10 millennials want homes that are equipped with technologies that will allow them to use their smartphones to remotely control various functions and features within the home.

Well, one would think that it’s only common sense to cater to millennials if they’re the ones that are in the market to buy homes, but the reality is everyone has a bit of techno-geek in them. Baby boomers, for instance, are looking to beef up their levels of security, which means sellers must add some sort of smart security system to the homes to make them appealing.

Smart home technology may have been considered just a trend in the past, but now--more so than ever--the trend has evolved into a demand that makes it a necessity for anyone who is buying or selling a home.

Control4 Introduces New Whole-Home High-Definition Video Intercom, Intuitively Smart Climate Control, and Elegant High-Performance Touch Screens

control4

One of the qualities that made Apple so successful is that it has total control of the ecosystem that its vast line of product encompasses. Along that same line, it’s a no brainer that many companies are following that exact same model. The impact of such business model is even more apparent for emerging niche markets such as the Smart Home segment. Among the leaders in the emerging industry is a company by the name of Control4, which has just recently released some fresh products and updates that are sure to make everyone on the block envious.

First up on the list of Control4 products is a new line of HD Video Intercom products that promises blazing quick usability as well as universal compatibility with other platforms such as iOS and Android. All new Control4 Video Intercom products feature quad-core processors to drive mouth watering HD videos—be it for monitoring a baby room or checking for who’s at the front door. The displays themselves come as either 7 or 10-inch wall-mountable, and 7-inch tabletop for coffee tables, bed-stand and portable use. Control4 promises out-of-the-box (OTB) functionality, and all users have to do is add two video-enabled endpoints to get things rolling.

control4-touchscreens-tabletop
In conjunction with the release of the new hardware, Control4 has also revamped its Control4 OS to match. Control4 OS 2.7 has a completely redesigned user interface (UI) to deliver the most amazing climate control experience. Control4 has tweaked the UI as to enable users to be able to access all the climate control features with a simple flick of a finger. The new Comfort Control interface also has improved compatibility with the top HVAC systems.

Control4 isn’t letting its competitors get ahead in the world of smart thermostats either. The company also announced the launch a Control4 smart thermostat that it jointly developed with climate control specialist Aprilaire.

It takes a tremendous amount of resources to create a tech ecosystem that works harmoniously. Smart Home-based products are no exception, and Control4 is paving the road for others to follow by developing products that are simple and easy to use, not just on its own but also with each other. If you’re looking for Smart Home products that works flawlessly, look no further

For more information visit Control4 or contact us here.

The One Device Challenge, by Control4

onedevicechallenge_control4
How much can a homeowner control with a single automation device?

Whole-home automation can get complicated quickly. But just how much can a homeowner control with a single automation device? When that device is Control4's powerful HC-250 Home Controller, the short answer is, "A lot."

Over the past few years, a number of off-the-shelf, do-it-yourself smart hubs and subscription-based services from ISPs have begun to tantalize homeowners with the promise of complete home control. The truth of it, though, is that these DIY kits or subscription services rarely deliver on the promise they sell, at least not without the help of a number of add-on devices.

The same is true of many advanced home control platforms, as well. Rarely can you do much at all with just one box. Unless, of course, that box is the Control4 HC-250. With its powerful processor, unrivalled Control4 Operating System, and the ability to connect to and control all manner of third-party devices (over 7,000 of them) via wireless ZigBee and WiFi—as well as hard-wired Ethernet, infrared, relay, or two-way RS-232—the HC-250 delivers an incredibly versatile, flexible, customizable automation experience like no other.

Download the full article here > OneDeviceChallenge

Unleash the Automation Beast with OS 2.6 from Control4

Control4 OS2_6-vancouver
There’s virtually no limit to what can be automated in your home by upgrading to Control4’s new OS 2.6. It marks the next step in your journey toward making your house the best it can be—comfortable, convenient, and fun!
Read More...

Control4 - The Ultimate Home Automation Hub

control4-hub-vancouver
For a lot of homeowners, the next big home improvement project to tackle is home automation, but the process can be extremely daunting if they don’t even know where to begin. Like every thought process, a smart home project requires a core, or a hub, that is versatile enough to maintain and integrate new smart home features as they pop up. Control4 does just that, and more.

Whether you’re trying to implement a state of the art home entertainment or add smart integrated lighting, the Control4 hub offers the flexibility required integrate any current and future smart home products. While your smartphone is technically a capable hub, it was not designed specifically to handle home automation.

Technically speaking, you can use your smartphone to control just about any smart home functionality. However, a major drawback to this idea is that each functionality requires its own app, which often leads to confusion and a smartphone bloated with apps. Control4 solves this by letting homeowners connect all their functionalities to a single hub that lets you use your smartphone to control all features from a single user interface.

You may argue that there will be a single smartphone app that can control all smart home functions without a hub. However, the flaw in this perspective is that it doesn’t take into consideration that the mobile operating system (OS) is extremely fragmented. Essentially, what this means is that hardware vendors don’t want to put in the time and effort to optimize and update their software once it’s off the shelf. This in turn causes mayhem for developers who want to create apps that provide seamless user experiences across all platforms. Moreover, every smart home product makers have their own set of guidelines on how an app interacts with the product. If you put two and two together, you’ll see that using a smartphone as a hub becomes an un-navigable web for developers and homeowners alike.

So wouldn’t it just be easier for there to be a versatile hub that uses your smartphone as an extension to control your smarthome functionalities? The Control4 team dedicate themselves to constantly improving and tweaking their hub to meet the demands of their customers. Don’t pull out your hair over something as simple as a hub, because Control4 has developed an affordable, reliable, secure industry-leading core for all your home automation needs.

Control4 West Vancouver - Home Automation

Control4 West Vancouver - Home Automation by Digital Smart Homes from Digital Smart Homes on Vimeo.


Complete Home Control, Control4 Home Automation system by Digital Smart Homes in West Vancouver.

This completely renovated home was originally built in 1973. It has transformed beautifully into a modern contemporary home. All the technology (including Amplifiers, Cable Boxes, Controllers and more) are completely hidden away from site and placed into centrally located media rack. Lighting, Media, Audio, Video, Security, HVAC and more are intuitively controlled by keypads and 3 built in touch screens throughout the house. The home owners iPad and iPhones also allow for complete control over the entire home and provides for remote access from anywhere in the world. All this keeps the walls clutter free and gives the home a very clean and user friendly feel.

Planning for your First Home Automation

home-automation-planning
So you’re thinking about home automation but don’t know where to begin. First off, let’s go over what home automation is and how it can benefit you. Home automation is merely the process of interlinking different electronic components of your home to an single intuitive operating system so that you can monitor and carry out various tasks at home or while being someplace else.

Before TV remotes were available, people had to actually get up to change the channel (and bang on the box while they’re at it). Nowadays, if you do get off the couch, it’s because you want to grab something from the fridge. Simply put, home automation is like having a TV remote that can access just about any type of component or components of your home from one interface.

Modern-day home automation technology leverages the Internet, and if you’re reading this blog it means you have access to some form of Internet. Put two and two together you’ll see that the home network is one of the key components of home automation today.

Home automation technologies come in a broad range of packages, so if you’re thinking about setting up your home with some of these technologies it will take some planning.
smart-home-iphone
Some of the questions you may want to ask yourself are:
  • Do I entertain a lot?
  • Do I travel often or spend a lot of time away from my home?
  • Which areas of the home do I want to focus on automating?
  • What do I want to control? (Home theatre/entertainment, Whole house audio, Lighting, Comfort (heating and cooling), Security and monitoring and Communication)
  • What’s my estimated budget?
Above are just a few questions you need to ask yourself during the planning process. For instance, do you want to set up a yard sprinkler system that you can remotely control from your smartphone? If that’s the case, you might need to hire a contractor to install a sprinkler system, and then a home automation firm like ours (Digital Smart Homes) to program and connect your sprinkler control system to your phone.

The task of implementing home automation might seem daunting at first, but with the right amount of research and planning anything is possible. Best of all, silicon-based technology and network infrastructures have grown as such an astonishing pace that the price of home automation is much more affordable now than it was in the past. Take a few moments to explore the possibilities by watching this short 2 minute
video or by visiting our fully automated smart home showroom in Vancouver.

OS 2.6 Now Available–Delivering The New Control4 Experience

control4-vancouver-OS2-6
Control4 rolls out OS 2.6, featuring new UI enhancements that elevate the Listen, Comfort and Security experiences, stunning consistency across all user interfaces, and time-saving tools for our technicians to deliver programming efficiency. Control4® OS 2.6 will be pre-loaded on all new controllers moving forward.
Read More...

ICS-ONE irrigation controller by Brilliant Integrated Technologies now available

ICS-ONE-Water_irigation
A brilliant approach to watering the lawn. The ICS-ONE™ is a fully automatic, weather-based smart irrigation controller designed for residential and commercial applications that integrates with Control4. The ICS-ONE is unique in that it communicates nightly with a central server to receive water-saving commands, and then executes those commands in accordance with the customer’s preferred watering schedule. The central server determines the optimal watering time for each of the customer’s irrigation zones based on actual recent weather and its effects on the specific foliage, soil type and solar loading for that zone.

Read More...

Interior Designers and Home Builders Increasingly Rely on Technology Integrators

control4-interior-design-vancouver

The world of interior design and home building have entered an entirely new phase last year and will continue in 2014 and beyond. Not too long ago, it used to be that technology integrators would seek out partnerships with interior designers and builders to drum up additional business.

This trend has seen a massive shift, as home automation has become a necessity for most families (of most socioeconomic levels) rather than an overly expensive luxury. According to Yahoo! Finance, homeowners increasingly understand that home automation can add 10 percent and more to their property values, while being quite cost-effective.

Rather than coming with a price tag of $75,000 to $100,000+ (the common cost of home automation systems in the recent past), it is possible to spend a fraction of that amount for a full-blown solution that can link together everything from home security, environment/temperature control, home entertainment, and lighting to a Control4 system

Because of the demand, we are continually approached by interior designers and builders to install and program cutting-edge systems sure to make homeowners thrilled.
Read More...

Control4 Richmond Project Video


Control4 Richmond - Another automated home by Digital Smart Homes from Digital Smart Homes on Vimeo.



Control4 equipped home in Richmond that integrates all the electronic systems onto one intuitive platform. The only technology that is visible in the gorgeous home is a Turntable, TV's and a couple of Touch screens throughout the home. Everything else is hidden away.

Control4 Square Wired Keypad

Control4-Square Wired-Keypad
Control4 announces availability of the Control4® Square Wired Keypad, the newest addition to the Panelized Lighting family of products. Combining elegant Euro styling with flexible button configuration, the Square Wired Keypad provides a stunning user interface that controls any aspect of a Control4® system. The keypad can be configured with two to seven buttons, using four different button sizes, for a total of 37 possible configurations.
Read More...

Control4's New Media Distribution Family

Media_AV_Family

Introducing Control4’s new Media Distribution family of products, including the 8x8 HDMI Matrix Switch, 100 Series Power Amplifiers and the enhanced Audio Matrix Switch. This new line delivers superior sound and video quality, simplified setup, and showcases a new, sleek industrial design for a polished, professional look in any installation.
Read More...

Cambridge Audio Azur 551R 7.1 HDMI AV Receiver - Control4 Certified

azur-551r-cambridge-audio
An AV Receiver that sounds like a hifi!
As TVs become impossibly thin - and sound quality gets even leaner - there's never been a better time for a home theatre system that sounds sensational but is also simple to use.

Music is at the heart of Cambridge Audio and this all new AV Receiver is designed to deliver sound that's in every way as epic as the picture quality from your movies, music and TV shows.

So, as well as all the latest processing features you'd expect, the 551R's ability to reproduce music with incredible richness and authority really separates it from the herd.

A staggering 110 Watts of power is achieved by combining Cambridge Audio's audio design expertise and the choicest selection of audiophile components.

From an all-metal and surprisingly compact design, the 551R features a multitude of connections and is guaranteed to revolutionize the audio potential of Blu-ray players, video streamers, satellite boxes, iPod docks, games consoles and of course hi-fi source components.

Like our entire range, the 551R was created at Cambridge Audio's Research and Development Centre on London's Southbank by a team with an uncontested passion for making music sound sensational!

Control4 Key Driver Features:
• 2-Way RS-232 Driver
• Supports Control4 OS versions 2.0 and above
• Control of AM/FM Tuner also available
Read More...

Control4 Wireless Music Bridge

contro4-wireless-music-bridge
Introducing the all new Control4 Wireless Music Bridge. Featuring built-in AirPlay, Bluetooth and DLNA connectivity, the Bridge allows virtually any smart phone, tablet or other personal device to wirelessly stream music, audio books and podcasts to a Control4 system. With the Bridge, customers now have a simple way to enjoy any music available on a phone, tablet or computer around the home with amazing sound quality and no hassles. Whether it is music downloaded from iTunes or a favorite streaming service, such as Pandora or Spotify, the Bridge effortlessly connects these vast libraries of music to a Control4 system. As part of a Control4 system, or used in a stand-alone audio system, nothing is better at bringing various audio technologies together or is as simple to install or use.
Read More...

Control4 Panelized Lighting Controls

Control4-panalized-lighting
Control4 announces availability of the full line of Panelized Lighting Controls. The Control4 Panelized Lighting solution enables comprehensive control over residential and commercial lighting systems using sophisticated keypads, rather than a collection of switches on every wall. All dimming, switching and load management is performed by smart lighting modules, tucked away in a panel and completely hidden from view.


Read More...

Control4 Next Generation Wireless Lighting Controls

control4-next-generation
Control4 announces availability of the new family of Wireless Lighting controls, the most significant product line introduction since the company’s launch! Showcasing elegant industrial design in a wide range of colors and custom configurations, these new controls deliver the most comprehensive, innovative and time saving Control4® Wireless Lighting solutions for residential and commercial installs to date.
Read More...

Introducing Control4 OS 2.4

control4-OS2_4
Control4 OS 2.4 adds to a growing list of system features designed to enhanced user experience and customer satisfaction. Here’s a list of what’s new:


Expanded Listening Experience with TuneIn
TuneIn gives your customers the ability to access and enjoy a collection of global streaming radio stations, podcasts, music, sports and news through their Control4 systems.

Enhanced 4Sight with Anywhere Access Mobile
The new and improved 4Sight service now delivers Anywhere Access to a Control4 system from a smart phone or tablet over a 3G/4G or remote WiFi connection.

Remote Recharging Station
The new Remote Recharging Station keeps SR-150 and SR-250 System Remote Controls fully charged and ready for control.

Read More...

7 Reasons Why Home Automation is Made FOR the Technically Challenged

Control4_lifestyle_16
As home automation specialists working to educate the public on the benefits of new technologies, we are often told, “I am too technically challenged to use a home automation system.” To be honest, we love to reveal why this statement is one of the biggest myths of the 21st century.
The truth is that home automation systems have the power to simplify everything within your home and life. For example, homeowners often struggle with technologies that don’t work together. They hate the numerous remote controls cluttering coffee tables, and the wires tangled throughout rooms, but they don't know they have any other options. Today’s home automation technologies eliminate the confusion. Completely.

In fact, home automation is made especially for the technologically frustrated. Here are a handful of reasons why:

1. Home automation systems, such as Control4, give homeowners the power to fuse together their entertainment, lighting, temperature control, and security into a single console. One way to manage everything, not lots of ways to manage lots of things.

2. A home automation system can be controlled via a remote and/or with home computers, iPads, iPhones, and smart phones. It can’t get any easier.

3. Picture this. The kids are playing their PS3 in the theater room and Mom and Dad want to start family movie night. Without changing sources or input cables, and with just one remote control, the room can be primed for movie watching by a simple press of a button. The lighting dims, the shades close, and the TV powers on via Control4.

4. Perhaps Mom and Dad are listening to their favorite Jazz station on Rhapsody in the kitchen as they cook. The children are in their respective rooms listening to their own choices of music. Mom presses the “DINNER” button on the Control4 keypad next to the stove and it automatically shuts off the music in their rooms and announces dinner time.

5. The technically challenged can even be at ease while on the road. Let’s assume you take a trip to Paris and leave your home in the care of a house sitter. You don’t have to fret about unlocked doors, the garage door being left open, lights being left on, and more. All you need is your iPad to see which doors are locked or unlocked, which lights need to be turned off or on, and whether or not you need to shut the garage door. You have the power to control them all via a touch screen.

6. Another convenience that home automation provides is the ability to remotely access and adjust your temperature settings. Most people don’t use the programming options on their thermostats, whether because it takes too long or their heating and cooling habits are inconsistent. Home automation provides you the ability to log in from your mobile device or PC and change the temperature to your desired setting. This is especially important while on vacation. Setting your home temperature back to a comfortable setting right from the airport allows you to come home to a comfortable, warm house.

7. One of the biggest concerns for the technically challenged is system setup and maintenance. This makes our team smile for a couple of reasons. Because each household has its own unique needs, we help to customize individualized solutions to meet those needs, and we ensure that all technologies are installed and working properly. If for any reason there is a problem, we are a phone call away and can fix most issues remotely.

In short, home automation systems are a complete relief for the technologically challenged. We dare you to visit a showroom for a demo and see for yourself!

Cool new products from Control4

control4-new

New product releases and the 2.4 software is coming in march and it has some serious enhancements! Here are some of the highlights.

· Panelized lighting. Way too much information here to simplify how awesome this is! Get hooked up with all the training details asap.

· Anywhere access with any remote portable device. 4G and 3G support. No switching… it’s all automatic. And the functionality comes with the service for new 4-Sight Customers and existing 4-Sight Customers. The utility of the 4-Sight Service significantly expanded with this new functionality.

· Please look into all the great things going on with Tunein. http://tunein.com/

· Wireless Audio Bridge. An internet connected device, the Wireless Audio Bridge allows a customer to stream their favorite music from their personal device, be it an computer, iPhone or an iPad or an Android Tablet. Utilizing AirPlay and Bluetooth, also with DLNA, the Wireless Music Bridge promotes personal or sharing music experiences in the home.

· Recharge Station. Easy up-sell and simple way to get back into existing customers homes and pitch all the enhancements with 2.4 etc. Read More...

Modern, Contemporary Control4 Smart Home with Lutron RadioRa2

vancouver-control4-ra2-smarthome
This is one of my favourite homes and most of all, one of my favourite clients that Digital Smart Homes has had the pleasure to work with. This modern contemporary Vancouver home features a Control4 Home Control and Automation system that is integrated with Lutron's RadioRa2 smart lighting system. All equipment, including all Video sources, Wirepath CCTV, Media and more are all located together into two racks freeing up space at all the TV locations so that only a flat screen is visible and no other electronics. Control4 allows for easy access to any video source, audio device from anywhere in the home from an iPad, touch screens, keypads, computers, and smart phones.

Visit our Vancouver showroom to learn and experience what Control4 and Home Automation and Control can do for you. Contact Us

Control4 and Savant: A Simple Home Automation System Comparison

control4

THIS IS MY OPINION ONLY - Harry Saini

In your effort to create a comfortable and secure home, it is essential to find the ideal home automation solution to meet your unique needs. Two of the most popular and robust systems are Control4 and Savant. Without a doubt, both systems offer a plethora of options for revolutionizing your home – yet there are inherent differences between them that we will attempt to outline.

Beginning with Savant, the system has the ability to intelligently light your home, deck out your media room, improve your audio set up, and seamlessly control climate. The system is run by a dedicated Mac server that connects the various appliances within the home for ease of use and offers lightning-fast processes.

On the other hand, Control4 is a powerful system that is intelligently priced with value as a focus vs. high-end luxury pricing with Savant. Control4 allows for you to control everything from lighting, to your home theatre and audio, to home climate.

Plus, the technology interfaces nicely with security and keyless door entry systems. When all is taken into consideration, the home automation industry at large considers Control4 the best value for a home automation system on the market, while Savant is luxurious first choice for Apple fanatics.

The following is a breakdown of the main differences between the two systems:

  • Control4 is considerably more cost-effective than Savant.

  • Savant is Mac-based and Apple reliant, while Control4 builds their product independently and is compatible with iOS, Android, Kindle Fire, and Computers supporting Adobe Air (both Apple and Microsoft).

  • Control4 offers a wide variety of native interfaces from standard remotes, keypads, and in-wall touch panels. Savant works with a handheld remote and/or iPad touch screen.

  • Savant supports iTunes. Control4 supports iTunes as well and can also pulls media via a robust database service to play MP3s, Apple audio and miscellaneous digital formats.

  • Savant offers completely customizable graphics and requires a custom program for almost every installation. Control4 has developed a simplified user interface which assists in saving on programming time.

  • Control4 is extremely easy to program and offers direct integration with several vendors in the AV/Security/Automation industry.

  • Savant offers lighting solutions through Light Touch, a company they purchased while Control4 has consistently developed their own lighting and many more products to fill the majority of your integration needs.

While both Savant and Control4 offer virtually an unlimited number of options, we at Digital Smart Homes are of the opinion that Control4 offers the perfect blend of cost-effectiveness, intuitive controls, speed and versatility. Plus, rather than relying on a Mac-only platform, it is possible to utilize the system on a number of devices. Of course, if you are an Apple enthusiast seeking a posh solution to your home automation needs, Savant may do the trick.

When considering the purchase of either a Control4 or Savant system, the secret to your success is outlining your exact needs and making a functionality wish list. It is then possible to select the solution that transforms your home into a more secure and functional environment.


Introducing Control4 OS 2.3

control4
control4, lightingcontrol4, mydevicecontrol4 access agentcontrol4 preformance and stabity
control4 sddpcontrol4 commericalcontrol4 tools
Better performance. Elegant enhancements to the interface. New features that let you personalize your system and simplify your life. And more! Control4 OS 2.3 lets you control your home, your way.

This is the most substantial Control4 software releases to date! OS 2.3 delivers powerful new features including:
  • Software enhancements to optimize system performance
  • New tools to simplify system set up, programming and support
  • Improvements to the overall experience
Read More...

Project Spotlight: Control4 Home Automation system - Point Grey, Vancouver

control4-Point Grey-West 11th
Here are some photos of a home we recently completed in Point Grey, West 11th Vancouver. The home design is classic and elegant and features home automation and control by Control4 to integrate lighting, heating, security, Audio and Video. The home can be controlled from an iPad, hand held remote control or a beautiful on wall intuitive touch screen. This high quality, energy efficient & environmentally friendly home features its own geothermal heating system and boasts an Energuide rating of 86!

Read More...

Control4 compatible, Wirepath Surveillance System - There's a Mac for that

WPS_MacSoftware_banner-computer
With the Wirepath™ Surveillance Mac app for OSX, peace of mind comes standard. Now it’s easier than ever to view and control your DVR and cameras from anywhere in the world. Watch live video, search/playback recordings, even take a screen capture – right from your Mac. And while some other guys charge for the "privilege" of remote access, we give it to you... for free.
Read More...

Control4's Commitment to Driving Interoperability

Control4 leads the industry in device discovery and interoperability and with OS 2.3 new tools have been added to simplify installation and programming for dealers. The new Control4® Driver Editor enables dealers and developers to create and test new drivers without requiring a full, onsite Control4 system up and running, making it much easier and more efficient to quickly design and develop drivers for third-party products.

OS 2.3 also includes support for Control4® Simple Device Discovery Protocol (SDDP), a groundbreaking new capability which will automatically identify and load the correct driver for Control4 devices, as well as an expanding roster of third-party devices. SDDP compatible devices will be automatically identified and configure themselves within Control4 installations and will remain connected with the Control4 system regardless of IP address changes.
"One of the unique capabilities and benefits Control4 introduced to the industry was the ability to easily and uniquely identify Control4 devices during a system installation by simply pressing a button on any Control4 device. Now, we are extending those benefits and simplicity to 3rd party products by providing them with open access to our SDDP software technology so they can embed it within their products to enable device discovery, model identification, and proper software driver association during Control4 installations - saving time and reducing the potential for errors" said Plaehn.

Control4 OS 2.3 will be available in Q4 2012.

HydraConnect LLC Releases 2nd Generation Control4 HDMI Proccessor

control4-certified-hdmi-matrix
The HSS-3 retains all of the features of the acclaimed HSS-2, with the added capability of integral HDBaseT outputs to run a 1080p signal up to 330' over a single CAT6. The HDBaseT receivers that operate with the HSS-3 retain the standard HydraConnect POE features that require no power supply at the receiver end. CEC support is provided for product control without IR flashers, though IR flashers are also fully supported. Finally, two of the eight outputs are configurable as HDMI outputs to support local AV Receivers. HSS-3 will is now available and is made in the USA.

Read More...

Control4 and Sony Introduce New ES Receivers with Control4 Automation Built-In

control4-sony
Together Control4 and Sony launch the world’s first AV receivers with built-in home automation.
Indianapolis, IN – CEDIA Expo Booth 4949 – September 5, 2012 at 5:00PM ET – Control4, a leading innovator in residential and light commercial automation systems, announced that Sony has integrated Control4® automation technology into its new ES receivers (introduced at CEDIA Expo) – delivering best-in-class AV performance and home automation within one easy-to-install and easy-to-use product. The ES receivers with Control4 automation are available for order now through authorized Control4 and Sony ES dealers.

This is a powerful partnership redefining the AVR category by delivering an unprecedented integrated AV and automation experience in a single device. Consumers will enjoy top AVR performance, unmatched 4K content and a stunning selection of streaming media services, plus the added lifestyle benefits of personalized automation that can transform a house into a smart home. With companies like Sony embracing and marketing the benefits of home automation, the custom installation industry benefits as a whole. Together, Sony and Control4 have created an exciting new avenue to drive consumer awareness for the category.
Read More...

"The Always At Home" Control4 Driver is now available

always-at-home-control4
Always@Home is most likely the greatest driver ever created for Control4®. This driver records the daily activity of your lights and/or TVs in your Control4 enabled home and can play back the exact light/TV usage to make it appear that someone is always at home even when you have been away for weeks. Admit it - you just realized how miserable your life has been before you knew about this driver.
Read More...

Home Automation’s Power to Simplify Your Life, Reduce Expenses, and Increase Security

control4-smarthomes-15

In today’s costly world, homeowners are fully aware of the expenses related to inflated energy costs and inefficient home security systems. There is nothing worse than receiving an electricity bill and being shocked by the amount owed at the end of a month or stolen possessions that could have been more strategically secured. Such realities have led homeowners to seek technologies that can help them beat the current system.
A growing number of homeowners are educating themselves on basic energy management and security devices, which often combine the use of innovate shade and control systems. For instance, Control4 offers a number of solutions that help homeowners monitor and control their home lighting from an iPad, iPhone, or wireless remote. With Control4, you can pre-program lighting levels and reduce energy output. It is also amazingly easy to set lighting to turn on and off at specific times. This significantly reduces the possibility of a light being left on throughout the night, or for several days while a homeowner is on vacation. Additionally, with Control4’s remote access service, no matter where in the world a homeowner travels he or she can turn lights on or off with a simple touchscreen command.

To make the management of lighting much easier to maintain, Control4 offers keypads with captions that can read “kitchen”, “hallway”, “master bedroom”, “patio”, and more. With a push of a single button, lighting is ignited in a desired location. The Control4 suite of products also offers dimmers that allow for lights to be set to a particular level.

Another ground breaking product for ultimate lighting, shading, security, and energy control is the Lutron RadioRA 2. The system is a holistic approach that combines total light and shade functionality. Radio RA 2 has the power to adjust the amount of daylight and electric light in a room throughout an entire home. Shades can also be lowered, electric powered curtains closed, and lighting ignited at pre-programed times. For instance, if particular rooms within a home are in direct sunlight in the afternoon, the lowering of window shades and closing of curtains can significantly reduce room temperatures. Or when the family is on vacation and dusk approaches, lowered shades, closed curtains, and automated lighting can offer higher levels of security. And for the family that has developed a high-tech home theatre, with the single push of a button window shades can be lowered and lights set to a particular level to create the perfect ambiance.

Many homeowners love the fact that both the Control4 and RadioRA 2 systems are fully scalable. This provides homeowners the power to start with a single room and expand when time and budget permits.

Seeking to automate your home for added simplicity, comfort, energy efficiency, and security? The beauty of 2012 is that homeowners have more control than ever before!

The secret to discovering and installing a solution that best fits your needs is to consult with a personalized home automation expert. At Digital Smart Homes of Vancouver BC, we would be honored to provide you a free consultation. Give us a call to set up an appointment at 604-375-3474 or visit our innovative showroom at 1385 West 6th Street Avenue in Vancouver. We live to automate, simplify, and secure your world!

Audio Authority 16 Channel Matrix Amplifier with FlexPort Inputs

sf-16m-frontangle_scaled_320
Whether your looking for audio system to use in commercial facilities or in homes, the SF-16M has the features and capabilities to handle just about any application it may encounter. Its flexibility and musical power give end users so much more than traditional audio systems, while giving installers a streamlined installation process.

The SonaFlex SF-16M is a unique blend of multi-channel amplification, flexible input options, audio matrix switching, signal processing and open control capability. Built and designed in the U.S. with the custom applications in mind, the SF-16M brings a new approach to common residential and commercial distributed audio applications - one multi-purpose matrix amplifier that can be used in a variety of installations.

Read More...

Nest Thermostat Control4 Driver Now Available

nest-thermostat-control4
The Nest Thermostat has become a very popular energy management tool with consumers. It's been featured in Wired magazine, The Wall Street Journal and Gizmodo to name just a few. Now you can integrate the Nest thermostat into Control4 systems
Read More...

The World’s First & Only Analog DVRs with Native Live Streaming to Control4

control4_camera-dvr

Wirepath™ Surveillance DVRs have been made even better with the addition of key features that make selling and installing them even easier. All DVRs now support:

mjpegNative live MJPEG video streaming directly to Control4 touch-panels and iOS apps
mjpegIP Control of DVR functions, including playback
motionDetectMotion detection setup from Internet Explorer
Read More...

More Women are seeking out Home Technology solutions today than ever before

Control4_wones-technology
At Digital Smart Homes, we are constantly working to better understand our client base. One of the most exciting trends that we are seeing is women increasingly seeking out digital technologies, often much more than men. There are a number of reasons as to why this is occurring.

To begin with, digital home technologies have the power to secure home and family. For instance, systems and outdoor lighting sensors can assure that lights go on at the proper time and that pathways are always lit. This not only protects homes from predators, but they greatly decrease the chance of personal injury.

Additionally, iPhone, Smartphone, and iPad apps can align with the latest technologies to indicate whether door locks are unlocked and/or the garage door is open. No matter where in the world a one is, she can close the garage door and/or lock doors. By having the power to assure the security of the home, it is possible to have peace of mind when traveling out of town or returning home.

Secondly, digital technologies can ease the frustrations of controlling numerous home media devices. There are few challenges that frustrate busy individuals more than hard to control/confusing media devices. Digital media technology offers universal remote controls that can control everything from the TV, to the wireless music system, and everything else in between. It is also possible to program a TV to turn off after a predetermined amount of time to assure kids are staying focused on their studies.

Thirdly, appliance control and monitoring makes home life much easier. In fact, kitchens will never be the same, as digital make oven monitoring possible at all times. This lessons the likelihood of the oven being left on for hours or the overcooking of a favorite dish. Also, all appliances can be constantly monitored to assure they are running efficiently and not wasting precious electricity.

Finally, home heating and air conditioning control both helps make the home more comfortable and less energy intensive. For example, the heater/furnace can be activated from the comfort of one’s bed via an iPad app and the air conditioner can be programed and coordinated with electronic blinds for effective temperature control throughout the day.

While the above technologies make a defined difference in the lives of both men and women, it appears that our female customer is increasingly becoming the key influencer. When questioned about the problems digital home technologies solve, our customers often point to security, efficiency, and simplicity.

Why do you personally seek out digital home technologies? Please share on our Facebook page!

The Smart Kitchen Revolution and How Control4 is Leading the Way

smart-kitchen-control4
We spend hour upon hour in our kitchens working to create masterful meals, socializing with family and friends, completing homework assignments and work projects, and even watching our favourite shows. In all reality, for many the kitchen is the second family room…or maybe even the first for some!

This is why numerous homeowners around the world are working to make their kitchens as “smart” as possible. Many turn to Control4 for their needs, as the system can do everything from set lighting and window shades to activity specific levels; play just the right music to fit the mood; monitor and program appliances; access award winning recipes from a touch screen; and even set the ice-maker to produce more ice when a party is in full swing. Plus, Control 4 offers numerous apps that can be downloaded and used to simplify the home.
Read More...

Control4 2012 Platnium Authorized Dealer

control4-platnium-2012
I am excited to announce that we have been awarded the Platinum Dealer designation by Control4 for the 3rd year in a row, .

At Digital Smart Homes, we pride ourselves on delivering personalized control and automation solutions for everyone and maintain the highest level of customer service and satisfaction for our customers.

As a Platinum Control4 Dealer, you can be rest assured that each of our technicians and sales associates have completed a comprehensive training program on how to install and support all Control4 products, so we’ll have everything we need to be your personal automation expert and make sure you’re making the most of your Control4 system. As a Premier Dealer, Digital Smart Homes has completed additional Control4 training, sales and experience requirements in home automation.

We Don’t Just Sell Products, We Provide a Lifestyle

Control4_lifestyle_8
At Digital Smart Homes, we are committed to discovering revolutionary products that have the power to transform your home and improve the quality of your daily life. Not only are we committed, we actually love what we do!

Who wouldn’t be excited to let the cat out of the bag when a new gizmo comes to market that allows a homeowner to close his/her garage door while vacationing in Paris or instantaneously unlock a door to let the cat sitter in when away on a business trip? Or better yet, have the means to monitor all home appliances from their iPad and discover exactly how to dramatically cut down the electricity bill.

Not only do we sell groundbreaking products, we truly provide a lifestyle for the bold and courageous. Such a lifestyle is simplified in nature, yet amazingly thrilling!

Where simplicity is concerned, we work to reveal how the latest technologies can help you cut down on energy costs, maximize appliance functionality and effectiveness, eliminate unneeded remote controls, and empower you when you are on the road.

Thrill comes into the picture when you start considering how digital products can create the perfect home theater environment or that wireless music can magnificently pump crystal clear sound through hidden speakers. Additionally, it’s safe to say that it is thrilling to have the power to pull out your iPhone (no matter where you are on the planet) and push a couple buttons to turn your air conditioning on or off, activate the front porch lights, or cut the power on a computer that needs a break.

This lifestyle we sell is truly seamless and makes perfect sense in today’s ultra-hectic world. Plus, it looks amazing! Who couldn’t use a little wire de-cluttering and electronics hiding, while revolutionizing the home? Our customers often grin when their friends and family stand with their mouths open the moment they realize they are standing in a Digital Smart Home.

You don’t have to be an “early adopter” to understand the value of digitizing your home environment. While some of our clients definitely fall into that category, the majority are simply seeking a way to simplify their lives, secure those they love most, and cut down on energy usage (well…and then there are some who always dreamt of living like the Jetson’s…that’s ok too!).If you are currently considering “Digital Smart Homing” your living environment, you are in for a thrilling ride. Dare to dream big and you are sure to find a creative solution that will fit our lifestyle!

Control4 Launches Video Intercom Solutions with New Touch Screens and Door Station

control4-intercom-touch-screen-camera
High-performance In-Wall and Portable Touch Screens with full-motion video intercom and wideband audio deliver dedicated control and crystal clear communications.
Las Vegas, NV– January 10, 2012 at 7:00 AM PT – Control4, a leading innovator in residential and light commercial automation systems, introduces its new video intercom solutions, which include the Control4® 7” Portable Touch Screen with Camera, the Control4® 7” In-Wall Touch Screen with Camera, and the Control4® Door Station.

This new video intercom product family provides dedicated, always-on control functionality along with a convenient high-quality communications experience for homes and businesses. Each new product within the family features an integrated camera delivering H.264 full-motion video along with integrated speakers and dual microphones utilizing beam forming and wideband audio to deliver a high-fidelity experience. With activation of a Control4® Intercom License, consumers can enable whole-home or business communications and message broadcasting, as well as the ability to control auto-answer and “do not disturb” settings.
Read More...

Control4 Announces New High-Performance Automation Controllers

control4-hc800_hc250
New one-room and whole-home controllers dramatically enhance consumer experiences with fluid on-screen control, blazingly fast media access, and instantaneous responsiveness.
Las Vegas, NV– January 9, 2012 at 9:30 AM PT – Control4, a leading innovator in residential and light commercial automation systems, announces two new models to its award-winning family of automation controllers: the flagship HC-800 and the versatile HC-250. Designed to harness the power of Control4’s award-winning operating system, the HC-800 and the HC-250 provide the ultimate Control4 experience for speed, performance and flexibility at an exceptional value for homeowners and businesses.

At the center of Control4’s updated line of controllers is the new HC-800, a powerful, flexible, multi-zone controller designed to serve as the cornerstone of any Control4 installation, no matter how large or demanding. The HC-800’s lightning-fast, next-generation 1.8GHz high-performance dual-core processor delivers instantaneous, interactive on-screen control and browsing of even the largest media libraries.
Read More...

Control4 MyHome Android App Release

control4-android
It’s the app you’ve been waiting for! The Control4® MyHome Android app is now available for download! The Control4® MyHome Android app allows customers to interact with their Control4 systems from the convenience of their Android smartphone or tablet. As with other MyHome apps, customers get the familiar Control4 user interface to control lighting, temperature, music, movies, security and more.
Read More...

Homeowners Are Turning to Smart Technology to Streamline Their Lives and Reduce Energy Use

Control4-dealer_posters_27x44-2
Article by Amanda Ash, Contributor for eHow

Long gone are the days when we read by candlelight and cooked dinner on a wood-burning stove. And for many North American homes as of 2011, the acts of flipping light switches and manually controlling thermostats are going the way of the dinosaurs.

The Green Revolution, coupled with incredible technological advances, has spawned tech-savvy "smart homes": digitally outfitted dwellings that may be programmed to do just about anything you can think of, except maybe clean your room.

Harry Saini, who owns Digital Smart Homes of Canada and has wired his Vancouver condominium to the hilt, believes that automating your home not only simplifies your life but also reduces energy consumption. Home automation technology is becoming more accessible every day, allowing the average person to transform a home into something straight out of "Star Trek."

"If you were looking at home automation five years ago, you'd easily be looking at 10 times the cost compared to now," Saini said. "And the number of dealers and retailers that are able to support that technology compared to five, six years ago has doubled---tripled, even.

"People used to think home automation is for lazy people, but that's not what it is. Essentially, everything talks to one another. Your lights talk to your stereo. Your alarm knows what your garage is doing. All your devices know what's going on."
Read More...

What is Home Automation or a Smart Home?

control4-smarthomes-15
In today’s ultra-complicated and fast-paced world, home automation and smart home technologies were developed to simplify life! Thanks to revolutionary devices, you can now link and control all of the electronics and systems in your home from a single digital interface.

Digital Smart Homes links together onto one operating platform the following technologies and more:
  • Home theatre systems
  • Multi-room music & video
  • Smart lighting & shades
  • Advanced temperature control
  • Safety and security devices
With a system such as Control4, your life will be forever changed and simplified as you hide away multiple remotes and take advantage of an easy-to-use interface that can be accessed via a single remote, your computer, iPad, iPhone, or other Smartphones.

Transforming your living environment into a “smart home” not only makes life more manageable, it makes it more secure. For instance, let’s say that you head out of town for a weekend trip and you realize a few hours out of town that you forgot to arm the security system and program the porch lights to illuminate at dusk. All you have to do is pull out your iPhone, bring up the Control4 interface, and push a few buttons to secure your alarm & program your lights.

Is Home Automation Scalable? As you revolutionize and grow your home technologies, you may be wondering if home automation is scalable. This is actually the beauty of a system like Control4. You can begin with one or two technologies and then scale out to meet additional needs. For example, if you have an amazing home theatre setup and a security system, you can begin there and then add to your setup as time progresses.

What’s in a Smart Home Console?
This is where the fun begins! Just to give you an idea, here are some of the things that Control4 can accomplish:

  • Control your home theatre
  • Dim the lights as the opening credits roll
  • Turn off all your TVs when your kids should be studying
  • Alert you when the garage door is open…and then close it
  • Manage your lights, window coverings, and thermostats
  • Monitor your locks, lighting, and security cameras
  • Allow you to play music in any room of the house
The sky is the limit! Your home can now be easily managed, and finally you don’t have to constantly provide lengthy instructions on how all of your devices work!

Visit our fully featured hi-tech showroom in Vancouver at 1385 West 6th Avenue.

Control4's Inaugural Fall 2011 "Home Smart Magazine"

control4-home-smart-home
What does control mean to you? More organization? More power? More discipline? Whatever your answer, it’s no secret that we could ALL use more control in our lives. Now what does HOME control mean to you? Better lighting? The right music? Efficient use of energy? Well-behaved children? We’ve recently entered the era where all of this is possible. Well, almost all of it. Home Automation isn't about speeds and feeds. Its about people and places.
Read On


BlackWire Designs Introduces New Control Apps for Control4 Residential and Light Commercial Systems

lifesize_conferenc
Video Conferencing, Quick Control and Video Wall control apps bring enhanced features and capabilities to Control4 systems.
Indianapolis, IN – CEDIA Expo 2011 – September 8-10, 2011 – Booth #2302 – BlackWire Designs, a Control4® Solution Provider, is pleased to announce the availability of a suite of new applications designed to give Control4 dealers more powerful tools to target high-end residential and light commercial opportunities. Available now in the Control4® 4Store, these new apps – Video Conferencing, Quick Control and Video Wall – offer superior control and increase the potential of a Control4® system, perfect for every setting from the small office to the restaurant or bar to the home or the boardroom.

The Video Conference app currently enables enhanced control of Polycom and Lifesize conferencing systems, and development is underway for additional brands. Designed for simple configuration within a standard Control4 system, the app allows customers to control camera movements right from a Control4® touch screen. Users can easily join conference calls, and dial a contact by simply selecting a name from the interface or by dialing the number from the keypad. The app pulls entries from the unit’s contact book ensuring easy migrations from systems that are already in place. The app also automatically disables and hides features that aren’t available on certain models, making it easy for customers to navigate the system.
Read More...

Yale's First Locks Designed to Integrate Seamlessly Into the Digital Home Now Available

YRL_TouchOpening_524x224px
Designed to Interface With Control4 Home Control Systems, Giving Homeowners a New Level of Security and Convenience
Yale Locks & Hardware (www.yalelocks.com), an ASSA ABLOY Group company and a world leader in door hardware for residential and commercial applications, announces the availability of the company's first lock specifically designed to integrate seamlessly into the digital home.

These new deadbolt locks are the first products in the Yale Real Living™ portfolio of home control and home security solutions. Available with either a sleek touchscreen or pushbutton keypad, Yale's new platform of intelligent locks are designed to operate with a Control4® system, the premier integration platform for today’s digital home. Through the Control4 system, the homeowner can directly access and control all of the lock’s unique features, including activating personalized events or scenes with the push of a button from anywhere in the home or even remotely via the Internet.
Read More...

Control4 Panelized Lighting—powerful lighting control for home and business

Control4- Panelized Lighting
Home and business owners can direct complex lighting events from elegant user interfaces while the system is centralized “behind the scenes”
Indianapolis, IN – CEDIA Expo 2011 – September 8-10, 2011 – Booth #2302 – Control4, a leader in IP-based home control systems, today announced the new Control4® Panelized Lighting Solution. Panelized lighting systems enable complete control over whole-home and commercial lighting systems using sophisticated keypad and touch screen interfaces, rather than a collection of light switches on every wall.

The Control4 Panelized Lighting Solution is Ethernet-based, providing simple and robust communications from the home controller or Control4 Touch Screen to the light. The Control4 Panelized Lighting Solution is also one of the first centralized lighting systems to offer energy monitoring capability for each load, which allows energy management applications to monitor and control individual lights. This empowers high-end customers to enjoy the privileges of whole-home lighting control while still being energy conscious.

Read More...

Control4 Announces New Addition: MyHome App for Android

control4-Android-app
Unveiled at CEDIA EXPO 2011, the new app provides whole home control from today’s popular Android devices.
Indianapolis, IN – CEDIA Expo 2011 – September 8, 2011, 8:00 AM ET – Booth #2302 – Control4, a leader in affordable IP-based home control systems, announces their new Control4® MyHome - Android™ app for Android-enabled mobile devices. Developed by Clever Controls for Control4® systems, the app is currently in beta testing with select Control4 dealers and release is currently slated for Q4.

The Control4® MyHome family of software apps allows homeowners to access and control lighting, temperature, security, music, movies, and so much more from a wide range of devices in a Control4 enabled home. The new MyHome - Android app is a robust solution that will allow homeowners to access, manage and control their Control4 system from their Android-based devices built on Android OS 1.6 or higher.

Read More...

Control4 Launches New Portable Touch Screen

control4-touchscreen
Elegant tablet design and full Flash app support offer features and functionality for any Control4 project.
Indianapolis, IN – CEDIA Expo 2011 – September 8-10, 2011 – Booth #2302 – Control4, a leader in affordable IP-based home control systems introduces a new portable touch screen to their award-winning touch screen family. The Control4® 7” Portable Touch Screen offers two-way intelligent control and navigation of a Control4® system. With a capacitive full-color LCD panel, the new touch screen has a sleek look and dedicated control functionality that homeowners are unable to get from other tablet devices.

The Control4 7” Portable Touch Screen expands the already incredibly successful line of Control4 in-wall touch screens by giving homeowners welcome flexibility. The Portable has a sleek tablet form-factor and comes with both a long-lasting rechargeable battery and a tabletop charging station. Out of the cradle, the Portable offers excellent wireless range so you can easily move about the house and outside while still enjoying complete control. When the tablet is affixed to the docking station, it functions as a tabletop touch screen, ideal for locations like nightstands, end tables and kitchen counters where anytime access is important but an in-wall or fully portable device doesn’t make sense.
Read More...

Extra Vegetables Windows Media Center Control4 Driver

control4indowsmediainterface
For Movie and Music Servers Windows Media Center is now present on virtually all Windows 7 computers and is at the heart of many lower cost Movie Servers available on the market. Window Media Center provides a very attractive on-screen display for choosing and controlling movies. Whilst for some time it has been possible to control some aspects of a Windows Media Center from Control4 this is the first solution which delivers a fully integrated solution for both movies AND music.

Extra Vegetables Windows Media Center driver provides IP control of the Windows Media Center interface, allows you to select movies to play from the Control4 Media database and provides selection and control of music from Windows Media Center. In addition you can also control Windows Media Center extenders such as the XBox 360 (note it does not control all aspects of the XBox 360 - only when it is in Windows Media Extender Mode).
Read More...

Cool Motion Sensor Ideas for Control4

Check out this CardAccess video for some cool motion sensor ideas to go from centralized control to true home automation.

The Dream of Widespread Smart Houses is Becoming a Reality

by Kim Robertson of MAC Marketing Solutions

Perhaps you’re stuck in a snowstorm, yearning for a long soak in the bath the second you get home. Maybe you’re travelling abroad, and would love to check in on your home and personal belongs (since you left the teenagers home alone). Or, you need to schedule a virtual at-home doctor’s appointment and health statistics update. Read More...

What is Smart Home Control? Control4 Automation Systems Explained

What is home control and why the buzz?

Home control is pretty simple. It's taking the technology that already exists in the home and making it work simply and easily for the people who have to live with that technology, which is you the homeowner. Let's face it life has become complex. We bring this electronic gadgetry into our homes with the hope of enhancing our lifestyle and what it leads to is frustration. You're sitting there with the goal of watching a movie, you've got 5 remotes now sitting in front of you and now you have to figure out which sequence of events you need to do in order to just watch a simple movie.
Read More...

Complete Control! - Control4 Review by 'Home Theater Magazine'

control4-home-theater-magazine-review
Download the story
Check out "Home Theater Magazine's" two part piece on Control4

Fine-tune your listening with the new Control4 Equalizer App

equalizer-app Read More...

Control4 Software Release Announcement - OS 2.1

os2-control4
Control4 is pleased to announce that OS 2.1 is available for immediate download. This release improves the quality of the operating system. OS 2.1 includes enhancements to most areas of the system and user interface, brings back important features and capabilities, and provides significant new diagnostic and support features to make it easier to support clients without doing a truck roll.

Read More...

Control4 Home Automation System Demo of Smart Home Technology



Join us on a tour of a Control4 home automation system in McKinney, Texas. Control4 dealer Byron Baird of Diem Digital Interiors & homeowner Jeff Layn provide a home automation demo of Jeff's townhouse located on a golf resort called Craig Ranch.

Jeff's smart home technology controls multiple zones of audio, multiple televisions with DVRs for every family member, fireplaces, ceiling fans, thermostats, & IP cameras. He started small and has been adding on to the system over time.

What's great about this Dallas palace are the endless custom touches. When Jeff arrives home and opens the garage door, his home control system turns on the lights & the television turns on to his favourite channel (ESPN).

Jeff also has a personalized microchip key chain that has his personal settings programmed into it. He waves it over the 'wand' behind the door which then brings up his personal settings of how he wants to live his life when he comes in the house.

Want this for your home? Contact us for a personalized quote.

What is the Control4 MyHome app for iPad?



Enjoy control from your favorite devices. Now you can control your lights, temperature, music, movies, energy, security, and more from your iPhone, iPad, tablet or laptop. With the Control4® MyHome app, you can now turn your favorite screen into your favorite control system.

Want to enjoy Control4 MyHome App in the comfort of your home?

It's easy!
  • You must have a Control4 system to use MyHome. If you don't, just contact us here
  • If you already have a Control4 system, just download the free app for the device(s) you'd like to enable.
  • Contact us to get the license to activate your app and start controlling your home, your life, your world!

Control4 Partners With Sub-Zero and Wolf

SubZero-control4
Control4 can now connect to Sub-Zero and Wolf high-end kitchen appliances for convenience, energy savings and the perfect meal every time.
Read More...

Purchase a Control4 System and get a free iPad2

control4-ipad
That's right, you heard us - FREE iPad 2!

Between April 15th 2011 and June 30th, Digital Smart Homes is offering a free iPad 2 to any client who signs up for a Control4 home automation installation including the following system integration elements:

  • Home Theater
  • Distributed Music
  • Surveillance Camera(s)
  • Climate Control
  • Automated Door Locks
  • Lighting Control

These packages are more affordable than you may think. We have packages ranging anywhere between $5k - $100k+. Start simple, or automate your entire home. We are happy to work with every client!

If you haven't seen the iPad Control4 Home Automation app in action yet, please visit our custom showroom at 1385 West 6th Avenue, Vancouver for a demonstration.

Also, check out this video for a brief demonstration:

Read More...

New Apps for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch Now Available!

control4_app2
It's a new look, a new feel, and a new level of control! New releases of the MyHome app for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch include myriad performance improvements that make it even easier to access and control lighting, temperature, music, movies, energy, security and more-all using the glorious new OS 2.0 interface.
Read More...

Control4® MyHome App for MAC,PC, Linux & Tablet Now Available!

myhome-pc-tablet
The Control4® MyHome - PC/MAC/Tablet application announced at CES is now available for download so you can allow virtually any laptop, desktop or tablet device that is capable of running Flash* to be used as an interface for managing a Control4 system.

By turning existing smart phones, tablets and PCs into additional interfaces, Control4 MyHome offers homeowners an affordable way to access and manage their system, while offering dealers an additional platform to deliver greater flexibility and portability for home control to your customers.
Read More...

Control4 and Cisco Sign Strategic Agreement to Deliver Network-enabled Automation Platforms for Smart+Connected Communities and Home Energy Management Solutions

Cisco
Control4, a leader in affordable IP-based home control systems, today announced that it has signed a strategic agreement with Cisco to deliver network-enabled automation platforms for connected smart communities and home energy deployments around the world.
Read More...

New Driver Mates Crestron Lighting with Control4 Automation

control4_crestron-ligting
Just in time for Valentines, new driver mates Crestron Lighting with Control4 Automation. Especially valuable for retrofit jobs, Extra Vegetables® Control4® driver for Crestron® lighting allows you to integrate a Crestron lighting system with keypads into Control4. This provides the same features and customer experience as Control4's native lighting control. You can dim and switch loads and there is also the facility to represent Crestron relays as motorization devices within Control4. The driver is IP based.

Crestron keypads are fully supported by the driver. It is possible to add custom programming to key presses on the Crestron keypads within the Control4 system. So keys not used for lighting operations could be used for AV or other control purposes.

Read More...

Control4 Announces Kwikset SmartCode, ZigBee Deadbolt Locks in a New Contemporary Style.

326
The Kwikset SmartCode, ZigBee Deadbolt Locks add enhanced security and convenience to any Control4 system.Designed with a sleek contemporary style to complement home interiors and exteriors, these locks make it easy to secure entry doors and never again have to worry about carrying a key. View the status and lock or unlock the lock from any room in the home from any Control4 interface, or monitor and control the locks remotely through Web Navigator. ZigBee Pro provides 128-bit encryption for secure communication within the Control4 system. Read More...

We are now a Control4 2011 Platnium Authorized Dealer

control4-vancouver-platnium-dealer
I am excited to announce that we have been awarded the Platinum Dealer designation by Control4.

At Digital Smart Homes, we pride ourselves on delivering personalized control and automation solutions for everyone and maintain the highest level of customer service and satisfaction for our customers.

As a Platinum Control4 Dealer, you can be rest assured that each of our technicians and sales associates have completed a comprehensive training program on how to install and support all Control4 products, so we’ll have everything we need to be your personal automation expert and make sure you’re making the most of your Control4 system. As a Premier Dealer, Digital Smart Homes has completed additional Control4 training, sales and experience requirements in home automation.

And Now You Know - Control4 iPad & Kwikset Door Lock

Watch Akash Sablok on TELUS TV’s MyVancouver Show, with host Simi Sara, talking about the latest tech for your home. In this segment Akash demonstrates how Control4 can operate your electronic devices using your iPad or iPhone.



New Control4 "MyHome" Extends Control Wherever You Want It

Control4-MyHome
Software apps extend Control4 functionality to virtually every screen in the home.

Las Vegas, NV – CES 2011 – January 6-9, 2011 – LVCC South 21407 – Control4, a leader in affordable IP-based home control systems, today introduces Control4® MyHome, a family of software apps that allows consumers to access and control lighting, temperature, music, movies, energy, security and more from a wide range of devices in Control4® enabled homes. Consumers need only purchase a Control4 MyHome license and download the application to their iPhone®, iPad®, PC or Mac® laptop, desktop computer, or tablet to enjoy all the features of their Control4 system.

“Consumers expect choice and convenience, so by offering our customers the ability to access and control their home automation system from nearly any screen in the house, we make it easier for them to integrate Control4 into their everyday lives,” said Control4 CEO Will West. “Now, whether you turn on your TV, pull out your phone, turn to a touch screen in the kitchen, or power on your laptop in the office, you’ll always be in control of your connected home.”
Read More...

Control4 InfinityEdge 5" In-Wall Touch Screen

InfinityEdge 5
Announcing affordable total system control in a sleek 5" in-wall design!
Edge-to-edge capacitive glass combined with the elegant Control4 user interface reveals the most visually stunning Control4 touch screen to date. With new optional intercom capability, a choice of AC power or Power Over Ethernet, wired or WiFi connectivity options, and four programmable buttons for customized commands, this flexible solution is perfect for every room in the house. Read More...

The Anywhere Button


Have you ever said to yourself, “If only there was a simple button that could….” Well, now you can have that button. We have a limited supply of Card Access "Anywhere Buttons." It is a button that you can put virtually anywhere in your house to make anything happen through Control4 programming. Wish there was a button to call the kids to dinner? Wish there was a goodnight button you could hide behind the headboard of your bed? Wish there was a romance button hidden away in your sock drawer? Make that age old “if only there was a button…” dream come true today. Talk to us to order one and for more "Anywhere Button" ideas.

Introducing the all new Control4 InfinityEdge In-Wall Touch Screen



New InfinityEdge In-Wall Touch Screens replace the current 7" In-Wall Touch Screen and feature sleek design, and new functionality at cutting-edge price points. Key features include capacitive touch glass, Ethernet or Wi-Fi connectivity, power via AC or Power Over Ethernet and four programmable buttons. Read More...

Control4 2.0 is Here!


We are excited to to announce the release of Control4® OS 2.0. This next-generation OS offers new home-control functionality, updated SDKs, support for additional hardware products, integration of third-party applications, and improved media management. Featuring an elegant Flash-based user interface, Control4® OS 2.0 will provide Control4 integrators with the most powerful Control4® solution to date. Read More...

Control4 Launches Commercial Systems Product Line at InfoComm 2010


Bringing a proven IP-based control platform to the pro AV market, Control4 introduces a full line of commercial hardware and software solutions. Read More...

Social networking comes to the world of home-control systems


Home Automation companies like the one we carry, Control4, are increasingly building social-networking functions into their product lines. Control4 is developing a system that will allow users to tap into websites such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube right from their home-control interfaces. Read More...

Control4 My Home app for iPad


Control4, a leader in affordable IP-based home control systems, announced today the Control4® My Home application for iPad, which was developed in collaboration with Control UI. In a Control4®-enabled smart home, users will be able to access lighting, temperature, music, video, security systems, web cameras and more from an Apple iPad. Available now on the iTunes App Store, the Control4 My Home app has been selected as an Apple staff favourite for iPad apps.

Control4 provides home automation through an extensible operating system that integrates energy using devices and systems in the home, including, audio and video equipment, lighting systems, motorized shades, and security systems. With the new, specially designed Control4 My Home app for iPad, homeowners can use their iPad as an interface to their Control4® system to create personalized experiences such as custom lighting scenes; to conveniently control entertainment systems; or to take advantage of energy savings with programmable thermostats and other ‘green’ settings. Later in the year, homeowners will be able to use Control4 My Home in conjunction with a Control4® 4Sight remote monitoring subscription to turn lights on and off, lock or unlock doors, or access IP video cameras and security systems from the Internet, providing increased home security and peace of mind.

“Consumers want the devices in their home to be integrated and easy to use. The Control4® Operating System is designed to do just that. Many of our customers use touch screens to access their Control4 system and the iPad is a great platform that meets the needs of many homeowners for exactly this task.” said Will West, Chief Executive Officer of Control4. “We think the iPad is an important platform for homeowners looking for a smarter home and believe that when combined with Control4 My Home we will continue to push forward the mainstream adoption of affordable home control technologies that make our lives easier.”

Control4 homeowners can immediately download Control4 My Home for iPad here and authenticate to their Control4 system with a Mobile Navigator license which you can obtain from us at Digital Smart Homes.
For more information on Control4 feel free to contact us or click here

Control4 iPad Screen Shots

Control4 Premium Gold 2010 Dealer


In a third year in a row, we have once again been awarded the honour of being a Premium Control 4 Gold Dealer. This highlights us as a custom integration dealer who specialize in automation and have achieved key training, sales and experience requirements in Control4 products. “Control4 Premier Gold Dealers are uniquely qualified to make your life Everyday Easy.” We could not have achieved this designation without the support of our clients.

iPad for Control4 Integration & Automation

The introduction of Apple’s iPad has made it much more affordable to add a touch screen panel to your home automation system. A touch screen from a Home Automation vendor can be as much 10 times higher than an iPad loaded with Home Automation software. When the iPad is released in late March, the cost of owning a touch screen panel to operate a Control4 Automation system will become under $900. Not only will the iPad give you “Door to your Drape” control, but with additional apps from iTunes you will be able to start you car, stream media and much more all from one powerful interface. The iPad will also act as a mobile controller out side of your “Home Zone” whereas proprietary controllers only work within the homes wireless coverage.

So if you can imagine.., your on the couch reading an eBook on your iPad and listening to music, the door bell rings and the music automatically pauses. You simply switch to your Control4 app to see who’s at the front door before you unlock the door...all from your iPad anywhere in your home or anywhere in the world. The iPad will not only bring new and exciting innovations but will effect electronics that already exist in your car, at businesses, in schools and at home today.
2024
2023
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010