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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...

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

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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

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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
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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.

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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)
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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.
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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
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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!
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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

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!
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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

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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

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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.
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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


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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.

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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
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HouseLogix Access Control Solutions for Control4

control4-access-control
Now your Control4 system can be used for home and light commercial access control. Using RFID tags, these readers connect via RS232 or Wiegand to the Control4 system. Pairing these readers with our HouseLogix Access Control Database (HACD) driver gives you a robust way to manage up to 300 users.
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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!
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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.

The Smarthome is not the Deathstar

deathstar-homeautomation

A Control4 smart-home, in truth, doesn’t have to look like the Death Star from the sci-fi series Star Wars. In fact, any well-wired home is capable of becoming a smart-home. This means that anything from a suburban home to your downtown loft is ready to be transformed with technologies that are readily available at Digital Smart Homes.

Right as you walk into most typical retailers, you will find flat screen televisions flashing left and right. It was only a few years ago that this same technology came in bulky packages—that is the bezel was extremely wide, and the rear encasement took up quite a bit of space.

However, TV manufacturers have greatly improved the designs of these sets, and these days most flat screen LCD/LED TVs have almost no bezel and takes up much less space, which is a welcoming thing when it comes to designing an aesthetically pleasing home. The last thing you want is a bunch of technology is a bulky cabinet underneath that very thin TV.

control4-smarthome
Smart home technology doesn’t all need to have a flashing screen or blinking lights. Often, smart-home shoppers will overlook things like window/blinds automation. Motorized shades and window coverings can add tremendous value to a home. This technology has been around for quite some time, so finding the right design is never the problem.

Additionally, the smartphone and tablets you’re using everyday are very capable machines, and they can be used as a hub for controlling various lightings and appliances. Some simple upgrades of the switches around the home can give you an incredible amount of automations.

As you gradually chip away at some of the outdated and unappealing aspects of your home, you will find that your home looks nothing like that Death Star but it does provide you with the beauty and comfort that you desire. Visit our Vancouver showroom for a demo on how a Control4 smart home (home automation system) can simplify technology throughout the home and hide electronics from view.

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.
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Discussing Home Automation Concerns

control4-home-automation
For the past decade, smart home technology has been viewed as something that only the incredibly wealthy, or incredibly technologically aware, possess. High prices, complicated installations, and intricate technology have contributed to the belief that a completely automated home was something reserved for movie superhero alter-egos of the Clark Kent variety, and millionaires. Recently, however, the rapid proliferation of mobile internet and smartphones, along with an increasing number of companies choosing to invest in more user intuitive home automation products, has made the idea of a “smart home” more attainable than ever.
So if a system is more affordable, and easily connects to products many homeowners already have, why isn’t everyone opting for a more intelligent, wireless home? We turned to social media to find the answers, and what we found, using data from
Viral Heat, was that while over 50% of Twitter users discussing home automation were entirely positive about the idea, around 25% still had concerns regarding home automation systems. The top concerns are discussed below:
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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.
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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'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.
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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
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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.
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The Voicepod - The world's first dedicated wireless speech module for home automation

voicepod
VoicePod is an exciting new home automation device that speech-enables your home. VoicePod both listens and talks, which adds a whole new dimension to daily living and offers countless benefits. VoicePod offers unprecedented convenience, security, and flexibility and is a desirable new alternative to traditional keypads, remotes and touch screens.
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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.


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Control4 Next Generation Wireless Lighting Controls

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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.
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Introducing Control4 OS 2.4

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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.

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7 Reasons Why Home Automation is Made FOR the Technically Challenged

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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

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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

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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

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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

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

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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!

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Digital Smart Homes offers Control4 Home Automation Starter Kit for under $1000

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We are excited to announce Control4’s Home Automation Starter Kit promotion. The kit enables smart-home control in a single room with the ability to expand to a complete home system. The package enables homeowners to experience the benefits of automation for under $1,000. The Starter Kit includes the new Control4 HC-250 Controller, the brains of the system, plus a Control4 SR-250 remote, which can control all the devices in your entertainment system, plus can control movies and music, lighting, and more. 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.

New Control4 Device - Relay & Contact Sensor

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Axxess’s Relay & Contact Sensor shares the same form as the Multi Function Repeater. It also includes all the same functions (repeater, 3 contact sensor inputs, temperature sensor) with the addition of 3 Relay outputs. This allows you to wirelessly trigger motors to open/close garage doors and gates, raise/lower blinds or projector screens, and control many other devices that can be activated by relay output.
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