LCD TV with home cinema system from LG Electronics.
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State-of-the-art audio visual, home entertainment and interior automation technology is becoming a fundamental feature of any commercial interior.
The march of technology has left few spaces untouched. Laptops, iPods and mobile phones are already ubiquitous – and as consumers become increasingly accustomed to the ease and convenience offered by these personal accessories, the pressure is on designers to make sure that the interiors they create are fit for a generation Y audience.
As a result, customised control and communication of lighting, music and security-enabled systems is becoming an increasingly prevalent part of any residential or commercial space. Interior automation offers ease and speed, the two fundamentals of modern day living.
“In most cases, the consumer is dictating trends, and the architects and developers are competing to accommodate the needs of the modern consumer. We see this in many instances today, where developers are offering more sophisticated automation and lighting control, dedicated home cinema rooms and iPod docks that can play music through a distributed audio system,” said Nisreen El Daly, marketing manager at Archimedia, a provider of high-end audiovisual and interior automation solutions.
“This trend will continue to grow, as consumers are becoming much more tech savvy, and they expect the hotel rooms they stay in or the homes they buy to be well equipped for this particular lifestyle,” she added.
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Automated
Interactive, seamless, user friendly and fully integrated systems are what consumers have come to expect, and these are the features that interior automation companies are competing to offer. “Revolutionary changes are happening in the convergence of technologies, to enhance the digital lifestyle of the people using them. Networked, intelligent systems are becoming a standard feature of most of the ongoing projects in this region,” said Greg Eun, general manager of HomNet, LG Electronics.
Complementing its ambitious strategy to play a key role in the region’s development, LG has launched HomNet, an intelligent home network solution that provides convenience, security and integration. “LG HomNet is a brand new concept in the market. It is essentially a converged, intelligent home network designed specifically for residential towers and community developments, offering residents a safer, more convenient, more affluent and more joyful life that can be controlled and monitored by remote control within the home, or via the Internet and mobile phones from outside,” said Eun.
“We’ve introduced a brand new living culture whereby intelligent systems can control heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, windows and blinds – it can also be connected to call the elevator from home. In addition, this system allows for security management with CCTV systems that provide SMS alerts to pre-assigned mobile numbers in the event of an emergency,” he continued.
Not only are such wireless systems easy to use, they’re more reliable and, with less cabling, easier to install and maintain.
Suitable for commercial as well as domestic developments, ZITY, a 100% wireless interior automation system distributed by RoomWithNet, can control anything from lighting, music and television to air-conditioning and curtains.
“This product can be self installed and is therefore sold in stores. The interface is merely the handheld remote control, which you can use to dictate which action goes live at what time. This was introduced into the UAE market six months ago and the response has been tremendous,” said Andrew Prince, managing director of RoomWithNet.
“It’s a great product, to be looked at as an energy management console controlled by clever switches that hypothetically speak to each other. In terms of hospitality, these products can also control the ‘do not disturb’, ‘make up room’, and ‘door bell’ applications in a seamless and expandable network. Used in conjunction with LEDs, this product will provide massive savings. Technology is by all means the driving force of our lives,” he added.
Super sound
Automated sound technology is also proving popular in commercial spaces, where innovative sound systems are being seamlessly blended into the overall design aesthetic. “There are an increasing number of ambitious and impressive residential and commercial developments coming up all over the Middle East and there is massive investment being made in the inclusion of high-end audio technology and applications. This is rapidly becoming the norm and is now essential to many private residences and commercial premises,” said Sharon Holm, marketing manager of Artcoustic, a specialist in flat panel speakers and subwoofer systems for surround sound theatre systems.
“This region is a top emerging market and there is a very large, affluent client base which is now demanding high-end audio products. There is demand for basic audio systems and dedicated home cinema, as well as systems especially designed for a restaurant, a hotel or corporate facilities. Our products are unique in that no one else in the world offers a high-end audio system that not only sounds great but complements the look and feel of any interior setting.
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