The Philips Aurea Flat TV.
RoomWithNet Trading has launched a home automation system, Zity, which is as suitable for a villa or palace as it is for a hotel. Zity allows the regulation of lighting, air-conditioning, heating and security systems, which can all be regulated by remote control and timer switches. “At a simple level, you are replacing ordinary light switches with intelligent switches. Using wireless connectivity, switches on a network will communicate with each other, and also with remote controls, whether they are touch screen or push buttons.”
The system’s strength lies in the straightforwardness of use, installation and maintenance. “The end user is demanding smart technology but they’ll switch off it is not simple and unobtrusive,” Prince pointed out.
The intelligence is in the switch, he explained, which means that normal socket switches need to be replaced – and that’s about it.
“The intelligence is built in. Most systems are very complicated and have data cables and black boxes and controllers. This is a simple technology. It is a simple install, and a low-cost install. It is also very easy for the user to make changes as and when they want – they do not need to call an IT expert in,” Prince detailed.
There is also the opportunity to play around with the aesthetics, which will appeal to the design community. “The front of the plates can be configured. You could have a pewter front plate, or a gold one. They also have little LED lights when you turn them on or off so you can have those in anything from cool white to blue,” said Prince.
Wireless intelligence
Lutron Electronics is also promoting wireless automation solutions. The company recently launched a wireless version of its Lutron’s Grafik Eye QS, a fully customisable preset light and shade control system, providing convenient control, energy savings, and enhancement of the visual environment.
The new Grafik Eye QS Wireless offers the same integration but in a wireless configuration. This allows for reduced installation time and cost by eliminating the need to run or pull wire from the Grafik Eye QS to other components.
Grafik Eye QS Wireless also features a host of energy-saving features, including an energy savings indicator, a built-in astronomical and programmable time clock, direct connection to occupancy sensor for manual on/automatic off, daylight harvesting of both incandescent and fluorescent lights, and the ability to dim lights to preset levels.
“These components, along with other advanced features, comprise one easy-to-use system that can simultaneously control fluorescent, LED, and incandescent lighting, as well as shades and wireless components,” said Jesus Guerrero, product manager, Lutron.
“The system delivers better lighting control, scalability, and improved energy efficiency. Grafik Eye QS Wireless is appropriate for a single room to an open office, and new construction or retrofit,” Guerrero added.
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Green team
Lutron introduced its Wireless Occupancy Sensor earlier this year. The sensor is specifically designed for easy installation in conference rooms, copy rooms, small offices, classrooms, living rooms, bedrooms, restrooms, and other spaces where automatic lighting shut-off is desirable.
The system can be installed in a matter of minutes by simple placing the sensor on the ceiling and replacing the standard light switch with a compatible Lutron dimmer or switch. The sensor contains front-accessible buttons for easy setup and an illuminating lens to verify ideal locations.
“We are very excited about this breakthrough product. Now homeowners, facility managers and contractors can retrofit a space in minutes to save energy and money, without any rewiring,” said Eric Lind, director, commercial marketing, Lutron.
Greater consumer awareness of the need to be energy efficient is acting as a key driver of business for interior automation suppliers. “Everyone wants to save on energy these days and this has been to our advantage, since home automation is the first step in saving on energy consumption,” said Hechaime.
Al Mazroui ICAS, which incorporates a strategic business unit focusing on automated systems for residential and commercial applications, has also pinpointed energy savings as a major driver in the take up of technology. The company offers video intercom, lighting control, CCTV, sound and LAN systems for commercial applications.
Lighting control systems based on KNX protocol are its most popular product and it launched Facility Pilot, the latest software in lighting, blinds, sound and AC control, last year.
Meanwhile, RoomWithNet has launched the eco-friendly Tucana Global All-in-one LCD-PC. The recyclable product offers space-saving all-in-one benefits with an integrated high-definition LCD TV. Suitable for conference rooms, waiting areas and training facilities, it allows users to flip back and forth between PC and TV modes, or use both TV and PC at the same time in split screen or PIP modes. Every Tucana Global offers optional built in wi-fi and webcam.
Available as wall mountable or desktop models, there are no hard drive towers or wires, and installation is simply plug and play. Tucana Global units start at 26”, which run on as little as 12 volts, with screen sizes that go up to 65” and optional built-in webcam and wi-fi on every model.
“It is all built into one unit, which is energy efficient,” said Prince. “That’s where we are coming from. It’s one power socket for four devices. This is important for designers to keep in mind – things must be energy efficiency, user-friendly and low-cost to run.”
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