Category Archives: Home Automation

Home Automation, New Products

Key Digital Offers Audio Management Solution via HDMI Matrix Switcher

Key Digital announced this week a new solution for the problem of managing audio via its KD-HD8X8BT Digital IQ HDMI Matrix switcher.

With the proliferation of a wide variety of audio formats and the increased demand to be able to utilize all of these various formats, it is becoming increasingly difficult to both manage all of these formats and preserve the best audio quality for the consumer. Key Digital’s new KD-HD8X8BT 8×8 HDMI matrix switch can help integrators with these issues.

For example, let’s assume you use KD-HD8X8BT in three zones with different characteristics:

  1. Zone with a flat screen TV with built-in stereo speakers. For this zone you will need HDMI with a stereo audio signal.
  2. Home theater zone with the latest 7.1 channel AV receiver, speakers, and flat screen TV
  3. Home theater zone with an older non-HDMI 5.1 AV receiver capable of Dolby Digital with flat screen TV

KD-HD8X8BT can help with these zoning requirements through the EDID control feature.

For Zone 1, the installer would make sure that L/R stereo audio is available from every source. On output 1 you would program that output to insert PCM stereo into the HDMI signal instead of any other audio format. The PCM stereo is created and outputted in place of L/R stereo inside the switcher.

For Zone 2, you would pass the HDMI signal (containing authentic audio) with its highest quality available audio format. For sources sending DTS-HD, DTS-HD would be the preferred audio format for this zone. The flat screen TV can be connected to the HDMI output for the AV receiver associated with this zone.

For Zone 3, the HDMI output is programmed to insert Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. The PCM coaxial output will provide Dolby Digital to the AV receiver. This zone will only have audio available from the AV receiver and speakers, the flat screen TV will ignore the Dolby Digital audio and display only video.

Apps, Home Automation, News, Savant

Savant’s award winning interface, TrueControl, is now available for Mac

Offer your clients something truly unique. Now you can transform any Mac computer into a Savant user interface – including the MacBook®, MacBook Air®, MacBook Pro®, and iMac®. Now you can deliver your clients control from any Mac computer, whether in their home, office or around-the-world.

 With TrueControl for Mac you can offer…

  • A Savant automation and control user interface from the desktop of Mac OS® X, allowing you to enhance existing systems to add more control in more places, or use any Mac as a main control interface to provide a complete control solution without an iOS device.
  • Control of lights, climate, music and more all from a familiar layout. Savant TrueControl for Mac will display an identical layout to a client’s iOS devices, allowing for minimal training and maintenance.
  • Additional control points and system monitoring ideal for control from the home office, professor’s computer, or reception desk.
Download is $99 from Mac App Store. Visit the Savant Portals for training and more information on how to implement TrueControl for Mac today.
Home Automation, News, Savant

SAVANT® to Exhibit Apple-based Home Control, Automation and Audio/Video Package at IBS 2012

Savant makes IBS debut within energy efficient NextGen Home Experience®

Hyannis, MA. January 28th, 2012–Savant Systems LLC, having delivered the first Apple®-based home automation andcommercial control system, has announced that the company will be showcasing a control, automation and media system at IBS 2012 in Orlando based upon Savant’s scalable SmartMedia solution that is targeted to a broad consumer market segment. In addition to controlling lighting, climate, security cameras and more, the versatile SmartMedia controller will be configured to demonstrate multi-zone audio and video distribution throughout the NextGen home. Savant’s revolutionary SmartEnergy solutionwill also be on display, measuring energy usage and production in real-time while empowering homeowners with critical information they can use to increase efficiency. The NAHB IBS Show is February 8-11 at the Orange County Convention Center.

“Savant is excited for the opportunity to demonstrate a powerful Apple-based whole-home control and automation package at IBS 2012,” reported Savant’s General Manager of Residential Business, Jim Carroll. “Savant has revolutionized the control and automation category by eliminating the complex and laborious programming regimen associated with legacy systems,” Carroll added. “We will be exhibiting systems for new construction as well as non-invasive wireless solutions for the retrofit market and our newest user interfaces, including the Savant Select remote and our TrueControl™ apps for iPad®, iPhone® and iPod touch® integration. In addition to the core functionality of the SmartMedia system, we will also be showcasing the customizable and expandable nature of our product line,” Carroll concluded.

See Savant Technology in Action within the NextGen Home at IBS 2012, West Lot 1, Booth P2

SmartEnergy Monitor: Savant’s SmartEnergy technology, which will be operational and on display within the NextGen home, measures both energy usage and production in real-time while delivering historical usage data from multiple energy management devices. SmartEnergy Monitor empowers homeowners with critical information and the capacity to improve overall efficiency while maintaining their preferred lifestyle. Once installed, users can monitor every aspect of electricity usage, from appliances to heating and lighting. Energy usage and/or production data can be viewed from home or remotely using an iPad.

Savant Select:: From simple source control to complete two-way whole-home automation, the Savant Select seamlessly merges the familiar functionality of Apple’s® latest iPod touch® with easy-to-use push buttons, creating a sleek yet powerful home control interface. Supporting Savant’s TrueControl iPod touch App and TrueCommand On-TV navigation, this powerful smart remote delivers the perfect balance of backlit pushbuttons and a 3.5-inch color touch screen.

TrueCommand On-TV control: Savant’s TrueCommand technology provides one of the most advanced and visually engaging way to navigate, browse, and select diverse services and multimedia content by boldly presenting attractive icons on any high definition TV. TrueCommand enables complete control of all home systems without the need to interrupt your audio or video programming. While watching your favorite movie, use a Savant home control remote to easily adjust the temperature, dim the lights, check security cameras, obtain weather updates and more.

TrueImage Control™: Savant’s TrueImage Control technology provides an innovative interface that allows you to touch actual images of Smart Home products to initiate commands. Simply touch the image of the actual light in the room you wish to control, and not only does the light in the room turn on/off or dim when pressed and held, but it also illuminates on the iPad confirming the command.

Savant Sound: Complimenting the SmartMedia multi-room A/V control system, Savant’s impressive array of architectural loudspeakers and 16-channel digital amplifier will be utilized to fill the NextGen home with great sound throughout three independent zones. Full control of the distributed audio system will be demonstrated on the iPad and Savant Select remote.

About Savant

Savant Systems, a 21st century company, designs, develops and manufactures a complete suite of integrated solutions that has defined the modern age of home and commercial automation. Savant’s Apple-based platform cohesively addresses control, audio/video, telephony, digital display, energy management and the media integration needs of today’s most advanced environments. Through its relationship with Apple®, Savant has leveraged the familiarity and intuitive nature of the iPad® and iOS family of devices to address the control and automation needs of today’s consumers. Unlike competitive
solutions, Savant’s revolutionary Blueprint™ software platform enables the rapid configuration of systems without the need for low-level programming. Through ongoing innovation, Savant continues to define the future of control and automation for
residential and commercial applications. www.savantsystems.com

Home Automation, News, Savant

Savant delivers the first iTunes Match-compatible integrated control and multi-room audio solution

Hyannis, MA. January 6th – Savant Systems LLC, having delivered the first Apple®-based home automation and commercial control system, has announced iTunes Match℠ compatibility for Savant SmartSystem controllers, making media storage ubiquitous and user-friendly to the highest degree.

iTunes Match is a subscription service available from Apple that, via compatibility with the Savant environment, enables users to automatically sync music and playlists between their home computer, any compatible iOS devices and their Savant system. This means that both transfer and access of music files has been made dramatically easier, including music purchased from iTunes®, CD’s Imported from a personal collection, or purchased from another online service. Subscribers will benefit from a seamless interface —playlists from computers or iOS devices will automatically sync to iCloud®, making their music library available to them at multiple residences and eliminating the chore of manually updating your collection in each location.

“As Savant continues to be at the forefront of Apple integration, iTunes Match compatibility is great news for our customers because it offers the ultimate in convenience and efficiency when creating and accessing your music collection,” commented Savant CEO Robert Madonna. “Think about it — any song uploaded to your iTunes account from any registered device at home, your secondary residence or on the go will automatically be added to your Savant multi-room audio/video library and will be available to play throughout your home,” Madonna added. Compatible music formats includes AAC, MP3, WAV, AIFF, Apple Lossless, and more. iTunes Match also supports up to 10 devices — including your computer, iPhone®, iPod touch®, iPad®, and Apple TV®. These devices will all sync automatically, locating new playlists or songs as needed.

About Savant

Savant Systems, a 21st century company, designs, develops and manufactures a complete suite of integrated solutions that has defined the modern age of home and commercial automation. Savant’s Apple-based platform cohesively addresses control, audio/video, telephony, digital display, energy management and the media integration needs of today’s most advanced environments. Through its relationship with Apple®, Savant has leveraged the familiarity and intuitive nature of the iPad® and iOS family of devices to address the control and automation needs of today’s consumers. Unlike competitive
solutions, Savant’s revolutionary Blueprint™ software platform enables the rapid configuration of systems without the need for low-level programming. Through ongoing innovation, Savant continues to define the future of control and automation for residential and commercial applications. www.savantsystems.com

Home Automation, Lutron

Lutron Releases Sivoia QS Cellular Shades

Lutron has released the Sivoia QS battery-powered cellular shades, which feature using hybrid drive design and efficient standby power dubbed Triathlon battery life technology to extend battery life to three years. Standard D batteries power the shades. 

Three versions are available: a non-system version, controlled by an infrared remote, priced at $299; a non-sytem version controlled by Lutron’s Pico wireless remote control, priced at $324; and the Sivoia QS system version, which is compatible with HomeWorks QS, RadioRA 2, and GRAFIK Eye QS, for a base price of $424. Prices will vary depending on size, with a maximum of 82 inches by 82 inches, and fabric. 

There are also three styles available: single cell light filtering, allowing daylight to filter in even when shades are down, available in sheer, woven, and crush fabrics; double cell light filtering, allowing some light filtering inside, saving energy with an insulating, double cell design; and a single cell blackout version, blocking light entering, saving energy with an aluminum lining.

Lutron’s Finire’ LED recessed lights ensure compatibility between dimmers, drivers, and fixtures. Finire’ addresses common issues of LEDs—including quality of light and color concerns—by combining Lutron’s technology to create light output with different color temperatures, comparable to incandescent bulbs and CFLs.

Users can choose between a 15 watt or 18 watt LED with equivalent light output of 60 watts to 90 watts incandescent lighting. Other features include infrequent lamp changes; flexibility with field interchangeable light module, driver, and beam spreads.

Home Automation, Savant

Savant Ships Latest Keypads

Savant’s three new keypad styles, Metropolitan, Circa and Echo allow for AV, climate, window treatment and lighting control or can be customized for any control application. All three offer an array of custom engraved backlit button layout options. There are 13 field-changeable LED colors to make each keypad in the home unique. They include:

  • Three standard paint faceplate finishes (black, white and almond – gloss)
  • Three button finishes (black, white and almond – gloss)
  • Three premium faceplate finishes (satin nickel, polished chrome and dark bronze)

Circa is available in column, wide and square styles and offers up to six points of control per single-gang keypad. The Echo lineup, offering up to ten points of control per single-gang keypad, is available in column (vertical) configuration. Metropolitan keypads, offering up to nine points of control per single-gang keypad, come in both column and wide (horizontal) configurations.