The man known as the Father of Information Theory, Claude Shannon, invented the digital circuit – the foundation of the magic that provides us all access to the Internet today – during his master’s degree program, when he was just 21 years old! Without this technology, home automation would not exist as it does today.
Today, if you want Savant home automation system, the price of entry is about $4,000. But the maker of Apple-friendly home controls is rolling out a “system” at CEDIA Expo 2013 that starts at $999 for a controller and slick handheld remote.
The key is a new $500 Gateway nicknamed Big Boy Automation—as in, not a wimpy little box that Comcast sells you. The Linux box, expected to ship in Q1 2014, features the full Savant software and does not require a Mac Mini on the network (although one can be added to enhance the system).
The Gateway is packaged with Savant’s new $499 Wi-Fi universal remote, the SUR-0500.
A kit that includes one Wi-Fi dimmer/keypad one Wi-Fi thermostatand user license (both iOS and Android) will retail for $1,499.
A security-centric package is on the way.
Savant’s Jim Carroll tells CE Pro that commercials from home automation mass-marketers are driving consumers to specialty dealers.
They tell him, “We need to be relevant. … Here, I’ve got something for $1,000.”
The Gateway includes IR, two RS-232 ports and two GPIOs. It “can do everything a full-blown million-dollar Savant system can do,” Carroll says, but a full “luxury license” will be required … and of course a lot more I/Os.
Savant only recently launched a line of Wi-Fi dimmers and is adding to the Internet of Things category with $99 Wi-Fi plug-in modules and smart power supplies.
Savant Systems has introduced the Wi-Fi-based Savant Universal Remote that offers control of audio/video, distributed audio, lighting, climate control and other features.
The Savant Universal Remote is self-configuring once connected to the network, eliminating the complex programming. The user interface device supports a menu of screens for controlling services throughout the home, and because it utilizes Wi-Fi connectivity, users can control devices without pointing or aiming—no direct line of sight is required.
“Wi-Fi is the worldwide standard for residential and commercial wireless networking, and this new remote will affordably deliver the control capabilities our customers want by leveraging the network that already exists in their home or business,” explains Jim Carroll, Savant’s executive vice president corporate strategy and business development.
The Savant Universal Remote features a 1.7-inch color display and backlit buttons, which clearly illuminate essential navigation keys. The Savant Universal Remote has an ergonomic design featuring a customizable color display and a full complement of hard buttons for frequently used functions. Features include two-way feedback from supported devices and transport buttons enabling users to navigate Savant’s TrueCommand on-screen navigation technology.
When used within a Savant control ecosystem, the Savant Universal Remote is capable of two-way Wi-Fi communication, giving users control of intelligent devices and subsystems from anywhere in the house or facility. If the remote becomes lost or damaged, no programming is required to activate a replacement – simply log the new remote onto the network and full functionality will automatically be restored. Savant authorized integrators can also upload feature changes and firmware updates remotely, adding value for users while enhancing overall efficiency.
Savant Systems, LLC has introduced three new iOS device docks including the IDC-100L in-wall wireless charging dock for the Apple iPad mini with Lightning connector. 
Savant is the first control and automation company in the CEDIA integration channel to supply an in-wall dock for the iPad mini. Savant is also now offering the iPad Lightning dock (IDC-200L) and 5th generation iPod dock (IDC-T00L). These new offerings are the first in a growing family of Lightning-compatible docks that will include desktop and in-wall wired versions for high-security enterprise applications.
Savant’s new in-wall dock (IDC-100L) transforms the iPad mini into a versatile and cost-effective WiFi-connected touch interface option for any Savant control system.
The three new Lightning docks consist of a mounting plate and back-box along with low-profile, magnetically attached bezels that can be ordered to match any decor. The iOS device is powered via the dock, and its touch screen can then be used for wireless navigation and control of Savant’s residential and commercial automation and control solutions.
The new docks have been specifically designed to secure each iOS device in place as a dedicated interface with a locking fastener—the iPad mini, iPad or iPod touch® becomes a fixed docking solution and is not intended to be removed.
“The iPad mini has been widely adopted as a powerful user interface solution by Savant’s network of integrators as well as by end users,” said Jim Carroll, executive vice president of corporate strategy and business development at Savant. “Savant is pleased to deliver a docking solution for the iPad mini and other Lightning-compatible iOS devices to serve our customers.”
Savant Systems, LLC has announced the introduction of the SmartLink digital modules. The SmartLink output and receiving modules can transmit audio and video signals up to 1080p over CAT5e/6 cable lengths of up to 100 meters (328 feet) using the latest HDBaseT technology. SmartLink service cards are available for Savant’s SmartMediaPro family of controllers.
The output modules are available in both two and four-port versions. The receiving module comes in a wall plate form factor with Ethernet, HDMI and control outputs all accessible from the front panel of the device. SmartLink Modules break out the power, Ethernet and control protocol components of HDBaseT, directing them to a separate cable.
Savant SmartLink Modules with HDBaseT technology are will ship Q2, 2013.
Savant Systems, LLC has expanded the capabilities of its SmartView Tiling technology to deliver up to nine high definition (HD) windows of content or media on a single display. 
SmartView Tiling, initially unveiled with a six-tile capacity, is a versatile technology featuring broadcast quality video processing and scaling that is appropriate for both residential and commercial applications. Savant SmartView Tiling will accept video input resolutions up to 1080p while delivering HD video to the display via HDMI. Source inputs can broadly range from Blu-ray players, cable boxes, security cameras or other video devices.
Users will be able to easily arrange their tiling, change content programming, and save “favorite” configurations all via Savant’s intuitive iPad interface. The nine-tile version is available now with Savant’s multi-window video processing modules, the VOM-SV02 and the SVT-009T platform.
Using Savant’s TrueControl iPad app along with familiar Apple gestures, users will be able to drag and drop selected sources to their chosen locations within the tile grid; pinch and zoom to have any source take over the entire display, and create custom tiling layouts and channel presets for easy recall.
Savant SmartView Tiling ties true HDMI video with the support of HD audio. With Savant SmartView technology, users can check the scores of multiple games, monitor the weekend forecast, follow their investment portfolio and see who’s at the door, all without disrupting the family movie.
With the capability to switch up to 24 media sources displayed on an array of one to nine windows, Savant’s SmartView Tiling delivers convenient access to personalized programming selections. Users can create up to four presets based upon parameters such as selected media sources, channels, screen layout, audio source and volume level. Savant authorized integrators can field-upgrade existing Savant SmartMediaPro systems by adding SmartView Tiling modules, bringing this exciting functionality to existing Savant customers.
Savant SmartView Tiling technology delivers a fully customizable multi-view solution to meet the demands of today’s advanced commercial applications such as corporate boardrooms, smart classrooms, digital signage, broadcasting, restaurants, hospitality and others. This multiple window display affords enterprise users the flexibility to view a presentation plus multiple video conferencing sources and more, all in HD and from a single screen. Leveraging Savant’s user experience expertise, SmartView technology simplifies and enhances the commercial collaboration process with a single touch.
Savant Systems, LLC has introduced the Savant Wireless Thermostat, SST-W100. 
The SST-W100 is a WiFi enabled digital thermostat designed to control Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems within any residential or commercial setting and integrate seamlessly into a Savant-controlled environment. The SST-W100 is a versatile thermostat for one and two stage control of forced air, radiant, heat pump and HVAC systems.
The Savant SST-W100, requiring only standard thermostat wiring at its mounting location, is ideal for retrofit installations thanks to its wireless communication to Savant’s SmartSystem controllers. The SST-W100 provides access to temperature adjustments from anywhere in the home or from a remote location using any Savant interface. Multiple Savant thermostats may be networked over an existing WiFi network, enabling temperature and humidity adjustment from any SST-W100 in the home. Energy conservation is achieved by programming the HVAC system (using the HVAC Scheduler within the Savant TrueControl iPad app) to automatically respond based upon outside temperature, season or time of day.
“A wireless thermostat solution increases installation efficiency and flexibility for integrators while enabling them to give their customers one-touch access to personalized heating and cooling schedules,” said Jim Carroll, executive vice president of corporate strategy and business development at Savant. “We made the SST-W100 easy to operate, with a large LCD display and nicely spaced pushbuttons for users to access temperature and humidity readings, set point adjustments, system mode/fan status indicators, and setup menus.”
Up to two optional remote temperature sensors (sold separately) can be connected to the SST-W100 for enhanced flexibility and optimized performance when required. Climate can be regulated according to the average of multiple sensors or the built-in sensors within the thermostat can be disabled entirely to allow the SST-W1000 to be installed out of sight.
Savant Systems has announced something it’s calling SmartView Tiling, a technology enabling a single display to show several video sources simultaneously. From an iPad, users will be able to drag and drop selected sources to their chosen locations within the tile grid, pinch and zoom to have any source take over the entire display and create 
custom tiling layouts and channel presets for easy recall.
SmartView Tiling will accept any video input and supports up to six sources in resolutions up to 1080p. The video processing and scaling upconverts all sources and delivers the video via an HDMI output.
At this CEDIA EXPO this week Savant Systems is introducing Savant Lighting Control, transforming the LiteTouch products that it purchased earlier in the year into a solution that can be used as part of a complete package within Savant’s automation and energy management ecosystem or as a standalone lighting control system.
“Our initial lighting control product designs are focused on expanding the range of system configurations and price points, giving integrators a powerful and competitive solution set that represents only the beginning of Savant’s innovation in the lighting control segment,” Bob Madonna, Savant CEO.
stated.
The new product line, the company says, will take advantage of Savant’s expertise in efficient software-based system configuration, compact hardware devices, and variety of user interface options, from a cohesive single platform.
Savant Lighting Control can also be implemented as a standalone lighting solution, utilizing the same interoperability that LiteTouch has offered to third-party control vendors. Savant’s backwards-compatible hardware and software design allows for support and system upgrade of all LiteTouch systems that are already installed in the field. Savant will continue to support 3rd party lighting control systems through the company’s Partners in Excellence Program.
Savant is opening the doors to a 2,000-square-foot “Technology Showcase” within its Cape Cod offices that dealers will be able to use for both training and demonstrations of its Apple-based solutions to bring residential and commercial clients.
Savant’s new Technology Showcase features all of its various product categories and systems within 2,000 square feet.