Safe At Home
I am excited to report that today I have seen an application of our home automation technology being put to use in caring for our elderly. I have have been noodling the concept for a few years and was pleased to find a company that has developed an engineered and scalable solution.
The core concept is to install sensors that can monitor the key activities of a loved one like: movement in the home, opening and closing of doors and medicine cabinets, flushing of toilets, use of a vehicle, etc.. These sensors are tied to a processor that will present real time information via the web, email or smart phone. Triggers can be set up so that certain events, or lack of events, can send an emergency email or phone call.
Another option with these systems is to add a video camera for remote monitoring and a “message” board that would permit you to type or even draw messages to a screen. You can even post photo’s, videos or music for them as well.
Finally, lights and heat control can be automated with occupancy sensors so that the person does not need to fumble in the dark or try and read a thermostat with small print.
I am particulalry excited about this application of technology as it takes the core elements of systems that we have installing for years and makes them available in a focussed way for our elderly and those in need.
I wrote this article for a magazine last summer. Based on the feedback I received, readers found this article helpful in visualizing how the latest technology can be seamlessly and invisibly integrated into the most classic home decor.
I’m usually the partner that is in the office, creating a website, calling on architects or trying to unravel the mystery of social media in an effort to spread awareness of our ever expanding technological offerings. Sadly, I don’t often see the end result of the hours of design, engineering, programming and installation performed by our talented crew. So, on a recent (and rare) sunny day I took the opportunity to visit a residential lake side project that we are bringing to completion. And despite the fact that I now have lake envy, I am thrilled on many levels that I took the time to see this marvelous home and the brilliant work of our team.
Imagine 15,000 square feet of lake side living, unobtrusively nestled in the moss and ferns and barely noticeable to the passing kayak. Despite the size, the home is nostalgic and inviting, like a child hood summer camp, complete with a soaring stone fireplace, 10 foot dining hall table, even boys and girls bunk ‘houses’. And, proudly, our team played a significant role creating this feeling of comfort while preserving the wistful charm.
These gracious clients invested many dollars in the technology of comfort, convenience, functionality and entertainment and entrusted us to keep it all out of site. Every bedroom has a flat panel TV hidden behind the doors of a cabinet designed to support and hide all of the wiring and peripheral components. Every room offers multiple sources of music and volume control easily accessed from a low profile touch panel control, not a wire in sight. The reclaimed chestnut rafters, soft wool upholstery and well loved board games are unaware of the 60” plasma TV, only visible when it rises on a motorized lift from the custom cabinet where it hides. No guest will ever fumble for a light switch as each room has labeled lighting control key pads which are programmed with preset lighting scenes specific to the space. And though this is a lake side retreat, the homeowners are afforded all of the conveniences of wired and wireless internet, cell phone coverage, iPod docking and video gaming.
We installed 3 1/2 miles of structured cable, hooked up hundreds of electronic components and spent countless hours programming to the client’s specific needs. But apart from enjoying all the fun and convenience you would hardly know we were ever there. Thank you, job well done!
Posted February 4th, 2010. 2 comments
It wasn’t that long ago if you said the word iPod, you might get a strange look from those around you. Now, iPod is a normal part of our vernacular. Apple has hit a home run with this industry changing product. With new models such as the iPod touch and the iPhone, this gadget allows you to listen to your favorite music in your car, while exercising; pretty much anywhere you want to tune out the rest of the world. Adding features such as a cell phone, photo storage, mobile internet, and gaming, it is no wonder this device is one of those items you grab with your keys and wallet every time you leave the house.
But more and more iPod enthusiasts want to know how to enjoy all of the iPod features on a larger scale, in the comfort of your own home? No problem!
iPod docking stations have revolutionized the Home Audio industry by providing a sleek, easy to use device that provides CD quality sound and can be integrated into the heart of your home audio system. There are many options available to you. The minimum requirements include a docking station, the proper cables and a source for audio and/or video. Now you can easily display your photos or podcasts on your TV or listen to your customized playlists on the speakers in your own home. But the capabilities of your iPod or iPhone go way beyond just these basics.
The first upgrade to integrating your mobile device into your home systems involves adding remote control for on screen capabilities. Onkyo, the sister company of Integra and one of our favorite sources for amplifiers, sells a simple docking solution with a dedicated remote control which enables you to display your iPod menu on your TV screen, select and play music or video and control volume from the comfort of your sofa.
For homes with distributed audio systems, the integration choices get even more convenient and exciting! Manufacturers of whole home audio products have developed docking solutions which interface seamlessly with their systems. These docks are compatible with iPod(4G or later) including iPod photo, iPod mini, iPod nano, iPod touch, iPhone, and iPhone 3G.
As systems designers, integrators and installers we rely primarily on the functionality, reliability and performance of Niles, Nuvo and Crestron for distributed whole home audio systems. Each manufacturer’s docking station offers similar features, but with varying levels of sophistication.
All of the higher end docking solutions feature iPod charging, volume control, and iTunes syncing, including the capability organize your music and create playlists. The newest models provide not only audio output from your iPod to your home, but all of your video content can also be viewed on your plasma, theater or computer screen.
The first variable you need to consider is how many zones, or rooms, and how many sources of music fit your home and life style. Distributed audio systems generally accommodate from 6 to 24 rooms of music and have inputs for am/fm, disc changer, cable music, satellite music and of course, iPod. In each room you can select the source of your music as well as the volume level. The better systems also provide built in amplifiers for each zone. Your brother can listen to a CD in his room, your mom can listen to Satellite radio on the deck and you can enjoy your iPod in the workout room.
You next need to consider how you would like to control your music. In addition to remote control, distributed audio systems feature wall pad control systems with buttons for preset selections, music source and volume control. When installing these systems, we provide audio balancing wall plate systems to provide long-distance, interference free audio signal transmission. That means the music from the speakers connected directly to the receivers sound as good as the speakers in the bedroom two floors up.
The ultimate in music controls incorporates a touch panel. This screen replicates the iPod experience on a larger scale allowing you to control and select your music by genre, artist or album. You can even view album cover art.
The touch panel control system is the most sophisticated and is particularly applicable in homes which have other systems you operate with a touch panel such as lighting control, motorized window shades, and multiple video sources.
iPod, the perfect, verstatile solution for the heart of your home audio system.
Posted January 29th, 2010. 1 comment
