Do you have more than one remote control for your entertainment system? Do you know how to use everything? Do you need to get the kids to help you put Foxtel on? Do you phone a friend? If so, you need automation!
Home automation puts you back in control of your home. Systems these days are getting more complicated. You need instructions to watch TV or listen to a CD. MP3...
Home automation simplifies control and even enhances your home by integrating many systems. Home automation could be as simple as a single universal remote or as advanced as a system that controls all aspects of your home and makes decisions for you. We have been asked to do many weird and wonderful things over the years. Vision and Budget are really the only limitations.
Most of the home automation projects that we program have the following features;
A Home theatre
Multiple TVs (LCDs and Plasmas) in different areas with local control
Multiple independent audio zones
Lighting control with user programmable scenes
Scheduling (Totally customisable)
A combination of keypads, remote controls and touch panels to control the systems.
Air conditioning control
Automation features (see below)
Integration with the security system
Cameras in various locations.
Leading brands
AMX and Crestron are the leading brands of automation systems. They are very powerful and expandable systems. Other systems have some good features but usually have limitations.
Probably the best know system in Australia is Clipsals C-Bus. C-Bus started out as a lighting system and has grown into an AV control system. In large homes when used as an AV system it can be difficult to program and maintain by comparison with AMX and Crestron. C-Bus has limited options when it comes to user interfaces, but is a great lighting system.
I have C-Bus at home and at work and when combined with a real control system such and Crestron or AMX is an awesome product. Dynalite is also equally as good as C-Bus. Like AMX Vs Crestron each has applications where one is better but overall they are more popular lighting systems and work equally as well with a control system.
We really know automation - We live with it!
My first client (back in 2001) was in IT and had a vision that inspired me. He gave me challenges that were difficult, but rewarding. I found that the only way to be able to test it was to live with it, so I installed a system at home. I have AMX and Crestron control, RTI and AMX user interfaces, AMX audio, C-Bus lighting, Kramer video, Concept 3000 security and a few control gadgets products and experimental products. Details of my system are on the next page.
Control Gadgets specialises in home automation. Its personal, challenging and the reward we get is having a satisfied customer. We test the concepts that we deliver on our own families.
Our philosophy is;
The system shall be simple to operate (keep the wife happy)
The system shall be rich in features (Show off to your mates)
The system shall have user settable features (No need for expensive service calls to make minor changes)
The system shall be expandable (Add to your system as you become more addicted)
The system shall be easy to maintain and (easy on us)
The modules used in the system shall be tested on us in our homes where ever possible. (Guinea pigs R us not you)
AMX Vs Crestron?
If you have already decided to make the leap to an automated home and can't decide which brand we may be able to help you. Control Gadgets is platform independent and work with most products. The brands that are the most popular and best supported are AMX and Crestron.
I would have to say (at the time of writing this) that Crestron have a better range. With either AMX or Crestron you will not have the limitations of cheaper brands. These systems are extremely adaptable and are well supported by the automation community. The language used to program these systems is very flexible and powerful. Budget is the limiting factor.
It is impossible for the layman to compare quotes in home automation! Even comparing AMX and Crestron quotes is difficult. If you have some quotes, we can advise you at to what they really mean.
There are less expensive products than AMX and Crestron. Generally, the cheaper you go the less flexible the system will be. AMX and Crestron are totally customisable. You can choose colour schemes, choose how the system will operate, anything is possible if you are willing to pay for something truly unique.
You can use AMX and Crestron with the less expensive products. For example you can use a cheaper audio system or remotes. The disadvantage is it could cost more to program and will have less features.
Ezypro Home Automation software - Multizone AV control
The clip below shows how simple it is to operate Audio/Visual with Control Gadgets "EzyPro" home automation software.
Simply choose a zone and choose a source and then relax. Want the lights turned down, press the lights Icon and choose your favourite preset. Lowering the blinds or adjusting the thermostat is just a button press away.
Our EzyPro Home Automation software is compatible with AMX and Crestron and has been installed in hundreds of homes in Australia
Ezypro Home Automation software - Lighting control
The clip below shows how simple it is to operate Lighting Control Gadgets "EzyPro" home automation software.
The main feature of ExtPro lighting is that YOU (the end user) will have the ability to change your lighting scenes to the way YOU want them, easily! Many companies make you wait and pay for service calls to adjust presets.
Our EzyPro Home Automation software is compatible with C-Bus, Dynalite and Crestron lighting control system.
Ezypro Home Automation software - Easy to control your home
An automated home can do many things for you, but how would you know what you want it to do before living there? We actually live with automation and can suggest a range of useful features to be included in your software.
What happens when things change? With Control Gadgets' EzyPro Home automation software you have the ability to customise the features that you need as you need them. For example, when you have guests, you might not want to arm the security in certain areas (or maybe you do!)
The clip below shows an example of we show some examples of;
Global control - Pool pumps, towel rails
Welcome - What to do when you come home.
Goodnight - What to do when you are going to bed.
Goodbye - What to do when you leave the home
Holiday mode - Lights turn on and off during the night simulating occupancy
Automatic lighting demo
This video shows advanced automatic lighting features of Control Gadgets Home automation software. Lighting is triggered when security sensors pick up movement. Lighting levels are different for different times. The levels can be user adjustable and can be disabled if required.
REMOTE ACCESS
Imagine being able to connect to your home over the internet. This demo shows controlling the lights, Cameras and even Cable TV over the internet via a browser. Monitor your own alarms! When you are away, just log on to check it out. Careful, it will make you homesick.
Anything is possible using advanced control systems and programmers.
