 |
| EMagazine Volume 4 Issue 4 August 1999 |
Features
Interviews
|
 |
| Home Toys
Interview - August99 - [HTI Home Page] |
KEEP INFORMED OF THE LATEST NEWS Sign Up for our Newsletter [Click Message To Learn More] |
WHOLE HOUSE SYSTEMS INTERVIEW Our system is the future of technology ... but it is available today. Crestron controls are IP based. This means that by simple plugging your TV, VCR, DVD, HVAC, Security system into Crestron they become an Internet Appliance. Everything becomes instantly accessible via the LAN/Internet and controllable though Netscape or Microsoft Internet Explorer. The future is today with Crestron. |
QUESTION 1 - New House Construction. What is the process for including your home automation system in my design and construction process? Who should I talk to first ... when should I start ... what do I need to know ahead of time etc.
We recommend contacting a systems integrator that is part of the CEDIA organization and a certified Crestron Home Dealer. They can provide you with a complete plan from wiring, to audiovisual equipment, to environmental controls such as Lighting, HVAC, Security, and of course Crestron Controls to tie it all together. You should have a basic idea of what kind of media you want to control and/or distribute to what locations.
QUESTION 2 - Old House Renovation. What is
the process for adding your home automation system to my old house? Do I need to tear out
walls etc.? Who should I talk to first ... what do I need to know ahead of time etc.
QUESTION 3 - What systems can I automate using your equipment? (i.e. Lighting / Entertainment / Security / Other) What is the most popular system to automate in the home ? What is the most cost effective system to automate? What is the most fun to automate?
Crestron has complete, unified product line that provides building blocks to custom tailor a system to your technical and financial needs. Crestron starts by providing an off the shelf audio distribution system that incorporates stylish decora keypads and low cost in wall touch panels. The audio distribution system can be built up to control the home theater by adding a few components to the base system such as a Crestron ST-1550C RF Color wireless touch panel. This touch panel not only serves as the ultimate remote control for the home theater, but as a mobile that can take complete control of your home from any room. Add in some wired touch panels, a Crestron e-control web interface, DTMF telephone control, and link in other components such as security, lighting, etc. for a state of the art home automation system. Only Crestron provides a complete solution that allows you to start simple and expand to your hearts content.
QUESTION 4 - How will I interface and control the system once it's installed? Do I need to call the dealer to make changes to schedules and modes etc.? How are software changes made (PC / Controller / Other)?
Crestron offers an array of flexibility for the user in this arena. From any touch panel, users can custom tailor presets and automated functions to suit their needs as they grow with the system. Users have one touch access to schedule events such as turning on the outside lights at 7:00PM and setting back the thermostats in the house. Software upgrades are available via the Internet to allow your systems integrator to make more sophisticated upgrades and options available for your use. Only Crestron offers this unique feature to allow seamless maintenance, service, and support without the inconvenience of a visit to your home.
QUESTION 5 - What features set your system apart from the others? How can I compare the features and prices of the various systems offered?
Crestron is the worlds first and only IP based control system. What this means to you and I is that using standard CAT5 wiring though out the home, Crestron system can plug directly into the LAN that is shared with any computers that you may have in the home. This seamless integration allows Crestron to be controlled via a web browser both from within your home or at the office via a standard internet connection. The internet also provides the gateway for your home control system to alert you via email, cell phone, or pager that you have a security breach, or that the kids came home. All Crestron products communicate via IP which is the world standard. That means that we can leverage our technology to work with everything that the PC industry has made readily available. Crestron systems can be linked together with off the shelf components because we didn't invent a proprietary protocol. This is the limiting factor in all other controls system available today.
QUESTION 6 - Is your system expandable and upgradable? How do I go about expanding? How do I go about upgrading?
Crestron systems are completely modular and can infinitely expanded. As a matter of fact, because our communication standard is via IP, we support the capability to link to over 3 billion devices!QUESTION 7 - Is your system compatible with other equipment and systems available? Which systems and how do they interface?
Crestron is the glue that ties all other equipment together. Our only business is control systems designed to link devices of any kind together to harness technology and make it usable in an everyday format.QUESTION 8 - Home Networking of systems and appliances is the buzz these days. How will your system integrate with the future home network which includes data, communication, information etc. as well as automation, security and entertainment?
Our system is the future of technology ... but it is available today. Crestron controls are IP based. This means that by simple plugging your TV, VCR, DVD, HVAC, Security system into Crestron they become an Internet Appliance. Everything becomes instantly accessible via the LAN/Internet and controllable though Netscape or Microsoft Internet Explorer. The future is today with Crestron.QUESTION 9 - For a new house of 3000 sq. ft. / 3 brms what would an "Entry Level" automation system cost (ballpark range)? Assume we want to automate the lighting, 2 room entertainment system (Adults and Kids) and security system.
Equipment only:(5) 12 button keypads - $750
(1) ST-1550 - $600
(1) CNMSX-AV - $1000
(1) CNX-PAD8 - $900
(1) CNRFGW - $250
Misc Cables, etc. - $500
Installation and related equipment (lighting dimmers/fixtures, security cameras, etc.) are additional costs.
Under $10k is the answer......
QUESTION 10 - Look into your crystal ball and tell us about the future of home automation. The technologies ... the marketplace ... the cost ... the availability and just the plain old fun we can look forward to.
Crestron has the future today. Eventually all systems will be controllable via the LAN/Internet. Crestron brings you the technology today.
QUESTION 11 - Where can I learn more about your system and how do I find a dealer in my area? (include links, addresses, tel, fax, contact names etc.).
Check out our website at www.Crestron.com or contact our Technical Sales Department at 1.800.237.2041