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| EMagazine Volume 4 Issue 4 August 1999 |
Features
Interviews
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| Home Toys
Interview - August99 - [HTI Home Page] |
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WHOLE HOUSE SYSTEMS INTERVIEW Because all control stations operate off the same wires, adding or deleting buttons on the station is easy. The control unit can be reprogrammed on-site by either the installer or the homeowner providing features ranging from basic lighting to elaborate scenes, combining multiple light zones, audio/visual, motor controls, heating, ventilating, and air conditioning. |
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.
With the help of a LiteTouch consultant, LiteTouch will map out an electrical blueprint plan identifying each load or group of loads to be controlled independently.
Planning your LiteTouch system can begin once your home designs are complete.
Knowing ahead of time where the central control unit (CCU, the brains of the system) will be placed is important, as the different control stations placed throughout the home will be run from the CCU.
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.
The LiteTouch Scenario can be retrofitted into existing homes and replaces four standard switches. It enhances any room and is great for home theaters, conference rooms, or any place you need a mini-system. The Scenario’s powerful microprocessor can control four individual series of lights and can combine them to create four preset scenes. Faceplates and buttons are available in a variety of elegant colors and finishes to match your décor.
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?
LiteTouch offers complete home automation in addition to lighting. The LiteTouch control systems can be fully integrated with security, audio/visual systems, ventilating and air conditioning systems, and other motor loads such as drapes, blinds, curtains and windows.
Integrating LiteTouch with a home’s security system is one of the most common automated systems.
With the growing popularity of home theaters, many homeowners are choosing to integrate their LiteTouch systems with audio visual equipment which has proven to be an enjoyable and a popular option for the system.
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)?
Once a LiteTouch system is installed, the flexibility of the system is endless. In addition to its simplicity and elegance, the system is easily customized to encompass changing lifestyles with no hassles of rewiring. Because it is easily installed and very adaptable, both the installer and the homeowner can make changes.
Because all control stations operate off the same wires, adding or deleting buttons on the station is easy. The control unit can be reprogrammed on-site by either the installer or the homeowner providing features ranging from basic lighting to elaborate scenes, combining multiple light zones, audio/visual, motor controls, heating, ventilating, and air conditioning. The unit instantly responds to a button being pushed anywhere in the home by sending messages to the appropriate LiteTouch module. It can also interface with a whole house automation system.
The LiteTouch system allows a homeowner to change the lighting controls as often as they like including adding different modes such as entertainment or security.
The LiteWare software package allows users to control and monitor all aspects of their LiteTouch system through their home computers. It incorporates utilities to plan, design, program, and order any LiteTouch project. LiteWare runs on any IBM compatible laptop or desktop computer capable of running the Windows 95 and 98 N/T.
QUESTION 5 - What features set your system apart from the others? How can I compare the features and prices of the various systems offered?
LiteTouch visually stands alone from its competitors. LiteTouch control units and each control station faceplates are easy to match with ones personal décor and architectural choice. For added flexibility each button can be custom engraved to match your home’s specific home automation needs. The LiteTouch system allows the user to change their lighting scenes any time with just a press of a button, and all without a LiteTouch technician. Because the entire system is controlled by the control unit the system adapts easily to changing lifestyles.
QUESTION 6 - Is your system expandable and upgradable? How do I go about expanding? How do I go about upgrading?
LiteTouch is both expandable and upgradable. The LiteTouch 5000 LC is an advanced lighting control system designed to build on existing LiteTouch systems with a number of additional features allowing for greater flexibility for both the homeowner and lighting system installer. The 5000LC is equipped with a special "Rack Mount Design" feature allowing for easy future upgrades as technology advances.
Additionally, the Central Control Unit is programmable and can be reprogrammed on-site to support changing lifestyles.
QUESTION 7 - Is your system compatible with other equipment and systems available? Which systems and how do they interface?
Control modules are capable of switching and dimming. LiteTouch also integrates with security systems, HVAC, audio visual equipment and most electrically controlled devices such as motored blinds, etc. LiteTouch is easily customized to technology advances.
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?
As previously mentioned, LiteTouch already integrates with several home systems and as home owners continue to recognize the need for a wired home there are more opportunities to integrate lighting systems into additional networked systems in the home. For instance, as the use of CAT5 wiring in new construction homes is becoming more common and this type of wiring is able to carry electric, audio and visual data at the same time. LiteTouch for sees endless opportunities to integrate lighting systems with other systems in the home in the future.
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.
Please contact a LiteTouch rep for specific pricing information.
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.
The future of total home automation will not be limited to the high end of the housing market. A rapid evolution of popularly priced home control systems expanding consumer access to sophisticated integrated automation systems will be available sooner rather than later.
Consumer lifestyle trends are what drive home control systems at all ends of the market. Demand for products that promote lifestyle convenience and home security are important to everyone from single buyers to families to empty nesters.
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 the Web site at www.litetouch.com for contact details within the USA and specific International locations.
