Convenient but not overwhelming
While home automation is clearly the trend in most luxury homes, not all homeowners have embraced these technological advances – especially those who are self-proclaimed to be non-tech savvy. Therefore, Procom’s challenge with this romantic European-set home was to create a simple, easy-to-run home automation system that provided all the conveniences of a smart home without overwhelming its more traditional occupants. Yet, we were mindful to not exceed a very tight budget.
Our first task was to build a wireless network throughout the house for the easy access to the Internet for all family members. Therefore, we created a custom built PC that can be controlled via a wireless keyboard and mouse from any room in the house.
As part of this application, the homeowners also requested they have access to European Television channels. During installation, we made this possible via Slingbox Solo, which is installed at homeowner’s overseas vacation home.
In an effort to keep things uncomplicated yet provide the homeowners with the widely known benefits of a smart home application, we added the following subsystems: burglary alarm, surveillance cameras, and lighting control – all of which are integrated together. All components of this system can be controlled from anywhere in the home via the system remote or an iPhone.
The installed A/V system contains: (6) independent video zones with HD video distribution, (8) independent audio zones, and (1) surround sound zone. The audio/video sources were: (3) Comcast receivers, (2) Samsung Blu-Ray players, PC, Cameras, and digital music stream.
To keep the home free of unsightly wires and cords and not detract from it’s old world charm, the PC as well as the component video output were installed in the main equipment rack located in the basement of the house. The video output was connected to Sony HD Component Matrix switch.
Recognizing the homeowner’s budget as well as their initial concerns of learning and using this level of technology we kept our installation simple yet meaningful. However, we designed the system to easily incorporate future upgrades as technology evolves and the homeowners become more comfortable using it.
Our first task was to build a wireless network throughout the house for the easy access to the Internet for all family members. Therefore, we created a custom built PC that can be controlled via a wireless keyboard and mouse from any room in the house.
As part of this application, the homeowners also requested they have access to European Television channels. During installation, we made this possible via Slingbox Solo, which is installed at homeowner’s overseas vacation home.
In an effort to keep things uncomplicated yet provide the homeowners with the widely known benefits of a smart home application, we added the following subsystems: burglary alarm, surveillance cameras, and lighting control – all of which are integrated together. All components of this system can be controlled from anywhere in the home via the system remote or an iPhone.
The installed A/V system contains: (6) independent video zones with HD video distribution, (8) independent audio zones, and (1) surround sound zone. The audio/video sources were: (3) Comcast receivers, (2) Samsung Blu-Ray players, PC, Cameras, and digital music stream.
To keep the home free of unsightly wires and cords and not detract from it’s old world charm, the PC as well as the component video output were installed in the main equipment rack located in the basement of the house. The video output was connected to Sony HD Component Matrix switch.
Recognizing the homeowner’s budget as well as their initial concerns of learning and using this level of technology we kept our installation simple yet meaningful. However, we designed the system to easily incorporate future upgrades as technology evolves and the homeowners become more comfortable using it.
Project Year: 2013
Project Cost: $25,001 - $50,000
Country: United States
