Home Automation provides personalized control of lights, shades, AV, temperature, security, and all of the technology throughout your home from your favorite device. We program button keypads, touch screens, iPads and smart phones to control functions from home or away.

We installed a group of in-ceiling speakers and wall mount display in this master bedroom. The result is a clean and unobtrusive entertainment system that accompanies the clean and minimal aesthetic of the interior space. Both entertainment and lighting are fully automated and controlled via voice or smart device for convenient access.

TruAudio. This whole-home audio system allows for up to 8 different streams to be played to 8 different zones at the same time. Savant video distribution, which allows for up to 8 video feeds to be switched to 6 different TVs. Lutron wireless lighting control brings scene control to various rooms. Whole-home control is also by Savant, which allows users to control the home’s systems, in-home or remotely, from any mobile device including iPad, iPhone, Apple Watch, or Android devices. TYM’s work allows all of the smart home technology and entertainment systems to be integrated and controlled by a single app. Interior design by Lindsey Walker, lwdesign1016@gmail.com Photo by: Brad Montgomery

We installed a custom In-Wall recessed display and integrated a Full Surround Speaker array overhead into the ceiling. All of the AV systems in the house from full coverage audio and media streaming are fully automated and controllable from any smart device or dedicated remote..

Striking bathroom brings the outdoors in with floor to ceiling window and an organic tile wall and features smart home automation to enhance the ambiance. In-ceiling speakers broadcast the music of your choice using a whole-home audio solution, powered by Control4. The recessed smart lighting lighting and accent lights are designed to create the perfect personalized ambiance, whether relaxing after a hard day or getting energized for a night out. Other automation options may include triggering tinted windows for privacy, ambient heating in the floor and placing a TV behind the mirror. Everything can be controlled from virtually anywhere using your Control4 app with a smart phone or tablet device.

The family room features a 60" 4K TV with a custom Leon soundbar made to match the size and finish of the TV for a unified look. The clients' favorite streaming music can be played in every room with just a touch from the Savant Smart Home Automation system app on their personal devices. In-wall speaker, automated lighting and beautiful interior design make this home pretty AND smart. Photography by Nat Rea

This room features wall mounted tv's and large android touchscreens built into two coffee tables, as well as a apple ipad based smart home control system... This room is the ultimate play room for family members of all ages.

This article is posted here with the consent of the author. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, view, or opinion of Crestron Electronics, Inc., or of any of its employees. Crestron Electronics is not responsible for, and does not verify the accuracy of, any of the information contained in this article. By Jeff Singer The “smart” revolution began several years ago with smartphones (a.k.a phones) and has extended in recent years to thermostats, doorbells, alarm systems, and kitchen appliances. Smart devices are so ubiquitous that the term “smart” is overused to the point that it is almost meaningless. Companies are eager to jump on the bandwagon and claim their products are “smart,” and consumers proudly claim they have a smart home because they have lighting control. Misconceptions about smart homes are prevalent and create confusion in the marketplace. This can have deleterious effects on businesses and underserve consumers. Here are seven of the most popular misconceptions about smart homes: 1. Apps are smart Apps are convenient and easy to use. Yes, it seems there’s an app for everything. People expect to be able to download an app and do just about anything. App developers and many companies do not disavow consumers of this myth. On the contrary, they promote this idea with carefully worded descriptions. The promise of having the world at your fingertips for $1.99 is very enticing. Although it sounds too good to be true, it is also too good to pass up for many people. This leads to undervaluing home control and disappointment when the apps don’t work, which undermines confidence in our industry. The fact is that apps are not smart. They do not control anything. They must connect to and communicate with a control system or cloud service that processes, prioritizes, and executes commands. That’s the real magic and what most people do not understand. 2. Smart devices work together With so many smart appliances and devices on the market today, it’s understandable that the average consumer might think that they actually communicate and work together. This is simply not the case. Smart devices are not that smart. They are designed and manufactured by different, often competing, companies. There are no national or industry standards governing these products. Even if they all operate using Wi-Fi® communications, that doesn’t mean they work together. Some companies promote a home control platform, which unites different devices from different companies – in theory. The platform is yet another third-party software totally dependent on other companies developing APIs and writing control modules for their hardware to run on that piece of software. The devices are not independently compatible. Also, when updates are made to either the hardware or the software, functionality may be affected for some period. That’s a nice way of saying the device or system won’t work and there’s no way of knowing for how long. 3. It’s a DIY project Which brings us to the next myth, which is that the average person can do it themselves. Unless you are a skilled professional, I would not advise taking on a smart home project. You want to make a light turn on and off with your Alexa® or Google Assistant™ virtual assistant software, go for it. A smart home takes much more planning and expertise. I have no problem changing a light bulb or hanging a light fixture in my dining room; however, I am not going to rewire my house. I may change the flush valve in my toilet, but I’m not going to replace the pipes in my house. You get it. Integrating devices and systems, establishing different zones, creating scenes, designing the UI with a balance between control, feedback, and simplicity – all takes experience and skill. 4. Need a programmer to make changes Early adopters may have experienced the pain of trying to make a simple change or update to their home control system. Years ago, if the cable provider changed the channel line-up, the homeowner would have to call the dealer or programmer to make an appointment for them to come out to the house to reprogram the system. The system wouldn’t work as expected until it was updated, which often took several days and beaucoup bucks. Not anymore. Technology has evolved so now it’s easy for system owners to change favorite channels, create scenes, rename buttons, update images, and more. While a professional is needed for the initial installation and setup, the system is easy to manage once it’s up and running. This makes life so much easier for both dealer and customer. 5. Tech becomes obsolete quickly Similar to updating the UI, updating firmware or hardware used to be a stressful process. A smart home should be intelligent enough to update itself. Apps don’t become obsolete. Updates are constantly pushed out from the cloud, making them better all the time. The same is true for a good smart home system. New features, functions, and device support gets added in the background consistently, so the system you installed (or purchased) yesterday gets better over time. Swapping out decorative elements, such as keypads, dimmers, and touch screens is also seamless. When a new device is added, all the settings are pulled down from the cloud and it just works. No system interruptions. No sunk costs. No imposing house calls. No surprise bills. 6. Lighting control saves energy and money Lighting control is one of the most popular smart systems, but it takes more than just one system to make a home smart. On the surface, it makes sense that if you dim the lights ten percent, then you save ten percent of energy costs. If the shades are raised during the day to take advantage of sunlight so the lights don’t need to be on (or at least not 100%), but that causes the room temperature to rise a few degrees, which triggers the air conditioner to run longer and more often, was energy usage (or cost) reduced? A smart home integrates all the various systems and technology to optimize comfort, convenience, safety, and sometimes energy. 7. Home technology is easy to hack Security is at the forefront of people’s minds these days. Personal identities are stolen; email accounts hacked; private photos publicized; and more. A smart home must outsmart those who don’t respect privacy. Crestron control systems adhere to the strictest security standards. The same Crestron control system that goes into a home is also installed in secure government and military facilities, global banking institutions, hospitals, and other mission critical applications. When installed correctly by a trained professional, a Crestron smart home is the gold standard for security, comfort, and convenience.

Photo by Patrick Brickman. In-wall mounted iPad Mini provides access to all connected devices in the home including lights, locks, thermostats, audio, TVs and more.

Once you replace an existing light switch with a Brilliant Control and configure it (takes 5-10 minutes), you have instantly upgraded to smart lighting. Brilliant is easy and intuitive to use for all the members of your family even if they don't have a smartphone. Anyone can swipe up/down on the screen (or use the touch sliders) to adjust lights, similar to flipping on a light switch. You can also use voice control or motion control for hands free operation. If you have other smart home devices in the home (such as Sonos music players, Nest thermostats, Ring doorbells, etc), you can now interact with those devices directly from the Brilliant Control.

Elegant, high-tech living room features contremporary furnishings, an entertainment center and smart home automation from Control4 to enhance the ambiance and add the ultimate in convenience. Broadcast the music of your choice using a whole-home audio solution, powered by Control4. The recessed smart lighting and access lighting is designed to create the perfect personalized ambiance. Other automation options may include smart appliances, programmable thermostat control for comfort and energy management, home security system integration, shade automation, and full A/V control. And everything can be controlled from virtually anywhere - using your Control4 app with a smart phone or tablet device or a convenient touch screen.

Tudor
Example of a transitional u-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Montreal with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

From the ceilings to the desk lamps, all lights in this space can be easily controlled with smart devices. This room also features Fulkra's smart / privacy glass to ensure UV ray protection and energy efficiency.

You can’t put a price on the peace of mind that comes with knowing your loved ones are safe and your most valuable and treasured possessions are secure, whether you’re at home or away. Give your favorite mobile devices complete control and automation for a truly magical experience. Tablets and smartphones can be outfitted with the most recent applications from the top system automation manufacturers. Convert your mobile device into a handy control center at your fingertips. Manage them all with a simple tap, a single voice command, or even allow things to happen automatically with no interaction at all. We connect smart devices to work in unison, delivering a truly intelligent smart home experience that makes life more convenient, safe, and enjoyable. 1. INTUITIVE & EASY TO USE 2. VIEW YOUR ENTIRE HOME ON YOUR MOBILE DEVICE WITH QUICK-ACCESS CONTROL. 3. CONTROL YOUR LIGHTING AND ENTERTAINMENT 4. STREAM YOUR FAVORITE PLAYLIST TO ANY ROOM AND ENJOY THE BEST SOUNDING AUDIO SYSTEM WITH AUTOMATION 5. STAY CONNECTED WITH REAL‑TIME NOTIFICATIONS 6. CREATE AN ATMOSPHERE BY CREATING AUTOMATION FOR COMBINING THE BEST LIGHTING OF CHOICE AND ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM SETUP THAT SUITES YOUR MOOD 7. PERSONALIZED PROFILES WITH CUSTOMIZED PRIVILEGES FOR EACH FAMILY MEMBERS WITH FAST ACCESS TO THEIR FAVORITE SCENE SETTINGS 8. SYNC YOUR APP TO YOUR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM AND CONTROL YOUR FAVORITE CHANNEL 9. EASILY ADJUST YOUR SETTINGS AND MOVE DEVICES FROM ROOM TO ROOM TO FIT YOUR NEEDS 10. TURN LAMPS ON TO WELCOME YOU HOME AND TURN THEM OFF WITH A TOUCH BEFORE BED

When it comes to home automation and integrating your window coverings, the name to remember is Lutron. These battery operated solar screens can be controlled from individual remote controls as well as any smart device. Integrate Lutron shades, lights, and music.

This sleek, minimalist hood features Zephyr Connect, giving you the ability to control it from anywhere, including from your smart speaker — and it discreetly mounts into the ceiling above your cooking surface for power and an unobstructed view. Your kitchen will stay clean and smoke free with the Perimeter Aspiration System and multiple blower options, and the tri-level BriteStrip™ LED lighting ensures a good-looking glow. Available in white and stainless steel. Control your range hood from anywhere using your mobile device with the Zephyr Connect app. Get real-time diagnostics and product information, and connect to smart devices such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home smart speakers. Download on mobile from the Apple App Store and Google Play today.

Entertainment and smart home technologies include a Savant 8-zone distributed audio system with frameless in-ceiling architectural speakers by TruAudio. This whole-home audio system allows for up to 8 different streams to be played to 8 different zones at the same time. Savant video distribution, which allows for up to 8 video feeds to be switched to 6 different TVs. Lutron wireless lighting control brings scene control to various rooms. Whole-home control is also by Savant, which allows users to control the home’s systems, in-home or remotely, from any mobile device including iPad, iPhone, Apple Watch, or Android devices. TYM’s work allows all of the smart home technology and entertainment systems to be integrated and controlled by a single app. Interior design by Lindsey Walker, lwdesign1016@gmail.com Photo by: Brad Montgomery

Home Automation provides personalized control of lights, shades, AV, temperature, security, and all of the technology throughout your home from your favorite device. We program button keypads, touch screens, iPads and smart phones to control functions from home or away.

Home Automation provides personalized control of lights, shades, AV, temperature, security, and all of the technology throughout your home from your favorite device. We program button keypads, touch screens, iPads and smart phones to control functions from home or away.