Anyone who has installed, or considered, a dedicated cinema room in their home will know that the numbers of remote controls can quickly add up. Switching a film on can be a confusing sequence of button presses on various remote controls - if you can find them!
Several companies have solutions to these issues - the likes of Nevo have a universal remote control which will condense all your remote controls in to a relatively easy to use interface. Macros can perfrom sequences of commands so pressing DVD can switch on the player and the display at the same time. The programming software allows you to design your interface around certain templates or themes and labelled buttons mean even guests can quickly get an idea of how to work the system. In other words they are the next step from the universal remote control which have been around for years.
For more advanced control, and completely bespoke touchpanel interfaces you need to look at the likes of Crestron. The Crestron approach enables us to control anything electrical, no questions asked. In addition to sequencing remote control commands we now have the option to integrate blinds and lighting - imagine pressing pause on the film and the lights rising and then dimming again when you start the film. Integration with a Kaleidescape DVD and Music server enables DVD covers to be viewed and selected on the touchpanel, ensuring easy operation by the entire family. Useful information like time remaining and total film time gives you the power to pick a film the kids have time to watch before bed, saving arguments.
More sophisticated control options allow us to control the way the surround sound processor decodes the film and ensures equipment is switched off when not required - saving energy. Custom designed touchpanels allow us to match the interface with your decor and create a touchpanel you feel comfortable using. We rarely give formal training on our interfaces - they should flow in a way you find comfortable and natural. These Crestron controls are completely scalable so can be used in a modest home cinema or even control a full Bowers & Wilkins Custom Theater 800 installation.
As part of a fuller home automation system we can even integrate intercoms and door bells in to your system - when someone approaches the front door the Kaleidescape server can pause the film and flick to the camera input or give picture in picture! You can even set the intercom and house telephone to do not disturb, unless your partner rings and then the call can be routed through to the cinema! Custom Controls offer a full home cinema installation service. We can transform a blank room in to a home cinema complete with all decoraton, home cinema seating and of course the audio visual elements.
Written by:
Dave Chester
Custom Controls
http://www.CustomControls.co.uk
Custom Control & Entertainment Solutions - Home Cinema, Multi-Room Audio Video, Home Automation & Lighting Control. Premier Dealers for Crestron, Kaleidescape, Lutron and Bowers & Wilkins.
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