MAVROMATIC » home

Crestron Prodigy – Low-Cost Media Control/Automation Solution?

Danny Mavromatis — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:37:36 +0000

Crestron has announced the release of their entry level automation solution aimed at competing with Control4. In a nutshell, the Crestron Prodigy is a media controller with a remote that retails for around $700. There is also an in-wall touchscreen option which will cost less than $700. The system supports up to 16 zones of audio and wireless dimmers will sell for about $99. Overall, this sounds like an interesting price-point and system. Not sure how this will play out for Crestron as they are considered the “Rolls-Royce Of Automation” and we don’t see Rolls-Royce coming out with an economy car… yet.

For the complete story check out CE Pro: Crestron’s Low-Cost Prodigy to Compete with Control4

DIY: Water Flow Meter For Monitoring Water Usage

Danny Mavromatis — Tue, 26 May 2009 17:42:25 +0000

I’m currently investigating what I need to get Water & Gas (Natural) monitoring added to my home. I already have Power via Energy Inc’s TED 1001 & Myro:Home. However, it would be nice to add Water & Gas to the mix so I can monitor and control its usage. Currently, I’m checking out different flow meters from Flow Monitors Inc. Anyone have any other brands that have an output that I could rig/modify/extend? The nice thing about the CoolPoint line is that they offer outputs that I can use to interface with my automation controller.

Universal Flow Monitors – CoolPoint CP Series Water Flow Meters

HAI Updates Benefits of HAI Home Automation Graphic

Danny Mavromatis — Wed, 20 May 2009 01:08:46 +0000

HAI has updated their “Benefits Of HAI Home Automation” graphic and I’d love to hear what people think about Home Automation in general. Since the economy is pretty tight right now and new construction projects (even remodeling) has slowed down:

What are your current views related to Home Automation?
Does the thought of having a “Green Home” change your views on building in all this control into your house?
Does it bother you that a new car has more “automation” than your home?
What would be the most important function to have automated in your home?
Would you pay extra for a house that is “automated”?

Heck, I’d love to hear anything related to this… positive or negative — so sound off in the comments! Cheers!

HAI: Benefits of HAI Home Automation Graphic (high-resolution image)

Using Netbooks for Home Automation Control?

Danny Mavromatis — Tue, 05 May 2009 19:43:28 +0000

DIY’ers and people wanting to control their home inexpensively can use Netbooks as an option. For less than $400 you can have a small computer that sits in your kitchen or family room ready to surf the web, view security cameras or turn off the lights. This is one of the reasons why I created Myro:Home as a software only version so users can achieve this type of control for less than purchasing a proper in-wall panel. However, I still recommend for the ultimate integration and control that an in-wall panel is installed in a home.

If you are in the market for a netbook check out this buying guide and find the best netbook for yourself!

PREVIEW: Bitwise Control BC4 “Multi-Tool”

Danny Mavromatis — Tue, 05 May 2009 00:42:44 +0000

I just received a Bitwise Control BC4 so I can add support for it to Myro:Home. I plan on doing a full video review of this unit once I release 1.0.3 (this release is a pretty major one as it includes significant performance enhancements!) In the meantime, here’s a little bit about the BC4:

“The BitWise Controls BC4 modular design allows you to select from several plug-in expansion I/O modules. Now you can tailor each install to the job’s specific control and monitoring needs.

Whether you’re using a web front end, mobile phone application or integrating with a residential or commercial control system, the BitWise Controls BC4 turns commands into actions. Our extensive two-way command set makes it easy to integrate with a variety popular control systems and networked user interfaces for maximum flexibility. ”

• Flexible communication options - choose from TCP, UDP, HTTP and RS232 based on the needs of each install

• Simple to learn - One command set covers all I/O modules and devices to be controlled

• Built-in monitoring - On board temperature sensor and two-way command protocol

• Reliable - US designed and built, the BC4 is backed by 20 years of mission-critical experience

• Field upgradeable firmware - you don’t need to return a product to base to install new features

• Commercial-grade - The BC4 features a rugged and well-shielded 20ga steel enclosure

• Deploys anywhere - The 4.5” x 5” x 1” unit can be wall, shelf or rack-mounted

For more information check out: Bitwise Controls

Challenges Working With Embedded Devices

Danny Mavromatis — Sun, 03 May 2009 18:52:17 +0000

I’ve been busy working with on the new version of Myro:Home which will run on the 8″ in-wall touchscreen panels. My original plan was to have the same “downloadable” software being able to run on these types of panels, however, the truth is that these panels need special care in order to bring the best performance and stability. I’ve chosen Windows XP Embedded as the OS and can get everything running very quickly. Now, I’m working on adding in specific hooks to the hardware to take advantage of controlling the “bare metal” like LCD and GPIO. Since these devices are not full powered desktop PC’s where you can be a bit less strict using CPU cycles, you cannot afford running things that aren’t necessary. Heat is the biggest problem and when you put panels in walls where ventilation is an issue, you need to use less powerful (less heat producing) architecture.

In the end, I feel I will have a very powerful home control solution that is cost-effective and very competitive!

Study: Revenue for Tech Support Industry to Hit $2B by 2013

Danny Mavromatis — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 21:12:59 +0000

CEPRO.com has posted an article about how the tech support industry will grow to over $2 billion by 2013. This makes sense as more and more people start to use technologies that tend to be more complicated than that of the past. An example, with the newly announced HULU and ABC deal, people no longer just turn on a TV and tune to a two or three digit channel number, but, require software, computer and network knowledge to figure out how to watch shows.

For the complete article visit CEPRO – Study: Revenue for Tech Support Industry to Hit $2B by 2013.

Sencore RadianceXD – Video Processor/Scaler/Switch

Danny Mavromatis — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:44:21 +0000

If you are a videophile and demand that your display squeezes out every last bit of quality from the source, then you need a Sencore RadianceXD. This 2u processor not only upscales, processes and is a full HDMI switch but it has a built in CMS (Color Management System) for tweaking the color gamut to be true SMPTE 701 (or other SMPTE standard color space like 601, 709, xvYcc).

The Radiance also features dedicated HDMi receiver on each HDMi input which means that switching to each source is super fast and requires no resyncing. There are six HDMI inputs and a plethora of other IO. What is really exciting about this product is the support! They offer firmware updates almost monthly which constantly makes the RadianceXD better.

This is definitely a product to add to your home theater rack, especially if you own a D-ILA projector since it can correct the saturated color gamut issues.

For more information, check out Sencore Audio/Video.

Leviton Vizia RF+ (Z-WAVE) — Best Lighting Control System?

Danny Mavromatis — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 01:49:53 +0000

I get asked often what I recommend for lighting controls for home automation systems. My answer, Z-WAVE. I’ve been really happy with Leviton’s Vizia RF+ controls. In my own home I went with Lightolier’s Compose PLC system which I’ve been happy with, however, the price of the controls are much higher than the Leviton Vizia RF+ equivalents. The reliability hasn’t been an issue and the speed of the controls seems faster than traditional PLC systems. I’d love to hear your thoughts or recommendations so post a comment or two.

For more information check out Leviton’s Vizia RF+ site.

P.S. Leviton Vizia RF+ is a great match with HAI’s OmniPro II

Russound Collage – Powerline Media & Intercom!

Danny Mavromatis — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:30:17 +0000

Russound has released their new line of whole-house audio/intercom system. What makes this special is that it doesn’t require anything more than a power cable to get it working. The Collage system relies on HomePlug technology to stream the audio to each location from the Collage Media Manager. Each zone features an capacitive touchpad, click wheel and quarter VGA display with a 30-watt amp. In addition each zone includes a built-in FM tuner and 6-month free subscription to Rhapsody with three independent streams of music. There is also an optional iPod dock. This is a pretty interesting play for retrofit/remodel jobs.

For more information check out: Russound Retroquick

This can be purchased via our parent company MAVROMEDIA which is a Russound Dealer.