Blogs
Home Automation - What is it?
It may seem obvious but Home Automation actually encompasses a wide range of systems that are designed to make life simpler around the home.
Wikipedia states That Home Automation is;
"Home automation or domotics is building automation for a home, called a smart home or smart house. It involves the control and automation of lighting, heating (such as smart thermostats), ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and security, as well as home appliances such as washer/dryers, ovens or refrigerators/freezers.
Wi-Fi is often used for remote monitoring and control. Home devices, when remotely monitored and controlled via the Internet, are an important constituent of the Internet of Things.
Modern systems generally consist of switches and sensors connected to a central hub sometimes called a "gateway" from which the system is controlled with a user interface that is interacted either with a wall-mounted terminal, mobile phone software, tablet computer or a web interface, often but not always via Internet cloud services."
Which although correct is quite a verbose, technical way of describing something that can be summarized in a much simpler way.
Home Automation is;
- Automating mundane or repetitive tasks with the use of home technology, sprinkler systems that operate themselves, lights that come on after dark and switch themselves off in the morning.
- Using your phone, tablet, computer, voice or an intelligent keypad to control various parts of your home, such as; lights, air-con, music systems etc...
- Timed or scripted events for your home, such as turning on the lights at 8pm or playing your favourite music as you arrive home. When X happens then do Y.
So there you have it. Home Automation is available to everyone, no matter the budget - If you are in Thailand and would like to discuss Smart Home Automation in more detail then please get in touch. We install in Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Bangkok and overseas.
Home Cinema Handover - 75" 4K TV
Today we handed over on a nice home cinema in the East Coast of Phuket. An unused storage area was extended and turned into a plush home theatre room.
Here is Rob Hobbs our Systems Designer presenting our handover pack to the customer.
The project features a 75" 4K TV, Nuvo in-wall speakers, Roth surround Speakers, Polk Subwoofer and Onkyo amp - Lighting is cleverly done by Philips HUE GU10 bulbs and it's all controlled via a Harmony Elite.
Our customers are so happy they've asked us to propose Philips Hue lighting and another zone of audio for their Master Bedroom.
We also supplied a music system with a Nuvo P200 and in-ceiling speakers for the gym area next door.
Further photos to follow once the seating goes in next week.
What is Dolby Atmos?
Dolby Atmos is an audio format for surround sound that includes a height channel in addition to the surround speakers typically found in a 5.1 or 7.1 channel setup. This gives movie soundtracks a more natural 3D effect as sound effects and voices can come from or pass overhead.
How Does Dolby Atmos Work?
- Basically adding an overhead dimension allows film makers to add a new sensation of height to immerse you in the action, realistically depicting objects and sounds above you.
- That helicopter that hovers overhead in the film will now really sound like it is directly over you, the sound of dripping water from the roof of caves comes from above now.
- This added dimension of sound helps involve you in the film, you feel a part of the movie, that the action is happening right there with you as a part of what is unfolding.
What will I need for Dolby Atmos?
- You will require an AV Receiver that supports and powers a Dolby Atmos channel, these are marketed as such.
- One or two pairs of overhead speakers, either in/on the ceiling (preferential) or ones that fire upwards and reflect sound from the ceiling back down towards the seating position.
- Dolby Surround Source such as Netflix, Amazon prime or BluRay.
Is it worth it?
You bet, the increased immersion makes viewing movies on your home cinema considerably more enjoyable.
Microsoft make a Play for the Smart Home market
Microsoft appears to be making headway into the Smart Home market announcing a partnership with Johnson Controls to build a smart home thermostat. They will be using Windows10 IoT Core and Cortana on the Azure cloud service on the software side. On the hardware side they will be using a very cool translucent glass touchscreen display that lets you alter room temperatures, check energy usage and air quality, and see calendar information.
Heating and cooling account for roughly 48% of the energy use in a typical U.S. home, making it the largest energy expense for most families. In the commercial building sector, the cost is approximately 40%. Johnson Controls, one of the leading providers of HVAC, Fire and Security systems in the world, is changing how spaces are viewed and controlled. As the inventors of the first thermostat, Johnson Controls has innovated once again with GLAS.
Utilizing Windows 10 IoT Core, Cortana voice services, and Azure Cloud, GLAS is a simple to use, elegant thermostat that brings leading energy savings and air quality monitoring to everyday spaces. Johnson Controls is reinventing the thermostat and our lives.
There's no launch date yet but visually this is one of the most elegant pieces of smart home technology I've seen - looking forward to what else Microsoft can bring to the market going forward.
BlueTooth Mesh upgrade for Smart Homes
It's been around a while now, some 20 years or so, Bluetooth is about to get a significant upgrade so it can use Mesh networking. The idea behind this is to make it much more usable for Smart Home and IOT applications.
"Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances (using short-wavelength radio waves) from fixed and mobile devices, and building personal area networks (PANs). Invented by telecom vendor Ericsson in 1994, it was originally conceived as a wireless alternative to RS-232 data cables" from Wikipedia
So what is mesh networking? it's simply whereby each point or node (thing if you like) acts as a potential relay unit for network data/signals. It was invented by the military to make sure that if one node or point was destroyed data could still pass through the network. basically each piece of hardware acts as a mini-router, data can take the fastest way through the network and doesn't matter if pieces of the network are missing.
Verge have an article on the upgrade;
"There’s a long-running fight between wireless standards to be the one and only to connect all the smart devices in your home. And with an upgrade today, Bluetooth is making a good case for itself.
Bluetooth SIG, the group that oversees the Bluetooth standard, is today releasing the specification for Bluetooth Mesh. If you’re familiar with mesh networking, Bluetooth Mesh is pretty much exactly what it sounds like: it allows low-power Bluetooth devices to create and act like a mesh network.
If you’re not familiar with mesh networking, here’s what it means: most wireless communications go straight from one point to another — say, from your router to your laptop and back again. If your laptop is too far out of range, then you’re just out of luck.
DEVICES CAN WORK TOGETHER TO SEND DATA A LONGER DISTANCE
But mesh networks have a useful trick to help data travel longer distances: communications can hop between devices. So if a signal can’t reach its destination on the first try, another device on the network can re-transmit the message, sending it out even farther in hopes of finding the device it’s trying to get in touch with. And this can happen again and again, until the message finally gets where it needs to go.
This is particularly useful for smart home tech, because it allows a device in one corner of the home to send a message that reaches smart devices in all the far nooks and crannies of a house. So a garage door opener, for example, could send a message to turn on the upstairs bedroom lights when you arrive home from work, with the message hopping from one smart light to another in order to reach the distant bulbs.
Mesh networking is also important because many of these devices need to run on very little energy. Sending out a fast signal that stretches from one side of a house to another requires a lot of power, but mesh devices can send out lower-power signals because they’ll get picked up and repeated. That’s important for a device like a battery-powered temperature sensor, so that it can stay running for longer without needing its batteries to be replaced.
Bluetooth SIG is accounting for a bunch of different types of devices using Mesh. It won’t require all devices on a network to rebroadcast signals, for instance, so that they can save even more power. In some cases, really low-power devices may only wake up every few hours and ping a “friend” device (say, a temperature sensor reaching out to a thermostat) to receive any pending messages, like an update to the temperature range it’s supposed to track. The Mesh standard also requires all communications to be encrypted.
BLUETOOTH MESH DOESN’T REQUIRE NEW HARDWARE, BUT YOUR DEVICE MIGHT NOT GET AN UPGRADE
Unfortunately, your existing Bluetooth devices aren’t going to suddenly get these abilities overnight — or, potentially, at all. Bluetooth Mesh can be added to any device that already supports Bluetooth 4.0 or 5.0, which is good because it means new hardware isn’t required, so a lot of devices can get support. But whether current devices receive it depends on if their manufacturers release an update.
Bluetooth SIG says that it usually expects to see new Bluetooth standards starting to enter the market about six months after they’re released. In this case, it expects Bluetooth Mesh to show up even sooner, since new hardware isn’t required. So there’s a good chance your next Bluetooth device will support mesh, but there’s no guarantee your current ones will.
That said, Bluetooth SIG is preparing for some devices to not get an upgrade. It’s allowing some mesh devices to act as “proxies,” which allow other Bluetooth products to connect to and control devices on the network. That way a phone might be able to connect to a mesh proxy and tell some lights to turn on.
BLUETOOTH WON’T BE THE ONLY STANDARD, BUT IT COULD BECOME AN EVEN MORE POPULAR ONE
While these changes make Bluetooth far more useful for smart home devices, that doesn’t mean they’re going to end the standards battle anytime soon. For one, we have to wait for a good number of mesh devices to arrive to make the feature useful. Then, we have to see how well Bluetooth Mesh actually works — though Bluetooth has improved in recent years, it’s had reliability and connection issues in the past. If that’s the case here, then Mesh will be a nonstarter.
On top of that, Bluetooth still isn’t perfect for everything. It’s not trying to replace Wi-Fi for high-speed connections, so some devices will still support that. Other products, like Philips’ Hue lights, rely on mesh networking standards, like ZigBee, that are already in use, albeit with far less name recognition and widespread compatibility. Meanwhile, the group that creates Wi-Fi is working on a low-power spec to start going after Bluetooth’s turf, continuing the fight.
It’s never seemed like there would be one and only one wireless standard, no matter how hard these standards groups try. But with the addition of mesh features, Bluetooth is becoming a significantly better option for smart home devices. And thanks to its name recognition and already popular use, there’s a real possibility that Bluetooth will start to push out the smaller mesh standards that are already in use."
Zigbee and Zwave are some other low energy mesh network technologies that are used for Smart Home Automation, also SonosNET the Sonos wireless protocol is a wireless Mesh Network of their own design.
More than Half US Homes to be Smart by 2021
The IOT (Internet Of Things) is key to homes becoming smarter in the future, these networked appliances offer a much more affordable, plug and play, home automation ecosystem than last generation control systems. New research estimates that within just 4 years smart home technology will be present in over 73 million US homes, that's 55 percent of all homes. Simple to add technologies from Philips (Hue), Amazon (Alexa), Google (Home) and Apple (HomeKit) are making it a breeze to automate homes with voice control.
"According to fresh analysis by market research firm Berg Insight, the number of smart homes in the U.S is expected to reach 73 million by 2021, which represents around 55 percent of all homes. In it’s latest report, Berg Insight said that the current install base of smart homes in Europe and North America is roughly 30.3 million, as of 2016.
The U.S. is considered “the world’s most advanced smart home market” as the region accounts for more than two-thirds of that number. Berg Insight’s report shows that the U.S. had an install base of nearly 22 million last year, which was a 47 percent year-over-year growth.It’s that strong growth that Berg expects to continue, driving the increase in smart homes over the next few years.
“2017 is anticipated to be a good year for smart home technology as entry-level smart home systems have become affordable for the mass market, at the same time as the reliability and features have improved significantly,” Anders Frick, Senior Analyst at Berg Insight, said in a statement. While the U.S. smart home market has taken off in the past year, the European market is still lagging behind, according to the Berg Insight report. Just 8.5 million homes in Europe were considered smart homes last year. That number is expected to reach some 80.6 million by 2021—a greater number of homes than in the U.S., but that would represent just 36 percent of all homes in Europe.
According to Berg, the most successful products on the smart home market include thermostats, security systems, smart light bulbs, network cameras, and multi-room audio systems. And the most commonly bought products are produced by a handful of companies that include IKEA, Philips Lighting, Honeywell, Belkin, Nest, Ecobee, Comfy, Sonos, Canary, Netatmo, and D-Link.
Consumers that seek out comprehensive whole-home smart home systems with a mix of energy, security, and communications services turn to service providers like Vivint, ADT, Comcast, Control4, and AT&T in the American market. Overseas, names like Verisure, eQ-3, RWE, Deutsche Telekom, and Loxone control the market.
The Role of Voice Control
Berg Insight’s Frick said that voice control platforms have helped speed up the proliferation of the smart home. Services like Amazon’s Alexa and Google’s Home have introduced consumers to the idea of the simple smart home through platforms that are equally as simple to set up. Those products, as Berg pointed out, have quickly risen in popularity.
And now, other tech giants like Apple and Microsoft are getting into the smart speaker game with products that tie into different smart home platforms, offering consumers ways to control their products with their voices.
Berg Insight said it anticipates that the popularity of voice enabled speakers will continue to increase and that smart speakers will “be one of the most significant user interfaces in the home environment.”
“Amazon is still the leading player but Google’s and Apple’s ecosystems are stronger, at least outside North America,” Frick said.
The products by the big four tech giants only scratch the surface of the smart speaker market. There are tons of other options out there, some of which rely on the same voice assistants that have already been mentioned. That list includes a recently-announced Lenovo voice assistant, Japan-based LINE Corp’s WAVE with the Clova virtual assistant, Mark 1 from Mycroft, Inee Voice, Invoxia’s Triby, JAM Voice, Cubic, Fabriq, and Zettaly Avy—to name a few."
http://www.dealerscope.com/article/half-u-s-homes-will-smart-homes-2021/
Samsung bought Harman... Harman just bought Arcam
Samsung Electronics bought esteemed AV Receiver company Harman Kardon back in March of this year (2017). The move was seen by many as a shrewd move from Samsung to get into the AV amplifier business. In a shock move Harmon have now bought out Arcam, Arcam's products always had a great reputation for sound, especially their AV receivers.
Arcam is based just outside the famous university city of Cambridge in the UK, their story started the classic way: two friends with a passion for music and electronics met up while engineering students at Cambridge University, and founded Amplification and Recording Cambridge in 1976.
This brings Arcam into Samsungs AV fold which now includes; AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Mark Levinson and Revel. Consolidation is natural but I have misty eyes for the days of small companies being able to come out with great audio products.
HARMAN International who was acquired by Samsung in March this year have announced today that they have acquired the Cambridge, U.K based ARCAM brand.
"StereoNET first heard of the potential acquisition back in May this year, however ARCAM executives denied the rumour at the time."
In a joint statement dated 14th July 2017 and sent to ARCAM and HARMAN customers, they said:
ARCAM and HARMAN share a likeminded passion for bringing the highest quality sound into people's lives and we believe bringing the power of the two companies together will benefit the partnership we have with you.
Scott Campbell, ARCAM Director Sales & Marketing continued:
Nothing will change in our day to day business. Richard and his team will continue to represent the ARCAM brand as normal. Charlie Brennan and the current management team will remain in Cambridge and become part of HARMAN’s Lifestyle Audio division.
Søren Majlund, Commercial Director EUN, Harman Lifestyle Audio Division said:
HARMAN recognizes the value and potential of Arcam’s people, technologies and brands, and we expect the combination will deliver growth opportunities and benefits to our customers. We believe this is an unprecedented opportunity to grow Arcam’s engineering capabilities and extend its product reach into new markets.
ARCAM have enjoyed considerable growth and success in recent times with their current line-up of audio-video products, and in particular their AV Receivers. This acquisition makes a lot of sense for HARMAN International who have struggled in the AV Receiver market with their Harman/Kardon brand previously."
http://www.stereo.net.au/news/breaking-harman-international-acquires-arcam
Chiang Mai Home - Multi Room Audio
This week we are completing the speaker installation and additional wiring for a customer in Chiang Mai. They've opted for our Nuvo wireless range of multi room audio for their home sound system. We will also be on hand to offer additional audio visual work installing TV's and media centres once the property has been completed.
Nuvo whole home audio systems guarantee an unparalleled listening experience, with wired and wireless distributed audio solutions specially designed to match incredible fidelity with the latest in streaming source variety and intuitive control. Easy to install, easier to enjoy, Nuvo systems are the perfect fit for any home.
A superior home audio experience is closer than you think with the flexible, high-performing Nuvo Player Portfolio. Conveniently available in both wired and wireless configurations, it’s easy to build the perfect solution to fit your home. Each player features access to both networked music libraries and the near-infinite variety of Internet Radio.
Our client chose the Nuvo sound system because they wanted an easy to use AV experience, it had to be simple to use and control. The Nuvo range of wireless music systems are certainly easy to control simply open up the app, choose a room (or all rooms) and hit play.
The last couple of years has seen us working on more Chiang Mai homes and a Chiang Mai office is on the cards for the near future. The Chiang Mai property market is featuring more and more new-builds for successful individuals looking for something special with value for money and bigger landholding than equivalent homes in say either Bangkok or Phuket.
Knightsbridge Blockbuster Home Cinema Battle
This one has gone all the way to court, neighbours arguing over plans for a massive basement home cinema in Luxury Knightsbridge for more than six years, this week went to court.
"Two multi-millionaire neighbours have been at loggerheads for five years over plans for a basement and home cinema beneath one of their Knightsbridge homes.
Nick Hill, 56, claims he has been repeatedly “thwarted” by property developer Russell Gray since announcing plans in 2012 for excavation under his £4 million mews house.
He said he planned as large a basement as possible — to include a private cinema room — to be finished swiftly and cheaply, and he is suing Mr Gray for £200,000 for delays to the project.
The neighbours have run up hundreds of thousands of pounds in legal bills in the dispute and returned to court for the damages claim last week.
Mr Gray, 60, an insolvency practitioner, argues he does not owe his neighbour anything as the basement plan is “unbuildable”, accusing him instead of trespass because building work had strayed on to his land.
Nick Hill is suing Russell Gray for £200,000 over delays to his project to build a basement under his £4 million property.
Representing himself at Central London County Court, Mr Gray denied he was to blame for the “five-year scrap”, saying of his neighbour: “(He) does not declare war, but wages it from behind the scenes.
“I submit that this dispute as a whole is quite unnecessary and is a product of Mr Hill’s character,” he told Judge Edward Bailey.
“Mr Hill alleges routinely that I am dishonest and impossible to deal with. The reality is, however, that he refuses to talk to me and always has done.”
He added: “If he had been willing to enter into a dialogue with me, we might have been able to avoid five years of wasted time and costs.”
Mr Gray, 60, an insolvency practitioner, argues he does not owe his neighbour anything as the basement plan is "unbuildable" (Paul Keogh )
The court heard Mr Gray himself had begun work on a basement beneath his house in a cobbled mews close to Harrods in Knightsbridge in 2001.
The feud began a decade later when Mr Hill, through his company Elite Town Management Limited (ETML), lodged plans for his own larger basement next door. Mr Hill’s project involved underpinning the party wall between the two houses, maximising the size of his basement, which Mr Gray branded “entirely selfish” because of the risk to the building. Mr Hill eventually won a legal fight over the party wall, but claims he suffered eight months of delays in 2014 and 2015 because Mr Gray unsuccessfully appealed against the ruling.
Crispin Winser, for Mr Hill, said the row had become a “personal crusade” for Mr Gray, who “refuses to accept” his neighbour is entitled to build as planned. He argued Mr Gray had taken “extraordinary steps in a blatant attempt to thwart the implementation of the works”, including claims of trespass when Mr Hill’s contractors dug and filled pits with tons of concrete extending onto Mr Gray’s property.
Mr Gray claims his neighbour then tried to hide the concrete with spoil, an accusation Mr Winser dismissed as “without foundation”. Mr Gray told the court his neighbour had not suffered any losses by the delays, pointing out work has still not restarted on the basement even now, and is fighting any award of damages."
It's a shame it has come to such a head over a home cinema, I believe that any worry about noise could be put to rest with acoustic treatment and the creation of a room within a room - Although I think these neighbours just don't like each other very much.