VSYS Blog

Last Friday the Vsys Automation crew and myself of course, were lucky enough to witness a new Design/Prototype in development at the James Loudspeaker facility in Beautiful Napa CA. James Loudspeaker is working together with No.8 Lighting to develop what the engineers at James Loudspeaker are calling code name “Spot 3″.

Spot 3 is 3″ driver built into one of No.8′s lighting fixtures, that just happens to be an LED fixture. The LED technology was developed by “XIADO” and it has the equivalent of a 75W incandescent bulb. When asking the engineers on the challenges in making this 3″ speaker and LED light fixture in one, other than the obvious, they said one of the more difficult features was being able to rotate and swivel the light and being able to change the light in the field. BTW it looks like they have got that figured out on their first design, but only time will tell. Now I have only seen and heard the prototype, but for a 3″ driver and light combo it looks and sounds amazing! Did I mention that currently (When I was there) the Spot 3 was only being driven by 15W super sexy and sleek prototype amplifier/control unit with built in BlueTooth. I say currently because Michael J. Park, Chief Technology Officer plans on upping that to about 50-75W.

I must say that at first glance of the Spot 3, I thought that I was starring at Tony Stark’s “Arc Reactor“, the amazing audio produced proved otherwise. I also could not believe when I entered the room, the amount of brilliant bass, that it was emanating from this tiny wonder, hands on with the prototype and prints also proved me wrong.

One of my favorite things about this Speaker/Light is the connection is so easy it is impossible to reverse polarity! You may be asking yourself, How is this possible? Currently to connect this speaker to its counterpart, it is a simple RJ11 connector, but most likely is going to change to a RJ45 Ethernet connection for doubling up on wires.

More info on this when it is available, but expect to see the Spot 3 and it’s amp/controller at the end of the year from your local James Loudspeaker dealer, our visit them on their website here.

In the deep dark secluded areas in Vsys HQ, Where no one dares to venture because terrible and great experiments are being done. This is where I have been spending my days and sometimes nights working on “Project Jaberwocky.”

Here are some photos of project Jaberwocky. More on this later.

About one month ago I was at my local AVAD with a few of the other Designers from Vsys Automation in Livermore Ca putting my brain to good use at one of the many trainings that a True Integrator must attend to stay on top of the cutting edge of technology these days. When I was on my break I was able to roam the warehouse and unbox a Samsung 9000 series Television.

This beautiful piece of technology had a brushed Steele frame and the stand to match. The very first thing that I noticed was that it was incredibly thin (The LED 9000 features an Ultimate Slim Design of only 0.3 inches in depth!), so thin that one might inquire where the ports are, in an extra box somewhere? No, they are all built into this super sleek LED backlit 3D ready device.

Bring the wonder of 3D straight to your living room with groundbreaking technology from Samsung. Their new 3D TVs add a whole new depth and dimension to scenes to create a completely jaw-dropping experience. Samsung 3D Active Glasses sync up with your 3D TV to produce 3D images, allowing you to watch movies and TV with action that leaps right off the screen. Even your favorite shows can now be transformed to 3D in real time!!??!! Discover a new dimension in TV with Samsung 3D technology.

The groundbreaking touch screen remote does what no other remote can do. With the ability to enter text, as well as stream video from the TV screen to the 3” color screen on the remote, you can take your TV anywhere. A specially designed wall mount complements the TV, with a slimness to match the bezel. The Samsung LinkStick™ makes it easy to wirelessly connect to a world of online content – like Samsung Apps – right on your TV. Speaking of apps, Samsung must have up their game in the last few months, because now you can Stream videos from YouTube, movies from Blockbuster, music from Pandora and see Twitter updates. You’ll enjoy access to all this and more, right on your Samsung Television. Samsung Apps are a growing collection that connects you to your favorite digital content like video, sports, useful information, games, lifestyle and much more. Enhance your world of entertainment with up to the minute access at the touch of a button. But who buys a TV simply for a cool remote?

There are many other features that give this TV that little “something extra” you are looking for, such as Samsung’s All Share technology:
Staying connected has never been easier, thanks to Samsung’s AllShare which syncs up many of your digital devices. Now you can enjoy music, movies and photos from your PC, camera and mobile devices, right on your Samsung TV screen. Wirelessly and effortlessly. You can even connect with multiple PCs. Getting on TV has never been this easy.
Or maybe you are more concerned about the HDMI ports and how many that there are on this unit? Well, there just happens to be 4 on this model and all it takes is one cable to connect your TV to your other audio and video sources. their HDMI slot allows you to import all kinds of content without compression including pictures and videos from your digital camcorders and multimedia PCs. Now enjoying it all on a wide HD screen couldn’t be easier.

OK, so now here are a few of my personal favorite features about this display:

Connect Share

The Connect Share Technology is awesome.Connect. Share. Watch. By simply plugging your USB or HDD directly into your Samsung TV you can easily take movies, music and photos you downloaded from your PC—and watch them on the big screen with friends and family. Take photos and videos from your camera and share them with everyone instantly. With ConnectShare Movie, you really don’t need any connections to get on TV.

SRS TruSurround
Surround yourself with true cinematic sound. SRS TruSurround brings crisp, digital-quality sound to your home with advanced SRS technology. And it’s a great way to fill the room with amazing audio, without having to also fill it with speakers. It takes multi-channel encoded sources, such as Dolby Digital, and reproduces the surround effect using just two speakers. The only downside to this is if you plan on wall mounting this, you will have get new speakers, because this monitors speakers are in the base.

Clear Motion Rate
Action scenes appear smooth, crisp, and clear on Samsung HD TVs. That’s because we know that smooth motion not only depends on Hz, but on the panel, chipset, and backlight technology. All of these components work together to create a jaw-dropping picture on your Samsung HD TV.

Ultra Clear Panel
Get amazing picture quality even with reflective light. Ultra Clear Panel absorbs ambient light and virtually eliminates reflections so there are no distractions. Colors are more vibrant than ever before, blacks are deeper and contrast is enhanced. A Samsung television with Ultra Clear Panel clearly has picture quality you can be proud of.

I am completely in love with this Samsung product, but I think that I am going to wait for the price to drop into my budget. The Samsung UN55C9000 55″ 1080p 3D LED HDTV sells for $6,999.99

Maximizing functionality, while maintaining simplicity, are the key features of an intelligent system. A system integrator brings in a wide array of components to accomplish the goal of creating a unified, functioning system that meets the needs of the client. A control system sometimes needs to expand outside its normal parameters to include a subsystem that would normally not be included, for such instances a module is developed by the programmer to interface into the 3rd party devices. Some companies who claim to be system integrators lack the experience and knowledge to create a module to control such 3rd party devices, and will simply deny or claim the ability to include that subsystem in the design by saying “It can’t be done.”
A systems integrator is a person or company that specializes in bringing together component subsystems into a whole and ensuring that those subsystems function together, a practice known as Systems Integration. As lighting and A/V systems increase in their level of sophistication and the number of manufacturers for components of these systems increase, so does the demand for system integrators. Such subsystems that are included in the control design are lighting, distributed audio and video, climate control, irrigation, access control, security, surveillance, networking and communication, home theater, spa, and energy management to name a few. Each one of these systems can be controlled independently, however with a control system and an experienced integrator; full functionality can be achieved with ease of use through one user interface.
Usually a client will request control of a device or subsystem that would normally be a standalone system where drivers for communication do not yet exist, creating the need for the system integrator to build new drivers or modules. In this situation the “non professional integrator” will tell you that it simply can’t be done ,when in reality they just don’t have a dedicated programmer or division of programmers that specialize in system integration, and now you will most likely be missing a lot of “advanced programming” that simplifies use. A true integrator knows that anything electrical or mechanical can be integrated.

Did you ever want to build your own custom home theater, but didn’t want to pay for an architect or designer to dream it up for you? Well UltraLux Theaters has just recently gone open to the public & they have done all the designing for you.

Based in sunny Orlando Florida, but is also an international business. I don’t mean that their interiors are made in other countries; no they are proudly made in the USA & do business all around the world.

Recently I had the chance to interview Lisa Meadows of UltaLux to get some inside info on them. I’m told that UltraLux has a design secret that will be released in a few months, and it is going to be “Jaw dropping”. While I did not to hear what the secret is, I do know that it has something to do with the design process.

I know that doesn’t tell you much, but here is a little bit of info on how they are currently designing their themed interiors.

1. The UltraLux designers throw around some general ideas for interiors, and then pick the best one to design around.

2. Next they all get to go into the design center where they get to watch a movie that is similar to the idea of the theme. Taking notes during and after the movie. After the movie is over, they discuss ideas for their interiors amongst each other, then watch the movie again and repeat the process.

3. Then those notes are taken into the board room, discussed & refined. This process takes days, weeks, even months; depending on how elaborate the design will be, ultimately producing the finished products.

When I asked Lisa “what makes UltraLux different than all the other theater companies?” she told me “UltraLux is always willing to work with their clients from beginning to the end of the project. UltraLux can provide a complete design if you send us a CAD file we can design custom interiors for you.”

I went on asking about how custom? Can I have my interior designer send fabric samples to match the theme? ECT… and the answers are yes, Ultralux can make whatever you want, And for ease of use UltraLux has opened a new website @ http://www.ultraluxtheaters.com for the public so that you can pick up and choose whatever you need, but still have the UltraLux customer support when needed.

Knowing all this, one would think that UltraLux is going to be very overpriced, But that simply is not true, they are very affordable and very good quality interiors. In fact, I was informed by Lisa that ultraLux is constantly donating money to charities, a good example of this is that the UltraLux theater girls cut their hair and donate it to Locks of love.

So when purchasing quality theater interiors from UltraLux, you are also contributing to the less fortunate. It kind of makes me feel a little warm on the inside.

I am also told that UltraLux is a great company to work for, aside from donating to charity which helps people and makes everyone feel better, they all have a shared common interests in their design. “To make great theater interiors that look amazing & please our customers!”

So keep an eye out for UltraLux theaters and their “secret” whatever it may be… Hopefully I will have more info on that soon, so keep checking in to see whats new. Until then I suggest that you check them out for all your theater interior needs, and for more information About Ultralux Theaters and their amazing interiors please visit: http://www.ultraluxtheaters.com

Most of you reading this who went to CEDIA this year will know exactly what I am talking about when I say, with all the audio video manufacturers in the world, there is definitely not a shortage in high-quality, high-performance home theater processors on the market today. Only PSPHD PROCISE, the high-definition surround sound processor from Crestron, delivers all the features you need to address the array of design challenges of the high-end custom market.

For those who have never been to CEDIA, CES, EHX, InfoComm, or any trade show of this nature then you may be a little confused, let me just say that during the time you spent reading this sentence another idea in the audio world was just formed. But I digress; Crestron’s PSPHD PROCISE is designed to please the most discerning audiophile or movie fan, with exclusive features that will especially inspire the audio design professionals amongst us. Features like Audyssey MultEQ® XT, Dynamic EQ, and Dynamic Volume enable calibrating a complete 7.3 speaker system to perfection.

Crestron’s PSPHD PROCISE Integrates modern design with vintage style VU (Volume Units) meters?! That’s right, the dual front panel VFDs display “mechanical” VU meters and spectrum analyzers, providing real-time signal monitoring along with a ton of other data to keep you informed throughout setup and operation.

Key Features:

• Professional 7.3 surround sound processor and preamplifier
• Designed for high-end home theaters, audiophile listening rooms, boardrooms, and auditoriums
• Handsome appearance befitting the most high-end theater or living room
• Dual front panel VFDs display real-time analog VU meters or spectrum analyzers
• Setup, control, and monitoring enabled via front panel or Crestron PROCISE Tools software
• Features Audyssey MultEQ® XT, Dynamic EQ, and Dynamic Volume
• Works with Crestron CCSTK Professional Surround Sound Tuning Kit
• Decodes Dolby® TrueHD 7.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio™ 7.1 HBR formats
• Includes balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connections on all outputs
• Available graphic or parametric EQ and delay adjustment on each theater output
• Extensive bass management through three independent subwoofer outputs
• “Double Bass” feature enables routing LFE to the main L/R channels
• Extensive signal steering for custom applications and speaker configurations
• Separate stereo and mono down-mix outputs for recording or multi-zone
• Six HDMI™ inputs support 7.1 HD multi-channel audio and 1080p60 video
• Features QuickSwitch HD™ technology for low-latency switching
• HDMI output contains HD video plus unprocessed 7.1 or 2-channel downmix audio
• Supports HDCP to ensure compatibility with protected sources and equipment
• One AES/EBU, four optical, and six coaxial digital inputs
• Ultra low noise up to 125 SNR via AES/EBU in and balanced out
• One balanced XLR and eight unbalanced RCA stereo analog inputs
• One 7.1 multi-channel analog input
• Integrates perfectly with Crestron DigitalMedia™ products via HDMI in and out
• Integrates cleanly into multimedia presentation and telepresence systems
• Includes three mix inputs for connecting mic mixers, teleconferencing codecs, paging systems, and audio signal generators
• Mix inputs feature independent EQ, notch filters, gating and compression
• Native Crestron system integration via Ethernet or Cresnet®
• Extensively programmable, with numerous presets and assignable defaults for most settings
• 3U 19″ rack-mountable (rack ears included)

The PROAMP-7X400 7-channel amplifier complements the PSPHD perfectly; delivering a heart-pounding 400 Watts per channel, yeah that’s right 400 watts per channel, with XLR balanced inputs, Cresnet and Ethernet connectivity, and seamless control and monitoring through the PSPHD front panel.

As soon as I can get my hands on this, I definitely will be pairing it with the PROAMP-7X400 7-channel amplifier & some TOTEM in wall/in ceiling speakers…Vsys is  definitely going to have the best sound system on the block!!!

Audio, Video, & Lighting oh my! These are just a few types of products that Crestron controls, not to mention switchers, processors and all the sleek interfaces they have created since 1971 when they were founded. With all these products in my home, I wonder how much energy I am using or money I am spending?…Wouldn’t it be convenient to know this kind of information, especially during this economic downturn?

Introducing “Green light” from Crestron, an energy monitoring solution for Crestron Lighting, HVAC, and of course Energy consumption for equipment connected at the outlets. Managing energy consumption & realizing real cost savings must extend beyond lighting and thermostats. A large portion of energy waste comes from Audio Video equipment being left on when not in use. Integrated within a Crestron controlled environment, even personal workspace devices such as computers, printer, desk lamps can be programmed to automatically shut down.

When connected with third party devices “Green Light” is capable of monitoring Natural gas, Solar energy, water, and also displaying current energy usage, energy and water flows, total consumption, money spent and return on investment figures in real-time, this real-time tracking allows a Crestron system to automatically dim lights or conserve power once you reach certain thresholds you have programmed into the system, with a little help from your Crestron programmer

Crestron Green Light technology provides environmental management and control to conserve energy and lower costs.

As the global leader in advanced control and automation technology for commercial and residential solutions, Crestron develops products and automation solutions that are RoHS compliant and meet ASHRAE & LEED standards.

Crestron products and systems may help achieve LEED certification points in:

Sustainable Sites

Water Efficiency

Energy & Atmosphere

Indoor Environmental Quality

Innovation & Design Process

Crestron also makes a line of “Green Light” products specifically to work with this system, such as their iLux, Shade and Drape controllers, Wall box Dimmers and Switches, table top Controllers, Gateways & Repeaters, Thermostat’s, Sensors, Automation processors, ETC…

Even now as you are reading this, Crestron’s “Green Light” is being implemented all around the world, helping people build a better, more energy efficient world. Not to mention saving energy & money, and let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to do that?

Lutron Hailed as Most Used Brand
by Top 100 Custom Electronics Industry Integrators
Coopersburg, PA (June 23, 2009) –– Lighting control manufacturer Lutron Electronics was ranked as the most used brand in the Lighting Control and Shade Control categories in a recent survey by CE Pro magazine, a publication targeting the custom installation community.

The top 100 custom product integrators were featured in the May 2009 issue of the magazine. The most used brand analysis was compiled using the data provided by the top 100 integrators.

Of the 100 integrators profiled:

69% prefer Lutron as their lighting control supplier and
64% prefer Lutron as their shade control supplier
Lutron has been a part of the custom installation community since the early 1990s when its HomeWorks® total home lighting control system debuted with rave reviews and created the category of whole-home lighting control. Since then, the company has gone on to introduce several new lighting control solutions, including Sivoia QED™, an automated shade and drapery system.

About EH Publishing
EH Publishing is an integrated media company, producing market leading publications, event and e-media for the technology and construction industries.

About Lutron Electronics (www.lutron.com)
Lutron Electronics Co., Inc., headquartered in Coopersburg, Pennsylvania, designs and manufactures lighting controls and automated window treatments for residential and commercial applications. Lutron products save energy and make light bulbs last longer, making them an eco-friendly addition to the home and office.

Originally posted at Lutron.com

Press Release

VinoSystems LLC

Specializing in Home Intelligence

For Immediate Release

Affordable Home Control

Prodigy™ by Crestron, the most respected and trusted name in home automation, is control without compromise. Installed in more homes worldwide then all other brands combined, Crestron is the global standard in luxury homes. Backed by Crestron quality, expertise and support, Prodigy provides the power and scalability you’d expect at a price you can afford. Now every house can be a Crestron home with Prodigy.
Prodigy offers you affordable, simplified control of your home and entertainment from any room in your house or any place on the planet*. Keep all your music, movies, lights, thermostats and security at your fingertips where ever you are and wherever you go. You are always in touch and in control with Prodigy. Make your home the perfect sanctuary where you can escape everyday stress. Just a simple tap of your finger brings you serenity, comfort, convenience and pleasure. Prodigy does all the thinking so you don’t have to.
Starter Package includes control of your television, Blu-ray/DVD player, surround sound receiver, six lighting zones and thermostat. Entire system controlled with 1 LCD Handheld Remote and iPhone/iPod Touch**. Starter packages are expandable for full functionality.
Starter Packages are available now installed and programmed starting at $3,750.00. Offer ends October 1, 2009.

*high speed internet required
** iPhone/iPod Touch not included

It is 7 am, the lights in your bedroom slowly turn on, the Lutron QED shades open letting in natural light and your favorite music begins to play over your Totem Tribe Series speakers.
You get up and walk into the bathroom, the lights turn on, the shower begins and the towel warmer turns on. After your shower you go to a Crestron touchpanel and check your stocks, traffic alerts or consult the weather channel to decide what to wear. In the nook as you are having breakfast you go to your Crestron touchpanel and catch the morning news, you hear your dog Woofy outside barking, from any of your Crestron touchpanel you can select security and now you can scan through your surveillance cameras.
You take off to work and as you are driving out the driveway you reach up to your HomeWorks car visor control and press Away , your house goes into Away mode: All lights turn off, selected power outlets turn off, your Climate control goes into a setback mode and your Alarm is activated!
While you are away the afternoon sun is beating on your windows, hardwood floor, leather furniture, and most important your art work. Your Intelligent home closes your shades therefore avoiding damage to your belongings.
When the home senses rain, the windows and sky lights close to avoid any damage, the irrigation controls gets interrupted to save water.
While at work you receive an email, it’s from your home, the garbage man attempted to use his gate code on the front door, a picture of the garbage man with a time stamp is attached to the email. Open an internet browser and log into your home, view the cameras, check your lights, and climate control for peace of Mind.
When you arrive in the evening you reach up to your car visor and press Home, a path of lighting welcomes you to the home, your garage opens, your favorite music begins to play and your climate control is back to comfort. All this was accomplished with a push of a button.
As you walk around your premises motion sensors activate lighting but if you would like to choose a special scenes or would like to listen to music you reach into your pocket and take out your I phone, push an Icon and presto you have full access to your control system. Multiple remotes are a thing of the past; any Smart phone can be used to talk to your home
Goodnight – As you enter your bedroom you simply press the “Goodnight” button and while your bedroom lights remain on as you prepare for bed, the house has automatically begun to shut down ready for your peaceful sleep or for you to read in bed.
You no longer have to check the lights around the house to make sure everything has been turned off. Your intelligent home has taken care of things for you.
Panic Button – When you hear a “Bump in the night” you immediately press the Panic Button located on either side of your bed and your Intelligent Home automatically turns on external lights and selected lighting in your home, turn on your TV and select security now you can view your entire exterior without leaving the safety of your bedroom.
We are VinoSystems and We Connect physical to Digital