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.

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?

Last September VinoSystems Ventured into Denver Colorado for CEDIA, Where we got a look into the future of intelligent homes. There were a countless number of companies showing of there new cutting edge technology that was currently out for use. When VinoSystems arrived upon the Crestron booth we got a chance to talk to the innovators behind their products. Crestron always has the best of the best and always the most cutting edge of technology, so seeing their new stuff is always very exciting. After about an hour of talking tech with the creators we came upon a new product that we were told may never even be released, just an idea in the works. The Crestron TPMC-3X was shown to us as a concept remote back in September, but here in July Crestron has released their mythical unicorn of controllers. The Crestron TPMC-3X is a Handheld WiFi Touchpanel which is the best remote control available for home theater and AV presentation, it is very ergonomic and customizable. It is very sleek, eye catching, easy to hold, containing large tactile push buttons that are backlit. The CRESTRON TPMC-3X provides true feedback of all your settings, and displaying metadata information for all your digital media. Whether watching TV, choosing a movie or music title, adjusting room temperature and lighting, checking the security system, or even monitoring live video right on the built-in touchscreen, the TPMC-3X affords a user experience like no other handheld remote. The TPMC-3X has 50’ wireless coverage, providing exceptional freedom of movement without line-of-sight— or even having to be in the same room! And, the TPMC-3X even supports roaming amongst multiple access points for extended coverage. The TPMC-3X has been designed to wake instantly at the press of a button, touch of the touchscreen, or by simply tilting the remote upright. Button presses are sent immediately, just like an IR remote but with none of IR’s limitations. The instant waking feature provides the TPMC-3X with the ability to be put to sleep within seconds of putting it down, helping to extend its battery life for several days of typical usage on a single charge. Did I mention this super sleek remote has wireless streaming video? Its built-in streaming video player makes it possible to monitor a security camera, or preview a DVD or television channel, right on the touchscreen display. Also customized WAV files can be loaded on the TPMC-3X to add dimension to its touchscreen graphics using personalized sounds, button feedback, and voice prompts. The TPMC-3X makes an elegant statement in any room, especially when placed on its stylish docking station (model TPMC-3X-DS, included). When docked, the TPMC-3X which was sent from the future back through time to destroy John Connor and mankind….Just kidding, but seriously, the touchpanel sits at-the-ready, able to be used as a stationary tabletop controller while charging. An optional wall mount docking station is also available (model TPMC-3X-DSW, sold separately). If there is one remote to controll them all, then the TPMC-3X is it. Look for it at your nearest Crestron dealer.

Touchscreens and keypads to manage an AMX automation system are everywhere, along with 50 motorized shades, 30 listening zones and 13 flat-panel TVs.
May 29, 2009 | by Lisa Montgomery, Origanl post @ Electronic House Magazine.
When you live in a high-rise, space can be tight. To give themselves more elbow room, the owners of this 17th-story residence bought three apartments and had the walls removed to create a 10,000-square-foot living space.

During the renovation, the homeowners decided it would be worthwhile to put in some electronic systems—not just a basic security system and entertainment setup—but a sophisticated design that would automate everything from the window blinds and lights to the door locks and even the toe heaters in the bathroom.
Read Full Article

Back in January when VinoSystems went to CES in Las Vegas we just happened upon this random room in the Venetian hotel. We took a chance after a long day of talking to companies about their products and why theirs were better than the other guys, so at this point we were pretty much done. But luckily when we stumbled into this room we found ourselves in front of a very amazing speaker company known in the world as TOTEM ACOUSTIC. As soon as we walked in there was the usual demonstration, different types of music playing so we could here the range of sound that was produced by their products. Overall we were very impressed, but what really caught my attention was their TRIBE series In-Wall/In Ceiling Speakers. The all-enclosed, meticulously crafted and astonishing sounding Tribe In-Wall/In-Ceiling brings Totem’s legendary imaging, off-axis performance and full-range sound to a brilliant compact, vibrant and dynamic series of speakers. Delivering the highest caliber compact speaker performance for over 20 years, TOTEM presents the ultimate series of In-Wall/In-Ceiling products. Designed to engulf and immerse the listener in a totally realistic and believable 3D sonic experience, the Tribe In-Wall/In-Ceiling redefine exactness, speed and musicality. For easy use under any conditions, they perform with astonishing presence, no matter the size of your space.
I can’t wait to bring these speakers into the North Bay. As a Automation Specialist/Systems Integrator I know that I will be spreading the word about this product line. So watch out Bay Area here comes TOTEM ACOUSTIC!!!

Back in January we showed you this awesome concept ultra slim and sleek LED TV from our trip to CES in Vegas. Well six months later this concept is now reality. When Samsung got together with their designers they were like, how can we make our TV’s sell like hot cakes? Introduce LED technology and voilà! it’s like I’m watching a Chris angel show because these things are magical. For example Samsungs LED TV technology enables a true to life range of picture brightness- from pure blacks to pristine whites. Samsungs auto motion plus feature delivers smooth motion images with crisp, clear picture quality. Advanced color processing ensures that every image is as vibrant and colorful on screen as it was when it was created.
Did I mention how ridiculously slim this TV’s are? They are a surprisingly 1.2’’ deep; they are the slimmest HDTV’s yet, with all the components built in!!! No additional port expansion boxes are needed, thank you very much. Samsung has this optional wall mount that when combined with the new 8 series LED TV’s hang on your wall like a picture-less than 2’’ away from any wall. Standard LCD’s hang about 5.75’’ from the wall and the new LED’s hang at an amazing 1.8’’from the wall.
The best part about the new 8 series LED TV’s is that they are very Eco friendly. They are Energy Star compliant and use 40% less energy than the standard LCD’s. Samsung is dedicated to preserving the environment through impactful manufacturing and packaging techniques. These ultra-slim, ultra light weight LED TV’s take it even further, requiring less packaging materials and transportation need. They are also free of Mercury.
So whether you want to save some space, the environment, or some energy and money, the new Samsung 8 series LED TV’s are the right choice for you!!!