VSYS Blog

Illumination Software New Green Features

Recently released HomeWorks Illumination Software version 1.401 Beta includes three new software features that make automated lighting control an even greener solution.

A Green Button allows many different zones to change their actions to something that uses less energy. Dimmable zones are trimmed by a percentage instead of dimmed to a level. For example, you would trim the lights by 10% and make the fade 10 minutes. This long fade assures that the light level change is not abrupt – most homeowners will not know the light level has changed. For all the details on the Green Button, please email jmota@vsys.us

Vacation Mode Trim is another easy way that you can save energy with HomeWorks. ‘Trimming’ refers to being able to set a light level back (lower) by a fixed percentage – say trim back by 25%. In standard vacation mode playback, lights are played back at their exact light levels, day or night. With Vacation Mode Trim, you do two things – 1) Trim back the light levels during vacation mode playback, and 2) only play back the lights at night. By trimming the lights back, and doing it only at night, you save energy and still make the home appear as though it is inhabited. To learn more about Vacation Mode Trim, including a software implementation example, please email jmota@vsys.us

There’s no question that the digital age is here today. The products you’re using now won’t work for much longer. Crestron DigitalMedia is the only soution that answers the challenges of tomorrow-today.
Crestron has released and is shipping its revolutionary new DigitalMedia™ product line, the only complete, integrated solution that manages, controls and distributes all analog and uncompressed digital content over twisted pair or fiber. The core of a Crestron DigitalMedia (DM) system consists of matrix switchers, repeaters and receivers. Flexible and modular, DM matrix switchers accept every type of signal and transmit them long distance as digital DM signals. Exclusive built-in QuickSwitch HD™ technology pre-authorizes HDCP keys and maintains a constant handshake for fast, uninterrupted HD switching. At the end points, DM receivers output HDMI and control to the display. Crestron DigitalMedia is the only solution that answers the challenges of tomorrow – today.

Instant HDMI switching. Not only does it handle the one to many HDMI/HDCP problem, but the delays in source to source switching – delays that everyone encounters using a reciever or any single display switch – are gone. Switching is almost instantaneous. The display doesn’t go through another handshake.

Mixed Fiber + Copper. Less than 100′ or okay to use a repeater? Use copper. Over 100′, use fiber. Mix and match in the same switch.

Integrated USB extension. With the combination of USB + HDMI in/out we get remote placement of computers + gaming stations without losing flexibility of use or control. A game station can live inside a family room but be used in the playroom too. Or the console can live in a rack and all the controllers plug into a plate inside a family room end table cabinet. Or your laptop plugs into the office but a small keyboard lives in the kitchen and the bedroom allowing you to pick up the display there. And so on…..

Music from every source imaginable.

Sonos plays it all. Music from your personal collection stored on your computer. More than 25,000 free Internet radio stations, shows and podcasts. And music services that let you stream and download their vast collections of songs from the Internet to the rooms of your choice. Sonos gives you the freedom to listen to whatever you want, wherever you want. Play a classic album from your music collection in the kitchen and the living room. Wake up to a local radio station in your bedroom or tune in to a podcast from another continent. Whatever you’re into, rock or rap, interviews or instrumentals, Sonos gives you instant and endless music gratification.
Wireless that works like magic.

Sonos takes wireless to a whole new level. Their mesh network technology provides whole-house coverage, ensures synchronous music playback, and avoids sources of wireless interference. Which means the music gets to all the right rooms — near or far — at exactly the right time.
A multi-room system that’s flawless, flexible and fun.

At Sonos, multi-room is their mantra. They don’t think about individual pieces of hardware or software. They think about the system as a whole and how to flawlessly deliver synchronized music to every room with total flexibility and total control. Plus, They made it easy to add more rooms of music without adding wires. Now what could be more fun than that?
And now you can control SONOS with your iphone!!! Watch the video here!!!

Now available as a free download from the iTunes® App Store, Crestron Mobile for iPhone keeps you Crestron-connected, wherever you are. An intuitive graphical interface enables seamless control and management of climate, lighting, shades and security systems. View room and device status and adjust control features in a primary residence, vacation home, and office in real time, communicating via the 3G or Edge cellular network (or Wi-Fi, where available).

iphone and ipod Touch Crestron App

The Kaleidescape Mini System, an innovative product that puts your entire collection of movies and music at your fingertips. The Mini System is the first Kaleidescape product to integrate a complete multi-zone Kaleidescape System into a single component, and the first to include a remote control. Its elegant industrial design is beautifully suited for a living room, and it installs as easily as an ordinary DVD player. Priced about 40% less than the current Kaleidescape System, the Mini System is affordable and well-suited for a variety of projects.
Key Features:
Stores Up To 225 DVDs or 2,500 CDs
The base Mini System stores up to 75 DVDs or 825 CDs and can be expanded by adding Disk Cartridges to store up to 225 DVDs or 2,500 CDs, or any equivalent combination. Content stored on a Mini System is protected by Kaleidescape’s RAID-K technology, and need not be re-imported if a hard disk drive fails.
Stunning 1080p Output
The Mini System creates beautiful high-definition output from DVDs, providing a viewing experience that rivals Blu-ray.
Two Additional Music Zones
Along with the 1080p movie zone, the Mini System includes two more independent music zones so that a movie can be watched in one room while music is enjoyed in other parts of the home.
DVD/CD Playback from Disc
A DVD or CD need not be imported into a Mini System in order to enjoy it with the Kaleidescape Experience. High resolution cover art and other details are displayed whenever a DVD is inserted. Select Play to directly start the movie or television show without trailers and advertisements – even for rented DVDs!
Simple Installation
The Mini System installs easily by connecting it to power, the Internet and a television display. With the included Kaleidescape remote, it’s ready for immediate use. It is shipped configured as a free-standing component, but it can be adapted for rack-mounting with the included kit.
Expansion
The Mini System works with other Kaleidescape products so that your System can grow to handle a collection of thousands of DVDs and CDs and a home of any size.
For More Info Watch The Kaleidescape Experience Video

The New Mini System Is Now 40% Cheaper!!!

Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. continues to grow its roster of wireless products with the addition of GRAFIK Eye QS Wireless. The system provides seamless integration of Lutron light and shade products for complete light control in a space.
Lutron’s GRAFIK Eye QS, introduced to the market in June 2007, is a fully customizable preset light and shade control system, providing convenient control, energy savings, and enhancement of the visual environment.
GRAFIK Eye QS Wireless provides all of the same advanced features as before, along with new wireless connections to Sivoia® QS Wireless shades, wireless occupancy sensors, and additional GRAFIK Eye QS Wireless units. The wireless interconnects allow for reduced installation time and cost by eliminating the need to run or pull wire from the GRAFIK Eye QS to several components.

GRAFIK Eye QS Wireless also can be equipped with an integral bus supply providing direct control of Lutron’s revolutionary EcoSystem™ digitally addressable ballasts, or Hi-lume™ 3D ballasts. Another optional component is the Hi-lume LED driver.

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