Project Spotlight: Large Home in Mexico Simplifies with Home Control
Traditional home automation systems can often overwhelm the homeowner. So when Ampliaudio’s client requested a simple system to handle complex operations, it delivered a complete, user-friendly solution that even the wife and kids could operate. Relying on Control4, Ampliaudio gave the client a home with lighting control, distributed audio and video, HVAC, and motorized blinds.
With one system, Ampliaudio replaced 39 remote controls with eight Control4 remotes, three wireless touch panels and a couple of iPhones and an iTouch that can be used as Control4 controllers. Now the homeowner accesses a single user interface to control 10 TVs, three home theaters, 23 audio zones, motorized blinds, and the home’s HVAC and lighting systems. He can even manage his home from anywhere in the world via Control4’s 4Sight system.
Going Green
Implementing home automation simplified running systems throughout the home while also helping the homeowner better manage overall energy usage and go “green.” The Control4 system was perfect for energy management. For example, Ampliaudio programmed the system to regulate the maximum usage of light by setting the dimmers at 85%. The homeowner didn’t notice this small change until his lighting bill arrived—a pleasant change for once. Ampliaudio added more energy-saving features by integrating time-based scenes and motion sensors, too.
Customized Entertainment at Your Fingertips
A highlight of this installation was the dedicated home theater. From watching the latest movies to the kids playing their PlayStation 3 in HD, the home theater is a family gathering place. Equipped with B&W signature in-wall speakers, a micro-perforated screen, and an industry-leading JVC projector, the home theater has become a place to enjoy a wide variety of media.
Media access was simplified for the family through Control4’s friendly interface. Instead of browsing through hundreds of DVDs by hand, the homeowner can view his movie collection (stored in his 400 DVD changer) via the Control4 system. After Ampliaudio uploaded all of the movies to the system, a viewer can now scroll through all the related artwork and information by DVD.
Ampliaudio performed the same task for the family’s music library, HD satellite service, and radio channels. Using their Control4 system, anyone in the family can locate their favorite media from any of the home’s controllers. Ampliaudio also made it possible for the client to connect an iPod or iPhone to the system via an installed Control4 iPod dock, allowing music and playlists to be accessible and playable from anywhere in the home on the Control4 interface.
Award-Winning Design for a Challenging Installation
Ampliaudio faced a serious design challenge on this project: the client wanted minimal products in clear view. When possible, Ampliaudio hid dimmers and thermostats in small closets and cabinets. The homeowner’s request for a projector lift in the dedicated theater also created an issue due to the room’s height. Ampliaudio created a custom projector solution that fit in the available space, solving the problem and delivering the desired result.
Ampliaudio impressed not only the clients, but CEDIA, too. In 2009, Ampliaudio received a Bronze in Technical Design for their efforts on this project. By meeting the client’s expectations and coming in on budget, Ampliaudio again demonstrated how Control4 can deliver a friendly, energy-saving automation experience for the entire family.
