April 2015
Control4 Announces New 4K Multi-Room Video Solution
We are excited to announce the all-new Control4 4K Ultra HD multi-room video solutions with new audio and video matrix switches. With the recent acquisition of Leaf, (by Control4) a leader in video and audio distribution, we built these switches to make it possible for you to distribute copy-protected 4K Ultra HD, and all of your favorite video content, to every room in your home with a clean and simple install.
We know you want the very best picture and sound from your entertainment, and 4K is the new standard for high-definition video. Delivering four-times the picture resolution of 1080p displays, it is redefining home entertainment. Movie studios, and other companies producing video content, have come together with manufacturers to define standards that result in both stunning video and audio.
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Honeywell VAM Control4 Driver Now Available
24/04/15 22:46 Filed in: Industry News | Control4
Honeywell’s VISTA Automation Module (VAM) provides an easy, affordable home and business light automation "starter" option for consumers. With the Honeywell VAM Control4 driver, you can now integrate your security system and ZWave lights into Control4 for extended functionality.
Driver features:
- IP enabled - no serial cables needed!
- Support for home, away and stay alarm modes
- Arm and disarm
- Multi-partition support (up to 4)
- Z-wave dimmer control for up to 232 lighting loads
- On/Off, dim, set level
- Zone feedback status for up to 250 zones
- Take complete control of your panel & VAM device through the Control4 system
- Provides control and feedback from the security panel & associated ZWave light dimmers
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Five things you need to know before you invest in home automation.
Control4 offers the ultimate in home automation—and so much more—by making the products and systems you already have and use everyday, work together. Learn how home automation can benefit your life in ways you never imagined possible. Below are five things you need to know before you invest in home automation.
1. Do you have the right home for automation?
2. Determine what you want to automate
3. You’ll need the help of a professional—and that’s a good thing
4. Evaluate your home network
5. Expect the Unexpected
Download the Advanced Guide which investigates the 5 points in more detail.
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Tidal Launches First Artist Owned Music Service – Available On Sonos
09/04/15 23:21 Filed in: Industry News | Sonos
On March 30th, Tidal launched the first artist-owned high definition streaming music service. TIDALHiFi promises lossless FLAC streaming from over 25 million songs, expert-curated editorial, and most importantly, the perspective and input of A-List musicians from every genre. At a press conference Tidal majority owner Jay-Z announced his grand plans for the service. In addition to having the support of prominent musicians, Tidal presents a unique streaming experience with unique features like song credits, an integrated audio recognition feature, video support and editorial content from top artists.
“This is a platform that’s owned by artists. We are treating these people that really care about music with the utmost respect.
” – Jay –Z
To learn more read the article from IT Nerd here
TIDALHiFi is now available around the world for a $19.99 CAD monthly subscription. To listen on your Sonos Wireless HiFi System, go to ‘Add Music Services’ in the Sonos Controller App and follow the prompts.
Also: Access Your Favorite Indian Songs With Saavn
Previously in Beta on Sonos, Saavn Pro launched on Sonos on Friday, March 27th. Saavn brings listeners a library of their favorite Indian and international songs, with a catalog of 2 million songs across 11 different languages.
For $3.99/month, listen to the latest Bollywood hits, classics, regional music, and even a huge English catalog.
Vancouver West Side Automated Control4 Home Video
Control4 Vancouver West Side Fully Automated Home from Digital Smart Homes on Vimeo.
Designed by renowned architect Frits de Vries, built by Natural Balance and fully automated by yours truly, Digital Smart Homes. This Vancovuer home features state of the art Control4 smart home control. In this video we take a closer look at the lighting and audio features of Control4.
Savant vs. Control4 (Savant Smart Host vs. Control4 HC250)
As an avid installer of smaller home systems and theaters for my clients, I’m finding little value in Savant’s new Smart Host. I have been working with Control4 for a number of years now, and it seems to me that Control4 is still continuing to dominate this space. For comparison purposes, I’ve gathered the below details that I could from the Savant and Control4 websites:
While the Smart Host is boasting more IR, I find that the more IR ports needs are becoming less needed. Control4’s Simple Device Discovery Protocol for IP connected devices has made the world of IP control of Smart TVs, Blu-Rays and media players such as AppleTV super easy to set-up, without the need for cumbersome IR Buds. Even when I do need IR, but don’t want the IR bud, the Control4 Blaster is there to help. For my customers, the On-Screen Display is used often for searching their movie database… often treated as a “coolio” factor with friends.
While Savant’s message about controlling up to 12 rooms is interesting, the HC250 can do the same thing for less money. Depending on the customers, needs, we leveraged keypads, remote controls and the Z2IR device to control multiple zones with a single HC-250.
The HC-250, plus Control4’s new SR-260, creates an awesome solution for entertainment centers and home theaters, at an MSRP that is less than the Smart Host itself. I’m struggling to see the real benefit of Savant’s system. I know they have a great app for use on tablets and smartphone, but I have yet to have a customer that runs their theater without a remote. Savant’s remote is twice as much as the SR-260.
I remember coming across an article last year that really highlighted the HC-250’s capabilities, a white paper by Dennis Burger. I think this article really speaks the unmatched capabilities of the HC-250, especially at a price point that speaks to customers.
Further expanding on this issue of pricing, from my personal experience, I’ve found that programming the Control4 system is way easier than any Savant system and the customer gets a solid, elegant experience with a ton of expandability.
Introducing the Cambridge Audio CX SERIES
02/04/15 22:21 Filed in: New Products | Industry News
Cambridge Audio’s CX Series of hi-end components is set to revolutionize entertainment in the digital age.
It’s the result of our tradition of hi-fi excellence and the culmination of more than 30 years of digital expertise. What does it offer? A precise, detailed audio performance that will take your breath away and effortless compatibility with the digital music you love.
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