How much can a homeowner control with a single automation device?

Whole-home automation can get complicated quickly. But just how much can a homeowner control with a single automation device? When that device is Control4's powerful HC-250 Home Controller, the short answer is, "A lot."

Over the past few years, a number of off-the-shelf, do-it-yourself smart hubs and subscription-based services from ISPs have begun to tantalize homeowners with the promise of complete home control. The truth of it, though, is that these DIY kits or subscription services rarely deliver on the promise they sell, at least not without the help of a number of add-on devices.

The same is true of many advanced home control platforms, as well. Rarely can you do much at all with just one box. Unless, of course, that box is the Control4 HC-250. With its powerful processor, unrivalled Control4 Operating System, and the ability to connect to and control all manner of third-party devices (over 7,000 of them) via wireless ZigBee and WiFi—as well as hard-wired Ethernet, infrared, relay, or two-way RS-232—the HC-250 delivers an incredibly versatile, flexible, customizable automation experience like no other.

Download the full article here > OneDeviceChallenge

Tags: Control4

There’s virtually no limit to what can be automated in your home by upgrading to Control4’s new OS 2.6. It marks the next step in your journey toward making your house the best it can be—comfortable, convenient, and fun!
Read More...

Tags: Control4

For a lot of homeowners, the next big home improvement project to tackle is home automation, but the process can be extremely daunting if they don’t even know where to begin. Like every thought process, a smart home project requires a core, or a hub, that is versatile enough to maintain and integrate new smart home features as they pop up. Control4 does just that, and more.

Whether you’re trying to implement a state of the art home entertainment or add smart integrated lighting, the Control4 hub offers the flexibility required integrate any current and future smart home products. While your smartphone is technically a capable hub, it was not designed specifically to handle home automation.

Technically speaking, you can use your smartphone to control just about any smart home functionality. However, a major drawback to this idea is that each functionality requires its own app, which often leads to confusion and a smartphone bloated with apps. Control4 solves this by letting homeowners connect all their functionalities to a single hub that lets you use your smartphone to control all features from a single user interface.

You may argue that there will be a single smartphone app that can control all smart home functions without a hub. However, the flaw in this perspective is that it doesn’t take into consideration that the mobile operating system (OS) is extremely fragmented. Essentially, what this means is that hardware vendors don’t want to put in the time and effort to optimize and update their software once it’s off the shelf. This in turn causes mayhem for developers who want to create apps that provide seamless user experiences across all platforms. Moreover, every smart home product makers have their own set of guidelines on how an app interacts with the product. If you put two and two together, you’ll see that using a smartphone as a hub becomes an un-navigable web for developers and homeowners alike.

So wouldn’t it just be easier for there to be a versatile hub that uses your smartphone as an extension to control your smarthome functionalities? The Control4 team dedicate themselves to constantly improving and tweaking their hub to meet the demands of their customers. Don’t pull out your hair over something as simple as a hub, because Control4 has developed an affordable, reliable, secure industry-leading core for all your home automation needs.

Tags: Control4, Home Automation, Smart Home, Smart Lighting

Even the greatest artists started somewhere. Which is why Sonos has added SoundCloud to their music services. SoundCloud connects music creators with music lovers and lets them share their latest sounds. With SoundCloud on Sonos you can enjoy immersive sound and explore the largest community of emerging and established artists throughout your home.

Tags: Sonos

Today Sonos is excited to launch a public beta for Android users and announce our upcoming software release with enhancements to both PLAYBAR and the Sonos app.

The soundbar for music lovers just got better

Our favorite artists never stop evolving, and neither do our products. Our upcoming software release will deliver on this promise by improving on PLAYBAR’s category-leading music sound performance.
PLAYBAR will play music the way it was meant to be heard. Using stereo imaging to improve the soundstage, along with updates to the EQ and volume balance, so that even the slightest nuances in the music are positioned more clearly, with a more immersive, natural sound.
Read More...

Tags: Sonos, Multi-Zone Audio, Music System, Music Server

Salamander expands it's AV Basics furniture line with a new style of theater seating, the model TC3. The model TC3's proper ergonomic design, generous padding, and quality materials ensure maximum comfort that will perform over time. A great value for entry level theaters.

The TC3 offers comfort, style, and value. This motorized recliner allows every member of the family to find their perfect spot to watch movies or sporting events for hours in total comfort. The cup holders add a convenient place for any hot or cold beverage.

• Electric Motorized Recliner mechanism provides luxurious comfort. In-arm control on end arm seats and wired remote on center seats.
• Wall-Away recliner needs just three inches of clearance behind it
• Black Bonded Leather cover is beautiful, durable and easy care
• Black steel cup holders in black finish keep your beverages at hand
• Many popular solution based configurations – not modular. Ships in Multiple Boxes
• Easy Installation chair connectors make assembly simple
• Quality Frame and Foam materials backed by Salamander service and support

Download the brochure here

Tags: Furniture, Home Theater, Theater Seating, Salamander Designs