Markets /eu/markets Customer Profiles /eu/markets/customerProfiles/default.asp Daryl Johnston's Integrated Home /eu/markets/customerProfiles/DarylJohnstonHome/default.asp Daryl Johnston's Integrated Home Dallas, Texas Residential /eu/markets/customerProfiles/DarylJohnstonHome/imgs/image_DD Living Room w-Darryl.jpg /eu/markets/customerProfiles/DarylJohnstonHome/imgs/image_DD Living Room.jpg /eu/markets/customerProfiles/DarylJohnstonHome/imgs/image_DD Whole Home wide.jpg /eu/markets/customerProfiles/DarylJohnstonHome/imgs/image_DD Home Wide.jpg /eu/markets/customerProfiles/DarylJohnstonHome/imgs/image_DD Bedroom w-panel.jpg /eu/markets/customerProfiles/DarylJohnstonHome/imgs/image_DD Bedroom w-wall panel.jpg /eu/markets/customerProfiles/DarylJohnstonHome/imgs/image_DD Kitchen.jpg /eu/markets/customerProfiles/DarylJohnstonHome/imgs/image_JohnstonHome1-WithMVPOnSofa.jpg /eu/markets/customerProfiles/DarylJohnstonHome/imgs/image_JohnstonHome2-DianeAndDarylTogether.jpg /eu/markets/customerProfiles/DarylJohnstonHome/imgs/image_JohnstonHome5-ModeroMAXPage.jpg /eu/markets/customerProfiles/DarylJohnstonHome/imgs/image_JohnstonHome6-OutdoorDMSKeypad.jpg /eu/markets/customerProfiles/DarylJohnstonHome/imgs/image_JohnstonHome9-DarylAsPlayer.jpg Daryl Johnston's Integrated Home /assets/literature/W.Home_DJohnston.pdf /assets/literature/thumbs/home_Johnston.jpg PDF | 1.76 MB 2006-03 1 Former Dallas Cowboys pro-bowl fullback and three-time super bowl champion Daryl Johnston and his wife Diane knew when they purchased their 1950s-built North Dallas home that there were many renovations to be made. From expanding the facade — now the gateway to an impressive 5,500 square feet of living space — to incorporating a top-of-the-line home integration system from AMX®, the Johnstons spared no expense in making their new investment the home of their dreams. No strangers to the world of technology, the Johnstons had operated programmable remotes in their previous home. However, these had questionable reliability and complicated user requirements did not make the transition into their new estate. The Johnstons realised that they needed an advanced level of system integration that promised reliability and ease of use. “Our old system was intimidating,” concluded Mr. Johnston. “We just wanted something that was easy to use,” added Mrs. Johnston After numerous meetings and discussions with ACE Certified Installer and Designer Scott Adamson and ACE Certified Expert Paul Bohnsack, both of Audio by Design, an AMX Dealer based in Waxahachie, Texas, it became apparent that AMX control was the right choice to deliver just what the Johnstons were looking for. “It’s just nice knowing that we can come down and have access to everything that’s here to be utilised and not be intimidated,” Mr. Johnston explained. After the control technology had been determined, Bohnsack advised the Johnstons that an upgrade of their electronic devices — DVD players, televisions and other displays, for example — would significantly improve the overall quality of their system. The Johnston's pre-existing audio and video could be replaced with newer models, ultimately enhancing the integrated system's operation and personal entertainment value as a whole. Although they had chosen their "plan of attack," the home's construction prevented incorporating the system into the Johnston home for more than a year. The fact that the home was being renovated did have its advantages, however. The gutting of the original property proved advantageous for pre-wiring. In a structure already completed, installation would require drilling into walls and crawling into tight spaces in the attic to run wire and connect the necessary pieces of equipment. The renovations taking place in the Johnston's home allowed Audio By Design to "prep" the house seamlessly without working around or disturbing a finished interior. Although the ability to coordinate the integration required patience because of its lengthy turn around time, the Johnston's cooperation made the entire task run much smoother. "They are the best people," said Bohnsack. "They were easy to deal with and overall just incredible clients." The home integration system — specifically the choice of touch panels — set a benchmark for AMX as well. When initial discussions between the Johnstons and Audio By Design took place in early 2003, the Johnston's system was to include AMX's Dynamic Menu Select (DMS) Keypads and legacy 6-inch touch panels. Months later, when AMX introduced its Modero® ViewPoint (MVP) touch panels, these exciting new user interfaces were immediately brought into the system design for a greater level of end user simplicity and system capabilities. "The MVP gave them exactly what they needed; a high-quality graphical interface and more flexibility compared to the prior touchpanel models." Bohnsack stated. The early in-home system plan included three MVPs: two 8.4-inch models and one 7.5-inch version. In the process of development, the 7.5-inch was upgraded to the 8.4-inch so that all three panels are identical in design and graphics capabilities. "The Modero panels are great," Johnston said. "Master"-ful Control The home is set up using a comprehensive NetLinx® Master-to-Master configuration. A total of three Masters each run dedicated code, but share control and communication commands. This implementation allowed Audio By Design to use AMX's DesignXPress programming software to integrate critical house systems including HVAC functions being controlled through AMX ViewStat Thermostats, distributed audio using AMX switchers and amps and the MAX by AMX® Content Server. All of the other custom programming for the house resides on the downstairs Master. Monitoring functions and email notifications are in a stand-alone programme in the third Master. The Johnston's home is equipped with a variety of high-end consumer electronics: Samsung HD Monitor Panasonic 42-inch Plasma Monitor Sony 36-inch HD Monitor Toshiba 32-inch Television Parasound Tuner DVD/VCR Combo Player ComPool System "MAX"-imum Audio The Johnstons also needed a way to access, control and distribute their extensive music library. MAX by AMX does just that, allowing them to upload and play any CD in their collection with just the push of a button on the touch panel. With one MAX server and three Audio Video Modules (AVM) located in the great room, main A/V closet and an outdoor pool area, the user can control a total of sixteen different zones to play a selection of choice. These distinct zones include: exercise room weight room two private offices master suite formal living room kitchen dining room sitting area pool area yard area Each uses an MVP or DMS Keypad to select the desired audio content from the MAX server. "We like to entertain," Mrs. Johnston explained. "With the MAX server, we can make party tracks for adult parties or a track of children-appropriate songs for the kid's parties." Wire-Free Experience Strategically placed throughout specic areas of the home are AMX's 802.11g Wireless Access Points (WAPs). The WAP signals, which communicate with the MVPs, coincide with the Johnston's desire for reliability and convenience, creating uninterrupted wireless capabilities. "Simply" the Best Choice "Simplicity was probably the number one thing we considered when we looked at the AMX system," Mr. Johnston explained. "I think the simplicity of the system is very good. We've had a number of people visit who may be intimidated by technology yet they feel comfortable with the AMX system." "The AMX system is cutting edge and still simple to use, so we were very attracted to that," Mrs. Johnston added.