- When Simon Elias, general manager of Technology Solutions and Services (TSS) of Plano, Texas, first met the owner of a 6,000-square-foot, two-story residence located on five acres in North Dallas, it was immediately clear to him that his client knew exactly what he wanted. A self-taught "techie", the 10-year, board-certified attorney was involved in every aspect of the job – from selecting the equipment to designing the touch panel user interface.
"We want to compliment and enhance our customers' lifestyles while providing the maximum return for their valuable time and financial investment, and AMX control hardware allows us to easily accomplish this."
Installing the System
- Built in 1998, the pre-owned home was wired to accommodate a basic control system. "Electronics and computers have always interested me, so when my wife and I bought a residence that was pre-wired, I knew I'd install a customized control system offering the features and functionality important to me and my family," said the owner.
- To deliver the high-level of control his client wanted, however, TSS had to install new control cables for the pool and security system, along with additional control cables for audio/video equipment. "My client's objectives for the system exceeded the existing infrastructure," explained Elias. "So, while the pre-installed wiring helped, we still had quite a bit of infrastructure work to do."
- Once the control wiring was completed, TSS installed an AMX® NI-3000 Net Linx® Integrated Controller, which serves as the nerve center for the residence, enabling the family to, for example, alter the temperature or lighting of a room, display the video surveillance system on any TV, or power on the spa jets using one source of control.
- For maximum flexibility, the homeowner selected an AMX Modero® ViewPoint (MVP) 7.5-inch Wireless Touch Panel and seven AMX Direct Menu Select (DMS) Keypads, which TSS installed thought the residence. He also chose three AMX ViewStat Wall-Mounted Thermostats, making HVAC control even more convenient.
- "With the wide variety of interface options my client selected, access to the AMX system is nearby, no matter where you are in the house," said Elias.
Whole-Home Audio
- Both the owner and his wife enjoy listening to music at home, so integrating multiple audio source options and zones into the system was essential, Elias explained. "Having the best stereo equipment as a kid in high school or college has naturally migrated to wanting a whole-home stereo system as an adult," said the owner.
- In total, the AMX system controls six music sources and distributes audio content to eight zones throughout the residence. "I love that I can use the AMX wireless touch panel to change the music while I'm outside by the pool. Now that's control," the owner commented.
Peace of Mind
- The home's extensive security system is also controlled by the AMX system. If an alarm is triggered at night, the NetLinx Controller automatically turns on all of the house's interior and exterior lights. "Given the size of the residence, there are quite a few flood lights installed around its exterior for security," said Elias. "With the integrated system, the lights only come on when they're really needed, which significantly reduces the family's energy usage." The AMX equipment also controls a live, four-camera, closed-circuit television system. "Knowing that surveillance footage is available, should it ever be needed, provides my clients with additional piece of mind, said Elias. They're also looking forward to using the cameras to monitor their children as they play in the backyard – once they're older that is."
Designing the User Interface
- Designing an easy-to-use touch panel interface was crucial to the homeowner, who often entertains family and friends. "My mom and dad often visit, so it was essential that the control system be easy enough for them to use if my wife and I aren't around," he said.
- The main touch panel page includes recognizable icons for the home's audio and video equipment, lighting, HVAC, pool, security system and Internet Explorer, and the drill down menus are intuitive enough for someone to navigate with little or no instruction, explained Elias.
One-Touch Automation
- To make lighting control effortless, TSS worked closely with the owner to customize a wide-range of settings that meet his family's unique lifestyle. Using the Modero Touch Panel or DMS Keypads, they can select the lighting option that best fits the ambiance they want to create – from "cooking" or "dining" to "evening" or "entertaining."
- "The custom touches TSS provided along the way ensured the AMX system met our expectations," said the owner. "They really went above and beyond on this project."
Real Remote Control
- Another compelling capability of the home's AMX system is its IP network connectivity, enabling the owner to control the entire system while he's away from home. Before leaving work, for example, he can access the system via a secure Internet connection, and in a matter of seconds, he can power on the spa to his preferred temperature level, set interior and exterior lighting, and play his desired music throughout the home and via the speakers by the pool. "Our main goal is to design and integrate technology around our customer's needs so that they're in complete control of their surroundings easily and simply," said Elias. "We want to compliment and enhance their lifestyles while providing the maximum return for their valuable time and financial investment, and AMX control hardware allows us to easily accomplish this."
- Once the AMX hardware was installed and integrated into the home's network, TSS programmers were also able to design the control software and touch panel graphics from the company's office, uploading it remotely and securely to the AMX controller when completed. This capability shortened the amount of time TSS staff needed to physically work in the residence, which was a huge value-add for their client.
- Today, virtually all support and maintenance for the home's control system is performed remotely via a secure Internet connection. For example, when the homeowner's satellite TV provider changed its music channels, a TSS programmer connected to the owner's network to make the required updates, enabling him and his wife to enjoy their favorite music stations in a matter of hours.
Future Plans
- In the future, the homeowner looks forward to turning one of his spare rooms into a dedicated home theater, which will include altering and upgrading the video and audio source equipment. "One of the advantages of the AMX system is its scalability," commented Elias. "Because we can easily add and remove equipment, we know we'll be able to meet the family's evolving technology needs, whatever they may be, well into the future."
