Markets /markets Customer Profiles /markets/customerProfiles/default.asp The Progressive Home /markets/customerProfiles/ProgressiveHome/default.asp The Progressive Home Retail /markets/customerProfiles/ProgressiveHome/imgs/image_PA HOME - LIVING 1.jpg /markets/customerProfiles/ProgressiveHome/imgs/image_ProgressiveAudioLiving2.jpg /markets/customerProfiles/ProgressiveHome/imgs/image_progressivehomebed_2.gif /markets/customerProfiles/ProgressiveHome/imgs/image_progressivehomekitchen.gif /markets/customerProfiles/ProgressiveHome/imgs/image_progressivehomestore.gif /markets/customerProfiles/ProgressiveHome/imgs/image_progressivehomevplivingEnlargedImage.gif The Progressive Home /assets/literature/Progressive.Home.pdf /assets/literature/thumbs/retail_ProgressiveHome.jpg PDF | 549 KB 2003 1 As you step foot into the Progessive Audio showroom in Columbus, Ohio, you might not expect that this visit will lead you up a flight of stairs and into a garden apartment totally integrated with AMX control technology. Here, you will find the latest consumer electronics connected together through the power of NetLinx and the simple convenience of AMX Touch Panels. Welcome to the Progressive Home, where customers serious about residential control and automation discover first-hand exactly what it means to experience modern luxury. "If you are an end-user, an architect, a builder or interior designer, you can experience residential integration through the Progressive Home instead of just hearing us talk about it," said Aaron Carmack, Director of Marketing at Progessive Audio. In other words, it is a new kind of sales tool. After greeting clients, discussing their unique needs, and presenting brochures packed with a slew of integration solutions, Progressive Audio staff members offer a casual invite to both end-users and professionals alike to witness a completely automated garden apartment on the next floor. Yes, it has been completely renovated. The six rooms host leading manufacturer's electronics and a wide range of AMX Touch Panels, including the latest Modero series. "The main reason we built it was to create a better sales tool," Carmack said. "It's not so much to remain competitive in the industry as it is to raise the bar for ourselves." Show Room Renovation The Progressive Audio retail space starts on the bottom floor of a three-story apartment building. Originally six garden apartments rented to the faculty of the Ohio State University, Progressive Audio purchased the building in 1982 and spent 10 years converting one unit at a time from rental space to retail showroom. This past summer, Progressive Audio returned one of the apartments to its 1920's era rental space roots, while installating the astonishing capabilities of one-touch automation and control. The result is a space they call the Progressive Home. Starting Point, Selling Points "It starts with entertainment at one level and then some lighting control," Carmack explained. "Rarely did anyone come to us asking for a 'smart home' because it carries a negative stereotype that includes technology gimmicks and hard-to-use equipment." When the Progressive Home opened for the first time in November 2002, this innovative idea of whole home control became a reality. "One of the first reactions we get is how easy it is to use," Carmack added. "There are things coming together that our customers didn't even consider. The simplicity is totally due to the AMX NetLinx Control System. Next, the client is impressed by how the technology does not invade the aesthetics within the apartment. It's very common to hear someone say during their visit that they would want to live here." Completely AMX Control NetLinx, the flagship control system from AMX, offers a significant difference in the way control and automation is achieved throughout the Progressive Home. To showcase a variety of one-touch control options, the apartment includes a 6" Touch Panel, the Modero 15" and 12" Table Top and Wall Mount panels, both the 1-way and 2-way wireless Viewpoints, as well as a 2-button Keypad. Many of the most popular equipment from the largest manufacturers work in concert to provide the maximum amount of simplicity, convenience, security and convenience. The Progressive Home reflects the AMX integrated lifestyle. "NetLinx and products from Lutron, Escient, Krell and others are all second generation creations," Carmack said. "They have all grown out of their predecessor, which is important for us because everything works better." The Progressive Home Experience: Front Door A proximity reading system unlocks the electric door lock as the homeowner approaches. Individual IDs distinguish which family member is entering and automatically sets customized music and lighting preferences. Sunroom / Front Porch An AMX 2-Button Keypad permits easy volume control of speakers, as well as the selection of different types of audio/visual equipment. Master Bedroom This is the first of five rooms (pictured at right) featuring a multi-purpose display device. A 50" plasma mounted above the fireplace serves as a High-Definition television, music management system and computer monitor for Internet access and digital slide shows. A wireless AMX ViewPoint Touch Panel and AMX 4" Wall Mount Touch Panel provide one-touch control of the plasma. Dining Room Installed are two high end on-ceiling audio speakers, a 15" HDTV display, automated drapery and lighting control. Using an AMX 6" Wall Mount Touch Panel, moods ranging from romantic to seasonal to functional are created. Kitchen Speakers in the ceiling, an AMX 4" Wall Mount Touch Panel and a single flat monitor for both television and Internet keep this area connected without sacrificing any valuable countertop space. Living Room Centrally located, the living room features a comprehensive variety of components and systems. The largest is the audio/video system with world class audio electronics and speakers, plus a 60" plasma. Supporting the AV system is a wireless AMX 2-Way ViewPoint Touch Panel, which provides the user positive feedback on the panel's display that the action selected has actually been executed.