Station Earth Cures Health Science Professional’s Faulty A/V System with ‘Prescription’ from ELAN

/

While building a three-story, 15,000 square foot home, a Canadian health scientist had aspirations to connect every part of the sprawling residence into a single easy-to-control network, but he had trouble finding an integration firm cut out for the job. After an exhausting search for the right team, the homeowner found Station Earth, a Canada-based integration firm, who designed and executed a complex yet intuitive system around the award-winning ELAN Entertainment & Control System.

“When we were brought in on the project, the house had already been pre-wired,” Station Earth Sales Manager John Stumpf explained. “The previous integrator was wiring for a different control platform; however, upon hearing the homeowner’s stated requirements, we chose ELAN with Lutron as the consummate choice. Luckily, ELAN was able to seamlessly integrate into the wiring, resulting in a successful installation.”

For a smart home of this magnitude, the A/V equipment must be extremely robust. Station Earth’s system consists of 132 lighting and fan loads, 36 motorized roller shades, 11 security cameras, an alarm system with two partitions and 85 zones, humidity monitoring, temperature monitoring, gate control, five garage door controls, 13 zones of video, 17 zones of distributed audio and a full anamorphic theater room, all integrated through ELAN.

The ELAN system travels throughout every inch of the three-story home, including the indoor pool and outside to the tennis court. Inside, Station Earth designed a dedicated gaming room for the family, complete with three gaming stations, a wall-mounted 90-inch LED TV and a pool table. “What might seem like overkill in some rooms fits perfectly into this space,” Stumpf said. “ The outcome in the Great Room is simply breathtaking.”

To keep the family entertained throughout the rest of the home, audio and video components were added to nearly every room. Each ELAN touch panel offers Sirius Radio, Music Server, Airplay, online streaming services and local FM radio, while 1080p video can be summoned to any of the home’s 13 televisions or the home theater with the push of a button. “Ease of use and intuitiveness were the top requests and ones that we hit the mark in this project,” Stumpf stated. “Every family member and relative that uses the ELAN-based system comments on how simple it is to control.”

To operate the system, Station Earth strategically mounted ELAN touch panels, Apple iTouch devices and Lutron keypads into the walls. If the homeowner is away from his home or on a different part of the property, he can operate the system through smart phones and web-based tablets. Stumpf added, “While traveling, the clients can verify the comings and goings of the housekeepers, landscapers, snow removal, pool servicing technicians and dog walkers, simply by checking the alarm history and the camera footage. They can see all activity in and around the property through the ELAN App on their smart device.”

Throughout this tremendous project, Station Earth worked directly with the builder, architect, interior designer, gate company, HVAC company, pool company, electrical contractor and landscape company, producing the best possible concerted outcome on behalf of the client. “With great planning comes great success; this project is indicative of that,” Stumpf concluded. “Beginning with the initial client meetings and decision maker walkthroughs, we were able to choose products that boast ease of integration, all coming together to contribute to an impressive finished product. Our client’s expectations were not met, they were exceeded.”

To view and download more photography of this project, click here.

High Security Correctional Facility Creates Digital In-Cell Workstations with Gefen

/

In Australia, a high security correctional facility sought to install a computer-based digital educational system, comprised of a keyboard, monitor, mouse and audio capabilities, in each of its 110 inmate cells. To do so, they turned to local Gefen distributor Amber Technology and their network of integrators to design and install a remotely managed network of “in-cell” workstations that would provide inmates with informational content and restricted Internet access. To create a secure, remotely managed network of computers that could route content to any digital workstation in the facility, a team of specialized security integrators developed a system comprised of Gefen Video/KVM over IP EXT-DVIKVM-LAN-LTX Senders &EXT-DVIKVM-LAN-LRX Receivers.

“Our team was asked to create a system that would provide controlled access and content delivery to multiple sites simultaneously, all while using the existing IT infrastructure,” Amber Technology Business Development Manager Michael Shaw said. “The high security nature of the facility significantly limited our installation options, but Gefen’s KVM over IP solution made it possible to create a secure network of 110 in-cell workstations and 110 remotely located computers in an active correctional facility, with minimal disruption.”

The correctional facility needed a system that allowed authorities to control each workstation’s content from a remote location across multiple delivery points, with varied levels of access. While inmates would have access to the monitor, keyboard, and mouse, they would not have access to the computer hardware, which would be located within the management facility. To make this system a reality, they took advantage of Gefen’s powerful and versatile open API to allow third party systems to control and manage the routing and scheduling of inmate workstation access.

“Remote management was a crucial component of the installation. Our team needed to ensure that all components were solid and reliable, and that the authorities have full control over the workstations,” Shaw said. “We were certainly able to achieve that.”

The Gefen EXT-DVIKVM-LAN-LTX Sender converts DVI video, USB, RS-232, and audio from a computer to Internet Protocol (IP) and EXT-DVIKVM-LAN-LRX Receiver converts the IP signal back to video, USB, RS-232, and audio so that it can connect a fully functional workstation to a remotely installed computer, utilizing an existing Local Area Network (LAN). The Sender and Receiver units can be configured to unique IP addresses to allow the control and routing of multiple senders and receivers on the same network. The senders and receivers interface with the correctional facility’s existing LAN using standard CAT-5 or better cables. Local monitoring of video that is being routed to each cell is made possible by the DVI Local Output feature on the Sender unit.

“Our team integrated all of the Gefen components into the facility’s IP network infrastructure. This eliminated the need for new wiring and a separate network. This also guarantees scalability,” Shaw explained. “New computers and workstations can be added at any time by installing additional Gefen Senders and Receivers.”

Network security was also of the utmost importance. “We ensured content and control security by utilizing Gefen’s built-in signal encryption that prevents interception by unauthorized parties,” Shaw emphasized. “Total network security is obviously essential in an application of this type.”

Gefen Video over IP products provide the backbone of a versatile audio, video, and control routing system. Any combination of HDMI, DVI and VGA Senders and Receivers can be used together to create a scalable “Virtual Matrix”, where each Sender can be accessed by multiple receivers, and additional Senders or Receivers can be added to the system at any time. All routing can be monitored and managed over the IP network, using Gefen’s EXT-CU-LAN Matrix Controller, Gefen’s Keyboard Switching software, or with a third party control solution. The EXT-CU-LAN or Gefen’s Syner-G™ Software Suite can be used for quick and trouble-free automatic set up of the system over a Local Area Network.

“The installation was a complete success,” Shaw concluded. “The correctional facility’s authorities are now successfully providing controlled educational and recreational programs for their inmates. Cutting-edge A/V distribution technologies such as this one from Gefen make these constructive and forward-looking projects possible, and we’re honored to be a part of it.”

 

Trident Case Offers Rugged and Durable Protection for the All New Apple iPhone SE

/

Known for manufacturing the world’s toughest mobile device cases, Trident Case's famously rugged Kraken A.M.S. Series and Aegis Series are now available to support the all-new Apple iPhone SE. For new Apple iPhone SE users, both series are immediately available for purchase at www.tridentcase.com.

“The Kraken A.M.S. Series and Aegis Series offer mobile device users with the strongest level of protection possible,” Trident Case Marketing and Creative Director Mark Hantout said today. “For anyone who wants guaranteed security for their new Apple iPhone SE, we’ve got you covered.” 

The ultra-rugged Kraken A.M.S. Series offers Apple iPhone SE users with the maximum level of device protection. Constructed with polycarbonate and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), the Kraken A.M.S. Series provides dual layer protection that includes a permanent screen protector to prevent scratches. These tough cases meet the Military Standard MIL-STD-810G for protection from drops, dust, rain, sand and vibration.

The Kraken A.M.S. Series is fully adaptable to any lifestyle, as it includes a twist-and-lock attachment port at the back of the case that supports a variety of accessories such as the A.M.S. Tablet Stand and dozens of mounts from Arkon. New Apple iPhone SE owners can enjoy the convenience of mounting their device on any type of surface, including desks, dashboards, car headrests and more.

Trident Case’s sleek Aegis Series meets military standard Mil-STD-810G for vibration and drop protection. The series is also comprised of polycarbonate and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) to provide a superior fit for the iPhone SE. Each Aegis Series case comes with a self-applicable screen protector, to ensure the consumer’s screen stays scratch-free, as well as dust filters to keep dust, dirt and debris out.

Both the Kraken A.M.S. Series and Aegis Series are constructed using bio-enhanced plastic that is degradable, compostable and recyclable, making them eco-friendly.

For more information, visit www.tridentcase.com or contact sales@tridentcase.com.

For hi-res images, click here.

Sub-Zero & Wolf Relies on ELAN Control and Niles Audio to Provide High-End Clientele with a Luxury Shopping Experience

/

When selling home appliances with price tags in the tens of thousands of dollars, the shopping experience must be nothing short of perfect. That’s why, when renovating their ultra-chic Knightsbridge showroom in London, Sub-Zero & Wolf turned to leading technology integration firm Your Smart Home to design and install an integrated A/V infrastructure that would provide customers with a high-end shopping experience to match the upscale products at hand. To develop a sophisticated yet easy-to-use control system, Your Smart Home relied on an ELAN Entertainment & Control System paired with a Niles Auriel Multi-Room Audio System.

“While the Sub-Zero & Wolf team understood the benefits of a showroom outfitted with ‘smart’ technology, they were skeptical given their previous, poorly implemented automation system. Not only was it deemed too difficult to use, but it often powered down unexpectedly. Obviously, a finicky system could be a potential nightmare in the presence of prospective clients,” stated William Hopkins, Managing Director at Your Smart Home. “We believe that technology should complement, not distract. That’s why, when we partnered with Sub-Zero & Wolf, our first course of action was to install an ultra-reliable ELAN system. Given its naturally sleek design and intuitive interface, ELAN is the perfect match for the Sub-Zero & Wolf aesthetic.”

While the showroom’s ground floor includes a traditional product display showcase, the subterranean level is comprised of a functional demo home complete with a kitchen, living room, dining room, study, bar and lounge, outdoor garden, and a ‘Winston Churchill Cigar Room’ that continuously plays his speeches on loop.

“To best showcase our Sub-Zero & Wolf appliances, we emulated a whole home experience that literally shows customers how our products would fit into their every day lives,” explained Ricky Davies, Sub-Zero & Wolf Operations Manager. “Additionally, to embody a luxurious environment, each room in the demo home has a unique ‘theme’. We obviously need technology like lighting and A/V to help perpetuate these themes autonomously while our clientele tour the showroom.”

For the showroom control hub, Hopkins and his team built a system around one ELAN gSC10 controller and one ELAN g1 controller. Control of all A/V, HVAC, lighting, and security installed throughout the two-floor showroom is accessed through one of twoELAN gTP7 in-wall touchpanels, an ELAN gHR2handheld remote, or the ELAN g! Mobile app installed on each showroom consultant’s smartphone or tablet.

Hopkins and his team pre-configured each room’s settings using ELAN’s ‘theme’ functionality. At the start and end of each day, all rooms power on and off automatically on a pre-set schedule. This, says Davies, regularly saves the Sub-Zero & Wolf team substantial time. “The ELAN ‘theme’ function eliminates a tedious and time-consuming process of turning on the music in each room and adjusting the lighting each day,” he added.

The ELAN system also controls all of the demo home’s HD video content that streams continuously, via a Wyrestorm matrix, on 4K TVs and custom built and styled Hidden Mirror TVs. ELAN also controls 13 Axis 1080p CCTV security cameras throughout the showroom, indoors and outdoors, providing 24-hour surveillance. Additionally, a VIMAR KNX-based lighting system integrated with ELAN manually adjusts through light switches and dimmers to create customized lighting levels throughout the demo home.

“If the music or the lighting needs adjustments, this can easily be done by any staff member via the ELAN g! Mobile app,” Hopkins added. “The Sub-Zero & Wolf management team is also able to remotely access the ELAN system when they’re visiting different company locations across Europe.”

While the ELAN control system integrates all of the demo home’s technology—A/V security, lighting, and HVAC—the Niles Auriel Multi-Room Audio System provides an audio zone in each themed room via a new Sonos driver created by ELAN development partner Core Programming. Your Smart Home integrated two Niles MRC-6430 audio controllers, one Niles SI-1230 multi-channel power amplifier, and multiple in-wall and in-ceiling speakers.

According to both Hopkins and Davies, the benefits of this project extend beyond the immediately obvious. “Because Your Smart Home and Sub-Zero & Wolf share a target clientele – affluent homeowners in the process of renovations and remodeling – we’re able to introduce our customers to the Sub-Zero & Wolf team and vice versa,” emphasized Hopkins. “It’s a mutually beneficial relationship, which also adds an element of convenience and trust for our clients.”

To demonstrate its kitchen appliance series in action, Sub-Zero & Wolf hosts monthly cooking events that are often led by celebrity chefs such as Aldo Zilli, James Martin and more. “While the objective of these events is to demonstrate our appliances’ superb performance, we often get to do the same for the ELAN system,” said Davies. “When clientele watch a member of my staff adjust the kitchen’s lighting, HVAC, and A/V from their smartphone, it certainly grabs their attention and starts a conversation about smart home control.

”What’s more, the teams at Your Smart Home and Sub-Zero & Wolf are currently in the process of integrating the appliances into ELAN’s control capabilities through a driver developed by Core Programming.

“We understand that our customers turn to ELAN because it delivers the most comprehensive whole-home control experience,” stated Davies. “We’re in the process of broadening the notion ‘whole home’ to include a wide range of Sub-Zero & Wolf appliances. In the immediate future, from any ELAN interface, our customers will be able to monitor and control refrigerator and wine cooler temperatures; receive notifications if refrigerator doors are left ajar, or when ovens reach a certain temperature; and create a ‘Party Theme’ that increases the production of ice and reduces the temperature of the refrigerator and freezer.”

According to Davies, Sub-Zero & Wolf’s executive team is so thrilled with ELAN that they are installing a system in their European corporate headquarters. “Our London showroom often hosts many corporate meetings and, as a result, our executive team has become quite familiar with the ELAN system,” explained Davies. “I’m pleased to say, in the short time since the system has been installed, they’ve grown quite keen on ELAN!”

For hi-res photography of the Sub-Zero & Wolf showroom and demo home, click here.

Core Brands Appoints Indigo Distribution as the Exclusive UK Distributor for Sunfire, Furman, and Xantech

/

Strengthening the representation of its lineup of custom installation solutions throughout the UK and Ireland, Core Brands today announced the appointment of Indigo Distribution as the exclusive UK distributor of Sunfire, Furman and Xantech. These are in addition to the ELAN® and Niles® brands already distributed by Indigo in the UK mainland.

“Matthew Booth and the Indigo Distribution team have done an outstanding job of growing our ELAN and Niles business in the UK and Ireland,” Core Brands International Director of Sales Simon Spears said today. “They will be our key partner in growing the Sunfire, Furman and Xantech brands throughout the UK. Indigo is well known for possessing a deep understanding of the product lines and translating that knowledge into great service for their dealers. Their focus and enthusiasm will continue to drive this positive momentum.”

Based in Bangor, Northern Ireland, Indigo Distribution is a trade-only high value added provider of smart home automation, home theater, and AV solutions for both the residential and commercial markets. The Indigo team possesses a strong background in systems design and installation and, as a result, they bring a professional perspective to every project that helps dealers and installers to sell more effectively and profitably while exceeding the expectations of all of their end-user customers. Indigo maintains a true state-of-the-art headquarters that features a warehouse/distribution facility, interactive training center, and demonstration showroom.

“We are honored to add these brands to our portfolio,” Indigo Distribution Managing Director Matthew Booth stated. “We are passionate about Core Brands’ products, and we look forward to providing Sunfire, Furman and Xantech dealers with an additional element of technical and customer support. As many already know we pride ourselves on providing the best service offering unparalleled levels of support to our dealers and resellers alike and that’s what helps us to succeed.”

Indigo Distribution can be reached at:

79 Dunlop Commercial Park, Balloo Link, Bangor BT19 7HJ, Northern Ireland. 

+44 (0) 2891 455 565

info@indigodistribution.co.uk