Audio, Video, Automation Consultant

The Dream of Voice Activated Control

 Is now a reality 

 Earlier this spring my son and I were talking about home automation, and how it adds to a persons lifestyle by the actions it's capable of doing quickly, and intuitively. (It seems he's not convinced he should smarten up his home, says he doesn't see the need for it). Through out the conversation he brought up various scenarios he felt automation should do, and I countered with; "It can do that". Then he mentioned how cool it would be if a home automation system could be voice controlled with the ability to respond, and give feedback when given a command.  I told him; he could be assured there was some R&D going forward as we spoke. Imagine how great it was to see the HouseLogix VoicePod being debuted at  the Cedia Expo (the show to attend if you are working with technology in the home) last week.

VoicePod is a wireless tabletop device designed to do exactly what my son mentioned; (I can go back to him now, and ask when he will be ready to place his order) Enact commands given by voice, and respond as the command is being carried out. The VoicePod does not only listen to your voice picked up by the internal microphone, but also talks back to you through the internal speaker. VoicePod both recognizes speech commands, and speaks back to you using a synthesized voice. What that means to home and business automation is that it "speech enables" any room. Imagine close of business, you are about to leave, and you speak the command "Close Business"; the lights dim, HVAC sets itself to overnight mode to save energy, security system arms, and as you close the front door it automatically locks, and you hear "Business is Closed" coming from the speakers.

VoicePod is a "hands free" device. No touching a button to control anything, just send a greeting such as "Hello VoicePod" when it responds, proceed to tell it what you want done...simple,

 So you say "What benefit is it? First and foremost, Convenience: having the ability to speak a command to control your lighting, shades, AV equipment, your security system, and cameras, activate your personal music library. Speed: Speaking a command is faster than hunting down a touch panel, remote, or keypad. Change to your favorite channel by just speaking it's name. Hands Free Control: You're in the kitchen or the workroom, and you need more light, your hands are messy, no problem, belt it out! Security: Configure VoicePod to require a PIN number spoken before it handles secure commands such as "unlock door" or maybe even "Playstation" to prevent unauthorized use by the kids. These are just a few of it's benefits.

Slated for availability the 1st qtr. 2013 the VoicePod will change the way you interact with your home automation system. Positioned as an alternative to traditional keypad and navigation devices, it is totally customizable to fit your lifestyle, and integrates easily with Control4.

We are totally excited about the VoicePod, and will go deeper into the Spec's and technical aspects next time.

...Until next time
Von

ABOUT US
Luminance AV is an Electronic Systems Integration company with a team of Audio, Video, and IT professionals  offering  solutions in commercial and residential audio/video distribution, automation systems, and networking.

Sony® STR-DA2800ES with Full Control4® Automation 

 We were totally excited when we opened our email this morning and read the announcement about the new Sony Receiver loaded with Control4 Automation that takes the highest quality audio and video experience and integrates it with built-in Control4® technology that gives you control of all your home theater equipment and room lighting with one touch of the remote.

Take advantage of almost unlimited customizable options, from easily accessing all of the entertainment content in your home theater, to setting up multi-room audio throughout your home, to controlling just about anything else you can imagine.

Folks this is a game changer! An automated home is ultimately about creating moments you couldn’t have otherwise enjoyed. Sony takes command of the whole home experience by introducing a line of receivers with built-in custom automation. Now your receiver can easily and affordably control virtually any compatible device in your home. Luminance AV can design a complete solution using these advanced features to enhance your entertainment experience and automate your home.

The Spec's:

• 7.2-channel A/V Receiver with Control4 Activation License for full controller capability
• HDMI ports: 8 in and 2 out for Zone1 plus 1 out for Zone2
• Advanced HDMI switching (2nd zone / high-speed matrix / preview)
• 4K Upscale and 4K Pass through
• Integrated 4-port Ethernet switch
• Center Speaker Lift Up virtually adjusts center channel height for large screens
• Sound Optimizer for real surround sound even at low volume
• 7-channel amplifier to drive Front High speakers or Surround  Back speakers
• 192kHz/24bit, 5.1ch WAV/FLAC decoding
• Concert Hall mode to create sound fields of famous concert halls right at home
• Output power: 100W, 8ohms 20-20kHz

To find out more about how a Sony ES receiver can help you create perfect moments, contact us and let us give you a whole new home experience without the need of a new home!

ABOUT US
Luminance AV is an Electronic Systems Integration company with a team of Audio, Video, and IT professionals  offering  solutions in commercial and residential audio/video distribution, automation systems, and networking.

SONOS PLAY 5  

The original, All-in-one Wireless Music System

We are constantly searching for products to add to our line of custom electronic solutions, making sure they meet our core requirements of QUALITY, CONVENIENCE, and USEABILITY.  The SONOS PLAY 5 wireless music system is our latest addition that meets that criteria and more. 

A *scalable music system for the person that is not into separate components and boxy speakers, this sleek, and elegant looking unit, is a great sounding device that blends well with any decor, and allows you to add  players to as many rooms (aka: zones) as you please. All linked wirelessly, all controlled from a Control4 Home Automation System, smartphone, or tablet to create a multi-zone music distribution system that rivals some of the more high end *Whole House Audio Systems. And with the Extra Vegetables app for Control4 completely integrate Sonos and Control4 zones seamlessly!

2 tweeters, 2 mid-range drivers, and 1 bass driver.

Now, on to some spec's & features...
Personally, I love listening to my music fairly loud, (a habit picked up from my days on concert tours) and an audio system has to deliver clean sound at high levels. Well, the Play 5 delivers! Rich sound, crisp, and distortion free. The system houses a 5 driver speaker system, with 5 separate class-D digital amps, one per speaker.  With an added bonus of a subwoofer if you just have to rock the house.

On the inside, the processing power is spot on. Using state-of-the-art DSP circuitry, the systems' filters, active equalization, and time-alignment are done in the digital domain guaranteeing no loss of audio quality or energy. As the listener you control bass, treble, balance, and loudness, by individual room or multiple rooms.

2-port ethernet switch, and 3.5 mm audio input

Play 5 boasts' 100,000 free radio stations, shows, and podcasts, and you tune in without turning on your computer. It allows you to browse for stations, or type in specific call letters of the station of your choice. Also play all the music stored on your computer, or NAS drive through your home network, and dock and charge your iPod, iPhone with an optional SONOS DOCK. In addition with the analog input on the back you can play music and audio from a CD or MP3 player, and TV.

 I am very impressed with the sound quality in such a small package, and it is great to have the option to move the Play 5 around the house or network it to several rooms, and to control it via a home automation system, or any computer or mobile device. 

There are certainly even more goodies hidden inside this small but mighty audio player which I am sure you would enjoy. For more info on the Play 5 click here.

 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

•  Scalable: In electronics (including hardware, communication and software) scalability is the ability of a system, network, or process, to handle a growing amount of work in a capable manner or its ability to be enlarged to accommodate that growth. 
•  Whole House Audio (distributed audio) systems are audio systems that allow for playback and often control of music throughout an entire home or building. Numerous commercial systems provide this function, or a system can be custom built or homemade.  

ABOUT US
Luminance AV is an Electronic Systems Integration company with a team of Audio, Video, and IT professionals  offering  solutions in commercial and residential audio/video distribution, automation systems, and networking.