home automation journal

Transcription

1 België - Belgique P.B KIELDRECHT 3/3149 VANTAGE EMEA I BINNENDIJK 40 I 9130 BEVEREN I BELGIUM I TEL I FAX I JULY 2004 I YEAR OF PUBLICATION 6 I VOLUME 13 I EDITION OF VANTAGE EMEA P1 UP-TO-DATE P1 PROJECT UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT P2 NEWS P2 PLEASE TOUCH P8 DIARY 2004 P8 REPLY FAX U P - T O - D A T E As you can see, our newspaper has undergone a facelift. The celebrations continue at Vantage! This time we throw the spotlight on our touch screen applications. In our Project under the spotlight column, we focus on an extremely exclusive project. Moreover, we would again like to take the opportunity to thank the owners for this interesting contribution. At the rear of this edition, you will find the activities calendar. Moreover, as usual, we will remain open during the summer months. We will only be closed on 21st July due to the national public holiday. The Vantage team wishes you a summer full of sunshine. All of the advantages that a Vantage automation system has to offer can also be optimally used in the winter garden. PROJECT UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT V a n t a g e f e e l s a t h o m e i n a s p l e n d i d o l d b u i l d i n g A Flemish town, an old building and Vantage automation system... all of ingredients that are required for a pleasant and fascinating exploratory trip. Our destination is a spacious terraced house whose listed house front is approximately 18 m wide. After we have stepped inside, we are even more impressed This is a large domain where the front with the house is located on one street, and the rear is located on another street that runs parallel. And between them, the garden proudly shows off its splendour. The buildings behind have been converted into a garage, are joined to the residential part of the building by a conservatory that is used a winter garden and as a gallery. will be continued on page 6

2 PLEASE TOUCH you can browse through all of the pages in order to control the components of the Vantage system. In the same way as one press on As long ago as 1998, Vantage already enhanced it range with the first generation of LCD touch screens : the LCD160 built-in touch the button of a keypad, one single touch on the screen can simultaneously perform 99 actions. screen. This was the first screen on the market that was designed to be a seamless part of a general automation system. An integrated IR receiver ensures that commands from a remote control are also performed; an extra port can be used to add light sensors, movement detectors and contact inputs. In the meantime, the product has continued to evolve and has become extremely popular. It is often acts as the deciding factor for someone who considers automating his house. In this edition, we discuss this group of products in detail. NEWS FROM THE FRONT VISUAL The fact that a touch screen is extremely useful, is beyond dispute. In comparison with a keypad, it is much more visual because it works with icons and images. An icon of a book can for example imply a lighting scene that you may want to recall for reading. An icon of a TV can imply that the light will be dimmed when you start watching TV, by using that Junior sales account manager a few months ago, Guy Damen joined our sales team Guy is responsible for the regions of Antwerp Limburg parts of Brussels and Wallonia. Young and dynamic, he is fully conversant with our products thanks to his studies in information technology and interests, thus we can offer you a skilled partner. same icon you can for example obtain a comfortable temperature Colour touch screen program as you wish (that is slightly warmer than usual because you are going to sit in your armchair) the surround system can be adapted and the film can be started, in short, not only the light is controlled. The use of the control is therefore real child s play. EVERYTHING UNDER CONTROL You are expecting guests, you want to listen to your favourite music or shortly take a plunge in the swimming pool? You simply go to the touch screen, that lights up as soon as you approach it, and Guy Damen touch the required functions. High-resolution images appear and 2

3 PROGRAM AS YOU WISH At Vantage, you as the user determine yourself what appears on the Vantage. Program a dimmer? Adjust the feedback of the lighting system? This is done instantly. screen. Approximately 250 pages and 1,000 keys can be programmed as you wish. In other words: no fixed icons, but screens that you can adjust according to your personal wishes and requirements. Images can be imported as required in order to create an interface that is just right for you. EVEN MORE ADVANTAGES A LOOK AT THE RANGE T ouch screens Monochrome LCD320M touch screen Although compact (about the same size as a conventional light switch) this touch screen is extremely versatile. In comparison with AVantage touch screen has even more advantages in store for you. For example, in terms of lighting, in addition to the fixed scenes, you can also provide a sliding dimmer. This enables you to adjust the light whenever you wish, at a certain moment. You switch off the light, then the pre-programmed scenes are automatically readjusted (unless you decide otherwise). The temperature in the house can also be visually controlled: with arrows or other chosen characters, you can increase or decrease the temperature. The Lay out à la carte thermostat can also be installed so that it is hidden. And thanks to the feedback, on the touch screen, you can see the temperature inside or outside the house or the t of the water in the swimming pool... a keypad with a limited number of keys, it can program many more zones in the. And whilst it provides most of the functions of the larger colour screen, it only costs a fraction of the price. The perfect choice for whoever only has a limited budget, but still wishes to use a visual touch screen. Colour LCD320C5 touch screen The 64,000 colour LCD touch screen was launched about six months ago. With its diameter SIMPLE TO PROGRAM There is one major trump card: all Vantage touch screens can be connected to the standard bus, and the programming software is the same as for all products of the automation system, i.e. the user-friendly Q-link. The result? Vantage touch screens are extremely easy to program and also communicate very easily with other Vantage products such as dimmers, thermostats, etc. This is only logical, when you know that all of the products were developed by of 5.5", it is clear but still discreet. Visually, it is of course even more attractive due to the colours. This touch screen also has an extremely favourable price/quality ratio. Slider dimmers can also be programmed so that you can change the light intensity at any time of the day. 3

4 Colour LCD320C5V touch screen with video NEW This model is available now in the Vantage range. In terms of format and characteristics, this is exactly the same touch screen, but it also has a video function as an extra. For example, you can view the images that the security cameras record outside and inside the, on the touch screen. This is useful This is useful if you want to keep an eye on the children when they are playing in the swimming pool. if you want to keep an eye on the children if they are playing in the garden or in the swimming pool while you are busy in the kitchen. Or if you want to see who is ringing the front doorbell whilst sitting in your easy chair in front of your TV or cinema. Free software for touch screen automation from a random Internet device dealer having to attend. You can download this software completely free-of-charge from our website: Designer Toolbox Colour LCD320C5 touch screen table-top model NEW SCREEN DESIGN CUSTOMIZED TO THE END USER USING FLASH A new model that is expected shortly. This touch screen is identical to the previous one, but it has been designed for installation in a tabletop model. For example, it can be very useful in a TV room. WebPoint touch screen automation from a random Internet device This (free) network software enables you to control or program any installation or device on the Vantage system via the Internet from an ordinary PDA, web pad or computer. This enables you to make certain control changes or adjustments at or from elsewhere. And this is done in an extremely simple visual way, by moving a slider or by changing the status of an on/off switch. A few examples: adjusting a lighting scene, adjusting the timers, or switching on the sauna before you leave the office. WebPoint gives you, as a house owner, more freedom to make changes, without you having to worry about affecting essential programs and without the Screen design customized to the end user This plug in software creates 2-way communication between the powerful Vantage system and the extremely flexible Macromedia Flash design software. This offers unlimited possibilities for the fast and easy creation of interfaces in complete accordance with the personal wishes of the end user. The Designer Toolbox also proposes standard buttons and backgrounds in order to speed up the creation of a screen. However, the designer can also create his own images, and even integrate 4

5 moving video images in the interface in no time at all. The Designer Toolbox can operate with any computer, but you can also give preference to a touch screen for installation in a wall, or to a tabletop model that has the same design as the other Vantage products. The main advantages? It operates in complete harmony with the Vantage Q-system, because it was designed by the same engineers. Moreover, it has an affordable price and customer-friendly programming thanks to the use of Flash. Designer Toolbox training The training is planned november Only dealers that have been following Certification and Advanced training will be accepted. UNLIMITED POSSIBILITIES The possibilities that a Vantage touch screen offers are virtually unlimited. And this is true in terms of design as well as use. It can be designed completely à la carte, according to the personal wishes of the end user. When designing the screen, the designer can also benefit from the capabilities of the Designer Toolbox. This makes the program extremely simple (because it operates in the Flash environment). The trained DTB dealers will have a special sign on the website. If you, as a dealer, do not wish to receive training in Designer Toolbox: no problem. We have our own in-company specialists who can perform the programming for you. If you wish to receive more information about this, you can always contact Bart Eyer from our technical department. Vantage offers you a touch screen that has the same design as the other products in the range. DTB training 5

6 continuation of page 1 THE PAST RESURRECTED We continue to be amazed as we listen to the story from the owner: "The nice thing about old buildings is that you often make discoveries. For example, during the renovation work, a contractor discovered foundations from the floor of a church and a well. Of course, we wanted to keep them. They have therefore been incorporated in the interior and equipped with special lighting in order to do justice to them." quality of the music. 2 x 16 zone audio matrix LE1600A from Vaux In each of the 32 music zones, the residents can select from the 6 sources, choose their favourite from the 800 CDs, adjust the volume everything is possible. Thus, the needs of music lovers are fully catered for. Moreover, film lovers are spoiled to the same degree. In addition to He lures us to the basement, where the servants used to live, now partly restored to its authentic condition. With the kitchen that, just like in the past, was used as a dining area, with the splendid old vaulting a real jewel. However, we have not yet mentioned the wine cellar. With each step that we take, it becomes increasingly evident to us that the advanced technology from Vantage integrates perfectly in a historic building. From the very beginning, all parties were included in this project: the family of the owner of course, the consultancy, the architect, the interior designer, the technical people from Vantage. Together, they have produced a fine example of automation. One press of the film button on the keypad or the touch screen and the plasma screen appears. MUSIC, MAESTRO! Unlike the previous projects that were reviewed in this newspaper, we will first focus on the hi-fi installation and the music distribution. You will immediately understand why All music devices are at one central location that is linked to 32 music zones. The hi-fi installation comprises: 4 x CD players, each with a loader for 200 CDs 2 x tuners 6 x 12-channel amplifiers A 7th channel amplifier is located in the coachman s house above the garage. It is controlled from 100 m further away, but a balancer from Vaux has been located in between in order to guarantee the the 32 music zones, there are also 3 cinemas, all of which can be controlled from a remote touch screen. The actual media area, complete with all of its trappings, is worthy of its name: projection screen, DVD player, satellite receiver, surround amplifier and tuner. The second and third cinemas are areas that also have another use. "For example, in the drawing room," explains the owner, "there we have a plasma screen that is normally concealed. Would someone like to watch a film? It only takes one press of the film button on the keypad or the touch screen and the plasma screen appears Plasma, amplifier and DVD start and the lights are adjusted." The automation of the audio/video system is a major achievement for Vantage. The 3 cinemas also form part of the music zones, 6

7 but when somebody watches a film, the music zone is automatically switched off. The loudspeakers are then used for the surround amplifier that provides the sound for the film. our attention to another ingenious application: "It can sometimes get rather hot in a conservatory. That s why the thermostat is set so that the skylights automatically open when the temperature reaches 25. À LA CARTE SOLUTIONS From the lights in the house, in the garden, under and above water, to the fountains, the fireplaces, the curtains and much more Wherever our host leads us, everything inside and around the house is controlled by Vantage, and each time, this is done taking account of the family s way of life. For example, let s take a look at the air-conditioning. The whole installation is divided up into 3 different settings: comfort, holiday and low temperature (i.e. 18 C if nobody is at ). On a touch screen, the customer can choose from these 3 settings, but can also continuously adjust the values. Everything becomes clear from an example: the timers have been programmed to, for example, go to 18 every evening at midnight. However, the owner can still manually adjust the temperature. This adjustment can be stored so that he has the same temperature the next day. And this setting is retained for the next timer. This example shows that Vantage is really an à la carte automation system. Most customers choose an option that allows a programming of the timers. The temperature is then automatically adjusted at certain times. If a manual adjustment is made, then the setting automatically reverts to the pre-programmed temperature. But this customer expressly stated that a different configuration was required.this is also the case in the toilets and bathrooms. They are all equipped with detectors to automatically switch on lighting and ventilation. And the music? You could easily let this start as well, but in this respect, the residents also had different wishes. They can activate the music from a control panel. The thermostat is set so that the skylights automatically open when the temperature reaches 25 C. However...if it rains, they stay closed. However if it rains, they stay closed. This is ensured by the rain sensor that is installed on the roof. Thus, in this respect, Vantage has also supplied the required solution." Our visit is gradually coming to an end. Back in the hall, that has no less than three floors, we are told more about the lighting. Here, a combination of different possibilities has been worked out. Light sensors can control the lighting, detectors can also activate them, and the owner himself can choose via a touch screen between 3 scenes, each floor individually or all three at the same time, and can also make manual adjustments. In other words, he determines his lighting at any time, and it operates automatically. Vantage adapts to the exact wishes of the customer. TYPICAL VANTAGE We walk with the owner through the conservatory where he draws We leave this splendid building with the feeling that we have encountered the ultimate in well thought-out comfortable living. 7

8 REPLY FAX +32 (0) To be used for additional information, requesting documentation or for participation in training sessions. Do not forget to complete your information! DIARY 2004 & INFORMATION All training sessions take place at our training centre: Vantage, Binnendijk 40, 9130 Beveren, Belgium, Tel.+ 32 (0)3/ , Fax.+31(0)3/ , The diary was drawn up in the beginning of the year additional training sessions may be added if you would like to be kept informed of this you can call or mail vantage-emea.com. The training sessions always begin precisely at a.m. they end around 5.00 p.m. A computer is an absolute must for Vantage training sessions. The topics are short training sessions that are each 3 hours in duration. Certification trainings are charged at 150 euro (excl. VAT) per participant. This amount is repaid on the first Vantage purchase. If you register for a training session your registration is always confirmed by fax. So fill the bon in as quickly as possible. Banking information: KBC, Kieldrecht, Belgium bank a/c: swift : KREDBEBB Request of information: a Vantage automation system brochure I would like more information about: Diary 2004 please bring me into contact with a dealer from my region please contact me for an appointment I would like to take part in the following training session: Date Activity Time Type Price** Lang. Number of pers September Certification training Certification 150 euro E Oktober Certification training Certification 150 euro D am November DTB training Designer toolbox training - E November Certification training Certification 150 euro E Name : Company: VATno: DESCRIPTION OF TRAINING SESSION 1) Certification: basic of Vantage: hardware system composition cabling programming start-up and commencement of operation. 3-days training 2) Advanced : you have already followed the Vantage certification training you are in the middle of your 1st installation. This day is entirely devoted to programming. 1,5-day training 3) DTB Training: Designer Toolbox Training. Only for experienced dealers participation is free-of-charge however each participant must purchase an IP-enabler-p and Designer Toolbox software and bring these along. This training is also hands-on 2,5-day training Activity: Street : No: R. E. : Jacqueline van Reeth Vantage n.v. Binnendijk Beveren Belgium All technical faults or printing faults are reserved. Zipcode : Town : Country : Tel: Fax: If you would like information after the dates as above, take a look at the website or contact Eveline by evelinev@vantage-emea.com. ** This amount is repaid on purchasing a Vantage system, excl. VAT *** Only available to those who have already followed a programming training session and have installed at least 1 system. You must also bring your own computer. D = Dutch - F =French - E = English 8