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DECEMBER 2003 YEAR OF PUBLICATION 5 VOLUME 12 EDITION OF VANTAGE EMEA home domotica automation [ journal] C O N T E N T S 1 TOPICAL NEWS 1 A CLOSER LOOK AT A PROJECT 2 NEWS Imagine... you come home in the evening, the garage gate swings open, the doorway is brightly lit, the curtains close automatically, mood lights are turned on in the living room, your favourite music is playing softly, the Jacuzzi is warming up in the bathroom you have just entered the world of Vantage home automation. België - Belgique P.B. 9130 KIELDRECHT 3/3149 2 VANTAGE KEEPS INNOVATING 3 THE DINRAIL RANGE 6 GOOD NEWS 6 DIARY 2004 8 REPLY FAX A CLOSER LOOK AT A PROJECT Vantage the the Italian way way Topical news It s celebration time again at Vantage. We had already lifted a corner of the veil in our previous issue, but here it is: Vantage is putting a range of DINrail products on the market. This newsletter is almost entirely devoted to it, for these products mark an extremely important evolution in the home automation market, not only for Vantage but perhaps even more so for you, the customer! For our "Closer look at a project" topic, this time we have visited our colleagues in Italy. Last but not least, in addition to the new colour touch screen and the DINrail range, we can already announce that another 20 novelties are in the pipeline. You can read more about them in the next issue. You'll find trainingdates on page 6. More extra days will be planned, take a look at our website: www.vantage-emea.com A typical 18th century country house in Italy controlled with a homeautomation system from vantage Northern Italy, the hills just outside of Venice the ideal setting for a pleasant weekend. Good wine is never far away and in the taverns we indulge in de traditional regional cuisine. Our journey brings us to the hills of Asolo, in the province of Treviso. We take the time to visit a few villages, until we finally arrive at a large fence. VANTAGE EMEA BINNENDIJK 40 9130 BEVEREN BELGIUM TEL +32 3 773 31 06 Fax +32 3 773 31 05 www.vantage-emea.com will be continued on page 7 VANTAGE ITALIA S.R.L. BORGO VICENZA, 177/2 35013 CITTADELLA PADOVA ITALY Tel. +39 49 9403000 Fax +39 49 9408231 info@vantageitalia.it

[2] home automation [news] News from the front Steve Remue recently got married...we wish him and his wife a long and happy life together. Ilse Vandeputte, sales assistant, has given birth to her first child. On behalf of the entire Vantage emea team we once more extend our heartfelt congratulations and we all look forward to welcoming her back at the office. covers technical support over the phone and on site as well as organising training courses tasks Bart has in fact been carrying out for quite some time. In addition, Bart will participate in projects that involve a high degree of technicality, e.g., relighting projects, hotel projects or large private houses that call for an advanced level of integration; some dealers also ask us to assist them in the design of boards, management of the software design for the integration of touch screens, and so on. Here, too, Bart s technical skills will be much appreciated. Cloned? Or just a clown? Because Bart is far too busy working on his new challenge, we would like to introduce you to his namesake: Bart (Eyer) is our new junior tech support to keep things easy for you, we have chosen our new tech support on the basis of his name. For all technical inquiries, you therefore simply ask for Bart, just as before! Sarah Vantage keeps innovating Vantage was founded in the United States more than 18 years ago. Since then the company has developed into the global market leader in home automation and intelligent building systems. and adapted it to the latest developments, as witnessed by the evolution of the Vantage products throughout the years. Bart Stuyven was appointed Product Manager on 1 September. We wish him the best of success in his new challenge. Bart will be responsible for our international technical sales support. This Vantage USA Bart at Cedia UK 2003 For six years Vantage has also been active in Europe: the EMEA office opened its doors in Belgium, more specifically in Beveren, in 1997, and a second branch was opened in Italy in 2002. It is not surprising that Vantage has grown to become the most advanced and complete automation system on the market. From the outset, specialists have continually optimised the system Vantage EMEA 1988: The Vision light control system is launched. 1992: The Vision system is extended to include IRX (infrared).

home automation [3] 1997: Vantage introduces the Qsystem, which is programmed via the userfriendly QLink software. 1998: Vantage puts the first generation of LCD touch screens on the market. This is the first flush-mounted screen designed for seamless integration into a general home automation system. 1999: Introduction of Q-LVOS, which allows for the dimming of TL lighting. Thermostats and RS232 on the bus. 2001: The C-Box Controller is launched (a rack mounted master controller = brain of the system). end user to manage his home via the Internet. - Another product launched is TheatrePoint for the straightforward integration of a complete home theatre. 2003: -Introduction of the 64,000- colour LCD touch screen (see previous Newsletter) -Vantage also releases the new DINrail range, which meets requirements of installers in Europe (see further on in this issue) -Moreover, new keypads and many other novelties are introduced (see next Newsletters). Still more news: Vantage now also offers a range of specific purpose sensors. Sensors or detectors are indispensable in a properly functioning home automation system. Applications: detectors in toilets, basements, corridors or washing rooms, typically places where you turn on the light as you enter them but always forget to switch it off as you leave... The existing range has been extended with the following standard detectors: force. This action can be translated into any possible Vantage event. The sensor is suitable for outdoor installation, e.g., sun blinds are automatically raised when there is too much wind. Available from stock. 2) RAIN SENSOR FUNCTIONALITY This sensor detects rain. This action can be translated into any possible event in the Vantage system, e.g., closing a window or stopping the sprinkler system in the garden. Available from stock. 3) OUTDOOR LIGHTPOINT SENSOR 2002: Vantage launches WebPoint, a web-enabled software that allows the 1) WIND SENSOR FUNCTIONALITY This sensor is able to detect the wind FUNCTIONALITY This sensor measures the natural light level. This measurement can be translated into any possible Vantage event. Incorporated in a waterproof housing, this sensor is suitable for outdoor use (a LightPoint sensor is used indoors) e.g., when it gets dark outside the light in the garden is switched on or at a work position. Available from stock as from 1 March 2004.

[4] home automation [news] New! The DINrail range End 2001 a thorough analysis was made of the European markets. The study showed that the home automation market has different needs on either side of the Atlantic. This immediately led to the development of a completely new range. Only 18 months later Vantage is introducing the latest addition to its product family: DINrail. THe new DINrail range DINrail puts Vantage on the same wavelength as most installers in Europe. It does not spell the end of the classic system, but marks a new approach that should make Vantage more accessible. For perhaps most important of all, DINrail is less expensive than the classic system, which is excellent news for those who saw the price tag as an obstacle to the purchase of a Vantage system. A lower price tag for the same Vantage qualities Although DINrail is 20 to 25% cheaper, it offers the same familiar Vantage qualities. The DINrail products are just as sound, as ingenious, as reliable as the classical enclosure system. And they also come with a 5-year warranty. Thus, Vantage adopts the same principle for the DINrail range as for the classical system. Use is made of Plug & Play modules that can be programmed to suit the customer s requirements. Programming also occurs via Qlink(3.5), a user-friendly software written in a Windows environment. A major advantage: unlike the software of many rival products, both the actual software and the updates are free. What is more, a Vantage upgrade will not upgrade the software but also the hardware of the system. You will therefore not only have new applications, but the products connected to the bus will also be upgraded. In brief, your system remains up-to-date. DINrail offers another advantage: you can now choose for a centralised system, a decentralised system or a combination of both. Full compatibility You might have guessed it Vantage would not be Vantage if it had not geared the newcomer to the classical Qsystem. It is in fact possible to use both lines simultaneously or to extend the classical system with DINrail. New markets Koen Pepermans, CEO of Vantage Emea, is delighted with the latest Vantage offering: "It is no secret that Vantage has thus far mainly been installed in luxurious villas. DINrail gives us the opportunity to address other sectors and also make Vantage more accessible for other types of projects." In its attempt to penetrate new markets, Vantage will focus on middle-class houses, but also on office buildings, hotels, commercial buildings. Moreover, the DINrail products are ideal for renovation projects. Existing DINrail cabinets can be reused without problems as they perfectly accommodate the DINrail modules. DINrail and intelligent buildings Koen Pepermans continues: "DINrail is perfectly suited for intelligent building projects. Imagine a company with a high-tech conference room. With music, lighting, air conditioning, sun blinds and so on. It is perfectly conceivable for Vantage to look after the complete management via a colour touch screen. Vantage could also control the lighting and the heating of the complete building, including the warehouses. Either automatically or not, or a combination of both. The Vantage range also includes a whole string of sensors - indoor and outdoor light sensors, temperature sensors - enabling each business manager to optimally manage his energy costs." Energy savings have thus far been one of the main reasons for automation. The introduction of the DINDali interface could change this. This interface is ideal for office buildings where the equipment is often changed about. It allows the lighting in the building to be installed without already knowing the exact location of the walls or desks. Once the layout has been defined, the lighting is addressed, i.e., via the software each lamp is assigned to a specific switch. You can discover more about the Dali interface in our next newsletter. One thing is clear: with the advantages offered by DINrail Vantage is well under way to conquer the European markets.

home automation [5] DINrail Top-10 advantages in a nutshell Name recognition: Vantage products have a proven track record of efficiency and reliability 20 to 25% cheaper than the classic system Less expensive than rival products that are less reliable Full range Compatible with the classic system Energy saving High level of integration 5-year warranty Upgradeable No restrictions whatsoever initial set-up Operates as a stand-alone or networks with other masters Communicates with other components through a two-wire bus or by a small connector on the side of the unit Maximum # of Loads (dimmed): 200 Maximum # of Loads (relays): 400 15 masters on 1 bus The DIN Relay Module Dims fluorescent lighting, magnetic and electronic low voltage, neon, cold cathode and more Features six contact inputs for control of additional auxiliary devices The DIN Contact Input Station The DIN Contact Input Station provides a single integration point for a large variety of sensory inputs, relaytype outputs, and external switches from third-party systems. DINrail technical In developing the DINrail range, our US engineers have thought of everything. Thus, for example, a special clip or pin connector was developed for the bus connection between the modules and the DINrail cabinet. All products have the same dimensions. They each take up 9 DINrail modules, except for the DINDali module. 1 DINrail module measures 17.5 mm The DIN Master Centralprocessor Includes individual switches for direct control of each of the eight relays Allows effortless control of devices such as draperies, pumps, garage doors, lifts, screens, pool, covers, sprinklers, showers, security systems, and much more Provides a single integration point for up to eight relay channels Communicates with the master through a two-wire bus or by a small connector on the side of the unit The DIN Dimmer Module Provides a single integration point for up to ten contact inputs Offers a connection for one external IR receiver and a Vantage LightPoint sensor The DIN Low Voltage Relay Station The DIN Master is the central processing unit for a Vantage automation and lighting control system. Functions independent of a PC after Acts as an independent dimmer or coordinates with the Vantage system to create elegant lighting scenes Controls the dimming for up to four 600 watt loads Allows effortless control of devices such as draperies, pumps, garage doors, lifts, screens, pool, covers, sprinklers, showers, security systems, and much more Provides a single integration point for up to eight relay channels Features six buttons to manually control each relay

[6] home automation DIARY 2004 GOOD NEWS Vantage is showing its colours! Now available colour LCD touch screen, 5.5", with 2-way communication All training sessions take place at our training centre: Vantage, Binnendijk 40, 9130 Beveren, Belgium, Tel.+ 32 (0)3/773 31 06, Fax.+31(0)3/773 31 05, E-mail: evelinev@vantage-emea.com. 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 Eveline or evelinev@ vantage-emea.com. The training sessions always begin precisely at 08.30 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: 418.6051518.28 swift : KREDBEBB Description of training session 1) Certification: basic of Vantage: hardware system composition cabling programming start-up and commencement of operation. 3-days training 2) System integration: 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-day training 3) Contractor training: the hardware of a Vantage system especially for contractors that don't plan to programm. Calender 2004 Vantage Emea Website is ONLINE! www.vantage-emea.com Date Activity Time Type Price** Lang. 12/02/04 Contractor Training 9AM- 5PM free E 17-19/03/04 Certification Training 8.30AM- 5PM Basic 150 E 12-14/05/04 Certification Training 8.30AM- 5PM Basic 150 E 28/05/04 Contractor Training 9AM- 5PM free E Dates of Designer toolbox training will be dropped on the website very soon. If you would like information after the dates as above, take a look at the website or contact Eveline by e-mail: 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 Trainingcenter

home automation [7] continuation of page 1 Vantage the Italian way In front of us we see a typical 18th century country house in the middle of a park with indigenous plants and a small lake, an orchard and a path under rose arches. An amazing fairytale landscape. "Entrate, prego!" As if by magic, the gate swings open, inviting us to enter this picturesque place. A stone path leads us to the porch, while a game of lights seems to bring the trees in the garden to life. A magnificent sight, especially in the presence of the lit fountain near the house. So much comfort can only be the work of the Vantage system Our curiosity has been aroused. As soon as we have reached the porch, we are welcomed with soft music that slowly ebbs away. The dimmed lighting reveals a comfortable and beautifully decorated interior that could easily have been designed by a famous 19th century painter. Once inside, we find ourselves in a large living room with beams on the ceiling, plastered walls, fine rugs and a central chimney. From our easy chairs we continue to absorb all the elegant and stylish details. Until our eyes fall upon a small screen, an LCD display. We move closer and touch it briefly. The display lights up and the indications for the various scenes appear. Let s try it A world of comfort First the "Guest" button. The lighting in the garden maps out a path of light, music sounds in the porch, and a pre-programmed atmosphere is created in the living room. The lights dim in various places, the curtains are drawn open so we can admire the lit garden, and in the background we hear music from a CD at a volume that is just right to create a cosy atmosphere. We choose another scene and click on "Video". A single button press creates a totally different scene. The curtains close automatically, the lighting extinguishes slowly, the table lamps are switched on, the audio/video system is activated, and, if desired, the images are recorded by the surveillance cameras. So much comfort can only be the work of the Vantage system. Even more curious than before, we also want to take a look upstairs and see for ourselves how home automation makes this house so attractive and holds out a helping hand to the occupants. We step into one of the bathrooms. Right in front of us we see one of the stylishly engraved Softline keypads. These Vantage keypads have a unique design, multiple colours, and various control functions according to the customer s requirements. We select a button and the bathroom immediately comes to life. The curtains close, the Outlets can also be controlled by a Vantage system. sauna is heated, music starts playing softly and the lights dim - all in just a few seconds. We continue our exploration of this truly magnificent house. We cannot help noticing the richness of details, be it in the kitchen or in the basement. Throughout the house, both in the gardens and in the garage, in the fitness room, bedrooms, bathrooms and drawing rooms, the Vantage home automation system creates and adjusts scenes, depending on the time of day or night and as a function of the owners needs or wishes. The project was carried out by Rainbow, a company owned by Bordingnon and Parolin. This official Vantage dealer specialises in alarm systems, general automation and home automation systems, and closely monitors technological developments in the market. With its ultra-professional approach the company is a real credit to the home automation system par excellence. With special thanks to the owners for their kind permission to publish the photos of their country house. Source: Vantage Italia.

[8] home automation [reply fax +32 (0)3 773 31 05] To be used for additional information, requesting documentation or for participation in training sessions. Do not forget to complete your information! Please send me the following: a Vantage home automation system leaflet information about the DINrail products information about the colour touchscreen I would like more information about: 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: Type: Date: Time: My activity: Number of persons: Type: Date: Time: My activity: Number of persons: Name : Company: VATno: Activity: Street : No : Zipcode : Town : Country : Tel: Fax: E-mail: The number of places on the seminars is limited because we want to guarantee good quality. So do not wait too long to register a place. For this reason the registration will be confirmed by us. You registration is only valid for paid course on receipt of the payment stipulated. You will receive the invoice on the training day. R.E. : Jacqueline van Reeth Vantage n.v. Binnendijk 40 9130 Beveren Belgium All technical faults or printing faults are reserved.