Rockleigh, N.J.-based Crestron now has a Mobile Pro Control App for Android, which turns those devices into fully functional Crestron touchscreens, allowing homeowners to control lighting, thermostats, entertainment, security systems and other connected systems from anywhere, anytime.
The Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) Technology Council, headquartered in Indianapolis, has its second video in an ongoing series on emerging trends. The video series aims to help CEDIA members and members of the electronic systems industry stay informed of opportunities and threats.
For home security firms and electronic system contractors looking for a holiday sales boost this year, there is troubling news. A national survey conducted for SteelHouse by Synovate eNation shows that 82 percent of shoppers, including families, women and high income earners, expect to change their buying behavior because of the economy. Home security dealers using coupons, marketing via the Web, and making deals may find more business, however.
In conjunction with AV Week, October 16-22, Crestron of Rockleigh, N.J., hosted daily tours of its state-of-the-art Experience Center. Emphasis was on educating local high school and college students about the AV industry and career opportunities in the field.
Amid a climate of economic uncertainty, Americans now place a higher value on their own financial stability over environmental responsibility. However, they are still looking to make sensible environmental choices, according to the 2011 Green Gauge U.S. Report from GfK Roper Consulting, a division of GfK Custom Research North America.
As SDM’s Doug O’Gorden and Laura Stepanek toured the show floor of CEDIA Expo in Indianapolis earlier this month, they collected information from exhibitors about new products they thought would be especially appealing to security professionals. The trends: The degree of interoperability with security controls is ramping up, providing greater control over lighting, thermostats, locks, and more. Video analytics are now converging with home control. The first residential locks that can be operated by a mobile phone have been introduced. There’s a significant focus on easier installation and programming for technicians. And, the apps for mobile control continue to roll out.
Hear the roar in Indianapolis? It’s not the Indy 500. It’s CEDIA EXPO, the tradeshow for the residential electronic systems industry. The event was last in Indianapolis, the headquarters’ home of the Custom Electronics Design & Installation Association, six years ago in 2005 and this year it is back at the Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, starting September 7 with the tradeshow first opening on September 8 and continuing through September 10.
Networking and wireless — two elements growing in home system use as well as based on ever evolving technologies — are at the heart of new educational effort from Holland, Mich.-based Bedrock Learning.
The Z-Wave Alliance, the industry leading open consortium of global companies dedicated to establishing Z-Wave as the standard in wireless home control, appointed Mark Walters as chairman. He previously served as its chairman from its inception in 2005. Prior to making his return, Walters worked in the commercial building and lighting control markets.
From Rockleigh, N.J., the Crestron V24-C 24" HD Touch Screen Display is the latest addition to a family of high definition V-Panel touch screens. It blends full touch screen navigation, high performance graphics and HD video with DigitalMedia 8G+ connectivity and a 24 in. high definition widescreen display. The device combines separate touch screens, TV displays and computer monitors into one display.