Re: Designing home automation and control system for a new loft

["Robert L Bass" <sales@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

ELK Products is working on an interface between their popular M1G home
automation system and Russound's multi-zone audio/video systems.  We
don't have a shipping date as yet but I spoke with the engineer who is
working on it today and he says it should be out in six months or less.
 Note: I promised not to hold him to that.  :^)

The initial ELK / Russound interface will be via TCP/IP using the
ELK-TS07 touch screen.  We talked about adding on-board command of
Russound to the ELK master control panel and he agreed that would not
be much trouble once they complete the integration with Russound's
protocol.

ELK is one of the better companies to deal with in this area,
especially in terms of DIY support.

This approach isn't precisely what you describe since it would require
transporting your sound and video files to a Russound server.  However,
it will give you integrated control of HA and whole house entertainment
and the cost is considerably less than some of the other integrated
systems.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

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Bass Home Electronics
941-866-1100
4883 Fallcrest Circle
Sarasota =B7 Florida =B7 34233
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brian_erdelyi@xxxxxxxxx wrote:
> I just recently purchased a loft and have the opportunity to design a
> home automation and control system while it's still in development.
> Construction starts next month and is scheduled for completion in
> September 2007.  I am planning to run structured wiring throughout but
> don't know exactly what makes sense.
>
> The floor plan can be seen at
> http://www.streetcar.ca/floorplans/edge/loft207.pdf
>
> Since the windows face west there will be a lot of light and I want to
> instill blinds that can be raised and lowered with a remote control and
> wall mounted panel.  After some more research and thought I am also
> considering:
>
> -Home theater in the den
> -TV and speakers in the bedroom
> -Speakers in the den
> -Speakers in he ensuit bath
> -Thermostat control and programmability
> -Lighting control for den, kitchen, living/dining and bedroom
> -Blind control in the living room
>
> My media collection is stored on my iMac with iTunes and haventt found
> anything to help control this yet (though I've seen systems to control
> a docked iPod).  I use a wireless AirPort Express to stream audio from
> iTunes to my receiver.
>
> I expect a few wall mounted panels and the ability to use a handheld
> remote control in any room.
>
> The ability to display RSS, weather and other data on the wall mounted
> panel would be interesting (but not mandatory).
>
> Any suggestions on wiring this new place and what could be automated?
> So long as I start with a flexible wiring plan I hope to slowly expand
> the system over time.  I've been looking on eBay to see the cost of
> used Crestron systems.
>=20
> Thanks in advance,
> Brian