News / Media

Sweet sounds take center stage in this theater, thanks to Monitor Audio speakers, an Integra preamp and a powerful Crestron amp.

May 01, 2012 by Lisa Montgomery

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http://www.electronichouse.com/article/audio_passion_inspired_home_theater_design

It’s obvious when entering this grand, custom-crafted theater, which part of its design took priority: the audio. A contact sensor on the door that leads into the 27-by-16-foot space triggers an array of small LED fixtures, showcasing a pair of high-grade Monitor Audio Platinum tower speakers. Most people would have chosen to let the huge reference speakers stay hidden behind the acoustical fabric that covers each of two speaker cavities built into custom cabinetry at the front of the room. But not this homeowner. “On a scale from 1 to 10, his passion for audio is a 20,” says Ryan Lipkovicius of Audio Impact, the San Diego–based custom electronics design and installation fi rm hired to build this theater.

Several small, energy-efficient LED lights were carefully positioned within each of the cabinet’s two speaker cavities. When the door to the room opens, they illuminate so the speakers can be seen through the acoustical fabric. Part of Monitor Audio’s Platinum line, the speakers are the company’s top performers and this theater’s crowning jewel.

It would take plenty of horsepower to drive these freestanding giants, plus the rest of the Monitor Audio 9.2-channel surround-sound system. Audio Impact chose an Integra DHC-80.2 preamp for its ability to work well with other A/V components and numerous audio decoding options, and a Crestron Procise Proamp-7X400 amplifier for its pure, raw output of power.

Another important part of the audio design was the engineering of a carefully constructed and acoustically treated shell. “Sam Cavitt of Paradise Theater in San Diego calculated all of the parameters, including the room dimensions, number of seats and size and position of the screen, and the software (from Kinetics Noise Control) figured where we needed to put acoustical materials, how to position the speakers, and where to put the seats so the audio reproduction was true and smooth,” says Lipkovicius. To further enhance the acoustical performance, Audio Impact and Paradise Theater instructed the contractors to “float” the room so none of its walls or ceiling would touch the walls of adjacent rooms or the floor of the room above it. Air conditioning vents, light fixtures and electrical outlets were treated with special isolation materials so that no sound would escape from the theater.





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http://www.electronichouse.com/article/audio_passion_inspired_home_theater_design

Audio Impact is proud to announce that it has won the 2012 Gold Best Theater from Electronic House.

The stage was set during the client discovery. When asked, “How would you describe your dream theater?” the client paused to reflect, then said “A special place. A room that draws us in, that brings us together as a family and where we can experience amazing sound and vision in comfort and serenity. A special room that creates an emotional bond as soon as we enter”. A tall order to be sure but attainable since the team was assembled early enough in the process to design and engineer excellence.

It starts with the room; the foundation of the performance theater environment. Room ratios and construction techniques were addressed to create an ideal scenario for quiet room construction and smooth acoustical performance. Subsystems were engineered, including mechanical, electrical and lighting to assure no unwanted sound entered or propagated through them. A detailed set of construction documents guided the project contractors through each step. The result was a theater “chassis” that would support the profound performance.

The engineering continues in the design of the system. The engine that provides the horsepower for our clients envisioned experiences. Monitor Platinum PL 300 reference towers and PL 350 center are perfectly matched with 6 of the newly developed Platinum In Wall PLIW for side and rear surrounds while 2 PLW-15 Subwoofers provide the prodigious bass. These superb components are precisely matched with the rooms acoustical environment resulting in accurate sound reproduction whatever the source. Powered and processed by the Integra THX Ultra 2 DHC-80 with Audyssey and Crestron PROAMP-7X400 amplifier there is no shortage of power and enveloping quality sound. The visual elements of the theater features the Runco LS-10 1080p projector driving a 135” 1.78:1 micro-perforated Stewart Filmscreen. The LS-10 complemented with Runco’s video processing provides plenty of visual excitement which is accurately rendered on the Stewart screen surface.

All the theater, house-wide audio and Crestron control systems are housed in 2 Middle Atlantic ERK racks concealed in ventilated cabinets in the rear of the room. The equipment rack cabinets and Projector compartment are constantly monitored by Crestron temperature C2N-RTHS sensors and turn on ultra quit exhaust fans if needed. The System features Crestron ADMS Intermedia Delivery System that brings movies from a Sony 400 Disk Blu-ray changer, Netflix, Hulu, The homes computers, Youtube to life at the touch of one button. There is a HD Cable box along with an Apple TV. The entire Theater Audio/Video, Lighting and HVAC is easily controlled via an in-wall removable TPS-6x wireless touchscreen remote. There are quick assess to lighting scenes and even a virtual keyboard for the ADMS.

Finally comes the blend of performance and aesthetics. The theaters acoustical components, which were specified as a result of an acoustical modeling process were integrated with the interior design artfully. The screen wall features display columns where the beautiful Platinum towers are nestled in an ideal acoustical surrounding and illuminated by concealed lighting. Behind the perforated screen sits, not only the PL350 center but custom engineered baffles to provide both expansive sound stage and accurate imaging. The whole assembly housed in a furniture grade cabinet design. Walls and ceilings feature concealed Kinetics acoustical devices behind a stretch fabric system which is complemented by pilasters, housing the surround speakers and gorgeous millwork trim throughout.

The impact upon entry is stunning, the serenity of the space is enchanting but when the system is fired up the experience is astonishing. Whether seated in the first row or the third get ready to “suspend your disbelief” for the home theater ride of your life.

Crestron Press Release April 16th, 2012

Enjoy Your Favorite Artists, Albums & Radio Stations Anywhere in the Home

Rockleigh, NJ, April 16, 2012 – Crestron announced today its Internet Radio Tuner Card now supports Pandora®. Now it’s easier than ever to enjoy all your favorite artists, albums or radio stations from anywhere in the home. Pandora is the leader in Internet radio, giving customers a robust medium for listening to music, news, and talk with access to thousands of online stations.

Everything you love about Pandora is now available throughout the home - thumbs up and thumbs down gestures and full meta-data feedback, including album art. No more sitting in front of the TV to control your favorite tunes or find out what song is playing. Simply download the latest firmware update from the Crestron website to enjoy Pandora anytime, anywhere in the home.

“Pandora is one of the most popular content providers customers ask to be integrated into their Crestron systems,” says Sean Goldstein, Crestron VP of Marketing. “Pandora offers a unique and personalized Internet radio experience to listeners, and we are delighted to support it. Other products offer Pandora built-in, but none offer the convenience and ease of use in updating and navigating that Crestron provides.”

Customers simply enter the name of any musical artist, song, or composer and Pandora instantly creates a “station” streaming related music for listening pleasure. They can save up to 99 stations and recall them on demand from a Crestron touch screen. Touch screen control lets users view the current song, artist, and album cover, and provides controls for creating or browsing stations and pausing, skipping, and bookmarking individual songs and artists.

“With the Crestron solution, you can hear a song on Pandora and glance at any touch screen or remote in the home to see what is playing,” explains Jason Oster, Crestron Technology Manager of Software Development Platforms. “You can add a station from your smart phone or tablet and it appears on the Crestron touch screen in real-time. Now you can do more with your Pandora anywhere you want.”

Crestron Press Release February 07, 2012

Crestron Receives Most InAVative Commercial Control Solution for the Second Year in a Row

For the second consecutive year, Crestron picked up the ‘Most InAVative Commercial Control Solution’ award for the MC3 at the InAVation Awards ceremony. Presented at ISE 2012, the InAVation Awards recognize some of the key application areas driving the use and integration of AV technologies throughout the region.

Upon winning the award, Petra van Meeuwen, PR Manager, Crestron International commented, “Once again we are delighted to win the commercial control solution category at the InAVate awards. The awards are voted for by the industry, and this year with a record number of votes cast, we are delighted to come out on top in a very competitive category.”

The MC3’s exclusive programming architecture lets programmers independently develop and run device-specific programs for AV, lighting, HVAC, security, etc. Even as the system grows, processing resources can easily be shifted from one 3-Series processor to another without rewriting any code. The end benefit is dramatically simplified upgradability with minimal downtime, whether implementing changes on site or remotely via the network.

The Crestron MC3 presents a giant leap forward in control system design. Featuring the all-new Core 3 OS control engine, the system integrates entertainment, AV distribution, security and environmental systems. And, with built-in infiNET EX® wireless technology, native mobile and Web-based control, and onboard media rendering, the MC3 affords vast new, more affordable ways to control everything.

Crestron has unveiled its UFO Waterproof Remote Control.

By RS Staff, April 2, 2012

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http://residentialsystems.com/article/72620.aspx

The buoyant, saucer-shaped remote gives users the convenience of controlling entertainment systems, lighting, thermostats, security systems, and other connected devices without worrying about water damage. UFO is ideal for indoor and outdoor use in or around pools, hot tubs, bathtubs, spas, and on yachts.

“Crestron UFO provides all the benefits of an extended wireless coverage remote without the worries of water damage. There are all sorts of uses for a waterproof remote that floats,” said Sean Goldstein, Crestron VP of marketing. “In addition to obvious applications such as hot tubs, pools and yachts, it’s very popular in hospital operating rooms where everything must be sterilized. The UFO can be submerged in sanitizing liquid without being affected.”

The intuitive user interface features customizable menus with full-color icons, making it easy to select room location, music or video source, choose a radio station, TV channel, or media title, and access lighting controls and other functions. Molded in a rugged, rubberized outer skin, UFO is resistant to damage from chlorine, salt water, and sterilization solutions. The ruggedized construction of the remote provides an added level or protection against elements.

With the tap of a finger, UFO provides extended wireless coverage and two-way feedback from a bright 2.8-inch active-matrix color LCD display. UFO works like an IR remote with instant response, with all the benefits of 2-way RF. Using Crestron 2.4 GHz RF wireless technology allows extended coverage performance up to 200 feet indoors, and 1000 feet outdoors using the optional Extended Range RF Wireless Gateway.

Additionally, UFO extends battery life up to one week by slipping into a virtual sleep mode within seconds when idle. Instant-Waking revives UFO instantly with the press of any button, and button commands can be sent immediately without the connection delays common with Wi-Fi remotes, according to Crestron. The included indoor docking station provides a convenient means for charging the remote’s internal battery.

An optional outdoor docking station provides a weatherproof charging solution and an ideal wall mount dock for both outdoor and indoor applications.

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http://residentialsystems.com/article/72620.aspx

Crestron Press Release - March 02, 2012

Cypress Grand Opening Hosts Hundreds of Guests for Tours, Seminars & Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Crestron commemorated the opening of its new Experience Center in Cypress, CA yesterday with more than 400 guests that included Crestron dealers, consultants, architects, lighting designers and specifiers, electrical contractors, vendor partners, media, and local government officials.

The southern California location adds another showcase facility to Crestron’s lineup of nationwide Experience Centers and Design Showrooms. Crestron Experience Centers are the ideal setting for customers, dealers, designers, and architects to experience cutting-edge Crestron integrated technology in a fully-immersive environment.

There’s so much more to commercial building control and home automation than what you read or hear. To get the facts, you have to see it for yourself. The new Experience Center offers guests an up close and personal behind-the-scenes look at the world’s most pioneering control technology. The all day open house event featured educational seminars, group tours of the 5,000 square foot facility, product demonstrations, and an official ribbon cutting ceremony.

“Our Cypress Experience Center provides a state-of-the-art space to support our customers, dealers and partners in southern California,” said Dave Sell, Crestron Regional Director. “This marks an open invitation to everyone to come and use this beautiful, functional space where you can see and demonstrate Crestron technology in real-life settings. Hearing and reading about Crestron solutions is cool, but nothing beats experiencing it for yourself.”

Afternoon seminars addressed relevant topics such as “Grow Your Business with Crestron,” “It’s a Digital World” and “Integration with Apple®”.

Guests received guided tours which demonstrated new Crestron innovations including CaptureLiveHD™ Lecture Capture System, Sonnex™ Multiroom Audio System, V-Panel™ 24” HD Touch Screen Displays, DigitalMedia™ High-Definition Video Distribution System and much more. Attendees also received a sneak preview of soon-to-be released Crestron shading solutions on display in the Shading Design Studio.

Prior to the evening cocktail party, Cypress Mayor Doug Bailey congratulated Crestron Executive Vice President Randy Klein and staff for expanding the Cypress location. “This facility will allow visitors to experience the technological innovations that have made Crestron an industry leader for more than 40 years,” said Bailey.

FEBRUARY 26, 2012BY KRISSY RUSHING

Turn up the music, turn down the lights, and start a movie – with the swipe of a finger. Here’s how high-tech room controls are making your next luxury hotel room classier than ever.

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http://www.digitaltrends.com/lifestyle/high-tech-and-high-class-how-luxury-hotels-are-embracing-technology/

Technology is an important part of the home, and what better way for hoteliers to make guests feel at home than to provide them with state-of-the-art technological amenities? We are talking about a deeper level of connectivity than a simple iPod dock, or a reliable Internet connection in your hotel room. The trend in luxury hotels across the globe is a simple touchscreenwith an easy-to-use graphic user interface that can control all your room’s amenities, such as lighting, air conditioning, TV, movies,and music. These systems also have the capability to handle communication with the front desk, housekeeping, concierge, and checkout. The modern hotel also offers staff facility-wide monitoring and management capabilities.

In fact, most of the major control companies are already entrenched in the hotel market, from Control4 to Crestron and Apple. Needless to say, hoteliers are jumping on the control bandwagon, which is the“wow” amenity of the moment that puts luxury hotels a cut above.

Inspiration from across the street

At the legendary Plaza in New York City, Manhattan’s iconic NYC Apple Store sits just across the street. When the Apple iPad came out, the hotel’s general manager, Shane Krige, walked across the street and purchased a few to put in the hotel lobby for guests to play with. Once the Plaza team saw everything the device was capable of, they put an iPad in every room.

Guests are greeted with a personalized welcome screen and a video from Krige explaining ICE, the Interactive Customer Experience.Once acquainted,you can control the room temperature or set lights at various levels from 100 percent to completely off. You can send messages to the front desk, request toothpaste from housekeeping, or ask the concierge for a restaurant reservation. Guests can arrange transportation or learn about the hotel, which just underwent a $450 million renovation. You can even check airlines and print boarding passes. A mobile ICE app in the works will be downloadable from the Plaza’s website, allowing you to do all these things before you even arrive.

The room that knows you’re there

Across the sea in Sydney Harbour, Australia, the Star Hotel & Casino offers complete guest control in its 174 luxury suites.Guests get on-screen control of the television, IBAHN Video-on-Demand system, lighting and temperature, a Philips Dynalite lighting control system, a wireless thermostat, Samsung LED 3D TV, Bose Cinemate music system, and more. A Control4 system acts as the backbone, allowing simple control with a straightforward interface.

The suites all feature a button labeled “Leaving Room” by the entry door that automatically places the suite in an energy-saving mode: With a single touch, it closes blinds, turns off lights and dials back air conditioners for energy savings. Should you forget to press this on your way out, after 30 minutes the system will sense there is no one and trigger the button automatically. Upon return your room will greet you by opening curtains, turning on the lights and displaying a welcome message. “Door Ajar” and “Privacy” notification pops up on the TV so you know you are safe and won’t be bothered by the hotel staff.

The greener side of high-tech

At the Montage Deer Valley mountain resort in Park City, Utah, 154 deluxe guest rooms and 66 suites are equipped with a similar Control4 Hospitality Solution that lets guests control lighting,temperature, the fireplace, entertainment, privacy settings and energy-saving features. Hotel guests can enjoy theses effortless tech amenities while the hotel industry – known for its oversize environmental footprint — can reduce negative impact.

Crestron is also doing interesting things in the hotel industry, and has installed control systems in some of the world’s top hotel chains, including Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, InterContinental Hotels Group, Four Seasons, and Starwood Properties.

“Hotels are using more technology to enable a higher level of service,” says Crestron’s director of hospitality, Michael Stegmann. “The modern hotel standard presents new challenges to manage and integrate it all.”

Crestron’s Hospitality solution is up to the challenge, monitoring and managing centralized AV sources and lighting controls for all areas of a hotel from a PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android device and a local Crestron touch screen. As with Control4 systems, Crestron’s offers a number of ways to cut back on electricity consumption, from dimming systems to occupancy sensors and daylight harvesting. In-room amenities, including security, AV, and HVAC are standard. The environmentally minded Gateway Canyon Resort in Gateway, Colorado, for example, uses a Crestron system to control hotel-wide functions, including the Kiva Lodge, a 38-room hotel with fitness center, spa, café and pool area. The Crestron CP2E system controls AV and background music distribution throughout the lodge. Wall-mount touch screens and keypadsadorn the luxury space for walk-up, one-touch control.

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http://www.digitaltrends.com/lifestyle/high-tech-and-high-class-how-luxury-hotels-are-embracing-technology/

Will home automation become something that we can’t imagine living without? Jeff Wilson takes us on a tour of a design showroom that highlights some of the time- and energy-saving benefits of automation.

Wed Feb 15 2012 Written by Jeff Wilson

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http://buildipedia.com/at-home/jeff-wilson-everyday-diy-blog/home-automation

Home automation sounds a little intimidating. Just the mention makes me think of the USS Enterprise on Star Trek – seamless integration of controls for everything from lighting and sound to heating and air-conditioning to security and energy-efficiency. Oh, and don’t forget to set those phasers to stun.

Ten years ago, the only kind of home automation I’d heard of was “the Clapper,” which I didn’t think I’d have any use for until I was old enough to fall and not be able to get back up. Times have changed, though, as I learned during my recent visit to the Crestron Design Showroom in New York City – Crestron is an automation company well known in commercial building for their very high quality and attention to detail. Bryan Celli, the Design Showroom Manager, gave me a tour of the Crestron facility in the Decoration and Design Building in Manhattan.

According to Celli, Crestron has helped office towers and hotel chains to manage their energy use more efficiently by automating simple tasks like lighting and HVAC. When you check into a hotel, for example, the heat is turned up automatically and the lights are turned on so that when you reach your room, it’s warm and inviting. Until you got there, however, the lights were off and the room was cold. Pretty smart. With such large buildings, the large, up-front costs are easily offset by the energy savings over time.

It used to be that automation solutions for homes were far too expensive, and most companies that dabbled in home automation only tackled one aspect, like lighting or audio and video. Homeowners who dished out the cash to put in these early systems soon found themselves with five remotes for different systems that couldn’t “talk” to each other because they were made by different manufacturers. That resulted in cobbled-together systems that didn’t really work as intended.

Enter Crestron – this company employs an army of engineers to make sure that all aspects of their system work together effortlessly, and it uses technology like touchscreen controls to make using the systems intuitive.

They even have apps (and docking stations) for your tablet or smart phone, so you can (for example) unlock the door for the plumber while you’re at work (and lock it again when he leaves and know how long he was in the house) or set the thermostat lower at home when you’re on vacation. But that’s just the beginning.

From a convenience standpoint, imagine tapping one icon marked “Movie Time” and having the lights dim, the motorized shades lower, and the home entertainment system boot up. Then, from that same control, sort through the movies on your home server and start the show (I’m sure automated popcorn is in the works). Tap an icon that says “Goodnight,” and the lights turn off, shades drop, all doors lock, and the security system is armed. Another icon marked “Dinner Party” brings down the lights a bit and brings up your favorite Ella Fitzgerald collection at just the right listening level. “Have to get up in the middle of the night?” Celli asks, motioning to small downlights mounted in the walls about a foot off the floor. “These will come on automatically, giving you some light to get down the hall, and then shut off again when you’re back in bed.” For me, that would mean no more stubbed toes at 3 AM. Pretty nice.

From an energy-efficiency standpoint, Crestron’s systems can be customized to control your heat and air conditioning, as well as automated shades in the windows, to help minimize your energy use. Shades can drop in the windows on the sunny south side of the house in the summer to keep the solar energy from heating the house and stressing the air conditioning. Lights can be automated so that they’re turned off in rooms without occupants. Rather than cluttering the walls with thermostats, a single thermostat controller can be mounted in a closet, and small, inconspicuous temperature sensors can be mounted in different parts of the house to help control a multi-zone HVAC system. Energy use can be closely watched through Crestron’s Energy Monitoring interface so that you’re aware of where you’re wasting energy and can adjust your habits accordingly.

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http://buildipedia.com/at-home/jeff-wilson-everyday-diy-blog/home-automation

Crestron Press Release February 06, 2012

Mobile Pro Demo Leaves Visitors Blown Away by Control Possibilities

Crestron and its mobile control solutions were a big hit with Apple® fans at the Moscone Center in San Francisco last week. As a first-time MacWorld®/iWorld exhibitor, Crestron demonstrated the Mobile Pro apps for the iPad® and iPhone® to thousands of attendees. Under the slogan “Control Everything™. All From One App™,” Crestron captivated the Macworld audience with a refreshed mobile GUI and hands-on demonstration, using simulated home, boardroom and classroom environments to control entertainment systems, lighting, shades, multi-room audio/video, heating/cooling, and security systems.

While many visitors had a limited understanding of Crestron solutions, applications and markets prior to the show, nearly all walked away with a better understanding of the its offerings and value proposition. Overall, there was tremendous feedback from end users who left the show with an interest in installing Crestron in their homes, offices and schools.

Among the many visitors to the Crestron kiosk were handfuls of Apple bloggers and technology writers who had nothing but positive things to say about Crestron and its control solutions. David Temple of Appletell wrote, “With all due respect to all of the fantastic apps at MacWorld | iWorld 2012, I am going to give Crestron my nod for Best of Show,” while Trevor Sheridan of Apple ‘N’ Apps said, “Crestron was by far and away the one company at MacWorld|iWorld that truly blew my mind for the possibilities.”

Crestron Press Release January 24, 2012

Energy Management: Where Concept Meets Reality

Energy management is a hot topic of discussion among businesses, government organizations, and homeowners, and essential to saving energy and significantly lowering operational costs for an organization. At ISE 2012 in Amsterdam, Crestron will introduce its breakthrough new Fusion EM™ (Energy Management) software, a completely integrated enterprise-wide energy management solution for any size organization.

The concept of energy monitoring and management software that can track power consumption in a room or building and generate data for analysis to reduce costs has garnered much attention and enthusiasm. Crestron is turning this concept into a reality, bringing to market a tangible solution for corporations, government organizations, schools, hotels, hospitals, and more. Available March 1st, the Crestron Fusion EM™ (Energy Management) software revolutionizes the way organizations control every aspect of their day-to-day operations.

Fusion EM is part of the Crestron Fusion Global Enterprise Management platform. The Fusion database, running on a central server, provides the foundation to run different software applications based on organizational needs. Organizations can choose Fusion EM to monitor and track environmental systems and energy usage, and Fusion RV™ software to manage, monitor and control AV presentation and video conference technologies. The Fusion Global Enterprise Management platform provides network access to any device or system throughout the global enterprise.

About Fusion EM Energy Management Software Analyze energy consumption, turn lights on or off, set actions for when a room is occupied, adjust heating/cooling set points, and edit demand response settings.

Early Adopters Select companies have been using Crestron Fusion EM since November 2011. A mid-sized consumer packing goods organization wanted to enhance its operational efficiencies and sustainability programs through energy management deployed globally throughout its entire facility, consisting of multiple sites and locations. Fusion EM offered the opportunity to not only track energy usage, but also the control systems and tools to easily reduce and manage consumption by room, building and global enterprise.

About Fusion RV Remote Asset Management Software For a more robust and comprehensive enterprise management solution, add Crestron Fusion RV (RoomView). Fusion RV provides real-time room status, tracks maintenance requirements for AV devices such as projectors, automates end-of-day shutdown, books meetings in rooms, and provides remote help desk assistance.