Integrating an Existing 2-channel Stereo into an Intuitive Control System

svcnews November 2nd, 2009

The following information is courtesy of the 2008 CEDIA Electronic Lifestyles Designers’ Choice Awards. For more information on how to become a member of CEDIA, or information on its awards program please visit www.cedia.org or call (800) 669-5329.

2008 CEDIA Electronic Lifestyles Awards Entry: Best Integrated Home, Level III: $230,000 - $290,000

Date design began: 03-05-05

Date installation was completed: 06-28-07

FEATURE ESSAY

1. Please provide a short four to six sentence synopsis describing the project goals, special features, or nuances.

The goal of this complex project was to integrate a high-rise apartment while incorporating the client’s existing reference two-channel stereo system. We wanted to create an intuitive control system that would be inconspicuously and strategically positioned throughout the contemporary “mansion in the sky” to manage the multi-room music, video, lighting, shades, HVAC, and security systems.

2. Did you encounter any challenges or limitations that required special consideration in the design of the system or placement of equipment? Please describe the control system.

This project was challenging on a number of levels. Perhaps the most problematic aspect was integrating the client’s rather esoteric, two-channel stereo into the control scheme of the Crestron. He wanted control of the stereo, as well as to feed the sources into the two-channel system and into the Crestron system. Integrating the client’s existing HVAC was also quite tricky. Crestron had developed multi-speed fan thermostats to work with the buildings climate control system. We had to properly integrate and thoroughly test the Crestron thermostats with the building’s climate system. The client uses Crestron e-control to operate the system from his office, where he spends a great deal of time. He also uses a number of presets to regulate key lighting areas, shades, temperatures, and audio based on occupancy and the season. For example, the “summer home” setting turns on key lighting areas, opens shades in all of the rooms, sets all rooms to cool to a pre-defined temperature and turns on audio. “Summer away” does the reverse.

3. Discuss the overall plan you created to accomplish the clients’ requirements.

We had a distinct game plan: We wanted to place as much of the system as possible in one location to minimize clutter throughout the apartment. We also needed to control the various systems remotely through wireless controllers and touchpanels. Our client was very involved in the process. Before installation, we developed screen shots for all of the touchscreens. This allowed us to review all designs with the client and revise as needed - all of which added up to a completely customized and personalized experience for the client.

4. Describe the five most used functions of the system and how they benefit the client.

a. Lighting Control – Allows the client to tailor the space to his mood and activities, enhancing his beautiful apartment and complimenting the changing views of the city skyline throughout the day.

b. Shade/Curtain Control – Allows complete control of the natural light coming into the apartment through the stunning floor to ceiling windows in every room. The shading system also provides privacy for the residents, helps regulate the temperature inside, and protects the exquisite furnishings and artwork from sun damage, all the while allowing him to have a constant view of the beautiful city skyline.

c. Multi-Room Audio – The client is an avid jazz collector and audiophile, which makes the audio system an essential feature. By allowing control throughout the house and incorporating an immense Audio Request music server, he can access his entire music collection - uncompressed – anywhere in the apartment at the touch of a button. Whether he is relaxing in one of this dedicated listening areas, or in the kitchen, he can enjoy his favorite melodies.

d. HVAC Control – The client engages in quite a bit of traveling, so we set up HVAC points for touch-and-go control. This allows him to quickly set the system as he is leaving the apartment. It also gives him the satisfaction of knowing he will conserve energy while he is away from home.

e. Web Tablet – We also installed a web tablet that the client specifically requested for the living room. We supplied a Crestron TPMC-8X, which allows for control of the house integration, audio and the local video systems. The client is also able to use this unit for internet browsing and email.

EQUIPMENT LIST:

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Antex

Model#: XM-100

Product Description: XM Satellite Radio

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: APC

Model#: Smart UPS 750RM2U

Product Description: Uninterruptible Power Supply w/Battery Back-up

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: AudioControl

Model#: Architect 660

Product Description: 12-Channel Amplifier

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Audio Request

Model#: S 4.2400

Product Description: 4-Zone Hard Drive Music Server w/2500GB Hard Drive providing instant access to approximately 2400 CDs in WAV File Format

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Bryston

Model#: 4B SST

Product Description: 2-Channel Stereo Power Amplifier

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: PRO2

Product Description: Control System Processor

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: C2ENET-2

Product Description: Dual Port Ethernet Card

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: C2COM-3

Product Description: 3-Port Serial Expansion Card

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: CNX-BIPAD8

Product Description: Audio Matrix Switcher for 16 Music & Video Sources & 8 Listening Zones

Qty: 4

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: CN-PWS-75

Product Description: Cresnet Power Supply

Qty: 4

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: CNT-BLOCK

Product Description: Cresnet Connector Blocks

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: C2N-TFM

Product Description: FM Broadcast Reference Tuner

Qty: 2

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: TPS-4000L

Product Description: Wall Mounted 10.4

Qty: 2

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: BB-4000L

Product Description: Wall Mounting Back Box for Crestron TPS-4000L

Qty: 6

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: TPS-2000L

Product Description: Wall Mounted 5

Qty: 6

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: BB-2000L

Product Description: Wall Mounting Back Box for Crestron TPS-2000L

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: TPMC-8X

Product Description: 8

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: TPMC-8X-DS

Product Description: Docking Station w/Built-in Charger for Crestron TPMC-8X

Qty: 8

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: CHV-TSTAT

Product Description: Heating & Cooling Thermostats

Qty: 6

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: CHV-RTS

Product Description: Remote Temperature Sensor

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: ST-RMK

Product Description: Custom Rack Shelf for Crestron C2N-TFM

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: MT-1000C

Product Description: Color Wireless Touchscreen Control Center

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: CNR-FGWA-418

Product Description: RF Gateway for MT-1000C

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Chief

Model#: PDR-2081

Product Description: Dual Swing Arm Bracket for 50

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Chief

Model#: PNR-2081

Product Description: Dual Swing Arm Bracket for 50

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Chief

Model#: PAC-500

Product Description: In-Wall no Profile Accessory for PNR Bracket

Qty: 2

Manufacturer: Denon

Model#: AVR-3806

Product Description: A/V Surround Sound Receiver

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Denon

Model#: DVD-2930CI

Product Description: Digital Video Disc Player

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Denon

Model#: AVR-2307CI

Product Description: A/V Surround Sound Receiver

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Fujitsu

Model#: P63XTA51US

Product Description: 63

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Fujitsu

Model#: P-50XP1-B

Product Description: Plasma Display Wall Mount Bracket for 63

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Lutron

Model#: HWI-PNL-8

Product Description: Remote Power Rough-in Panel for 8 Remote Power Modules

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Lutron

Model#: HWI-LV32-120

Product Description: Rough-in Low-Voltage Enclosure for Processor

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Lutron

Model#: H8P5-MI-H48-120

Product Description: Processor w/Integral Dimmer Interface

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Lutron

Model#: HWI-CCO-8

Product Description: Centralized Lighting System Contact Closure

Qty: 3

Manufacturer: Lutron

Model#: HWI-WLB

Product Description: Wire Landing Boards for Connection of Lighting Keypads

Qty: 7

Manufacturer: Lutron

Model#: HW-RPM-4U-120

Product Description: 4 Circuit Dimmer & Switching Modules

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Lutron

Model#: HP-2

Product Description: Stabilized 2000 Watt/VA Remote Dimmer Module

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Lutron

Model#: HP-6

Product Description: Stabilized 6000 Watt/VA Remote Dimmer Module

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Lutron

Model#: GRX-FDBI-16A-120

Product Description: Fluorescent Dimmer Interfaces

Qty: 19

Manufacturer: Lutron

Model#: HWD-10D

Product Description: 1000 Watt Programmable Touch Switch Dimmers

Qty: 4

Manufacturer: Lutron

Model#: HWD-8ANS

Product Description: 8 Amplifier Neutral Wire Switches

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Lutron

Model#: HD-RS

Product Description: Companion Remote Switches

Qty: 14

Manufacturer: Lutron

Model#: STWD-6BRL

Product Description: 6-Button Lighting Keypad w/ Raise/Lower Buttons

Qty: 14

Manufacturer: Lutron

Model#: SKD-6BRL

Product Description: 6-Button Engraved Kit

Qty: 23

Manufacturer: Lutron

Model#: SC-1

Product Description: Single Gang Cover Plate

Qty: 7

Manufacturer: Lutron

Model#: SC-2

Product Description: 2 Gang Cover Plate

Qty: 2

Manufacturer: Lutron

Model#: SC-3

Product Description: 3 Gang Cover Plate

Qty: 2

Manufacturer: Lutron

Model#: Sivoia QED Roller Shades

Product Description: Motorized Sun Shades w/Premium Grade Fabric

Qty: 15

Manufacturer: Lutron

Model#: Sivoia QED Roller Shades

Product Description: Motorized 2-Panel Coupled Sun Shades w/Premium Grade Fabric

Qty: 8

Manufacturer: Lutron

Model#: Sivoia QED Roller Shades

Product Description: Motorized 2-Panel Coupled Blackout Shades w/Premium Grade Fabric

Qty: 6

Manufacturer: Lutron

Model#: Sivoia QED Roller Shades

Product Description: Motorized 1-Panel Coupled Sun Shades w/Premium Grade Fabric

Qty: 4

Manufacturer: Lutron

Model#: Sivoia QED Roller Shades

Product Description: Motorized 1-Panel Coupled Blackout Shades w/Premium Grade Fabric

Qty: 6

Manufacturer: Lutron

Model#: Sivoia QED Power Panel

Product Description: Remote Power Panels for Sivoia QED Motorized Shades

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Lutron

Model#: HWI-LV17-120

Product Description: Rough-in Low-Voltage Enclosure

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Lutron

Model#: HWI-Q96

Product Description: Shade Controller for Sivoia QED Motorized Shades

Qty: 24

Manufacturer: Lutron

Model#: Custom Mounting Pockets

Product Description:

Qty: 12

Manufacturer: Lutron

Model#: Dual Mount Bracket Kits

Product Description:

Qty: 6

Manufacturer: Lutron

Model#: Sub-Dual Coupled Bracket Kits

Product Description:

Qty: 2

Manufacturer: Lutron

Model#: Dual QED Center Brackets

Product Description:

Qty: 3

Manufacturer: Lutron

Model#: Momentary Switches

Product Description: For Manual Override Control

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Middle Atlantic

Model#: Slim-5-43

Product Description: Pre-assembled 43 Space Rack

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Middle Atlantic

Model#: Slim-5-37

Product Description: Pre-assembled 37 Space Rack

Qty: 2

Manufacturer: Middle Atlantic

Model#: CBS-5

Product Description: Castor Bases for Slim-5 Series Racks

Qty: 9

Manufacturer: Middle Atlantic

Model#: RSH-4A

Product Description: Custom Fitted Rack Shelf Panels for Housing Non-Rack Mountable Equipment

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Middle Atlantic

Model#: D3

Product Description: 3 Space Storage Drawer

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Middle Atlantic

Model#: D4

Product Description: 4 Space Storage Drawer

Qty: 6

Manufacturer: Middle Atlantic

Model#: EVT-1

Product Description: 1 Space Vent Panels

Qty: 4

Manufacturer: Middle Atlantic

Model#: EVT-2

Product Description: 2 Space Vent Panels

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Middle Atlantic

Model#: BL-3

Product Description: 3 Space Blank Cover Panel

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Middle Atlantic

Model#: BL-4

Product Description: 4 Space Blank Cover Panel

Qty: 2

Manufacturer: Middle Atlantic

Model#: PD-1415C-NS

Product Description: 14 Outlet Power Strip w/Cord

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Musical Fidelity

Model#: Tri-Vista 300

Product Description: Integrated Amplifier

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Musical Fidelity

Model#: Tri-Vista SACD Player

Product Description: Single Play SACD Player

Qty: 2

Manufacturer: Musical Fidelity

Model#: Target VW1 Shelves

Product Description: 2 House Musical Fidelity Equipment

Qty: 2

Manufacturer: B&W

Model#: Signature 805

Product Description: Speaker Systems

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: OnQ

Model#: H40363476-A01

Product Description: 42

Qty: 2

Manufacturer: Pioneer

Model#: PDP-5070HD

Product Description: 50

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Rel

Model#: R-305

Product Description: 10

Qty: 5

Manufacturer: Silent Gliss

Model#: Recessed Ripplefold Drapery Track

Product Description: Motorized Recessed Drapery Track

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Silent Gliss

Model#: Control Module

Product Description: Required for Interconnection of Drapery Track Motor Mechanisms

Qty: 2

Manufacturer: Sonance

Model#: AS-2

Product Description: Automatic Speaker Switching System providing Automatic Switching between Audio System & Surround Sound System

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Sonance

Model#: iPort - FS-4

Product Description: Custom Free Standing Installation Kit for iPods (allows for line-of-site IR remote control of iPod)

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Sony

Model#: TC-WA9ES

Product Description: Dual Well Cassette Deck

Qty: 3

Manufacturer: Triad

Model#: In-Room Gold Mini Monitor

Product Description: 2-Way 2-Driver Home Theater Speaker Systems

Qty: 10

Manufacturer: Triad

Model#: In-Wall Silver/4 Omni

Product Description: Full Range Flush Mounted Speaker Systems

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Universal Remote Control

Model#: MX-3000

Product Description: Color Wireless LCD Touchscreen Control Center

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Universal Remote Control

Model#: MRF-300

Product Description: Multi-Zone RF Receiver for MX-3000 Remote Control

Qty: 4

Manufacturer: Wilson Watt Puppy

Model#: Series 8

Product Description: Floor Standing Speaker Systems

TIME AND EXPERTISE:

Client Interviews: 12

Electronic Design and Engineering: 30

Proposal and System Documentation Preparation: 15

Project Management: 40

Pre-wire/Rough-in: 0