then communicate via the KNX network to the rest of the system. This allows for a very robust and versatile system with the possibility to use single devices to control different services such as a PIR controlling the heating as well as lights. It means that there is no central point of failure and the topography promotes coherent integration of components that work together rather than fight each other; so, for example, you don’t have a ceiling cooling system fighting against underfloor heating. It also allows all building services to work together seamlessly and coherently.”
CO-ORDINATED APPROACH From the ‘top-down’ point of view of audiovisual control and integration, the market leaders are the AMX and Crestron systems that are more familiar to AV integrators. Both these companies are endeavouring to address building automation by incorporation into their own proprietary systems, combining the many different standards across different levels of device.
“The number of technologies and operating platforms that have been introduced into the corporate space over the years is truly staggering,” explains Kevin Morrison, MD and VP at AMX Europe. “In most cases, these technologies and sub- systems are deployed, operated and managed independently and rarely complement each other. As more and more of these systems are introduced, the opportunities for system conflicts, user confusion and mismanagement grow accordingly. By using a series of gateways it is possible to bridge these communication differences and achieve some system commonality. “A single point of control,
like that from AMX, enhances full-facility management by maximising the effective use of space, equipment and energy. We lead the way with solutions that provide the ideal backbone for connected businesses and homes. This is highlighted by our Enova DVX and Enova DGX switching families that provide unrivalled and centralised management, monitoring and control capabilities, ensuring
‘Cloud
computing will have a massive impact on how high-
performance buildings are run’ Kevin Morrison, AMX
that meeting rooms, and their associated systems and devices, work in an integrated manner and to maximum operational and energy- saving efficiency. Crestron’s Fusion Energy
Management (EM) software tracks an organisation’s carbon footprint while providing full control and a simple interface to change
Olympic House at Manchester Airport recently upgraded with a host of Philips LED lighting and control technology to reduce energy consumption
and schedule temperature set points, lighting levels and demand response settings. Philip Pini, systems design engineer, explains: “Fusion manages lighting, shades, heating and cooling for every room in each facility according to rules set down by the user for climate set points, lighting scenes and shade levels for the occupied
and vacated states throughout the building. It can also accommodate scheduled events such as end-of-day shutdown and meetings. Automatic shutdown of equipment not only saves power but extends component lifetimes. Demand response settings call upon predetermined rules that are
THE ORIGINAL HEAD TURNER
Dynamic 3, another innovative monitor from Arthur Holm
The NEW Arthur Holm Dynamic 3 is turning heads in sizes 17” & 19”. The electrical foldable & rotatable monitor is built in milled aluminium with anti glare glass and remotely controllable. Full HD industrial panel with HDCP compliance; and work environments