feature // touch screens and controllers
Kicked into touch
The 64Mb on-board flash memory handsets provide control
The idea of having a home-control system
of and feedback from IP and RS232 controlled devices, for
example, providing for live feeds on the handset from IP enabled
to manage all of your home’s electronic
cameras or receiving latest weather forecasts and news-feeds
gear, too long a futuristic premise is now a
via online RSS services.
The imminent arrival, later this year, of Escient Zone, a new
tangible reality. integrated home automation and control system, features a
At one time considered too expensive or too
choice of two in-wall and one remote touch screen controllers.
The unit is, says DMi, a fully featured, high performance home
difficult to install or retro-fit, homeowners
automation and control system at a lower price point than
current market leading systems, enabling CI dealers and custom
can now enjoy the convenience and control
installers to extend their target market for integrated home
of a home automation system for integrated
automation. Likewise, it will enable a greater number of dealers
to gain full access to a single integrated home control system
lighting, security and AV systems at a price to as an alternative to configuring components from disparate
suit their pocket.
manufacturers, providing an easy to install and operate solution
with a guaranteed performance capability.
CI takes a closer look at developments in the
Within Zone, the TS700 and TS400 in-wall remotes offer 7
inch and 3.8 inch touch screens respectively, with the TS400
burgeoning sector.
supporting wired and wireless operation. The RC700 is a
wireless remote with 7 inch touch screen.
A major feature of the Zone products is their true ease of
installation and operation. Products in the range support all of
the leading custom install RS232 and IP control protocols.
Bert Kiggen, brand director DMi D&M Installation (Europe)
commented, “Touch screen remote control interfaces are
now essential in making the automated home experience
user-friendly and intuitive. If well programmed, they add
value to the whole system and ensure greater convenience
for the user.
“The increasing introduction of touch screen devices in,
for example, the mobile ‘phone market, has led to a much
wider awareness and acceptance of such interfaces. With
the wider proliferation of touch screen interfaces, a commonly
recognisable appearance and navigation method becomes
more important for users. The installer can add great value to a
total system by creating a simplified ‘common interface’ without
limiting the functionality and integration flexibility, with a device
like our Marantz RC9001. With Escient Zone that philosophy is
already designed into the interfaces.”
www.dm-i.eu
Stainless steel makes a smarter keypad
A new, stylish version of the Comfort KP04 keypad has been
designed and introduced by www.smartpowershop.co.uk, part
DMi in the Zone of the B & S Group. With a stainless steel fascia that fits flush to
DMi D&M Installation (Europe) offers a range of handheld and the wall, the new-look keypad has all the features of the Comfort
in-wall touch screen control options, both universal and within KP04 and includes an LCD display for messages.
its new Escient Zone integrated home automation and control A focal part of Cytech
system. Europe’s Comfort
DMi considers its flagship universal controller to be the Intelligent Home System,
powerful Marantz RC9001 programmable full colour, touch the keypad with internal
screen remote. speaker and microphone,
Reportedly among the most powerful universal controllers can arm and disarm the
available, this mid-priced unit offers a host of dedicated CI security system, record or
features, and provides for extensive control of the widest range hear voicemail messages,
of AV devices, automated room lighting and environmental control Comfort through
control and security system functionality. the Home Control Menu,
The RC9001 is functionally programmable and upgradeable communicate with other
via USB PC connectivity; the latest firmware upgrade – released keypads, door stations
this year and available as an FOC download from the Marantz and telephone, receive
website – provides support for a-synchronous RS 232 feedback infrared commands, hear
programming and full 2-way programming for control and feedback alarm sounds and activate
of IP controlled devices. The 9.6 cm 640x480 pixel full colour TFT shortcut functions.
display sports an easy to use interface, fully customisable via the The KP04-SS also
free of charge Windows™ programming software (enabling the comes with a backbox that
creation of PCF files and the import of CCF files). allows the stainless steel
26 May 2009 www.custominstaller.co.uk
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