Amp up your home with these smart home automation tips

The festival season is the ideal time to invite friends and family into your glimmering smart home. Whether you’re relaxing, partying, or you just want to show off your 65-inch TV, how can you make things even better? Well, putting that tech to work can make your life easier and give you more time to focus on enjoying festivals. Anusha Technovision Pvt. Ltd offers a brief overview of how to get technology to lighten up your home, almost literally in some cases!

Save Energy

One of the key benefits of home automation is that it allows saving energy at home by scheduling your exterior lights so they aren’t on when they don’t need to be, using motion sensors that automatically turn off when you leave the room. It’s a great way to conserve power and have the best decoration, without dealing with an outrageous electric bill.

Cook With Ease

Whether baking festive delicacies or cooking an entire family dinner, you can use smart appliances to help with preparation. Your smartphone will notify you when the delicacies are cooked, while the safety sensors remind you if you have left the stove on, and the smart refrigerator alerts when the door is left open. 

 

Pick pretty pieces

Gone are the days when smart home automation devices were oversized eyesores. Now it's entirely possible to find sleek and stylish smart devices that won't draw attention. Smart devices are now small enough to be tucked away on a bookshelf and come in classic colours and design, that complement your home decor theme. 

Automate Your Festive Lighting

If you’ve got some lighting out in the garden, why not consider some weatherproofed on/off modules so you can avoid the need for manual control? Apply the same to your lights and decorations indoors so you’ve got all that lighting covered and you can automate it just by a click on your smartphones or tablets.

Create The Right Mood for Dinner

Now, with all the food in place, you can use automation to set the scene for the perfect meal. Create a dining room scene so that the lights are tailored accordingly, and your festive playlist kicks in. With a smart thermostat in place, the temperature is dialled in without you needing to continually fiddle with a manual alternative. All that remains is to enjoy all that lip-smacking food with your nearest and dearest.

Use wireless home security and smart home automation systems provided by ATPL to enhance your decorations, add a little warmth—literally and figuratively, and help make the festive season more fun and comfortable.

The piece is written by Alok Hada, Director, Anusha Technovision Pvt. Ltd. 

Trends in Commercial Automation

As technology continues to entwine itself into our lives, we fail to put forward the numerous ways it has made our life better and easier. From the first bulb that ever came into existence to the voice automated Siri, technology has become an indispensable part of our lives and it is safe to say that it has become the crux of human existence.

Recent trends in technology suggest that commercial automation will be the next most sought after aspect in the architecture and design industry. Commercial automation is a technology system usually implemented to control various aspects of a building, such as the lights, temperature, window shades, audio, video, etc. Instead of controlling all of these components individually, automation combines them into one easily managed system. Everything works in unison, which in turn helps your business save on daily operations. Your business becomes more lucrative and simpler when all your technology and systems work in sync with user-friendly control. Imagine clicking on a single button to activate and deactivate the alarm systems, turn lights on, draw curtains, set temperature, and turn on video displays. A boardroom or conference stuck in the old century surely can’t meet the efficiency, productivity, and elegance of a boardroom integrated with the most up-to-date systems modern technology has to offer. By integrating every function and having easy control over your space from a single touch screen, commercial automation has become the need of the hour. The productivity at your workplace will increase, all the important rooms at your office will be governed by smart technology. Conference rooms, boardroom, or executive office can all be controlled from a single tablet. There will be no delays when holding meetings and every visitor will appreciate the easy-going yet effective approach.

Smart technology will set you apart put you a step above in efficiency and the experience of your space. You have the option to only integrate the system in a few areas first and then expand later. It is relatively easy to explore possibilities with commercial automation. Commercial automation also leads to energy conservation, by sensing the presence and absence of a person in the room amongst many other benefits. We can conclude from recent trends in the business that commercial automation will become a necessity at workplaces due to its unmatched benefits and functions.

The piece is written by Alok Hada, Director, Anusha Technovision Pvt. Ltd.

Hospitality Automation

Lighting needs in hospitality sector are no longer restricted to illuminating the space and enabling visibility. It, however, has evolved to be something that gives the visitors an experience of the place. Good lighting has the potential to transform the space and give the venue a character, look and feel. Today, we have different lighting control modules, each playing a distinct role to enable energy efficient lighting solutions.

Different areas require different type of lighting according to the function they perform. Lighting in the past decades, used to be a supplementary element to the overall scheme of a space. Now it has become a key element in a design scheme, and sometimes, is even used as a distinct feature in and of itself. The lighting solutions for hotels are chosen depending upon the requirement of the space. The type of lighting used enhances the look of the area and gives the visitors an experience in itself. Dull, dimly lit space often disappoint the visitors unless the space specifically requires such type of lighting. Lighting can play a huge role in the success of your hotel and how others perceive it. 

In the Hospitality sector, the major focus is on achieving the correct ambience with lighting controls. Hotels which are energy conscious stress on reducing energy consumption through controls. Dimmer compatible lights are a new addition to hospitality lighting solutions as they give the guests liberty to adjust the lights as per their needs. Such fixtures with dimmers also add to the overall aesthetics of the room liberating it from ugly looking light bulbs, while also adding an element of automation. This allows the users a higher level of control over his surrounding environment, which also helps them get more comfortable in a space. Hotel industry is continuously experimenting with the type of lighting they use. The innovations and developments are making it easier for the designers to use lights to accentuate the overall look of the space – both from the inside and outside.

Different types of lighting like light installations, façade lighting, controllable chandeliers, accent lights, dimmable LEDs etc are now used in the hotels. The LED industry is also changing at a very fast pace. Everyday there are new innovations and inventions. These changes and developments bring new opportunities along in terms of innovative and energy saving lighting solutions. We at Anusha Technovision (ATPL) strive to provide automation services in many sectors, including hospitality. From customizable guestroom automation to public area lighting controls, there is something for everyone. The products used and augmented in a design scheme by ATPL is versatile and allows designers a lot of flexibility in the way it can be implemented in a space, whether in an installation or the broader lighting scheme, making it an economical choice in terms of energy consumption.

Smart Lighting Control System

Smart Lighting Control System is an intelligent lighting control Solution. It is an important aspect of our daily life. Light control would allow the ability to regulate the level and quality of light in each space for specific tasks or situations. Controlling light properly not only enhances the experience, it helps to save energy by using light when and where it is needed most.

Smart Lighting control systems features:

a)     Time Clock facility–The house owner could schedule the turning ON/Off the Lights/curtains based on normal/Astronomical time clock.

b)     Occupancy/Vacancy-Many building spaces remaining unoccupied between 40% and 70% of the day, lights left on are a real energy drain. occupancy/vacancy sensors automate the switching and dimming of those lights, saving energy and money.

c)      Daylight availability Amount of daylight that enters a space is an important aspect of  light control. Electric lighting energy use can be adjusted by automatically dimming  and/or switching     electric lights in response to the level of available daylight.

    d)   Mood Lighting Facility – This gives the power to enhance the beauty of any area with the variety of customized lighting scenes (e.g. TV, Relax, Meeting etc.).

    e)    Alarm conditions-Alarm conditions typically include inputs from other building systems such as the fire alarm or HVAC system, which may trigger an emergency 'all lights on' or ' all lights flashing' command for example.

Benefits of Smart Lighting ControlSystem:

     -  The major advantage of a lighting control system over  conventional  manual switching is the ability to control individual lights or groups of  lights of the house from any location with a single user interface   (Keypad,  i-pad/i-phone etc.) device.

     -   Now, we can also control the lighting system with Voice Command, e.g.-   Alexa

     -   Each button on Wired or wireless keypad is custom engraved with    button functionality to make it user friendly.

     -   A major benefit of lighting control systems is reduced energy consumption and reduced electricity bill too.
      - A room may have multiple scenes pre-set, each one created for different activities in the room

       - A major benefit of lighting control systems is reduced energy consumption

       - Longer lamp life is also gained when dimming and switching off lights when not in use

       -  Wireless lighting control systems provide additional benefits including reduced installation costs and increased flexibility over where switches and sensors may be placed.

         

        It adds the comfort, enhance the beauty of interior and conserve the energy!

Smart Bathroom (Part 2)

What's in Store?

With a lot of technological advancements, there are a few products which have made a mark in this field and have done extremely well.

1. HomeWorks system provides convenient, intelligent and sophisticated control of your home's lighting and shades, and can be integrated with security and audiovisual systems. In addition to enhancing your lifestyle, HomeWorks Architectural and Designer style controls can also enhance your décor and complement your home. Centralized dimming panels can be used to provide control of multiple zones of light in a room or throughout your home from a single keypad.

2. Agath mirror TVs are the latest generation flat, waterproof television sets for bathroom and spa. It’s unique design needs no ventilation. In fact if one wanted to change anything (lighting, music, or even water temperature) you could do that with the touch of a button or from your smart phone or even better call out and have the voice commands be given to the Automation system that obeys like an obedient servant, only one that never takes leave! Something that replenishes the toilet roll automatically, tells me If I forget my towel and even better hands the towel  out to me. Tells me If I need to have fresh blades for my razor and if the soap and shampoo stock in the bathroom is about to get over, it automatically orders it from my grocery store!

Smart Bathroom (Part 1)

Smart technology- does not mean you need to be a smart user! It means technology that makes use of products - easier and more convenient. In a bathroom specifically, while bathroom fittings are increasingly focusing on turning this mundane activity of a daily shower or use of the toilet, into a more relaxing and even enjoyable experience, we are moving to the world where comfort and luxury and technology are all intertwined, and the bathroom is one area in the house that is important and for some even central to this concept.

Smart Bathroom  is one that could turn the lights on as soon as you enter it. It would be intuitive enough to know if you entered during the night or day and adjust the lighting accordingly. It would play your favorite FM channel /music as soon as you started your daily bathroom activity. It would have the temperature of the water to just the right level for you. The toilet seat would become warm in winters and cool in summers. These are some of the technological advancements that have changed the very face of the bathrooms today.

In the past, a bathroom was a small, bog-like standard room. It was known for being one of the last places homeowners would renovate, but that is no longer the case. The bathroom is becoming a highly valued part of the home. Because of this, more homeowners are making improvements to their bathroom decor, accessories and appliances. Nowadays, many improve or renovate their bathrooms for relaxation and hygiene purposes. 

Motorized Shading System (Part 2)

What's in store?

SivoiaQS is the next generation of shading technology from Lutron, and the ideal solution for total light control. Its simplified wiring and common communication language allows for easy integration with Lutron lighting controls. Control electric light and daylight now at the touch of a button! It offers precision control of shades in one room, multiple rooms, or an entire home or building all at the touch of a button. Using the proprietary Clear Connect™ RF Technology from Lutron, Sivoia QS Wireless directly integrates with Lutron lighting control systems, delivering total light control to any space.

Features:

·         Precision Control of Daylight

·         Total Light Control

·         Ultra-Quite Performance

·         Easy to Design, Install and Integrate

·         Simple Operation, Beautiful Aesthetics

Add convenience :

•        Adjust shades with a wire-free handheld or wall-mounted control from anywhere in the room

•        A single button press adjusts hard-to-reach window treatments

•        Operate quietly to prevent disruption in any space

•        Cord-free design makes this solution safe for homes with young children or pets

 

 Enhance your décor :

•        Choose from beautiful fabrics, colors, styles, and textures

•        Give your room a crisp, clean look that complements many decorating styles

Save energy :

•        Lower shades in summer to insulate the space and help reduce cooling costs

•        Raise shades in winter to let sun in during the day and lower them at night to trap the day’s heat, and reduce heating costs

•        Insulate your home effectively with the heat-trapping air pockets of insulating honeycomb shades, which enhance energy efficiency

Types of Motorized Shades Solutions:

·         Curtain/ Drapery Track System

·         Roller Shades/ Blinds

·         Roman Shades

·         Venetian Blinds

·         Kirbe Vertical Drapery Systems

·         Skylight Shades

To know more visit our website >>

Motorized Shading System (Part 1)

The “Smart Home” has been a marketing catch phrase for a while, there are many people who already live in smart homes. Technologically savvy homeowners and apartment dwellers have long known that conveniences such as remote operated security systems, remote shading systems, and other home electronic devices can make life both easier and more economical.  A smart home can provide better analysis of power usage, and let homeowners determine where and when to cut back for better energy conservation and cost savings.  It has real world implications as well.

Smart-home technology has come to the world of 'Motorized Shading Systems', with programmable timers raising and lowering your blinds and shades at the perfect hours during the day when you’ll want more or less light in each of the rooms. With customizable settings, you won’t have to spend your valuable time going all through your home to lower blinds against the scorching sun that can raise the home’s temperature, and thus your energy costs when your air conditioner has to work overtime. Instead, your programmable motorized system does all the blind- and shade-lowering for you, creating a comfy environment and saving you a fortune in energy costs, especially when they work their magic while you’re away on vacation – which also adds safety to your home, making it look to the outside world like someone is in the house and thus deterring robbers from targeting.

LED Lighting & Controls

LED Lighting while being beneficial in a lot of ways, primarily output and efficiency output versus the energy consumed brings with it, a whole new set of issues that we at ATPL, in the business of lighting controls have to deal with regularly. Since the LED juggernaut is rolling on with no signs of stopping, it is best that we understand that everything (Lighting) in a project is going to be LED and prepare ourselves accordingly.

Just because we have dimmers does not mean that LED fixture will dim!

One of the most common misconceptions among end users is that if they have opted for Lighting controls, the LED lights purchased will dim. It is necessary to inform them that not every LED light is dimmable. In fact, the majority of the LED lights that are available in the market today are not fitted with dimmable drivers. One question that everyone needs to ask when purchasing an LED lighting fixture is “Is it dimmable”?

This brings us to the basic question - What makes the LED light dimmable? or

'What comprises of an LED fixture'?

In short, an LED Lighting fixture comprises of:

a) The Light Engine – which is the LED chip that emits light when current passé through it

b) Power supply or Driver that supplies the right amount of current through the LED chip

c) Heat Sink and casing, that ensures the right temperature for a longer life of the LED chip. It is the 

LED driver that receives the dimming signal from the dimmer and varies current or voltage accordingly to allow dimming of the light output. The LED driver either maintains a constant current or a constant voltage while varying the other, to vary the light output from the LED engine.
The type of dimming signal varies and is again dependent upon what the driver will accept. The common types prevalent in the market are 1-10 volts, phase controlled dimming (line voltage dimming), DALI dimming and DMX dimming. Please be clear that the dimming signal types does not have a bearing on the quality of dimming. The capability of the dimmable driver to a large extent determines the dimming quality and that its capability comprises of parameters that have to do with consistent performance and light output (Flicker free dimming) over the stated range of dimming signal.

SmartHomes

Today, we are increasingly talking about creating ‘Smart Homes’. Smart homes can mean different things to different people. A builder might say that he is offering a ‘Smart Home’ to a prospective buyer if the IP video door phone that he is installing can also be viewed over a smart phone. For an architect, a ‘Smart Home’ could be one, where lighting controls that can be activated manually, on a time clock, remotely or from a house- for one room or for the entire house. A system integrator, selling AV systems could say that he has designed a smart home, where the home owner can view any media content stored in the cloud or locally in the home from anywhere in the home.

So who is right? Or rather, what is the correct meaning of a smart home? For me, there is no right or wrong. A Smart home can be one or all of these things.  All of the above could comprise what we call Smart Home technology. One thing however should be common. Whatever technology is used to make a smart home, should enhance the user and the home owner experience, making life more convenient and enjoyable! A smart Home could have one or all of the following:

a)      Lighting control systems: Imagine the effect of pressing a button and dramatically changing the lighting ambience and the visual environment in a living space! An easy to use system, a reliable technology and setting the right presets could benefit the end-user.

b)      Motorised shading systems: Increasingly, the idea of manually moving huge curtains and blinds is giving way to the convenience of using a simple press of a button to change the natural light coming into the house, by using motorized shades.

      c)       Automation of A/V devices: The ability to control all AV devices from a single touch panel, User-friendly macros, where in a sequence of operations happens every time a button in enabled, assists the user. For e.g.  pressing the movie “scene” in a living room could dim lights, turn on the TV, turn on the Amplifier, turn on the Blue Ray player and also draw the curtains etc. all with just one press of the movie button, on your smart phone.

d)      Media distribution, storage and display: With the ever-increasing demands on resolution (4k TV, 8k TV etc.), it is important that we lay the wiring/hardware capable of transmitting the highest resolution in picture and audio possible, at least as of today. Media could be and should be available to be played anywhere in the house, from the cloud or from a local Media server.

e)      HVAC controls: Smart home owners today have the ability to control and monitor the HVAC system in the house. Not only is control possible, monitoring with two-way feedback allows energy saving when certain areas do not need conditioning.

f)       Security Systems: While security systems have existed for a long long time, the smart home has a security system that is integrated with the rest of the house controls. For e.g when the security system detects an intrusion, it starts flashing the lighting in the entire house on/off. It sends a notification to the home owner phone and scares away a potential intruder.

All of the above systems should be seamlessly available on customer touchpanel/smart home through a customized user interface that is easy to understand and to use. Every electronic device that has a remote is virtually available to the home owner from with in or from outside the house. IOT or Internet of things is a term used to suggest connectivity of all such devices via the internet. Today voice recognition and voice commands are being offered to clients as part of the home automation technology. The key however for any home owner would be – Ease of use, and Remember -The Smart Home should NOT require a home owner to be technologically smart!

Experience Center

Since the beginning of time, mankind has evolved towards a better living and lifestyle. It is the curiosity to know more and the aspiration for a shift in standards of living, that integrates humans with a world of technology and development. With this thought, as India's leading automation provider at ATPL, we’ve rebuilt the space of 2,200 sq meters into a state-of-the-art, elegantly designed ‘experience center’. This experience center is divided into sections of ‘lobby’, ‘dining area’, ‘home theatre’, ‘show wall’ and ‘office area’. Each of these areas, deliver a promise of 'Luxury with Technology' like never before. Simply giving new dimensions to light, sound, space and visuals, we’ve created a utopia for the prospective homeowner who desires to experience what a modern day “Smart” home would look like.  

The whole theme is based upon the motto- “Technology -at the back end and Convenience, Comfort and Ambience -at the front end “. For example, the lobby/living room has a 5.1 audio system with a customized sound bar for the TV and an inbuilt subwoofer. But all of this is normally hidden and only become visible once a AV experience is desired.  In addition to that, a high - end Omni directional speaker is hung from a stand for best sound experiences, but at the same time conveys the impression of an exquisite art piece being displayed. The intent is to give the user complete control over their style and choices, but at the same time to make sure that the use of technology is simple!

Throughout the space, it is ensured that the customer has a wide range of options to choose from our audio/video configurations, lightingsystem controls, interiors with maximum space management.

One can watch a movie, hear a sound and then move on with life. But to us, such an approach to survival is too mundane. For all those who have always wanted to live the movie they watch and feel every chord of the music they listen to, this experience center is a dream come true. And that’s why we know, a eleven speaker plus two subwoofer systems along with a mounted projector of 4K resolution in the ‘home theatre’ section, are going  to be appreciated by cinema lovers. Several other innovative features await people who’ve a great sense of style and a desire to live life king size.

This state of the art experience center is a sheer example of what Luxury should look like, and how we can offer lifestyle choices to customers that enrich their lives, add convenience and comfort and we do so in a manner that is simple to understand and easy to use. If we have the means, why not give ourselves the pure pleasure of good living at the end of a hard working day? We believe, that every customer of ours deserve the best of everything, and shouldn’t settle for anything less than comfort with style. Our experience center is a promise of just that.