Intelligent Entertainment
Jul 16, 2007 12:00 PM
The following information is courtesy of the 2006 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.
2006 CEDIA Electronic Lifestyles Winner
Designers' Awards: Best Intergrated Home
Gold Technical Design, Level I ($50,000-$150,000)
What began as simply a large structured wiring project broadened into a complex lifestyle and entertainment system as IntelliLiving's client recognized the convenience and enjoyment that an integrated system would bring to their 12,000-square-foot home. This active married couple and their five children needed convenience (touchscreens, lighting, multi-zone/source audio, media server), communication (wireless network, intercom), and “cool” (theater, hidden plasma). The client agreed that the use of high-quality components, which we’d successfully integrated on other projects, would ensure a smooth installation.
Three AMX touchpanels and four AMX controllers, supported by a robust wired/wireless network control the subsystems. Wireless touchpanels in the great room and home theater provide control of their respective local systems, and feature duplicate controls for audio, lighting, and security. A touchpanel at the master bed controls the local plasma, master suite audio, lighting, security, and camera subsystems. A NetLinx controller at each entertainment system controls local components, and a controller in the equipment closet interfaces with the security and lighting systems. The touchpanels were designed to be consistent, intuitive, and provide maximum feedback. Power states, dimmer states, media server browsing, XM channel info, security zone states, even the waterfall status is available from any touchpanel. Shortcuts to local dimmers, scenes, and favorite channels are featured on the home page of each panel.
The original design included structured wiring, two audio zones, and a dedicated home theater. Once the client committed to the control system, the challenge was using existing cabling to establish the control network. The client also requested an intercom system, which was not included in the pre-wire phase.
The Ethernet connectivity of the AMX and media devices was exploited and a solid IP environment was configured to support the communication network. Changes to the original equipment specifications were made to include more components supporting two-way communication, and thus feedback. The size of the home required several site surveys to locate the Lutron Electronics RadioRA repeaters and WAP’s where they would guarantee reliable operation.
A commercial paging solution was chosen using spare Cat-5e in each room to support a hands-free intercom system integrated with the telephones and the front door speaker. A custom punch-down distributes the front door signal, intercom, and three POTS lines to seven zones and 12 telephones.
A substantial reformation of the design and equipment specification took place halfway through construction. Considerable research went into choosing equipment that would integrate well, harmonize with the home’s interior, and meet the client’s expectations, without exceeding the revised budget.
The five most used functions of the system include the lighting control, video systems, outdoor music system, intercom, and system integration. The lighting control provides status at a glance, instant control, and scene selection from any touchpanel or master control—indispensable conveniences in a house of this size. Control of the pool lights and waterfall are also a nice amenity. In addition to the dedicated high-end theater and the great room’s hidden plasma as part of the home's video system, one of 16 televisions is never more than a few steps away. LCDs are everywhere: under the kitchen cabinet, the grilling patio, exercise room, and both his and her master bathrooms. An abundance of hidden speakers and the substantial rock speaker system around the pool are used regularly. Selecting tracks from the media server or an XM station is convenient and reliable using the touchpanels. Five children plus 12,000 square feet equals serious intercom use. Calling between any of seven zones from any telephone is a daily time saver. The final most used function, the integrated system, includes seven keypads that operate the 22 zones, two partition security, and fire system. The second partition protects the guest quarters and can be armed independently of the main house. Zone status is also displayed on the touchpanels.
Equipment list
| Time and Expertise Worksheet | |
| Task | Hours |
| Client Interviews | 9 |
| Electronic Design and Engineering: | 38 |
| Proposal and System Documentation Preparation: | 22 |
| Project Management: | 36 |
| Pre-wire/Rough-in: | 114 |
| Trim-out: | 38 |
| Shop Time for Racking and Testing: | 4 |
| Programming: | 56 |
| Final Installation and Calibration: | 126 |
| Client Instruction: | 6 |
| Interior Design and/or Architecture by your Company: | 4 |
| Interior Design and/or Architecture by Others: | 8 |
| Project Management by Others: | 6 |
| Other time: builder's interior designs, drawings done on paper: | 0 |
| Total Hours to Complete: | 467 |
Acceptable Use Policy blog comments powered by Disqus
