The Fultech Wire

Evolutions in the CE World

2011-01-12T23:59:00.020-05:00

WOW! This past year and the recent CES 2011 Show in Las Vegas has left my mind blown.

Analog is dead (by mandate now), twilight period is in full flow now. Those little yellow, green, red and blue RCA connections will be useless soon enough.
HDMI is going to be coming on strong now, or is it??? (What does the cloud to do video distribution?)
Tablets are set to explode on the market. Mobile devices are becoming ubiquitous and will serve multiple purposes, driven by software in the form of "apps".
CE (consumer electronics) are becoming more co-mingled than ever, working towards convergence, but still somewhat fragmented. Manufacturers agree there should be standards, but then create their own flavor.
The "Cloud" (that means keeping stuff on the internet) is becoming the norm for storing data and content
Autos are finally becoming more convergent with our personal technologies and homes, Auto Apps are here now.
Even TVs are becoming a "Smart" now, they have built in Ethernet connections, whole computers and even touchscreens, in some cases. They will run Apps similar to smart phones.

There are so many new devices and ways to use the new devices it is almost mind boggling. First there were iPhone's, then iPads, now Androids and tablets abound, which can do just about anything a home PC or laptop could do (sometimes more), and in some cases with a faster connection. The fundamental way in which we connect to our world is changing, and fast.

We are moving from an "install software on your PC and look for almost anything on the internet (you had to search - pull the data)" to an "everything is on the internet (cloud) and Apps (mini software) automatically pulls down the information you want/need (you don't have to search - data is pushed, you just grab it)”.

Almost everything, any product you can now buy, can now be connected via WiFi,RS232, ethernet, Zigbee/Zwave, Blutooth, etc. Hardware and software are becoming more and more integrated and convergent. You can talk to your phone, tell it to take you somewhere, and it pulls up a map, ask if you want to navigate to it, then it pulls up another app, turns on your GPS and starts telling you how to get there. Like it should have been all along, right? But it actually really works now, and pretty good too. These little mobile devices/computers/life capsules/entertainment systems can do just about anything. Just about...

These new handy "phones" can serve as your media device (storage and distribution), security control, home control system and more, and made to work relatively seamlessly if parts and software are thoughtfully designed and integrated. They can assist in taking your controls, media, etc from your home, to your car, to your office and to meetings when needed. You can even use your Android phone as a “HotSpot”, or remote WiFi connection now, meaning when you check into that expensive hotel, you don't need to pay them the $10/night internet fee, just connect to your super fast phones 3G or 4G network and get your work done.

We've all seen the commercials showing that you can use your smartphone to control your homes various systems. Of course, many overlook the fact that you still need those controllable systems, HVAC, lighting, Audio/video, etc, installed in your home for those handy little apps to actually work. So don't get too excited to run out and get that app they keep showing on TV. We've actually had calls asking why an app someone purchased doesn't turn on their lights. We ask if they had any lighting controls installed and were told, "a switch is there". Well, it won't just control any device. That device, light switch, thermostat, TV, etc, needs to be controllable in one form or another and be able to communicate (IP, IR, RS232, etc) so that the App can "talk" to it. Consider this when getting new apps and products. Be sure to do your research, or purchase these systems with advice from your local integrator, and see that the electronics you are purchasing are easily integrate-able with these new mobile devices and apps. Most things are, but some are harder to manage and get working, than others.

They key to all of these new tools, is to get everything working well and working together, converging your technologies. A good systems integrator should already be embracing these technologies (Android, iPhone, remote control of homes/businesses). Many of us have been designing in remote controlling of homes since the late 1990's. Most of those systems, still function great. They key to making these systems work, is designing the system with components that are able to communicate with each other through some middle-ware (control system, etc).

There is some setup to getting the Android and iPhone, in some cases, to do all that you want, when you want, without having to dig through the 9000 apps you've downloaded. This is key to getting the value out of your phone, rather than having it be a time wasting "tool" that now takes more to figure out, then it relieves you of. Hiring a knowledgeable integrator to assist in creating a plan for your connected lifestyle, can go a long way in enabling many of the features you want and getting the best system in place for your needs. Insuring that you are getting the right products, that not only can be controlled by one of these apps, but also connect to and work with the other devices in your home (energy monitoring, home control, lighting, your car, etc). A knowledgeable systems integrator can also assist in designing a system that allows you to control your office or even your car, with the same device(s).

Things are changing, and changing fast. Some are afraid of this change. Whether we like it or not, these changes are here and most likely will revolutionize the way we live, work, play and even think. I say embrace it and see where it take us. But... do your research and get the right toys, eh, tools for the job.

BMS/Building Management Systems - what are they

2010-07-08T23:40:00.007-04:00

We feel there are 5 main areas to an integrated building system.

HVAC control - one of the largest energy suckers, total control and management is key

Lighting control - having control over lights from occupancy sensors to dimming and scheduling.

Daylight harvesting - keeping lights off when enough ambient light is present and using daylight for lighting. This also includes controlling ambient light via shades and shutters to control light and heat gain/loss.

Overall efficiencies - using efficient products and systems, EnergyStar, etc., plugging leaks, and improving waste loss.

Systems Integration - bringing it all together with all systems in the building, from security/access control, lighting, hvac, audio/video and more. Tie them all together to create a complete and integrated system.

We, at Fultech, have taken a holistic approach to energy management. BMS is an often mis-used word these days, often applying exclusively to HVAC control systems. To me BMS should control and monitor ALL of the BUILDINGS functions and features. We design and install systems that control and integrate all aspects of a buildings functions. Maybe they should call it an IBS- Integrated Building System/Solution. Or Energy Management System, but really a BMS should provide both energy management and controls and conveniences as well.

Utilizing a system that integrates and controls HVAC, lighting, shade controls, occupancy sensors, daylight harvesting, audio/video even security and access control. This gives complete monitoring, management and control of your space. We find most businesses are spending money on most of these areas already; it is a matter of getting systems that integrate together, for around the same cost.

For instance, we received an EPA EnergyStar rating of 90, after 12 months of records. Our electric bills dropped nearly 40% and we see real, empirically backed savings and ROI. We gutted our space and redid everything 18 months ago, adding LEDs to all fixtures, using an integrated access control and security system, put in a control system for lights, hvac, audio/video and integrated all of that. The HVAC turns on 30 minutes before arrival on weekdays. Otherwise, the system is passively activated. Simply swiping your access control keycard unlocks the door (during weekdays, once disarmed before 9am, the doors stay unlocked until 4:30pm at which time they lock again), disarms security, turns on the main hall lights (all offices are on occupancy sensors) and turns on any digital signage or music we may want on (BTW- this also clocks in all employees as well).

When in the office, all rooms have occupancy sensor with built in daylight sensors preventing the lights from turning on when enough outside light comes in. In other rooms, the system is tied to our Outlook and when you schedule a meeting for the boardroom, for instance, the HVAC will turn that room on when the meeting is scheduled. When leaving the office, a final swipe of the keycard, locks the doors, arms security, turns off all lights and any other devices we may have left on.

The system also offers convenience, safety and security, as we can cotnrol any aspect from a PC screen, iPod/iPad, remotely via the internet and even monitor multiple locations. In addition, we added simple programming, with no product cost, to produce some additional unforeseen benefits such as the ability to remote lock doors. So, when everyone leaves for lunch, except the secretary, on their PC screen control, they press a "closed for business" button and the doors lock, until they press it again, unlocking the doors until 4pm again.

The system is totally passive, works flawlessly and really makes it so employees cannot foul it up. It clocks them in and out. Insures nothing is left on. Insure the doors aren't left unlocked. You have complete control to overide any feature or function using the thermostats, keypads, remotes or PC controls, so it really is the ultimate in energy management systems. It also allows real-time/actual and historical storage of energy use and consumption on mutliple levels, subsystems (lights, hvac, etc), type of fuel (gas, elec, solar, etc) and a few other metrics.

Our showroom is open for tours and we have some information on our website as well. Let me know if you would like more info.

Earth Day Blog - Going Green with Electronics

2010-04-25T12:29:00.002-04:00

This was first posted for CEA (Consumer Electronics Association), where I serve on the Techhome Board.

No Earth Day line-up of green technology blogs would be complete without a look at developments in “green” homes. Guest blogger and CEA member Dan Fulmer, CTS., the founder and CEO of Fultech Solutions, Inc., shares his professional know-how on the benefits of systems integration. Dan has been a full-service systems integrator since 1995 and has served on CEA’s TechHome Board for the past six years.

You can follow Fultech on Facebook and Twitter to learn more about maximizing the efficiency of installed technology, be it in the home or the office.

By Dan Fulmer, Founder and CEO, Fultech Solutions, Inc.

Few of us realize the benefit of taking many ubiquitous and existing systems in our home or office and tying them together or integrating them to produce energy savings, management and monitoring for little or no additional cost. By thinking through the various purchases one makes in outfitting a building or home, you can usually save money through careful consideration of each facet of the system and how it will function.

But this is what I do. I’m a systems integrator and install systems that monitor or “talk to” each other. Whether it’s HVAC, a music server or iPod, solar panels or home health care equipment, it doesn’t really matter, the point is, a good systems integrator can often create savings with systems that already exist.

For example, most homes and businesses install a security system, an access control system, some type of lighting control and almost always an HVAC control system. You’re going to install these systems regardless of whether you are looking for convenience, energy savings or better management. By simply taking these same systems and integrating them, you create a much more robust, user-friendly system, than if you installed each as a standalone system.

Let’s analyze system (A) the standard system installed in an office versus system (B) which is the same system, installed and, integrated.

System A includes: a security system, an access control system , the standard HVAC thermostats and incandescent, CFL or even LED lighting. The employees access the building through control cards, disarm the security using codes pressed into the security keypad and turn on the lights manually when they come to work. The owner is lucky if their employees remember to arm the security system, much less turn off any lights or HVAC systems. So this building owner may take the next step and install motion/occupancy sensors. This leaves the office with five separate systems that do not talk to each other, offer little usability, and don’t fully function together.

In System B, the owner wants the same services and systems, but would like them to communicate together for more functionality, ease of use and to provide energy management as well as savings. After hiring a systems integrator, a system is designed that fully incorporates security and access control into a single system. Additionally, a lighting control system is added to control and dim the lights around the office. This also serves as a master control system so all the systems can communicate back and forth. The owner decides to replace the regular thermostats with controllable thermostats. Finally, the owner decides to install “smart/learning” occupancy sensors that integrate with the lighting control system.

Now all the systems communicate with each other, thus providing feedback from one system to another. For instance, when each employee comes in, they have the ability to arm and disarm the security system, as they use their swipe card to gain entry. The security system can tell the control system that it is disarmed, which turns on the main corridor and area lights, turns on the HVAC system to a predetermined temperature and maybe even turns on some music. When leaving at the end of the day, any employee can arm and lock the building, which also turns off any and all lights and turns the HVAC system off. This produces about a 30 percent savings in energy consumption as well as added security and safety. The office lights are on occupancy sensors, which turn on and off as needed. The additional savings from dimming and controlling the HVAC based on doors being open/closed in many cases adds an additional 10 percent savings. Overall, the owner gained between 20 to 40 percent in energy savings, simply by consulting a systems integrator to make the existing installed systems “talk” to each other.

As you can see, the difference was minimal between the two systems, but the functional difference to an organization or a homeowner is huge. When considering “going green” be sure to discuss your options with your local systems integration expert to learn more about what they can do to help your systems function together and maximize your savings.

How my CCTV System paid for itself

2010-02-11T11:47:00.002-05:00

We have always installed CCTV systems at our customers homes and businesses. I highly recommend them as a deterent. For almost the entire 15 years in business we have done this. In the early days they were usually just modulated to TVs around the house. While now, and for the past 7 years or so, we have digital DVRs connected the the internet that can be remote monitored and record acvitivy based on motion.

I've seen several instances over the years where the systems have recorded break-ins, potential break-ins and sometimes just funny stuff. We've delivered CD copies of incidence to police and other authorities from these systems too.

Recently though, our office CCTV system came in handy in a way I hadn't considered before. Asset and Inventory management. We had a Hospital grade TV delivered (these are really expensive and are sealed so O2 will not get sparked) that was broken but we didn't realize until after the fact. Granted, we should have inspected the box a little better but regardless, once we opened it, the entire glass front of the TV was broken. We called and were told since we accepted it there is no proof it was broken before. I checked my DVR for a record and sure enough, several cameras have recorded the delivery. We see the box is damaged as soon as the driver pulls it off the truck. In addition, we see how he is deliberately trying to hide the damaged portion and actually uses his body to block that part of the box while he loads it into our warehouse in such a way to put the damaged side of the box against the wall so we cannot see it.

I simply copied this information to a CD and sent copies to both the shipping company as well as our vendor and we were sent a new TV. These TVs, since specialty, are still rather expensive, around $5,ooo a piece, so this one small recording literally covered the entire cost of my CCTV and DVR system and I feel was well worth it. In addition, I have the piece of mind to know the cameras also act as somewhat of a deterrent and I can always log in and see what is going on at my office.

Consider this when thinking about your CCTV needs in your home or office.

The Future of our Industry - Pt 2

2010-01-21T14:19:00.005-05:00

An additional note on the future of our industry. Another thing to consider looking toward your future as a systems integrator, is to look back at the past. In both residential and commercial markets the same things tend to occur. Products we sell to make money on, eventually become commoditized. Take TVs in the residential market; I used to sell a 50" plasma for $5000-10,000 or more and make nearly 40% plus on it. Newer and better TVs barely offer a 7% margin now and can become money losers as soon as one you've installed breaks and needs warranty work.

In the commercial world, the same thing has occured. These businesses used to do $1M or more a year in box sales of projectors and similar products. Today, if you're shopped, you can't buy it for what they are available online for, so projectors have become the commodity of the commercial A/V world. They are the loss leaders of the day now, only sold to get the rest of the project.

Consider, what is it we are selling. Is it a product? Is it a bunch of products? Is it a service? OR is it SOLUTIONS.

To worsen the situation, I see dealers in both markets making, what is to me, detrimental decisions to thier own livelyhood and that of the industry. I see dealers and installers reducing prices for or eliminating altogether things like programming, design, installation and other charges ,that to me DEFINE an integrator or installers talents and should not only NOT be discounted or removed, but should be enhanced and promoted as what makes your company, product, solution, whatever, better. otherwise, we are all just selling A/V gear. I propose, that our industry is made up of some very intelligent people who have talents, experience and credentials that enable them to quickly research, learn about, figure out, install and program the plethura of new products and systems that come into our market(s) on an almost daily basis now.

Our industry needs to stand up for what we are, Systems Integrators. We are not just TV installers, A/V dealers, home theater specialist. I think we, as an industry, are much more and offer much more than that, and in fact are short-changing ourselves if we don't promote otherwise. We should promote the fact that we charge for design time, installation and programming, and that these are in-fact the exact things that differntiate us from our competition. We are not a big box store just selling products, we sell solutions, and to do so, takes experience, talent, education and more that we have all elected to put the time and efforts into learning.

So let's not shortchange our industry and begin to charge appropriately for what we should be, our time and talents, and not just try to make money on products we sell, and then wonder every few years why something we sold before that made us money, doesn't any more and what do we do now. Promote your company for what it is and offers, not what it sells, which we have little or no control over.

The Future of Our Industry

2010-01-19T22:20:00.003-05:00

I was speaking with a friend in the industry tonight and discussing the future of our industry. I am a firm believer in our industry and feel we have much more to offer than "smart homes" or super A/V systems. I sit on the CEA's TechHome Division Board and have made my opinion known, that we need to not only expand into some emerging markets, but begin to shape them from the start.

In my opinion a "systems integrator" can and should be able to integrate anything into any system, and we have been for years. This would help broaden our industry into at least 3-4 more highly lucrative areas. Green or energy efficiency, Home Health Care, Building Management Systems and more. Let me explain.

I have voiced this opinion over the years and feel now is the time, we as an industry, need to come together and steer ourselves into the next iteration of existance. I have long stated that we are systems integrators, meaning we integrate systems - make things that don't normally talk together and work together work with eachother, without limitation. This doesn't have to be audio/video related. We've been doing A/V, lights, hvac, pools, networks, phone systems, sound and more for decades at least. We can make lights work off of photo sensors, we can make shutters close when the wind speed is above 30mph, we can do all kinds of things, but I think we may be missing our calling if we don't look at the bigger picture.

Since 2007 I have been saying our industry should be positioning itself for the upcoming energy efficiency or "Green" movement that is now upon us. If an integrator is doing home systems they currently control or can control almost all of the systems of a home that take electricity to power, therefore we can control how often and how much these devices or systems are used. We are ready to GREEN. My company has offered this for years. We try to off-set our imprint on a homes electrical cost, how much our rack of equipment consumes, with at least saving that much in energy on a monthly basis. So say our equipment consumes 20Kwh per month, then we would set the system to adjust lights and HVAC to save at least that much per month and usually more. In our typical clients home, we are able to save 15-20% on electric bills simply by adjusting what lights are on, when and lowering the dim level of these lights when on. In addition, we can very easily adjust the HVAC to not come on when no one is home, saving a great deal more. Thus, we are in the energy management business.

We have now designed our own in-house BMS (Building Management System) which can control almost any aspect of a building from access control and security to A/V, lights and hvac. Furthermore it ties all of these systems together which creates an extremely efficient, controllable and easy to use and maintain system to control a building's energy consumption, among other things. We looked at some existing BMS systems which focused mainly on HVAC systems and had little to do with actually managing a building, so we looked at what we could offer, based on the various systems we've installed in the past. It worked out to be relatively easy to create, easy to install, retrofittable and 2 years into it, profitable. Hence, we are in the BMS business.

Finally, well, not finally, but on todays list (as there are, I am sure, a plethura of other ideas, products and things that we can integrate and control), we can look at the emerging Home Health Care market. First off, this is an emerging and fast growing industry and demographic. Baby boomers will make up the first of those starting to utilize some sort of home health care system. Ideas I have seen working or those I have heard discussed range from systems to remind someone to take thier pills each day, to toilets that analyze your urine to systems that monitor your health via sensors on your body that read back to Bluetooth or other receivers. Our industry is based on reading information from sensors and other input devices, then formatting that information for easy review or to send on to someone else. This is simply a different application of things we've been doing for, again, decades. So, various sensors are placed in the house, on the person, etc, and this information feeds back to receivers around the house, which then formats that data to send on to a doctor or remind the owner to do something. That's home health care in a nutshell. There are a ton of additional ideas and active models for this including home health monitoring, communicating the data collected to the appropriate facility (Dr, Hospital, EMR, etc.). As you can see, our industry is better positioned than any other to meet the many technical needs these systems will require.

I think it is time we actively and aggresively stear this industry into its next phase of growth and not stifle our members growth by self limiting simply by waiting idly by, while things happen around us. We've had great success at being proactive in guiding our industry for the past 15 years or so and our focus has tightened as the industry required. Now it's time to think outside the box, look at what is evolving around us and immerse ourselves into learning to integrate these new sub-systems and products and for our manufacturers to begin producing products that help our integrators and industry not only enter these new markets, but begin to dominate them.

I feel American ingenuity is alive and well, but it is time for us to re-establish our technological prowess and lead the world in these emerging areas. The alternative could be we are watching someone else dominate any one of these huge markets, which is probably not a good thing. Energy and Health, think about it.

2010 CES (Part 2)

2010-01-16T19:11:00.002-05:00

Well, turns out this years CES Show was actually larger, by a few thousand, than last. Last years reported attendance was around 113,000, while this year is sporting around 120,000 attendeees. In addition there were 2500 companies exhibiting and launching 20,000 new products and a record setting 330 new exhibitors. Pretty amazing for a down year.

In my opinion, this shows that the CE industry in general is expecting an economic turn-around.

From the show floor, a few more technologies seem to be the talk of the show, and this year, they are larger more broad based technologies. We'll start with Googles new Android OS. With the release of the new Nexus One, we see one of the first real competitors to the iPhone and it's large base of applications. The new OS offers a lot of similarities to the iPhones, in addition, it has the possibility of being adopted by and have as many applications as the iPhone. I hate to compare everything to the iPhone, but as far as unique and customizable phones, there's nothign else to compare too, other than a small laptop. Looks nice, seems cool, we'll have to wait and see what happens.

Another new technology in final development is Microsoft's Natal add-on for it's XBox 360. This device will allows users to interact with the Xbox, without any remote controls and is supposed to function in a similar way as the Wii and it's remotes do, but without using any remote or needing to touch anything at all. It reports to read your bodies movements and respond accordingly.

On top of that, there were many releases of new electronic book readers and netbooks, which were extremely popular last year. In addition, the thin TVs are really starting to show their own. We've sold several of the new thin LED TVs (about 1.2" thick)with super fast refresh rates that look really great and are ultra-thin and ultra-light. This years models will prove to be even slimmer, ones at the show were 0.3" thick from Samsung, which is a thin as a pencil. Another new feature in many TVs our company has been installing commercially is the built-in internet access or even computers. Many of the Samsung TVs with a built-in PC (designated by an "i" in thier model #) are designed specically for and around digital signage. This makes putting up a basic digital sign for the average small business, cost little more than the TV itself and some software. For more advanced digital signage, you will most likely need something more robust. The PC feature can also be used for an obvious number of other features and functions. Some TVs even have the ability to pause and rewind TV shows, similar to a DVR might.

Klipsch speakers, who's products we have installed and sold for years, have come out with a new speaker/LED light kit combo. We have not tested this unit yet, but it seems to have promise. It utlizes a 10W LED bulb, and puts out the same light as a 65W incandescent bulb. Pretty neat little item that fits in existing light cans. You can see more about the CES show and it's high-lights at our website or check our FaceBook page (Fultech on FB) or our Twitter page (Fultech) which are both linked to CES and CEA pages and blogs. Until next years show....
Seriously, we'll be back sooner to update you on the latest and greatest in new technologies.

2010 CES (part 1)

2010-01-11T01:13:00.013-05:00

This years CES Show was probably a little smaller than last (still over 100,000) people attend this event.

Although a there were a few less vendors, I am told it was not noticeable. I wasn't able to attend this year (too close to holidays and with kids and all I am saving my time for my fav show is EHX in Orlando in March), but I had some help from friends Ian Hendler of Leviton who was on the floor and also Ray Casey (IT Consultant) who attended and checked out the GREEN and other electronics.

The "coolest" item unveiled at this years show, was something by a Bluetooth company called Parrot, which is thier new AR.Drone. This, from someone who played with the AUVS (Autonomous unmannned vehicle society) in college, is pretty exciting. Basically a high-tech remote control helicopter (meaning it can hover in place) with a camera mounted on it that you can watch real-time on your iPhone.

They have at least 2 varieties of WiFi controlled aerial vehicles with tiny cameras you can fly using your iPhone or iTouch device. I think you will also be able to control with other devices and PCs on the same network as well. Pretty cool. No word on price yet. You can see this at thier website;
http://ardrone2.parrot.com/parrot-ar-drone/en/index.html

This years big push was 3D TV, which actually debuted at last years show, with less fanfare. I checked out one of these TVs at that time, these devices still require the glasses. The technology was still being edged out a bit, but it was pretty interesting. Sports were really excellent to watch on a 3D Plasma screen.

The big difference to me in this new 3D technology, was that although the image was in fact 3 dimensional, it was deep as opposed to what you are used to seeing at the movies. In other words, it looked to have and be related more to the depth of objects from you, than them being in your face close. So instead of really popping out at you, the videos I saw, all looked much deeper than even the best HD image. So your football field looked like it almost would from a 50 yard line seat, on the field. Pretty nice. I prefer this over things popping into my face.

I am guessing if you played a 3D movie that was designed to "pop-out" at you, which I find kind of annoying anyway, it would look like the 3D movies most of us have grown up with (mostly dissappointments in theatrics), nonetheless did pop out.

I hear from the grapevine that Plasmas offer a much better 3D image than LCDs can offer at this time, although I am sure that will improve. I couldn't yet get a reason why that is, but will do soon.

I'll report more later as more goodies appear.

Energy Efficiency and Technologies

2009-09-26T18:44:00.003-04:00

Today, we have so many solutions available to save energy most people don't know where to start, or how to figure out what to use or even what is available. Hiring a knowledgeable consultant in a variety of areas of expertise is key. Simply hiring someone who has a specific certification or accreditation, will not get you what you need. One needs to hire someone with real world experience in designing and implementing a variety of systems.

At our company, we believe there is a connection between all sub-systems in todays homes and buildings. Controlling just HVAC or even lights, does not give the best overall savings and use of the systems. If you can integrate not only the latest technologies, but also as many of a buildings systems as possible, it will lead to the most overall savings and most efficient use of your system.

Some notable technologies available today are;
LED lights - these are significantly better than even a a year ago. Better light output, longer life, more dimming range, and more retrofittable units.

Daylight Harvesting System - these allow photo or light sensors placed in naturally lit areas to control whether lights come on or not, based on how much light is in the room. You can even have lights raise slowly in dim level as the sun sets.

Smart/learning" motion sensors - these are more advanced than even the newest off the shelf motion sensors. A company called Crestron (full disclosure -we sell Crestron products) makes a new motion sensor that learns how a room is used over the first 2 weeks it is installed. It also is a dual technology sensor, meaning it uses 2 different methods of sensing motion in a room. Finally, they are very good at sensing even the slightest movement, such as pen-strokes and keyboard typing.

Advanced Building Management Systems - these are building management systems that ecompass more than just HVAC and lighting control and can integrate a variety of different sub-systems and sensors into one easy to use system.

Combining these new technologies into one system and integrating some existing building technologies such as access control, security and other systems can really add to the efficient use, real-time savings and ease of access to any buildings systems.

HDMI and Connectivity for Distributing Hi-Def Video

2008-02-23T01:08:00.005-05:00

Today I'd like talk about HMDI and HD connectivity. Without going into all the technical aspects, which we can all find by searching 1080p, 1080i, 720P, etc. and due to lots of comments and discussions on the subject lately, I'd like to discuss some issues.

The main issue we have with HDMI is many of the misnomers. Now again, without getting into too much technical detail, I'll simply reference some sites where you may find information or you can certainly search yourself and I am sure you will find and hear dissenting views. But for our purposes of audio/video, which is typically for dedicated theaters as well as distribution of audio and video to many rooms of the home, HDMI just doesn't offer all that you need.

First off, for the end user, there is little additional benefit to HDMI from DVI. Also, in real A/V applications, digital is not always better than analog when done properly.
See - http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/34579/122868.html
The MI in HDMI refer to Multimedia Interface, which implies the addition of control (like and infra-red/IR remote for your TV) and audio signal to the video transmission that was available on DVI. The reality is, if you are going to spend the money on, and get the experience of a Hi-definition viewing screen (whether TV, Plasma, LCD, projector, whatever), you typically also want the surround sound that goes along with HD broadcast. Since most flat screens or projection systems, don't include speakers (or at least not surround speakers - front left, center and right), you aren't going to send the audio signal(s) over that HDMI cable, they are going to be broken out from the stereo into speaker wires, that go directly into real floor or in-wall speakers. Yes, it gets the audio and video from the source to the receiver, but the 1 HDMI cable is more costly than the component and optical or digital audio cables combined. To date, there is NO control aspect available in via HDMI, although I have read some is on the way, but it will take some time before that trickles down to dealers, installers and end-users being able to utilize it at this point. Again good old RS232, a tried and true technology is great for this, even offering 2 way control and any manufacturer can easily and inexpensively offer this in their products.

At our company, we actually still prefer Component video connections in many instances. We will use digital coaxial audio or optical audio connections, but often these must be broken out as well, again for distribution purposes. Most distribution products are only available in Component, Composite and S-video to date. There are HDMI switchers and such, but we'll get into the later. The only real world difference (user apparent) in Component and HDMI is that the latter is digital and is the only way to get true 1080p video. With component you get an excellent 720p/1080i image that only a select few can tell the difference between 720p and 1080p.

Additionally, HDMI has had issues with products hand-shaking and getting past various technologies (AACS copy-protection) designed to prevent duplication and theft of movies and videos. See http://gear.ign.com/articles/691/691408p1.html
This has been addressed more recently, but there are still a few issues out. One of which is that due to some of this encryption and other technology for this high-bandwidth video signal, many of the source devices (DVD players, BlueRay, etc,) take more time to "boot up" or restart than just simply clicking the power button. Some in excess of 1 minute. A long time when you press the Movie button and nothing happens. It seems much of the "benefit" of HDMI is for copy protection and movie studios rather than really for the consumer or end-user.

The final bug in my .. well you know, is that HDMI cannot go further than about 50' without amplification or other modification. Furthermore, we are beginning to hear that soon, products without HDMI will no longer work with products WITH HDMI. There is no need for this. People who purchased products a few years ago, with both component and HDMI will have to re-tweak thier systems with the same end-result.

We actually sell a high-end video distribution system, which in it's next generation, in order to basically meet forced AACS copy-protection requirements, is going with HDMI for it's distribution. This literally means that we need an access port (some way to get to cables and connections, etc), every 50' behind walls and in dry-wall. This is a nearly impossible and ridiculous task. It is really hard to determine exactly how much cable is run in wall, and most homes don't want some access portal every 50' around the house. Even when using amps and boosters with HDMI over 50' it gets tricky and cumbersome. It's never as easy as the technical manual or help states in the real world. So, my opinion component is the better vehicle at this time to "DISTRIBUTE" video signals up to 1080i, throughout a home or home system. Keep this in mind when thinking about wiring your house, and most things can do Component, while only some do HDMI and most can convert either way.

VISTA, UAC, new software and more

2008-02-14T22:03:00.003-05:00

Well, after weeks, actually 2 months, of messing around with VISTA, scouring the internet for information, e-mailing MS several times, with no responses, I am almost totally back up and running. Not without some major issues still though. I have had to purchase tons of new software that is compatible with VISTA, but did learn a few lessons along the way.

First, try your software before calling it quits. Sometimes there is a bug, but it's something you can live with. Second, VISTA's UAC, or User Account Control, causes problems for much of the software I use. You can turn this off, but then several key things in VISTA don't work anymore, or are difficult to deal with. For instance, some of my software won't run or cannot be installed while UAC is active. If you activate it for your existing software, then the new software won't run, let you login or otherwise not function correctly. Now, if UAC is off, things like the VISTA networking don't operate properly. In fact, I have manually go in and select (6 clicks or steps) for the network to use WINDOWS LOCATER for the RPC. What does this mean, well if there is nothing in this box, it won't find anything on the network when you connect. The internet connection still works, but you won't be able to share files, printers, drives, etc nor access them, until you manually select this. Each time you reboot, or startup, it will lose this setting and you have to manually do this again. I haven't found a workaround for this yet. If you know one, please let me know.

To be clear, some things did work, but most didn't. Now, this is not indicative of everyone I suppose, as I am somewhat of a power user and use lots of what Microsoft now calls LEGACY software or equipment. Some of that includes Quickbooks Premier 2004, USB to Rs232/DB9 adapters from Keyspan (some work, some don't), Choicemail (a very good anti-spam software), much of which I paid for and don't want to buy again. In addition to that, most of my programming software, design software, estimating and proposing software, which we pay thousands for literally, were NOT compatible. Now some of these had free updates or new software to download and install that would work with VISTA. This seems OK, until 70-90% of your software is in this category, then you are talking about a LOT of time reinstalling software, researching what to do, etc. I really didn't have this time, nor want to spend it. I have pretty much given up beyond what I have running now. I program using Crestron SIMPLE software, we use D-Tools for our system design and estimating and some other stuff that I have had to make extensive upgrades and changes to get it to work in VISTA.

Regardless, getting VISTA working for me, and the way I work, was no easy task. In fact, I was so incensed with the process I upgraded to VISTA ULTIMATE for the sole purpose of using MS VIRTUAL PC. VIRTUAL PC is supposed to allow you to run any MS OS (Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000, NT, XP), inside of VISTA. This is not a dual boot, but runs while you are in VISTA. This is the answer I thought. I'll just run VIRTUAL PC with XP on it and I can run all my "LEGACY" stuff on that. However, after using Microsoft's Virtual PC tester, it told me I needed VISTA ULTIMATE. S0, another $150 to get the upgrade and from the upgrade from VISTA HOME PREMIUM, which came with my laptop, to ULTIMATE, VISTA can no longer see my DVD/CD-ROM. ARE YOU KIDDING ME!

This presents a problem since I cannot load XP on the VIRTUAL PC, which is the whole reason I got VISTA ULTIMATE. After looking around, I basically see, try downloading new drivers from the DVD ROM manufacturer (just finding out who makes it is not easy), or try removing a ton of stuff from your registry (not something for the lighthearted), or just re-loading your drivers. None of which have worked for me.

So, I no longer have a DVD/CD-ROM. Blew off the whole VIRTUAL PC thing and just worked on getting things to work. Some things I worked so long and hard on, that I don't even know what I did to fix them.
What a PAIN!!!

Am I totally DOWN on VISTA, no, there are some improvements (mostly visual appeal), but not many which were worth the hassles I have gone through. It seems either VISTA wasn't ready, or the world isn't ready to support VISTA at this time. If I am FORCED to BUY new software from a variety of vendors, new hardware in some cases (Keyspan adapter), and spend tons of time (more than just the normal time to install and upgraded OS) getting things working, it's just not worth the effort, unless it (the "improvements" to the OS) is something I want and ask for.

Otherwise, VISTA has still removed, renamed or made harder to find many things I use on a daily basis. For example it is about 3 more steps to get to see what your network connection properties are, some of the functions that were in the right-click menu are not there anymore, windows explorer is a little harder to figure out, the folders setup is just plain strange (there are many pre-named "public" and non-public folders now, to which VISTA places various info. I am sure there is a reason for these changes, but they are such a huge departure from what has been the norm for most OS's for the past decade or more, since GUI was the deal, it just seems to complicate things unneccessarily. It also takes a great deal more in the way of computer power and resources, just to run, so that's a downside, for little or no noticeable improvements.

What's happened since upgrading to VISTA ULTIMATE from HOME PREMIUM? I've lost my DVD-ROM Drive capabilities, I no longer can connect to my Bluetooth Blackberry Phone, my network adapter has become disabled and unusable until I reboot 2 times thus far (I didn't do it), while I was actively working on projects and using a network.

My suggestion, re-tool VISTA (FAST) with more drivers, especially for video, networking, DVD-ROM's (ehem) and mission critical devices. Then make it so VIRTUAL PC can run on any version of VISTA and install it on every VISTA machine, and PROMOTE it. So people can simply install XP on their VISTA machine, and run thier LEGACY software/equipment from within the VIRTUAL PC. Had this worked, this would have saved me 80 hours of work and tons of money trying to get everything to work. Had it worked?!?!?!

VISTA and our Future

2008-01-28T00:48:00.001-05:00

OK. My fault, but who would have known.
My 4 year old daughter poured "bubbles" on my running laptop the day after Christmas, totally cooking it. After having 3 PC guys look at it and tell me not only is the laptop a loss (I believed that, since I could literally smell that is was done), but all of my data is gone too. Long story short, I pulled the HD out of laptop, connected as a slave to a desktop and was able to access all of my data.

Now, here comes the fun part and I am not going to detail how to fix everything, as I don't even remember where I found half the info I found on this. Which by the way, is entirely a million percent more than I ever wanted to learn about VISTA and XP. First, off, to get certain data (mostly anything associated with a User Account in XP) to be accessible on any other PC is tougher than I ever thought, well, if you don't know how to do it. Which I had to search and search for, and then search with the exact search term I needed to find the info. So that's done. I recover my data and it is all thier for me to access and use. I buy a new laptop with VISTA, as that is all I am told you can get, even the DELL Laptops with XP deal was over. So no choice, have to go with VISTA. (I am since told you CAN get a Dell with XP).

So, first thing I figure out is basically nothing I use or own software-wise, will work in Vista. I am a programmer by education and profession, so I obviously use my laptop for a lot of different things. On top of this, I integrate all kinds of systems from Residential HVAC systems, to pools, to lighting control systems, music servers, even septic systems and generators, so I have to use some legacy stuff and connections as well. No way this stuff is going to work in Vista. I checked , and tried anyway, even though "it" said it wouldn't work. It doesn't.

What would any computer "professional" do, setup a dual boot system to use both VISTA and XP or just install XP on the new laptop. I own it, why not. After multiple attempts, about 1 day each, I just cannot get it to work. Finally after checking the HP website, and calling HP, manufacturer of my new laptop, I find out they are using new hardware that there are no drivers for XP. No way to get them, XP is just not going to work on this laptop. Wow. What a dilemma. I have software from Quickbooks, to DTools and other specialized business software I have purchased over the years to the tune of $1000s, and most of it I am finding does not work with VISTA. Just figuring this out in itself, took about 2 weeks to totally figure out.

So, what is one to do. Buy a MAC BOOK some might say. I checked into it, which by the way, I think is a GREAT alternative to a new laptop with VISTA, and you can run XP native on the MAC BOOK, however;
the MAC is about 2X as much as the laptop I have, feature for feature, screen size, memory, chipsets, RAM, etc.
Second, some of the specialty software I use, that cost the most of all the software we own, ofcourse, is MS Certified/Partner product and is not supported in a MAC, even if running on XP. Some of this software is tricky anyway, so not worth the hassle, when dealing with lots of data.

So, finally I find out that Microsoft makes something just for this migration issue called Virtual PC, that is designed to run in VISTA, and run a Virtual XP or other MS OS on the same laptop. Pretty nice, except I find out that the Virtual PC software only runs on VISTA Ultimate, which ofcourse is not what is installed on most laptops for sale. So I am having to upgrade from VISTA Home Premium to VISTA Ultimate. I'll let you know what happens, AFTER I get the VISTA CD , which you have to order to install Virtual PC, since no one gives you the VISTA CD when you purchase a new laptop. More brilliant hassles. Hmmm.

My advice. Wait for Windows 7, or get a MAC and run XP on it.

HD DVD on it's way out!

2008-01-24T20:28:00.000-05:00

I've said for sometime this Beta vs VHS war would come to an end. In the HD-DVD vs Blueray wars, it's coming to a head. Fortunately, for my record, I've been predicting that BlueRay would win out for some time now. Well, the news is looking grim for HD DVD as of today.

As reported in Residential A/V Magazine with a headline that reads "Dark Clouds ahead for HD-DVD". While at CES last week, Warner Home Video announced they were abandoning the HD-DVD format. This means a huge loss for HD-DVD in the form of quantity of movies available. Regardless, there is an existing solution. An excellent HD-DVD/BlueRay combo DVD player that also plays standard DVDs is and has been available from LG for sometime now. Going for between $600-$1,000 depending on when, where and how you purchase, it is actually a pretty good bargain to be able to play all the formats on a single player.

2008 Consumer Electronics Show - Day 1

2008-01-24T00:17:00.001-05:00

Attended the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas to see the latest in new toys and electronics.

Saw only a few new "breakthroughs" during the show. A Few of the cooler products I saw related to wireless technologies, which I am NOT a big fan of, due to failure rates, security issues and complexities in setting up. I have said for years we won't have wireless video for a decade, ofcourse it's been almost that long since I first started saying that, but I may yet eat my words there.

I saw LG and others had Wireless HDTVs that included the wireless transmitter that sends the video to the Plasma or LCD up to 65 feet away. I saw first hand 3 different sized TVs in each Plasma and LCD receiving a 1080P signal wirelessly. There are some caviats. The boxes are designed to only work within a room and they are linked/married to one TV. So you cannot steal your neighbors signal (see what he's watching) and there is some setup involved and I imagine risk of lockup or signal failure as with most wireless products these days. These are really designed for hiding the wires in the room, not necessarily for sending wireless video, albeit a first step.

This still doesn't solve the problem of the electrical wire. Our view is that if you buy a plasma, figure out how to, or hire a reputable systems integrator or installation company to install it correctly and you won't see any wires, since a pro will hide them in the wall and properly route them. If you are building a house, of course prewire it so the electrical and A/V cables come out where you want your TV(s) hung.

Another cool new wireless device is a new bluetooth headset that works up to 300' from the source with built in noise cancellation and great quality sound. The product is an CEA Innovations Award winner and was featured on the show floor. Called the Dragon, it's from a company called CallPod (uhuh), and they make a few other cool products that allow for charging multiple devices of a single power source. One device uniquely called the ChargePod, kind of looks like an octopus with connectors for most cell phones, MP3s, PDAs, and other personal electronics. Cool concept, especially since using a single power source is also a GREEN way to go. I suggested the CallPod guys hookup with another exhibitor down the hall, V-Dimension who makes several version of solar backpacks, briefcases and other devices designed to charge laptops, MP3 players and more from a solar panel built into the case. The CallPod guys said they had spoken and would talk more. Pretty cool. Could be great together. Battery technology is advancing, but not quite as fast as our consumption rates and electronics propagation, so small solar case embedded chargers could be a great asset to today's "man/woman on the street".

I'll report in on what I see on Day 2 and 3 later in the week.