ABB introduced Busch-art linear®, a range of high-quality light switches that can be integrated into building automation systems and offer sustainability and premium design. Available for commercialisation starting March 2024, the range was previewed at the 2024 Light + Building trade fair in Frankfurt.

Busch-art® linear is announced as a winner of a Designplus Award1¹ by Light + Building which honors innovative products, systems, or ideas at this year’s fair. The range is also a 2024 Product Design winner in the Building and Elements category of the German Design Awards² which sets international standards for innovative and outstanding design achievement. Additionally, it has won the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD 2024 Gold³ – the highest distinction a design can receive.

The new range of mechanical and electronic switches features clear lines, light shapes, precise contours, and perfect surfaces combined in an elegant, timeless, and minimalist design to challenge the image of conventional switches. The series comprises a range of options in different materials including glass, metal, and walnut, and is available in black, white, and a variety of color accents.

Busch-art linear® switches are made primarily from recycled and recyclable materials including old car headlights and CDs. The black switch comprises 98 percent recycled materials while for the white switch, this is at 92 percent. In production, conventional polycarbonate is replaced with recycled polycarbonate, resulting in a CO2 saving of 82 percent. The Busch-art® linear range is produced at Lüdenscheid (Germany). This site has decreased its annual carbon emissions by around 630 tonnes per year as part of the ABB Mission to Zero initiative, a scalable blueprint of smart building solutions combined with on-site renewable energy generation and storage.

Talking about the launch, Sven Werdes, Global Product Line Manager in ABB Electrification’s Smart Buildings division said, “When raw materials end up as waste, resources are wasted. Recovering valuable materials enables sustainable production to meet the needs of future generations and is a big deal when it comes to sustainable design for high-quality products. Busch-art linear® has a strong focus on sustainability in both materials use and production and is an example of our commitment to pursue a more sustainable future by driving circularity across the entire product lifecycle. We are also aiming to change the common image of the switch not just through sustainable design but through aesthetics. Busch-art linear® is characterised by the precision of its contours which reflect clarity and elegance and create a premium, timeless design with material and colour options to cater to individual preferences and taste.”

“The recognition by the German Design Awards and DesignPlus is a great honor and encourages us in our holistic approach to function and aesthetics, as well as our consistent commitment to innovation and quality to create outstanding product experiences for the customers and users of tomorrow,” says Dörte Thinius, Head of Product Design at ABB for the Building and Home Automation Solutions area.

The innovative Busch-art linear® range of mechanical and electronic switches can be integrated into ABB’s smart home system ABB-free@home®. By combining all the useful functions of comfortable home automation and door communication into a single system, it transforms a house or apartment into an intelligent home. Busch-art linear® can also be integrated into the intelligent building control system ABB i-bus® KNX for non-residential as well as residential buildings.

www.abb.com

The post ABB Launches Busch-art linear Light Switch Range appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

Smart homes are experiencing a surge in popularity in India, and this trend is well-founded. These smart homes offer a myriad of advantages, encompassing convenience, energy savings, and heightened security and thus catches the attention of homeowners.

Notably, RF technology has risen to prominence in the smart home landscape, and it aligns seamlessly with the architectural intricacies and design nuances often encountered in Indian homes. For instance, many Indian residences boast multiple floors, and RF signals can effortlessly traverse these floors. Furthermore, with solid concrete walls frequently found in Indian homes, RF signals prove adept at penetrating these barriers.

Another aspect why the RF technology reigns supreme is due to its reliability, versatility and suitability for specific needs of the homeowners. RF offers superior range, penetration, robustness, and efficiency in power consumption as compared to other smart home technologies.

It is worth noting that the challenge faced by the smart home industry extends beyond device interoperability—it encompasses ensuring flawless system performance. Ensuring flawless system performance in this industry involves addressing a host of technical, security, usability, and scalability challenges. It’s an ongoing process that requires collaboration between manufacturers, developers, and service providers to create a robust and user-friendly ecosystem and a beautiful experience.

To put things in perspective, here are reasons why the RF technology outshines other technologies for your smart home:

1.  Range and Penetration: RF signals possess the remarkable capability to penetrate your walls and surmount obstacles, making them an ideal choice for your home, renowned for its thick walls and intricate layouts.

2.  Wi-Fi Router Limitations: Wi-Fi routers, predominantly operating within the 2.4GHz wireless band, serve as the primary connectivity hub for various electronic devices in most households. However, simultaneous communication among multiple devices can lead to data packet losses, particularly problematic when it pertains to controlling home automation functions. RF technology offers you a more reliable alternative.

3.  Inadequate Data Reliability and Delay: Smart home applications necessitate exceptionally reliable data transmission with minimal delays. Wi-Fi-based systems often struggle to meet these requirements, as they are engineered for high data rates, which may not align with the smart home setups.

4.  Lack of Retrofitting: Wired systems require meticulous planning during the construction phase and are challenging to modify once the residence is occupied. RF technology provides the flexibility you need to adapt to evolving needs easily.

6.  High Costs and Maintenance: Installing and maintaining wired systems can be labour-intensive and costly for homeowners which is not the case with RF based systems.

7.  Reliability: RF signals are less prone to interference from other devices, such as microwaves and cordless phones, compared to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

8.  Low Power Consumption: RF devices are energy-efficient, which ensures that the devices communicate more quickly and reliably, thus leading to a faster and more responsive system and a seamless experience.

9.  Maturity: RF technology is a well-established choice in smart homes, boasting a wide array of compatible devices and strong support from smart home platforms.

 At eGlu, we have undertaken the mission of creating a groundbreaking communication technology and a comprehensive end-to-end platform to create the perfect smart home system. Our goal is to deliver an exceptionally reliable Radio Frequency (RF) communications system that functions flawlessly in every Indian home, both now and in the foreseeable future.

In 2016, after three years of intensive research and development, we introduced ‘Glu,’ our patented RF technology. Operating within the 865MHz RF band, ‘Glu’ offers you freedom from signal congestion and three times greater wall penetration compared to other technologies. Each eGlu device seamlessly extends the RF network range without introducing delays. Moreover, our technology provides real-time transparency into the system’s performance, an industry breakthrough. Homeowners can monitor the RF signal strength of each device within their network, akin to mobile signal strength, ensuring robust communication even in the presence of challenging construction materials like dense walls and reflective surfaces.

At eGlu, our commitment is clear and the evidence of our dedication lies in the thousands of homes already benefiting from the eGlu smart home technology. With a diverse portfolio of over 40 smart home products, we cater to every conceivable need of our customers. 

As we celebrate our 10th year of existence, we stand resolutely by our promise of delivering an unparalleled Smart Home experience for our customers.

Click here to read full November issue: https://www.smarthomeworld.in/magazine-november2023/

The post eGlu’s RF: Redefining Reliability in Smart Home Technology appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

Chitesh Chachan and Aayush Arya collaborate to convert a mundane office into a Smart Office.

In the bustling city of Siliguri, where urban life collides with breathtaking natural beauty, a prestigious office space owned by Aayush Arya, Director/Partner of Relay Automation, has undergone a remarkable transformation. This transformation has turned the office into an inviting and efficient workspace, characterized by luxurious aesthetics and cutting-edge automation, all thanks to Chitesh Chachan, Founder of Smart Hub and Director/Partner of Relay Automation.

Four and a half years ago, Chitesh Chachan took a bold step and founded Smart Hub. Shortly after, he joined forces with his partner, Aayush Arya, at Relay Automation. Their collaboration would soon lead to an exceptional project that showcased their innovative prowess.

Collaboration and Design Process

The project aimed to create a workspace that not only radiated opulence but also seamlessly integrated advanced electrical and automation systems. Chitesh Chachan shared his insights into the design process, emphasizing the project’s unique challenges. He explained, “While our expertise primarily lies in smart home installations, this project took us beyond our typical scope of work. We were entrusted with a unique and exciting challenge: to oversee the entire electrical design and installation for this lavish property. The goal was not just to provide electricity but to create a robust infrastructure that seamlessly integrates with future smart systems.”

Designing a robust electrical and automation infrastructure for Aayush Arya’s office in Siliguri presented distinctive challenges. The team had to anticipate and overcome various obstacles, from optimizing electrical circuits within the constraints of a compact urban space to ensuring that the design would harmoniously blend with upcoming smart technologies.

Leveraging their extensive background in smart home technology, the team tackled the electrical design with a forward-thinking perspective. Every detail of the electrical layout was meticulously planned to ensure the optimal positioning of outlets, switches, and fixtures in every area of the office. It was imperative to execute these installations with architectural aesthetics in mind, leaving no room for unsightly wires or outlets that might detract from the overall visual appeal.

Seamless Digital Connectivity

In acknowledgment of the ever-growing demand for seamless digital connectivity, especially in a setting where business and leisure naturally converge, the team implemented a managed network solution that went far beyond the ordinary. This exceptional network was strategically designed with access points throughout the property to guarantee uninterrupted internet connectivity in every corner of this luxurious office space, an absolute necessity in our increasingly digital-driven world.

As the project neared completion, it stood as a testament to the artistry of automation. Beyond equipping the property with a top-tier automation framework, their managed network solution ensured that the office’s occupants would always remain connected, whether they were engaged in virtual business meetings or indulging in their preferred entertainment.

While their core expertise is firmly rooted in smart home installations, this project reaffirmed their adaptability in the realm of automation. Their holistic approach, deeply informed by their extensive experience within the Siliguri smart home landscape, empowered them to excel in a project that, while distinct from their usual work, was equally significant.

This remarkable endeavor in Siliguri underscores their unwavering commitment to meeting their client’s precise requisites, even if it entails venturing beyond their comfort zone. Their proficiency in smart home systems significantly influenced their electrical design methodology, ensuring that the property was not only powered but also perfectly poised for the future. If you’re in search of a team that seamlessly merges electrical expertise with a forward-thinking mindset, your quest ends right here with Chitesh Chachan, Aayush Arya, and their visionary companies, Smart Hub and Relay Automation.

PROJECT DETAILS:

SERVICES COVERED
Control4 Smart Home Networking and Security

OWNERS:

Aayush Arya

INTERIOR DESIGNER:

6Hues

PRODUCTS USED:

* Lutron * Dali
* SR260 remote controls
* T4 touchscreens
* Control4 Chime video doorbell
* Control4 Core 5 processor
* APC Smart UPS
* Araknis network switch
* TrueAudio Speakers
* LG Projector * Optoma Interactive TV

Click here to read full November issue: https://www.smarthomeworld.in/magazine-october2023/

The post  Functional Aesthetics and Cutting-Edge Automation appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

Trevor Woodbury, Vice President of Sales & Business Development Soundvision Technologies shares the company’s vision and their flagship brand. Trevor provides invaluable insights on VSSL’s cutting-edge audio products, their commitment to simplifying multi-room sound, and the extraordinary experiences they bring to homes and businesses. 

VSSL specializes in audio products that streamline multi-room sound experiences. With a focus on user-friendly design, their amplifiers and audio distribution systems seamlessly integrate with existing setups and smart home systems. Whether for residential or commercial use, VSSL products offer high-quality streaming from various sources and support multi-zone audio. They’re known for their effortless integration with leading control systems, making audio management a breeze. VSSL’s commitment to simplicity and innovation has made them a respected name in the industry, continuously enhancing their product range to meet evolving audio and integration needs.

How has VSSL evolved and achieved success over the years?

VSSL has continued to grow over the years and I believe that this is largely due to our focus on the CI channel.  Professional A/V installers and integrators have helped us and continue to help us shape our future from a product and solution standpoint.  

In the highly competitive audio market, what sets VSSL apart from its competitors?

One of the things that sets VSSL apart from our competitors to an A/V professional is the ability to make some money in an overall saturated and slim margin category.  We’ve been able to hit retail price points that compete with the major competitors, while opening up more margin for the installer to make.    

What is the standout feature of VSSL’s amplifiers, speakers, and subwoofers that makes them unique?

I believe the feature that makes VSSL the most unique is the simplicity in its functionality.  Because we do not use a third-party application to stream all of the user’s music, it is truly the easiest way in which to stream multi-zone audio through a home or project.  The user is able to use the same music streaming application that they already know and love and are familiar with.  This way, users require virtually zero training from their installer/AV professional. 

Could you specify the market segments that VSSL caters to, such as residential, commercial, etc.?

VSSL was created with the residential space in mind, although there are plenty of great commercial applications as well.  We see the VSSL products utilised in hotels, bars, gyms, etc.  With its ability to start a stream from any device, the possibilities are endless! 

Tell us about the recently launched 5.1 Ch Wireless HT set?

The new SX Series of products are the latest products to join the VSSL family.  These have been a long time in the making and we could not be more excited to have them!  The SX Series consists of a three channel soundbar, free standing subwoofer, and a free-standing speaker.  These speakers can be used separately or paired together to create a 5.1 surround sound environment.  This makes it a perfect option for anyone looking to upgrade their TV audio and add an additional layer of immersion into their overall entertainment experience.  

Can you provide information about the SX Series for our professional readers?

Our SX soundbar as well as our SX speaker are both utilising a newer driver technology called BMR drivers.  BMR stands for Balanced Mode Radiators and, in short, they allow for a wider physical range of listening while providing the same listening experience for everyone in the room.  Basically, it widens your listening “Sweet Spot” in order to give the best experience possible, no matter where you are seated.  We decided to put more investment into our LCR drivers in the soundbar and stand-alone speaker by using this technology.  The SX subwoofer is truly one-of-a-kind.  It can be placed in narrow spaces, underneath furniture such as beds, couches, tables, etc.  It looks very unique and our goal was to create something that not only sounds and performs amazing, but also can serve as a statement piece that a homeowner could show off to friends and family.  If it doesn’t meet the interior design needs, it can easily be hidden so as to not take away from the aesthetics of a room.  We also added an LFE input to the subwoofer so it can be used apart from the VSSL system and be added to an existing AVR or surround sound setting – basically anywhere that someone would want to add some incredible bass!

Could you share details about VSSL’s amplifier range, including the A.1X, A.3X, and A.6X?

The A.1x is our single zone amplified streaming solution.  It can be used as a solo piece to power and play music to a couple of architectural speakers, or it can be paired to TV in order to play TV audio to a soundbar or set of in-ceiling speakers.  The A.3x is a 1u, single chasis that basically has three A.1x’s, or three zones, built in.  This piece is rack mountable and makes for a very clean way to have multiple zones of audio in a single project.  The A.6x is a slightly larger, six zone single chasis that is also rack mountable.  Each of these units can be used together, in any configuration, to give a user or installer the desired amount of audio zones on a project.  Each channel of audio provides about 50 watts of clean power @ 8ohms.  One unit to give you all of the streaming capabilities and power that you want!

Are VSSL products compatible with or support other brands, and if so, which brands?

We have created several drivers to help VSSL be compatible with larger control systems including: Control 4, Crestron and Crestron Home.  We are working on more drivers as we go and some of the ones to come are:  Elan, RTI, URC.  Please let your VSSL representative know if there are any other brands that you would like to see VSSL better integrate with.  We are always open to suggestions and we pride ourselves on listening to the needs of our customers.

What new products can we anticipate from VSSL in the upcoming years?   

We are currently working on new versions of the single zone solution, including a higher-powered A.1x (120+ watts per channel 8 ohm) as well as a completely passive version that is a streamer only.  Both of these units will be built with HDMI ARC/eARC and will also allow for the digitization of audio from a TV to all of the other VSSL zones on a project.

What are VSSL’s future business and expansion plans for the Indian market, and do you plan to introduce new product categories?

We have partnered with EMI in India to help us expand and build that market.  We believe they are the best fit for what we are trying to accomplish with the VSSL brand in the Indian market and with their years of expertise, we are very excited to see things progress!  You can absolutely count on VSSL stepping into some new product categories in the future and EMI will be fundamental in helping us navigate that!

Regarding pricing, how does VSSL’s product range compare to other brands in the Indian market?

I believe we are similar to the US and other markets in that we are priced very competitively from a retail value but we offer a higher margin percentage across the board.  You can contact Aarun for more details on Email:aarun.m@bajajelectronics.in or 

Contact Details: 91 7350657400

Click here to read full November issue https://www.smarthomeworld.in/magazine-november2023/

The post VSSL adopts new BMR driver technology in their SX Soundbars and SX Speakers appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

EZVIZ, a global leading smart home innovator, is thrilled to bring home the prestigious Red Dot 2023 Best of the Best Award, with its latest design – a groundbreaking smart home system kit called the “Ultimate Smart Home System Kit.” This winning product marks the first time for EZVIZ to ever receive the esteemed Red Dot Award. It reaffirms the company’s dedication to refreshing the smart home industry with new design ideas, inspiring a new era of connected living that prioritises user experience, convenience, and energy efficiency and also setting a new benchmark in Smart Home Systems – Smart Connectivity Plus Data Protection.

The Red Dot Award, widely regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious design accolades, sets stringent standards for evaluating products that exemplify extraordinary design excellence. This “Best of the Best Award” is given only to a select few products that truly push the boundaries of innovation, functionality, and aesthetics.

Born out of EZVIZ’s Industrial Design Team’s latest work, the winning kit redefines smart home aesthetics and integrates advanced technology, user experience, and data security. Thoughtfully designed to build the “infrastructure” of a safe and comfortable smart home, the kit includes the A8 Central Hub, SP12 Smart Display, SW8 Control Panels, and TS1 Home Cameras. The A8 hub acts as the central control unit, allowing seamless operation and remote management of all devices. More importantly, the hub ensures scalability, enabling the addition of compatible devices for a limitless, multi-device home ecosystem.

Understanding privacy as the key deciding factor of a trustworthy smart home system, the company also prioritises data protection in its designs. For example, in addition to the strict data encryption, the kit also utilises a LAN network instead of Wi-Fi to run all devices. Its sleek, minimalistic design elegantly blends form and function, while ensuring a smooth user experience. Users can effortlessly control devices through the intuitive panels at home or remotely via the EZVIZ App.

“We are proud to receive the Red Dot 2023 Best of the Best Award,” said Weike Zhu, Chief Designer of EZVIZ’s Industrial Design Department. “Although the kit is not market-available yet, winning the Red Dot’s trophy award with our design idea and product samples has boots our confidence in bringing it to smart home lovers worldwide soon.”

The post EZVIZ wins Red Dot’s Best of the Best Award for Smart Home System appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.