In an exclusive interview with Smart World, Vivek Yadav, EVP Business Head, Havells India, brings forth his expertise and pivotal contributions to the brand’s trajectory growth and success. With a wealth of experience, Yadav delves into the latest advancements in Home Automation, Smart Technology and their wide Automation range for various segments. He also discusses, the highly anticipated lineup of the new automation range set to debut at Smart Home Expo 2024.

A Havells brand Crabtree, a trusted leader in Smart Home Technology and Automation in India, has established itself as a go-to brand. Could you share insights into the latest additions to your product line?

Havells India Ltd. has been consistently developing new products to cater to the growing smart home market. As the market is showing good growth trends in the wireless range, Havells has launched its new range of Signia Smart modular Wi-Fi switches in a very attractive new Grey Colour. These Smart Switches are mated to the Havells Signia platform and offer a full suite of features ranging from switching, dimming, curtain control, Fan/AC, smart bell and scene controls.

Another recent launch is the new Monoblock solution I Sense, this is a very cost-efficient solution that offers premium looks with all automation features. This solution offers all automation features and is based on the ZigBee platform to offer superior connectivity and is well-suited for large apartments and villas. Both these solutions are highly adaptable and scalable and can be used both in new constructions and retrofit jobs.

 Your product line spans Switches, Automation, and Video Door Phones. Have there been recent technological advancements integrated into these categories, and if so, could you provide details on these innovations?

Technology improvement in smart products and solutions is an ongoing process and is constantly changing. Some of the recent advancements have been the integration of Wi Fi features in our video door phones, these features enable a user to be able to remotely communicate with visitors at their home. The homeowner can remotely monitor the outside area of his home and also give remote access (if integrated with an electric lock). Our Wi-Fi video door phone is fully integrated with our I sense automation solution.

The Signia Smart Bell push is another new upgrade that converts a normal doorbell into a smart doorbell by offering features such as Bell ringing notifications and DND, the unique 4 Scene controller in the Signia Smart range is a multi-use product that offers easy scene control features, features such as All On /Off & Two way switching.

Smart Home Technology is perceived as complex by users. How does Crabtree prioritize user-friendliness in product design, and are there specific features aimed at enhancing ease of use across your product line?

Our wireless automation solutions are designed to offer a DIY-level simplicity, these solutions offer multiple ways of controls that suit the needs of every generation of family as the solutions can be controlled via touch like a simple switch, via mobile app, via voice assistants and also via Remote controls (available in some solutions)

Does Crabtree’s product line seamlessly integrate with other smart home devices, ensuring compatibility with various setups? Please elaborate on the integration capabilities.

Havells India Ltd is a multiproduct organisation with many consumer-facing product categories, we are building one of the largest ecosystem of smart products on the state-of-the-art Havells Sync platform which offers deep integration of a range of smart appliances ranging from water heaters, air conditioners, smart TVs, smart appliances, smart fans etc. Havells sync platform has further been certified to work with Samsung Things.

With a diverse range of offerings, could you guide professionals on which Crabtree products are suitable for Residential, Commercial, Hospitality, and other segments?

Havells Buspro and KNX solutions are top-of-the-line wired automation solutions which are highly suitable for new structures. These solutions work on Cat 5/KNX wiring and can be adapted for use in both residential and commercial buildings. These are full automation suites that offer extensive integration and automation possibilities. These solutions offer a range of luxurious wall panels ranging from touch button panels to touch screen panels that offer high luxury aesthetics.

These solutions offer an extensive suite of hospitality. Ranging from guest room solutions, to solutions for banquets, restaurants, façade and common areas, our hospitality solutions are compatible with most used Hotel Property management systems.

The Havells Crabtree Wireless range is well suited for adoption in both new and retrofit structures. The wireless solutions can be adapted at any stage of construction without the need for any rewiring or structural changes. These premium solutions offer a wide variety of features with high scalability and premium aesthetics and different product solutions available in different price brackets.

Crabtree’s Buspro is a KNX-based solution. Could you explain its advantages and how it stands out in the market?

Crabtree Buspro solutions are offered on two distinct platforms, Buspro is a proprietary wired technology offering a full suite of wired automation products, Buspro KNX is an open standard platform that allows wide integration possibilities and offers an extensive range of products.

Between the two platforms Crabtree wired automation offers a very wide range of dimmers available in different flavours for every type of dimming technology be it phase cut, trailing/leading edge, DALI or Analogue, the range offers extensive integration with a large number of infrastructure devices like actuators, controllers, wall panels and easy integration with most leading brands of third-party automation controllers

IoT is transforming industries. How does Crabtree contribute to this transformation, especially in smart homes and connected devices?

Crabtree IoT devices offer a range of features that allow for running the connected lights/appliances on schedules, timers and integration into various scenes and with concepts like Day light harvesting and Sensors, Havells Crabtree automation promotes high sustainability with energy savings for residences and commercial building.

Share details about Crabtree’s retrofit solutions, and how it is addressing the evolving needs of users.

Havells Crabtree offers one of the widest retrofit solutions in the industry. There is a solution for every need available at different price points. The retrofit solutions are offered in three distinct types:

∙        Havells Crabtree Wirefree NXT – behind-the-switch solution

∙        Havells Crabtree Signia Smart Solutions – Based on the extensive Signia modular architecture these are modular switches that offer full features of automation, multiple ways of controls and a range of premium faceplates

∙        Havells Crabtree I Sense: This is a uniblock wall panel solution with preset configurations, this is based on the Mesh technology to offer latency-free operations across larger areas.

All these solutions are highly scalable and require no changes in the structure or wiring for installation.

How has been the response for the I-Sense range, launched at Smart Home Expo 2023? 

The range has been very well received by both our partners and consumers and has been making great strides. The influencer community has appreciated the product line for its premium looks and we are receiving good recommendations from them.

Crabtree’s Touch Screen Panels for hotel rooms are intriguing. Can you provide insights into their features and applications?

Crabtree Touch screens offer uber premium aesthetics and are available in different sizes. There are different ranges for the touch screen panels:

∙        DLP Touch – This range is available in both US & UK form factors and Black & White colours with hybrid options for touch and push buttons mated to an LCD screen. These screens have a built-in thermostat for hotel applications

∙        Enviro Series – This is a 4.3 Screen with multiple page options and controls for multiple air condtioners with one screen. These panels are available in both white and black colours.

∙        Granite Series – This is available in both US & UK form factors & is equipped with a high-resolution AMOLED screen offering superior clarity. This too offers multi-page operations with built-in thermostat for AC controls

∙        Tile Series – Tile is a modular solution that offers various configurations from 1 to 4 gangs. Using the Tile display different combinations with push button / USB can be created. This range is available in White / Champagne Gold & Charcoal Grey colours

In a competitive landscape, how does Crabtree navigate, and what strategies ensure a competitive edge?

The Havells Crabtree brand is amongst the strongest consumer brands in the country and needs no introduction, our reach in the system integrator and trade channels with a dedicated team of automation experts & a strong trade, projects & enterprise business team gives us a strong reach across the different segments of the market. Be it residential, commercial or real estate projects or government buildings, we have a strong presence across the verticals.

What are Crabtree’s plans for the Indian market, considering the evolving Smart Home Technology trends?

Crabtree is committed to bringing cutting-edge, high-quality smart solutions to the Indian market. With dedicated IoT R&D and high continuous investments, Havells is at the forefront of developing indigenous made-in-India products adapted for Indian conditions.

Lastly, can you provide a sneak peek into the new product ranges your brand plans to showcase at Smart Home Expo 2024 in Mumbai? 

Our showstopper will be the introduction of the latest Havells Signia smart – Grey and a unique touch screen for wired automation that works across several platforms like Buspro, KNX and Zigbee–Source 7

Click here to read full March issue- https://www.smarthomeworld.in/magazine-march2024/

The post We are building one of the largest ecosystem of smart products on the state-of-the-art Havells Sync platform. appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

Ranvijay Singh, Head of BRAVIA Business, Sony India, talks about the distinctive aspects, features, connectivity options, voice control, and display technologies employed in Sony’s smart TVs in an interview with Smart Home World. He emphasizes Sony’s exclusive technologies like Triluminos Pro, Acoustic Surface Audio+, Dolby Vision ATMOS, among others.

Could you please provide a brief overview of Sony’s history and expertise in the Electronics Industry, specifically in the TV business?

Sony India, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation in Japan, has been a premium brand in various product categories including television, digital imaging, personal audio, home entertainment, gaming, car audio and professional solutions since its establishment in 1994. Sony has always prioritized customer satisfaction by delivering unparalleled standards of sales and services.

Throughout its history, Sony has embodied the spirit of innovation and immersive experiences in its television business, consistently pushing the boundaries of what is possible. From the first transistor television in 1960, to the introduction of the colour television Trinitron, the world’s first LED backlit, OLED television, and most recently, the world’s first Cognitive Intelligence television, Sony BRAVIA has been renowned for pioneering state-of-the-art technologies. 

The newly introduced BRAVIA XR provides the most immersive viewing and listening experience to date, as it employs cognitive intelligence to understand how humans see and hear. As a result, the XR television displays content in a manner that is consistent with how it would be perceived in the real world.

Could you provide us with an overview of Sony’s current offerings in the Smart TV’s Market?

Sony’s entire lineup of BRAVIA FY22 has been upgraded to the Google TV platform, providing a user-friendly interface akin to using an Android phone, offering a comfortable and convenient content watching experience. The major segments of our flagship models such as the Mini 4K LED X95K, MASTER Series OLED A95K, XR OLED A80K, 4K XR Full Array LED X90K and 4K LED X85K, X80K, X75K are loaded with the latest and innovative technologies for a highly immersive experience.

The 4K LED X75K with X1 processor, Live colour and Google TV ensures lifelike pictures at competitive pricing. The X80K with Triluminos Pro colour technology, Dolby Vision Atmos, far-field mic, BRAVIA CAM support, is a true successor of last year’s best selling 140 cm (55) television X80J. The X85K with a 120Hz panel refresh rate and gaming features above X80K makes it a good step-up variant.

The XR Full Array LED X90K with Cognitive Processor XR, which thinks like a human brain, ensures a real-world picture and a 3D surround experience. Newly added features such as BRAVIA CORE and BRAVIA CAM support enhance the overall TV experience. The XR 85X95K 4K Mini LED is loaded with Cognitive Processor XR, advanced mini-LED backlight system, 120Hz panel refresh rate, along with BRAVIA CORE and BRAVIA CAM support, making it a super performer.

The XR OLED A80K with XR OLED contrast pro, XR OLED Motion, and Sound from screen is one of the best OLED televisions in India. The XR MASTER Series A95K OLED TV is a flagship model that comes with XR OLED contrast pro, XR OLED Motion, gaming features like 120 Hz display low latency modes ALLM, VRR, HDMI 2.1 and 3D. Its futuristic design and loaded premium features establish this television as one of the most desired televisions. 

Can you tell us about the unique viewing experience that Sony Smart TV’s offer, which sets them apart from competitors?

Sony has many proprietary technologies that make its televisions stand out in the market. One of the latest is the XR cognitive processor which revolutionises the viewing experience by reproducing content the way humans see and hear, resulting in a lifelike experience. This processor is enhanced by the XR Triluminos Pro technology, which delivers billions of accurate colours for a natural and beautiful picture quality. 

Sony also offers the BRAVIA CORE app, which is a pre-loaded, exclusive movie service that allows users to redeem new movie releases and stream top movies. BRAVIA CORE features Pure Stream, which can stream HDR movies at up to 80Mbps, similar to 4K UHD Blu-ray, on a wide range of content. This significantly improves detail, colour and contrast compared to conventional 15-25Mbps streaming content. 

In addition, BRAVIA CAM adjusts sound and picture settings based on the user’s location in the room and distance from the TV for an optimum experience. Sony’s acoustic surface sound technology uses special actuators to turn the screen into a multi-channel speaker, delivering a more powerful and realistic sound that matches precisely with what is on the screen. 

The FY22 BRAVIA television lineup is now upgraded to the Google TV platform, which provides the best UI experience and convenient content watching. The televisions feature cinema-oriented features such as IMAX, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, Netflix calibrated and Calman ready, enriching the viewing experience. For gaming, BRAVIA XR televisions offer features such as 120 Hz display, low latency modes ALLM, VRR, HDMI2.1, Auto Game Mode, Auto HDR Tone Mapping and 3D surround sound, making them the preferred option as a giant gaming machine.

How does Sony’s operating system differentiate itself from its competitors, and how does it enhance the user experience?

Sony’s BRAVIA television lineup is equipped with the Google TV platform, which is a unique and outstanding feature. This platform offers an unparalleled user interface (UI) and makes it incredibly easy to watch and access content. With Google TV, users can enjoy personalized views, customized watchlists, and seamless connectivity across multiple devices. Moreover, the platform is updated regularly to ensure that users have access to the latest technology. 

Additionally, Sony televisions have built-in Google Chromecast, eliminating the need for external devices to cast compatible content from phones or tablets. The televisions also support Apple HomeKit and AirPlay, making it easy to stream content from Apple devices such as iPhones and iPads. This feature allows users to share content on the big screen and control the television with ease.

Could you please describe the distinctive features and unique selling points of Sony’s high-end smart TV models?

Sony boasts a range of exclusive technologies and features that distinguish it from its competitors, making it a preferred brand in the premium segment. Some of the key features that set Sony apart include:

Triluminos Pro: Sony TVs come equipped with a unique TRILUMINOS PRO algorithm that can detect colour from saturation, hue, and brightness to reproduce natural shades in every detail, resulting in colours that are closer to those seen in the real world.

Acoustic Surface Audio+: Sony’s television line-up uses special actuators to turn the screen into a multi-channel speaker, allowing the sound to match precisely with what’s on the screen.

DOLBY Vision ATMOS: With Dolby Vision®, scenes are brought vividly to life for authentic viewing, while Dolby Atmos® fills the room with immersive surround sound, allowing users to enjoy a cinematic experience from the comfort of their own home.

Built-In Mic and Voice Search technology: Sony TVs have built-in microphones for hands-free voice search, allowing users to find their favourite content quickly and easily using the power of their voice, without the need for a remote. This feature eliminates the need for complicated navigation or tiresome typing, making for a more user-friendly experience.

Perfect for PS5: As part of Sony’s ‘Perfect for PS5’ line-up, BRAVIA XR televisions can be paired with a PlayStation®5 console to provide an exceptional gaming experience. BRAVIA XR televisions automatically adjust and optimise the picture to the best settings for the PlayStation®5 console, resulting in immersive picture and sound that makes users feel like they’re right in the middle of the action. Additionally, with 4K/120fps as specified in HDMI 2.1, BRAVIA televisions provide smooth and clear movement for responsive gameplay.

How does Sony’s Smart TV differentiate itself from its competitors in terms of multimedia connectivity options?

Sony offers various connectivity options to its users, such as USB connectivity and Bluetooth compatibility, enabling users to connect their devices wirelessly for easy and convenient entertainment. With Bluetooth connectivity, users can pair their BRAVIA TVs with Bluetooth headphones or earphones and enjoy their favourite shows and music without any interruptions or disturbances.

In addition, Sony televisions come equipped with built-in Chromecast, allowing users to effortlessly switch between their phone, tablet, or laptop to the TV. With Chromecast built-in, users can cast all their favourite movies, shows, apps, games, and more directly onto their TV.

For gaming enthusiasts, Sony TVs feature connectivity options such as 120 Hz display, low latency modes, ALLM, VRR, and HDMI 2.1. Sony also offers an innovative technology called BRAVIA CAM, which optimises picture and sound quality to ensure users always have the best viewing experience. BRAVIA CAM also offers gesture controls, video chat, and many other engaging features.

Could you please provide more information on the voice control feature available on Sony’s Smart TVs and its advantages for users?

Sony’s Smart TVs feature built-in microphones that allow for hands-free voice search, providing users with a convenient way to operate their television using their voice. In addition, if the television is equipped with Google Assistant, users can also ask for assistance from the Assistant using voice commands.

Could you please provide further details on the display technology and resolution utilized in Sony’s Smart TVs?

Sony’s range of televisions features a variety of display technologies, including OLED, which offers striking contrast and real-life depth in every scene. The full-array LED backlighting technology produces realistic contrast in bright and dark areas, resulting in pictures with enhanced depth and contrast. With the 4K Mini LED screen, users can enjoy exceptional contrast thanks to the unique XR Backlight Master Drive technology that delivers dynamic range like never before, providing incredibly deep blacks and dazzling lights as well as beautifully natural mid-tones without flare or halos around highlights.

Additionally, our televisions are available in both 4K and 2K resolution, and our powerful processor utilizes advanced algorithms to reduce noise and enhance details. With a clearer 4K signal, viewers can enjoy content that is closer to 4K quality, full of life-like colours and contrast.

The post In Conversation with Ranvijay Singh, Head of BRAVIA Business, Sony India appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

The trades of Smart TVs have grown by 7.4 percent in 2020  reaching 186 million units,  according to Strategy Analytics.

Samsung, the leading manufacturer of  Smart TV, for the ninth straight year in 2020.“Smart TV is a standard fit feature of most flat-panel TVs sold today and so smart TV household penetration will inevitably continue to grow as consumers replace old sets with new modern smart-enabled versions,” said Edouard Bouffenie, Senior Analyst, Connected Home Devices.

“While many have decided to partner with the likes of Google’s Android TV and Roku to avoid the ongoing costs of maintaining their platform, several brands including Samsung, Vizio, and LG are going it alone and are looking to capitalize on the fast-growing Connected TV advertising business,” he explained.

The Smart TV market continues to revolve around a handful of TV streaming platforms or operating systems. Samsung’s Tizen leads the way but third-party software platforms such as Android TV and Roku TV OS have come up strong in the last few years.

“Smart TV usage is growing and is on a path towards becoming the preferred platform for accessing online video content,” said David Watkins, VP, Media, and Intelligent Home Practice.

“Smart TV OS providers must look to influence the TV viewer’s journey through improved content discovery capabilities, advanced analytics, and advertising platforms and the development of an intuitive and user-friendly UI,” Watkins added.

The post Smart TVs in Over 665 Million Homes Globally appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.