Harmonious Fusion: The Autom8group’s Approach to Integrating Style and Technology in Interior Design

In the dynamic world of interior design, achieving a harmonious fusion of style and technology is essential for creating truly exceptional living spaces. At The Autom8group, we specialize in seamlessly integrating home technology into interior design, enriching your home environment with both elegance and functionality. Join us as we delve into our approach to blending style and technology to elevate your living spaces.

Collaboration is Key:
Collaboration is fundamental to our approach. We work closely with talented interior designers to understand their vision for your space. By fostering collaboration, we ensure that every technological enhancement seamlessly complements the overall design concept, resulting in a unified and immersive experience.

Framed TVs:
Gone are the days of bulky, unsightly televisions dominating the living room. With framed TVs, specialists work closely with interior designers to select options that blend effortlessly with the design scheme. These TVs are designed to resemble works of art when not in use, seamlessly integrating into the room’s decor. Integrators assist in choosing the right size, aspect ratio, and frame finish to ensure that the TV complements the overall aesthetic. They also advise on the optimal placement to enhance viewing angles and minimize visual impact.

Sound Bars with Custom Sizing, Wood Frames, and Grilles:

Sound bars offer an elegant solution for audio without the need for bulky speakers. The Autom8group collaborates with designers to customize sound bars with bespoke sizing, wood frames, and grilles that match the aesthetic of the space. For example, Leon’s FrameBar UT offers customizable options, allowing    integrators and designers to tailor the sound bar to fit seamlessly within the room’s design. From selecting the right wood finish to ensuring the grille material complements other design elements, our integrators pay attention to every detail to create a cohesive and visually appealing audio solution.

Invisible Technology, Visible Elegance:

Bid farewell to bulky speakers and unsightly wires. Our expertise in integrating invisible speakers from leading brands such as Sonance and Stealth ensures that technology remains discreet, allowing your design to take center stage.

Sonance Invisible Series: With Sonance’s Invisible Series, cutting-edge technology seamlessly integrates into your space. These speakers disappear into your walls or ceilings, delivering superior sound quality without compromising the aesthetics of your room.

A leader in speakers technology, Sonance offers a range of invisible speakers with different audio qualities that blend seamlessly into your walls or ceilings, providing high-performance audio while remaining completely hidden from view.

Decorative Keypads:
Our consultants understand that technology should not only be functional but also beautiful. Decorative keypads, like Alisse and Palladiom from Lutron, offer stylish control options for smart home systems. Our technology consultants work with designers to seamlessly integrate these keypads into the walls, their wide array of finishes ensure they complement the overall design while providing intuitive control of lighting, shades, and more.

Seamless Integration of Shades and Lighting:

Transform your living spaces with our integrated shades and lighting solutions. Whether designing custom pockets to conceal motorized shades, using Palladiom shades with their aesthetically pleasing brackets and finishes or choosing sophisticated lighting fixtures, we ensure seamless integration that enhances both the ambiance and functionality of your space.

Our Integrators can collaborate with design professionals to select light fixtures that enhance the ambiance of the space and integrate with smart lighting control systems from brands like Ketra and DMF. They can optimize lighting design to enhance the overall aesthetic and functionality of the room.

In summary, Our CEDIA certified integrators collaborate closely with interior designers to select and integrate home technology solutions that enhance the design while providing optimal performance and functionality. They combine technical expertise with an understanding of design principles to create seamless and immersive living spaces for our clients.

Attention to Detail:

We believe that perfection lies in the details. Our meticulous approach ensures that every technology component seamlessly blends into your design. From concealing wires to optimizing placement, we leave no stone unturned in achieving flawless integration that exceeds your expectations.

In conclusion, We are dedicated to transforming your living spaces through the harmonious fusion of style and technology. With our collaborative approach, tailored solutions, and unwavering attention to detail, we bring your design vision to life, creating truly extraordinary living environments.

Stay tuned for more insights, tips, and trends in home technology and interior design in our upcoming newsletters and blog posts.

Want to know more? Call us at 866.815.0099 or Email info@theautom8group.com

 

Embrace Nature and Elevate Your Well-being with Outdoor Technologies from Theautom8group

How staying outdoors can benefit wellbeing and how home technologies such as outdoor music, outdoor lighting, wireless coverage, and outdoor entertainment can help in achieving the goal of staying more outdoors.

In our fast-paced digital world, spending time outdoors has become a rare commodity. However, research increasingly shows that reconnecting with nature can significantly benefit our mental and physical well-being. Fortunately, advancements in home technologies have made it easier than ever to integrate the comforts of modern living with the great outdoors. In this comprehensive blog post, we will explore in-depth the myriad benefits of spending more time outdoors and how Theautom8group’s cutting-edge solutions, including motorized shades, high-end lighting, home automation, and audio-video solutions, can help you achieve a harmonious balance between indoor and outdoor living.

The Benefits of Spending Time Outdoors:

Mental Health and Stress Reduction: Stepping outside into nature has a calming effect on our minds. The sight of greenery, the sound of birds chirping, and the fresh air can help reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. Nature’s beauty acts as a balm for our restless minds, promoting mindfulness and tranquility. By incorporating outdoor living spaces, such as patios, gardens, or rooftops, into your home design, you can create serene environments that encourage relaxation and rejuvenation.

Enhanced Creativity and Productivity: Nature stimulates our minds and enhances creativity. Whether it’s taking a walk amidst the trees or sitting by a quiet stream, the natural environment can boost cognitive function and problem-solving abilities. Many renowned artists, writers, and thinkers throughout history have credited nature for inspiring their greatest works.

Social Connection: Outdoor spaces naturally foster social interactions, whether it’s a family gathering, a friendly barbecue, or a romantic evening under the stars. These connections contribute to emotional wellbeing and strengthen relationships.

The Transformative Possibilities of Outdoor Living with TheAutom8group

Creating Cinematic Retreats: With Theautom8group’s advanced outdoor TVs, your backyard becomes a captivating open-air cinema. Imagine gathering your friends and family for movie nights under the stars. Theautom8group’s outdoor TVs, inspired by the state-of-the-art designs, deliver stunning visuals, bringing your favorite films and shows to life in an unparalleled way. From action-packed blockbusters to heartwarming classics, every scene takes on a new dimension when accompanied by the gentle rustling of leaves and the soft caress of a summer breeze.

Elevating Outdoor Soundscapes: Delve into a realm of auditory delight with Theautom8group’s outdoor sound systems. Drawing inspiration from the exceptional audio engineering, picture yourself lounging on your patio, enveloped in the soothing melodies of your favorite music. Our sound systems are meticulously designed to disperse even sound coverage, ensuring that every corner of your outdoor space is filled with harmonious tunes. Whether it’s a lively social gathering or a moment of solitary reflection, the symphony of sound resonates perfectly with the natural world around you.

Your Gateway to Outdoor Technology and Wellbeing

Expertise and Innovation: Theautom8group specializes in seamlessly fusing technology with nature, enhancing your outdoor lifestyle through thoughtful design and innovation.

Customized Excellence: Each solution from Theautom8group is customized to match your unique preferences and needs, ensuring your outdoor space becomes an extension of your personal style.

Reliability and Durability: Theautom8group’s outdoor technologies are built to endure the elements, promising lasting performance and reliability for years to come.

Guided Support: Theautom8group’s expert team guides you through every step, from installation to ongoing support, ensuring your outdoor technologies seamlessly enrich your lifestyle.

Conclusion: Where Nature Meets Innovation with Theautom8group

The world outside beckons, offering a tapestry of beauty and tranquility that contributes to your overall well-being. The synthesis of Theautom8group’s advanced outdoor technologies with the splendor of nature opens up limitless possibilities. Outdoor TVs and sound systems allow you to indulge in entertainment, relaxation, and connection, all while embracing the embrace of the great outdoors.

As you step into this harmonious blend of nature and innovation, with the guidance of Theautom8group, you embark on a journey where well-being and technology coexist in perfect harmony. Unleash the potential of your outdoor space, and let it become a sanctuary where you can rejuvenate, connect, and celebrate life under open skies.

Want to know more? Call us at 866.815.0099 or Email info@theautom8group.com

 

Balancing Energy Efficiency and Open Views: Harnessing Solar Shades and Automation for Optimal Conservation 

Welcome to the latest edition of TheAutom8Group newsletter, where we strive to bring you valuable insights and solutions to enhance your home environment. In this edition, we will delve into the importance of window shades in conserving energy and how our exceptional solar shades can achieve this while maintaining open views, vital for your overall wellbeing. We will also shed light on the advantages of choosing automated shades over manual ones, offering you the perfect blend of energy efficiency and a visually stunning home. As always, we take pride in providing professional services in window treatments. Read on to discover why hiring TheAutom8Group will make your home truly exceptional.

The Significance of Window Shades in Energy Conservation:

Window shades play a crucial role in conserving energy and promoting sustainability. Firstly, they act as a barrier between the interior and exterior, providing insulation and temperature regulation. During hot summer months, properly fitted window shades prevent solar heat gain, reducing the need for excessive air conditioning. In contrast, during winter, they offer an additional layer of insulation, minimizing heat loss and optimizing the efficiency of heating systems. By effectively controlling temperature, window shades help reduce energy consumption, leading to lower utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint.

Secondly, window shades allow for the optimization of natural light. By strategically adjusting the shades, homeowners can take advantage of daylight, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting during the day. Maximizing natural light not only saves energy but also creates a more pleasant and productive environment. Choosing window shades that allow for light diffusion, such as Solar shades or sheer curtains, can help minimize glare while maintaining privacy. The combination of reduced artificial lighting and efficient temperature control provided by window shades contributes to overall energy conservation and a greener lifestyle.

 

Solar shades are a remarkable solution that accomplishes both energy efficiency and the preservation of open views, which are crucial for our overall wellbeing. These innovative window coverings are designed to filter sunlight and block harmful UV rays, effectively reducing solar heat gain and maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. By preventing excessive heat from entering, solar shades alleviate the need for constant air conditioning, resulting in lower energy consumption and reduced utility bills. This not only benefits the environment but also aligns with our commitment to sustainability.

What sets solar shades apart is their unique ability to maintain open views while still providing privacy and glare reduction. These shades are crafted with specialized fabrics that allow for light diffusion, enabling natural light to fill the space without harsh glares. At the same time, they preserve privacy by obscuring the view from the outside. This perfect balance allows us to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, connect with nature, and reap the numerous benefits of natural light, such as improved mood, increased productivity, and enhanced overall wellbeing. With solar shades, we can create a harmonious and sustainable living environment that prioritizes energy efficiency and our connection to the outside world.

The Advantages of Automated Shades:

While manual shades provide energy efficiency and privacy, automated shades offer unparalleled convenience and sophistication. Choosing automated shades allows you to take full control of your window treatments with effortless ease. Especially with Lutron automated smart-shades, which seamlessly integrate with cutting-edge home automation systems, automated shades can be operated with a simple touch of a button or a voice command. You also have the power to program your shades to adjust automatically based on your preferences and the changing conditions throughout the day. This ensures the perfect balance of energy efficiency, natural light, and privacy, all at your fingertips.

 

When it comes to creating a truly exceptional home environment, TheAutom8Group is your trusted partner. Our commitment to professionalism and customer satisfaction sets us apart. Here’s why choosing us will elevate your home to new heights:

Expertise: With years of industry experience, our team of experts possesses in-depth knowledge and expertise in window treatments, home automation, audio and video solutions, and lighting systems. We understand the intricacies of creating customized solutions that perfectly fit your needs and style.

Cutting-Edge Technology: As technology enthusiasts, we stay at the forefront of advancements in the industry. By choosing TheAutom8Group, you gain access to state-of-the-art products and solutions that ensure optimal performance, energy efficiency, and seamless integration.

Personalized Approach: We believe in delivering tailored solutions that exceed your expectations. Our team takes the time to understand your unique requirements, design preferences, and budget, ensuring a personalized approach that reflects your vision.

Exceptional Quality: At TheAutom8Group, we take pride in offering top-quality products that are built to last. We partner with reputable brands known for their craftsmanship and durability, ensuring you receive the best value for your investment.

Transform Your Home with TheAutom8Group:

Ready to make your home truly exceptional? Contact TheAutom8Group today to schedule a consultation with our dedicated team. We will work closely with you to design and implement a tailored solution that brings your vision to life. Explore our comprehensive range of window treatments, home automation, audio and video solutions, and lighting systems on our website http://theautom8group.com Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date with the latest trends, tips, and exclusive offers.

Want to know more? Call us at 866.815.0099 or email info@theautom8group.com

 

Can sound enhance Wellness?  

Sound is an essential part of our lives, and it can have a significant impact on our well-being. From music to nature sounds, sound can enhance our mood and improve our overall health. In this blog post, we will explore how sound can enhance wellness and the various ways it can be used to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality.

Sound and Wellness

Sound therapy is an ancient practice that has been used for thousands of years to promote healing and relaxation. The idea behind sound therapy is that certain frequencies and vibrations can have a positive impact on the body, mind, and soul. Modern science has confirmed this theory, and many studies have shown the effectiveness of sound therapy for promoting relaxation and reducing stress.

Sound therapy involves using various sound frequencies and vibrations to promote relaxation and reduce stress. This can be done through various methods, including listening to music, meditation, chanting, and using specialized sound equipment.

Music and Wellness

Music is one of the most common forms of sound therapy, and it has been used for centuries to promote wellness. Research has shown that listening to music can have a positive impact on our mood, reduce stress, and even lower blood pressure.

When listening to music, the brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is associated with pleasure and reward. This can lead to feelings of happiness and relaxation. Additionally, music can help distract us from negative thoughts and emotions, providing a welcome escape from stress and anxiety.

Nature Sounds and Wellness

Nature sounds, such as the sound of rain or the ocean waves, can also have a positive impact on our well-being. Research has shown that nature sounds can reduce stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, and improve sleep quality.

Nature sounds work by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for promoting relaxation and reducing stress. When we listen to nature sounds, our bodies naturally relax, which can lead to feelings of calm and tranquility.

Using Sound to Promote Wellness

There are many ways to use sound to promote wellness, including:

Meditation: Meditation is a powerful tool for promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Many meditation practices involve focusing on the breath or a particular sound, such as a mantra or a singing bowl.

Sound baths: A sound bath is a type of meditation that involves lying down and listening to various sound frequencies and vibrations. This can be done with the help of specialized sound equipment, such as gongs, singing bowls, or tuning forks.

Music therapy: Music therapy involves using music to promote healing and wellness. This can be done through listening to music, playing music, or singing.

Nature walks: Spending time in nature and listening to the sounds of the environment can be a powerful way to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

TheAutom8group specializes in installing audio-video systems and is dedicated to providing high-quality audio and video solutions to their clients, using state-of-the-art technology and innovative design. Our team of experienced technicians can install custom audio-video systems that are tailored to the specific needs of each client, whether it’s for a home theater or a commercial space.

By installing audio-video systems that incorporate sound therapy, TheAutom8group is helping their clients to enhance their wellness and promote relaxation. Whether it’s by installing a custom sound system for a meditation room or creating a home theater that incorporates calming sounds and music, TheAutom8group is committed to helping their clients achieve a sense of calm and well-being.

In conclusion, sound therapy can be a powerful tool for enhancing wellness, and TheAutom8group is a company that is dedicated to helping their clients achieve a sense of calm and well-being through the installation of custom audio-video systems. So, whether you’re looking to reduce stress levels, improve sleep quality, or boost your mood, consider incorporating sound therapy into your daily routine, and contact TheAutom8group to learn more about how they can help you achieve your wellness goals.

Want to know more? Call us at 866.815.0099 or email info@theautom8group.com

Why should every new construction or gut reno include wiring infrastructure for Smart Home?

Modern homes are incorporating smart home technology into every corner and cranny, from appliances to lighting to blinds to thermostats. These gadgets improve the functionality and efficiency of our homes in many ways, but they also clutter up home networks’ bandwidth and slow everything down.
Smart TVs, gaming consoles, computers, tablets, smartphones, and smartwatches are just a few of the connected gadgets competing for network bandwidth in today’s households, even those without a single smart home device. The issue will only worsen if smart home gadget adoption among consumers, which is expanding quickly and consumes even more bandwidth, is taken into account.

If you’re a homebuilder, an architect, interior designer, homeowner, or installer working on new home construction or renovation projects, it’s now critically important to plan for the future needs of tomorrow’s smart homes.

Structured wiring will pave the way for the future.

Every room in a house, or just a few, can have structured wiring installed, which can then be terminated with a choice of wall plates and ports for quick plug-and-play network connections. This makes it possible for homeowners to directly connect more of their gadgets to high-bandwidth cable, such as fiber optic lines. Also, it lessens the load on the Wi-Fi network, which can otherwise become overwhelmed.

It goes without saying that structured wiring is easiest to install during new construction, when the walls are open. Taking the time and care to include structured wiring in a new home’s plans can have a tangible impact on its appreciation and resale value. It can also save the home’s future owners from taking on an expensive (and likely inevitable) retrofit to add structured wiring later on.

Working From Home

Consider the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic on the world over the past three years. Working from home and the ongoing transition to “hybrid” work have increased the demands on our houses’ technical infrastructure.
Any home might understandably find its technology creaking when the demands of people working on Zoom or Teams, HD movies and music are all being streamed whilst social media is being browsed, but that’s become the norm for most of us.

Sound, Shades, and Light

Music streaming and automated shades are other applications that benefit greatly from structured wiring. While music streaming can be done wirelessly, having wired speakers allows for less obtrusive equipment while having a better quality sound and a more reliable experience. Wired speakers will provide you with more options to choose from and they deliver a deeper, richer sound because there’s no compression required during data transmission.

By the same token, low-voltage-wired automated shades have cleaner connections, safer communication, and more design options for hardware and controls than their wireless counterparts. Low-voltage-wired shades can also accommodate larger window applications and there’s no need to replace batteries or recharge them occasionally. Their motors tend to be quieter and multiple blinds can function in a symmetrical fashion, allowing them to raise and lower together in perfect symmetry.

Lighting is another area where pre-planning and pre-wiring can help in creating a better experience for the homeowners. Most houses tend to have multiple light loads in various rooms. Having multiple switches present on the wall is both an eyesore and can be confusing to use. For many modern houses, the better solution is to wire all the dimmers and switches in a central utility room or closet and distribute wired keypad controls that are custom engraved and usually backlit in the various rooms. This setup contributes to a cleaner, more modern, and more intuitive experience.

When it comes to how you’d like to operate the lights, sound and TVs or cinema system: I can pretty much guarantee that you won’t want to have your beautiful home cluttered with a myriad of remote controls. A truly smart home will also have a smart solution for automation and, for Theautom8group, we are advocates of Control4 and their simple-to-use yet powerful multi-application remote controls.

Getting it Right

It’s not just getting the network right that’s the biggest concern for people constructing their new home. So often we hear people say that “they wish they or their architect had planned ahead and given real thought to how each space in the house would be used in terms of technology and smart home automation.” Ironically, organized wiring—a practice that dates back decades—is essential to the development of linked smart houses. It’s time to start designing for the requirements of tomorrow’s smart homes, whether you work as an architect, home builder, interior designer, or a homeowner working from home. Those who ignore these trends may soon find themselves scurrying to change course and catch up to businesses that become market leaders in future-proofing smart homes.

A new-build smart home may be a genuinely smart, completely automated, truly beautiful house from the day you move in and for many happy years ahead with proper planning and setting up the network correctly from the beginning.

Want to know more? Call us at 866.815.0099 or email info@theautom8group.com.

What is the difference between a Connected Home and Smart Home?

In today’s world, everything has an app. Your TVs have an app, the wireless sound system has an app, thermostats have an app, and even your lights and shades can have an app. Does having a mobile app to control the different electronic systems and apps mean you have a Smart Home? We argue there’s a difference between a Smart Home and a Connected Home. But what is that difference and is one better than the other? 

Connected Home

Almost all home electronic devices today, from TVs to wireless speakers, thermostats, lights, shades, and surveillance cameras have mobile apps to control them. It means that in most cases these devices are either connected to the internet or are controlled via Bluetooth. If you desire to control one of these devices, you’ll need to get your mobile phone or tablet, launch the corresponding app and control the device from there. You may also control it through voice control if you enable one of the various voice control options to work with that particular app. However, this voice control option may be cumbersome as you’ll have very strict and defined commands. If you deviate from the exact command, the voice control system might not be able to execute the command. Another challenge with standalone connected devices is when trying to execute an action that involves multiple connected devices. Watching a movie or a sporting event  in your media room is a good example of that. Say you want to watch a movie on a Sunday afternoon, you’d want to turn on the TV and have it go to the right streaming service, i.e. Netflix or Amazon Prime, etc. Next you might want to dim the lights and close the shades or curtains. You might even want to adjust the temperature in the room. If you desire to watch the movie in surround sound, you may need another layer of complexity in the form of an Audio & Video Receiver (AVR) to manage the surround sound. These are a lot of actions to take for a fairly simple task like watching a movie and one can argue that executing all these actions from separate apps doesn’t constitute a Smart Home. 

In summary, a Connected Home constitutes multiple electronic devices each controlled via a dedicated, individual app for that device only. Actions that require multiple devices to work cohesively cannot be executed in unison, but rather on app by app basis.

Some examples of Connected Home devices:

• Smart TVs
• Wireless sound systems
• Thermostats
• Lights and dimmers
• Motorized shades
• Smart door locks
• Surveillance cameras
• Smart appliances

In order for these devices to work properly, they usually require a good internet connection and a strong Wi-Fi reception throughout the house. In some cases, smart devices can work on the local network (LAN) without connection to the internet, though in most cases performance and features will be limited.

Smart Home Technology

Smart Homes contain the same devices and apps a Connected Home includes with one major difference, they work cohesively. Also called Intelligent Home Automation, smart home technology refers to either the components or the entirety of a home’s automation monitored by a single, integrated control system. As a result, you can control multiple aspects of your home’s technology with the single push of a button from one digital control panel or a mobile app. In other words, Smart Home Technology aggregates the various apps into one cohesive system. And to push the envelope further, an intelligent home will collect data and provide feedback to learn more about your household habits and then begin catering to them. For instance, when you press the Good Night button by your bedside that turns off all lights and electronics, you’ll also be notified if the garage door was left open, and reminded to arm the alarm. A Smart Home System can also remind you to take the trash or recycling out on garbage day. It can even let you know whether it’s a paper or plastic collection. 

Smart Home systems can also monitor leaks, start the sprinklers if the lawn is dry, and of course the Movie action will turn the flat screen to the right input, dim the lights, close the curtains, adjust temperature level and sound volume all with the push of a single button.

When it comes to Voice Control, some of the voice control applications available with Smart Home systems are considered AI. in other words, they learn your commands and adjust accordingly. They’re more flexible in the set of commands and can also identify which room you’re in. So, if you’re entering your bedroom and ask to turn the lights on, the system will know to turn on the lights in the bedroom. With a Connected Home, you’ll have to specify which room you want the lights turned on in. A Smart Home system fitted with voice control can also be commanded to play a specific movie or TV series and the system will execute all the necessary actions to display your selection with a single command. For example, you can command the system to play Ozark season 3 episode 5. The system will then turn on the flat screen to the right input and be prompted to the streaming service carraying Ozark, then select the requested episode and start streaming.

Examples of Smart Home Technology include:

• Wi-fi networks
• Home wiring
• Integrated security systems
• Incorporated music speakers
• Outdoors (sprinklers, retractable awnings, etc.)
• Automated lighting
• Garage door automation
• Motorized shading
• Video systems
• Media rooms

In summary, a Smart Home system contains the same devices and apps a Connected Home includes with the distinction that they’re integrated into one cohesive system. In addition, the main system can monitor the sub-systems and provide feedback to the user.

Do You Need a Connected Home or a Smart Home?

Does purchasing a Connected Home or a Smart Home make more sense, then? Your needs and your budget will determine everything. Consider trying out a few connected devices first if you appreciate the ease of a linked home and are ready to make the switch but are unclear whether it makes sense to proceed with an automated smart home.

#1. How much of your home do you want to connect? 

Imagine you only want to use your phone to operate your TV and a few lights. In that situation, sticking with a Connected Home makes sense because it will be the less expensive alternative. At this point, there aren’t many apps to sort through, so a fully integrated Smart Home System won’t be very useful. However, if you want a complete smart system with everything integrated and automated—including temperature control, lighting, water, TV, music, smart appliances, and more—it might make sense to do so.

#2. What is your budget? 

A fully automated Smart Home monitoring system will cost more to have professionally installed, and of course, upgrading all systems of your home will cost more than just a chosen few.

#3. Do you want your devices to work cohesively? 

If so, a complete Smart Home setup is required. If not, stick with Connected. You’ll still be able to enjoy most of the features of a Smart Home, though it requires more actions and apps to execute a single task. 

#4. Do you need Intelligent Voice Control?

For a reliable Voice Control System to function properly, a full Smart Home System is recommended.

The best approach is to test the waters and see if you enjoy the convenience a connected home delivers before deciding how functional you want your home to be. For instance, let’s say you soon desire an increasing number of connected appliances and smart home accessories. If so, this might indicate that you’re prepared to take advantage of the automation and access that a genuinely Smart Home System offers.

Want to know more? Call us at 866.815.0099 or email info@theautom8group.com.

7 points to consider when purchasing high-quality LEDs (1/2)

With LED light fixtures becoming the norm on any new construction and gut reno projects, it’s worth understanding what you get with your fixture package. Unlike incandescent light, not all LED fixtures are born equal. There are quite a few considerations when specifying LED fixtures, from the dimming range and technology to variations in color and temperature and even the lifetime of the fixture. Below are seven aspects to consider when specifying LED fixtures for your project or your house.

 1. Compatibility with dimmers  

It’s a common misconception that any LED dimmer can be paired with any dimmable LED light bulb. Unfortunately, that is not the case. All LED fixtures come with a Driver. The driver technology determines whether the LED can be dimmed and how, as there are several dimming technologies on the market. Some examples are Forward Phase, Reverse Phase (also known as Phase Control or Triac), Electronic Low Voltage (ELV), Magnetic Low Voltage (MLV), and 0-10V which requires special wiring.

Most LEDs have multiple driver options, so it’s important to check if the selected dimmer can support the driver that was specified with the LED fixture. 

The easiest way to ensure that your light bulbs and dimmer controls are compatible is to check the lamp’s manufacturer spec sheet or dimmer compatibility sheet.

These are the main LED Driver technologies

Triac (forward phase) dimming uses “standard” wall dimmers that are widely used in installations across America.

• 120V only
• Low End adjustment on dimmer may be necessary to achieve optimal performance.
• Dims down to as low as 1% in current and light output with select dimmers.
•  Generally dims down to 5% light output.
• Consult the dimming manufacturer for installation and programming instructions.
• Must meet dimmer minimum load requirements per dimming manufacturers.

ELV – Electronic Low Voltage (reverse phase) dimming uses specialized “ELV” dimmers.

• 120V only
• Low End adjustment on dimmer may be necessary to achieve optimal performance.
• Dims down to as low as 1% in current and light output on select dimmers.
•  Generally dims down to 5% light output.

• Consult the dimming manufacturer for installation and programming instructions.
• Must meet dimmer minimum load requirements per dimming manufacturers

0-10V Dimming Driver Option 

0-10V Dimmers have been used in commercial applications for fluorescent lighting and occupancy and daylight sensor systems for years and are now becoming popular with LED products. One reason this standard is widely established is that it is defined in the IEC standard number 60929 Annex E, making it acceptable to most engineers

 2. Dimming capacity: 

The human eye responds to low light levels by enlarging the pupil, allowing more light to enter the eye. This response results in a difference between measured and perceived light levels.  A lamp that is dimmed to 10% of its maximum measured light output is perceived as being dimmed to only 32%. Likewise, a lamp dimmed to 1% is perceived to be at 10%.

 How important is this? 

By enlarging the pupil, the human eye responds to low light levels and that allows it to see more light. For example: if the measured light output is 1%, then the perceived light level will be 10%.  For the brightness of the luminaire to be matched to our eyes, the dimming curve has to be configured appropriately. If not, the perceived changes in brightness will be affected.   

A good LED driver with the capacity to dim to 0.1% configuration provides the option to set the dimming behavior as per the human eye functionality and application preference. So, if you want a 50% reduction in the light intensity, you need to select the expected dimming response. Therefore, when shopping for LEDs, don’t be fooled: an LED which can dim to a seemingly low 5%, will be perceived by the human eye at more than 20% which is rather bright.

3. Color difference:

For white LED lights, color consistency can be a critical but often overlooked quality that can make or break a project. Read on to learn how and why color variation exists, and how to ensure you can attain excellent color consistency for your LED light project.

What exactly is color consistency?

In general, color differences can be characterized across two axes – blue/yellow and green/magenta. For example, you may find that one light is “bluer” than the other, or more “green” than the other.

The blue/yellow difference can be characterized using color temperature (in degrees Kelvin). Acceptable color variation depends on the application, but for warm white, +/-75K is typically the threshold of noticeable color difference, and +/-150K for normal white or cool white.

Green/magenta variation can be described using a lesser known metric called Duv. A Duv of 0.000 indicates a light source that is neutral. A negative Duv indicates a magenta color shift, while a positive Duv indicates a green color shift. Typically Duv values that differ by more than 0.002 are noticeable.

Keep in mind that Duv variation is very much overlooked as a metric but is arguably more noticeable than Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) variation. If color consistency is critical for your application, be sure to ask your supplier for Duv tolerance metrics.

Standard Deviation Color Matching (SDCM) or MacAdam Ellipses

Some sophisticated manufacturers will describe their color consistency using a metric called SDCM or MacAdam ellipses, both of which refer to the same concept and metric. The unit of measure is a “step” and the larger the number of steps, the larger the variation in color.

In general, color consistency is deemed acceptable when it is within a 3-step SDCM range for standard applications, and 2-step SDCM range for more demanding applications for professional or architectural uses. In some cases, even narrower color tolerances are needed, but most people will not be able to tell that there is any color deviation once consistency reaches 1 or 2 SDCM.

SDCM is a superior metric compared to CCT and Duv for two reasons. First, it captures the variation in both the blue/yellow direction and green/magenta direction and distills it into a single number. This can be useful because in some cases the color inconsistency can occur in both dimensions. The second reason is that a 100K color difference is considered larger at lower color temperatures. SDCM algorithmically takes this into account and makes the necessary adjustments depending on the color temperature. The primary disadvantage is that many manufacturers are not sufficiently concerned about color difference and will oftentimes be unfamiliar with this metric.

It’s worth noting that LED fixtures degrade over time and thus the SDCM or MacAdam ellipse, may shift over time. A good quality LED fixture should maintain its SDCM values for the duration of the manufacturer’s advertised fixture lifetime and/or warranty.   

Why do LED lights get dimmer over time?

The term degradation in relation to LEDs refers to the decrease in luminous power over the course of the LED’s life.

Degradation is like an aging process in which the LED becomes dimmer and darker over its life cycle as the LED driver generates heat and the heat causes the LED fixture to degrade over time. In the US, LEDs are often given an L70 rating. This rating describes the time it takes for lumen output to drop below 70%. Although other ratings like L50, L80 and L90 can also be used, L70 is the most common as this is when the brightness of the light becomes markedly different. Once the LED lumen output has dropped below 70%, it will still emit light, but it may no longer be fit for purpose. Different environmental conditions such as excess heat in the space where the fixtures are installed, can cause degradation to accelerate. In addition, lumen degradation is not a linear measure. Degradation may start slowly, but then accelerate after it drops below the 70% threshold. 

4. Color temperature:

The temperature of light is measured in degrees Kelvin which is what the K at the end of the light temperature value represents. Most LEDs are locked to one color temperature, i.e., 2700K, 3000K etc. When dimming these LEDs the light tends to become grayish, while incandescent or heat based light (like the sun) is cool when bright, i.e., 4000K or higher and warm when dimmed, i.e., 1400-1800K.

LED Lighting and Color Temperature

In technical terms, color temperature is the temperature of an “ideal black-body radiator that radiates light of comparable hue to that light source.”

Let’s try that in English: imagine an object made of iron. At room temperature, the object would obviously appear black. Heated up to 1500 degrees Kelvin (K) however, it would glow red. At 2700K, it takes on a warm, yellowish glow. At 4200K it appears bright white, and by 5500K it glows blueish. That’s how the color temperature numbers are determined.

Enough of the geek-speak, just remember that the number indicates the general look or feel of a light or the light bulb colors when it’s turned on.

Here’s a color temperature cheat sheet to use when shopping for LED lighting:

SOURCE : ledlightinginfo.com | upshine.com | lumoscontrols.com | 1000bulbs.com

7 points to consider when purchasing high-quality LEDs (2/2)

 

Cont: 

5. Uniformity

Color consistency is defined using MacAdam Ellipses. A one step MacAdam Ellipse defines an area of a chromaticity diagram where the average person is only able to distinguish a single color. The diagram shows examples of one step ellipses on a chromaticity diagram where only a single color can be distinguished by the average observer. Note that the human eye is more sensitive to wavelength changes in the blue and red spectrums than green, hence the differing size of the ellipse between these colors.

When blending different types of LED applications such as cans, strips/linears, and decoratives in one space it’s hard to keep color and temperature consistent.

In a single production batch of LEDs the majority will typically fall within a five step MacAdam Ellipse with a small proportion falling outside this with greater color variation. If LED manufacturers were to discard LEDs outside of a one step Macadam Ellipse to give perfect color consistency it would mean the majority of LEDs would be wasted making production costs prohibitive. Instead, LEDs are measured on the production lines to determine their color and then batched together into color bins so that luminaire manufacturers can select those most suitable for their products. The wider the color bin that a luminaire manufacturer is willing to accept, the lower their cost becomes as the LED manufacturer is able to sell a greater proportion of the yield from each production run. The lowest cost color selection is typically “Full Yield”, in which the luminaire manufacturer purchases the entire production run of LEDs regardless of variations in color. Although this reduces cost it inevitably results in a color variation between luminaires, and between chips within a single luminaire, that most clients would be unwilling to accept. At the other end of the cost spectrum a luminaire manufacturer can order one step MacAdam Ellipse color bins, however, such a narrow and expensive color selection would be unnecessary in the vast majority of applications.

6. CRI VS. TM-30:

What is CRI?

Developed well over 50 years ago, Color Rendering Index (CRI) measures the ability of a light source to reveal the colors of various objects in comparison to the ideal (daylight) source. In other words, how similar an electronic light source (like an LED luminaire) renders colors compared to natural light.

 

CRI indexes eight standard colors and how these are represented by a specific light source compared to natural daylight. 100 is the optimal ‘best’ score. The average CRI for modern LED lighting is between 80 – 90, and are considered a “good” color representation, relatively true to nature. However, best in class LEDs will have a CRI of over 90 and will render the colors of the interiors you are designing more effectively.

Why a New Metric?

Well, since around 1974 the method for measuring color rendering has been largely unchanged – unlike the advancement of lighting and technology. With LED lighting so common now, lighting designers and scientists strongly feel CRI is becoming less effective at achieving desired results in the real world. While many lighting professionals will continue to work with CRI, TM-30, developed in 2015 by the Illumination Engineering Society (IES), provides an alternative, more comprehensive color index.

 

What’s the Difference Between CRI and TM-30?

 

• Only eight color samples are tested for CRI.
•  CRI only uses color fidelity to base its index score, ignoring other spectral values.
•  When comparing CRI values, Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) must be identical. 
•  Two separate light sources with the same CRI score can render colors very differently.
•  A high CRI measured rating could produce or represent a low TM-30 score.

 

CRI measures just 8 color samples. TM-30 uses 99 color samples – quite a difference! The use of 99 color samples versus just eight allows for a more statistically representative and reliable metric.

CRI is measured using a light fidelity metric ONLY. The TM-30 rendering index uses a more comprehensive range of three color metrics:

• Color Fidelity (Rf – “same-ness” index)
•  Color Gamut (Rg – saturation index)
•  Gamut Shape (visual description on hue and saturation)

 

Color Fidelity: Enumerates the accuracy with which the color appearance of surfaces and objects under a given test source match their appearance under a reference illuminant.

Color Gamut: Enumerates the average increase or decrease of the chroma of surfaces and objects when viewed under a given test source relative to when viewed under a reference illuminant. As an example, an Rg value below 100 indicates that, on average, the light source renders colors as less saturated than the reference source, and an Rg value above 100 indicates that, on average, the light source renders colors as more saturated than the reference source.

Color Vector Graphic: Provides a visual representation of hue and saturation changes occurring in surfaces and objects when viewed under a given test source relative to when viewed under a reference illuminant. The addition of the Color Vector Graphic provides a wealth of color rendering information beyond averages, showing us at a glance exactly where the hue and saturation shifts are taking place on the color spectrum

7. R9

What is R9?R9 is the score that represents how accurately a light source will reproduce strong red colors.”Accurate” is defined as similarity to daylight or incandescent bulbs, depending on the color temperature. Just like each of the CRI R value calculations, R9 is determined by calculating the reflected color from a theoretical object with the reflectance profile defined as TCS9. The reflectance spectra is provided below:

What is notable is that the TCS9 spectrum is almost entirely composed of red light. Spectrum-wise, we see this as wavelengths longer than 600 nm.This means that if there is not enough red light in the light source, it will make red colors appear “off” or different.Below is a typical LED spectrum compared to the reference source (daylight). There is a very notable lack of red light emitted by the LED at wavelengths past 600 nm.As a result, the R9 value for this LED is at -1.4. (That’s right, a negative number!) This is in spite of the fact that the general CRI (Ra) comes in at 79.

Why is R9 important?

R9 is a very important metric because it represents how well an LED renders the red color and if we base our LED selection purely on CRI values, many light sources might be lacking in red content, but this fact will be hidden due to the averaging out of CRI calculations which do not include R9.As the chart below shows, a light source can actually perform quite well with the first 8 test color samples, scoring quite well for R1-R8. For the general CRI Ra metric, this means that an LED with poor red color rendering can still get by with an 80 CRI (Ra) rating.

What is a good R9 value?

Although the maximum possible value of R9 is also 100, unlike average CRI numbers, R9 should be judged a bit differentlyMathematically, R9 is far more difficult to achieve a high score compared to the other R values that comprise the CRI calculations, and is far more sensitive to spectral variations. Therefore, an R9 score of 50 or above would be considered “good” while an R9 score of 90 or above would be considered “excellent”.You will therefore find that most lighting products available in the market will rarely specify the R9 value, and when they do, rarely will they guarantee anything higher than 50. Even at Waveform Lighting, we specify R9 > 80 or R9 > 90, and are unable to guarantee anything higher than R9 > 95 due to this sensitivity. This is due to the fact that CRI utilizes the CIE 1960 uv color space, which is skewed in a way that exaggerates color differences in the red region of the chromaticity diagram. Since CRI is a calculation that quantifies color differences between a light source and a reference source, a larger calculated color difference will result in a larger decrease in the R score.

Why is red such an important color?

Red is a crucial color for many applications including photography, textiles and reproduction of human skin tones.Many objects that do not appear red actually are a combination of colors, including red. Skin tones, for example, are very much influenced by the redness of the blood that flows right beneath our skin.

Therefore, a light that lacks red will make a person look pale, or even green. This can be problematic for medical applications where color appearance is critical for accurate diagnoses. In other applications such as photography, aesthetic appearance is crucial and many times cannot be corrected for even in post production and digital editing.

When searching for a high color quality LED, be sure to inquire about the CRI as well as its R9 value.

Conclusion

As you can tell, there are many considerations when choosing LEDs for your space. Sometimes it’s hard to extract all the necessary specifications, especially when ordering LEDs online or from low-value sources. Many low-cost manufactures tend to hide the important specifications such as the MacAdam Ellipse or R9 values. In addition, many lower-cost LEDs don’t dim sufficiently to achieve the required perceived results vs. the actual result. And finally, most LEDs lack the ability to adjust the temperature of the light (degrees Kelvin) and are locked to only one temperature setting, resulting in grayish looking light when dimmed.

Fortunately, there is a brand of LEDs that doesn’t require any dimmers (yes, you heard it right) – so compatibility is not an issue. Dims to 0.1%. Rated to one-step MacAdam. Has a CRI value greater than 90 and R9 value over 50, and adjustable temperature between 1400K and 10,000K while maintaining uniformity across all various form factors such as recessed lights, track lights, bulbs and linear (tape) lights. It also has over 16 million color combinations and can mimic natural daylight. Want to know more? Call us at 866.815.0099 or email info@theautom8group.com.

 

SOURCE : ledlightinginfo.com | upshine.com | lumoscontrols.com | 1000bulbs.com

 

4 Tips For Proper Circadian Rhythm You Need To Know

Let’s Roam: The Maine Coastline