HOME AUTOMATION

HOME AUTOMATION FOCUS ON

THE SMARTER HOME

Trevor

Texplores the latest in home automation

he increased adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) is making our homes smarter. Cameras that understand what they’re seeing and can pass on information to home automation systems to make better decisions, and smarter remotes that make ultimate control effortless are not the future – they’re the present.

MORE CONTROL

Ian Le Grange, product and sales manager for Elan Systems SA, says that remote controls are not new in the home automation space, but the highly anticipated Nice HR40 is a next-gen game-changer. “You can carry it with you – if your intercom rings at the front door, you can answer with on-remote audio and video, use voice controls to set and operate automation elements, and much more,” he says.

The Nice HR40 is helpful because it centralises control of the system, so there’s no need for an additional Alexa or Siri device. “Remotes are here to stay – if I sit down with a

customer to explain a system and put an iPad and a remote in front of them and then ask them to switch on an element of the system, they’ll always reach for the remote first,” says Le Grange.

SMARTER CAMERAS

Warren Husband, Homemation solutions architect and client liaison, highlights the advanced application of AI in camera systems like the Luma range, which recently launched a selection of IP cameras designed with smart home integration in mind. “By incorporating artificial intelligence into the system, Luma cameras can provide your Control4 smart home with information about any movements detected within view of the camera. Traditionally, cameras could not distinguish the difference between the movement of a

Crighton

person or just a passing shadow, which resulted in false alarms,” he says. “Now, AI-enabled Luma cameras can detect and report back to the Control4 system on the movement of a person or vehicle, allowing the smart home to respond correctly.”

A big advantage Luma cameras have over the competition in this regard is that the cameras do not rely on cloud servers and a working internet connection for this functionality, further improving the security and responsiveness in your home.

With thanks to Elan Systems South Africa, and Homemation

“Now, AI-enabled Luma cameras can detect and report back to the Control4 system on the movement of a person or vehicle, allowing the smart home to respond correctly.” – Warren Husband

The Luma security cameras make use of the latest in AI, Homemation.

Touchpads are now sleek and complement the interior style, Homemation.

With just one remote, you can control most functions, Homemation.

BOLDER AND BRIGHTER

Immersive sound, stunning visuals, ultimate control. This is the latest in smart home entertainment, writes Trevor Crighton

Home entertainment systems are becoming smarter, better connected and more customisable in the same way home automation systems are. Form factor changes are producing better quality audio and video, and smart innovation is making it easier than ever before to maximise entertainment experiences anywhere in your home.

IMMERSE YOURSEL F

Recognised for producing high-quality audio technology for nearly a century, Bang & Olufsen has advanced into cutting-edge smart home technology with its Beoliving Intelligence system. “Imagine a home that wakes with you the minute you open your eyes. The lights turn on, the curtains open, and your favourite music starts to play. This is the magic of a Bang & Olufsen smart home, where control and comfort converge with a simple touch,” says Paige Collinson, marketing and communications manager at ASBIS Africa.

“With the Beoliving app, you gain mastery over every aspect of your home – from climate and security, lighting and shades to

Enjoy video your way with the go-anywhere Samsung Freestyle 2.0 projector.

Samsung’s Freestyle 2.0 projector transforms any space into a cinema haven.

Samsung South Africa

Samsung South Africa

your whole-home audio – all through an intuitive interface,” says Collinson. “Beoliving Intelligence offers unparalleled convenience and sophistication to modern home owners.”

GET PERSONAL

“At Hirsch’s, we have seen a significant increase in demand for personal audio equipment, from small portable speakers to connected home audio systems and Party Boxes designed to entertain a crowd. There have been some great technical developments in this category, not least of all the sound quality and volume these portable speakers can produce,” says Paul Brown, managing director, Hirsch’s Homestore.

Wi-Fi speakers, which connect to your devices or apps through a Wi-Fi network, deliver improved sound quality and the speakers’ ability to operate independently of your devices. “Most of these smart speakers can connect to home management systems that allow for voice control and activation,” says Brown.

SIGHT AND SOUND

From immersive audio solutions to innovative displays, Samsung’s line-up transforms living rooms into captivating entertainment hubs.

The Samsung Q-Series Soundbar is a compact yet powerful audio solution that redefines home entertainment audio, offering immersive 360-degree audio and supporting object-based audio formats wirelessly. Indulge in the ultimate 3D sounds of Dolby Atmos content – all without the cable.

Samsung OLED TVs’ technology creates a stunning contrast ratio, delivering perfect blacks and vibrant colours. The ultra-thin profile adds a touch of sophistication to your living space and also enhances the sense of immersion as the stunning visuals take you into another dimension.

The Samsung Freestyle 2.0 is a revolutionary projector that breaks free from convention with a compact design that allows you to carry your entertainment hub wherever you go. Shift the screen from the wall to the ceiling with a few easy clicks to effortlessly transform any space into a cinema or gaming haven.

WiththankstoASBISAfrica,Hirsch’sHomestore,and SamsungSouthAfrica

The third-generation B&O Beosound 2 sounds even better than it looks.

Enjoy “grab-and-go” sound with the JBL Extreme 3.

The JBL Extreme’s four drivers and two JBL Bass Radiators deliver dynamic, immersive sound.

Beyond exceptional visuals, the Samsung OLED TV comes equipped with smart features.

ASBIS Africa

Hirsch’s Homestore

Hirsch’s Homestore

Samsung South Africa

ASK THE EXPERT

AN INSIDER’S VIEW ON HOME AUTOMATION

istributed by Homemation, the Control4 home automation system offers home owners an integrated home automation experience, from entertainment to safety.

What new home automation tech can we look forward to this year?

Snap One and Control4 recently released their new range of Luma cameras with more advanced artificial intelligence features, allowing your Control4 system to identify the movement of people or vehicles and respond more accurately to detected motion within the camera’s field of view. An example of its use is the system reacts to a detected intruder in the garden, activates security lighting and notifies the home owner where the detected location of the intrusion is so steps can be taken to ensure the family’s security. If a false alarm is detected – no person in the garden – the system can inform you and allow you to confirm this when the camera watching the zone of the alarm is displayed automatically on your touchscreen or TV. Other cases of functionality include alerting family members if a child accidentally falls into a pool while playing or even ringing the doorbell automatically when a vehicle enters your driveway.

What is the quickest and most efficient way to start using home automation?

Since security of our homes and families is a high priority, most modern homes will already have a security system with a few cameras. Adding a Control4 controller will significantly improve the security by integrating these with other security solutions to work together and keep the family informed and the home even more secure. Another simple use is using Control4 as a universal remote for the living room, making the entertainment system easier to use for everyone. Once the Control4 controller is added to the home, both the above are easily achieved together with a plethora of additional features and functions that Control4 offers.

What is the best piece of advice for home owners regarding home automation?

Be careful installing cheap IoT-type automation products into your home. Many of these have proven unreliable over time and can be points of entry for cybersecurity threats. While the low cost can be enticing, the long-term expense can far outweigh the supposed good deal … you get what you pay for. Tried and tested home automation systems like Control4 ensure the home is not at risk for cybersecurity attacks. A professionally installed Control4 system gives home owners the peace of mind that their system is designed around the family, functionality and security.

What do you love most about this industry?

Watching an excited family discuss how “cool” everything will be, then seeing the family gather to test their well-designed and executed, unique smart home solution. There are many benefits to a smart home system, including security, comfort and convenience, but when it all comes together, it’s just fun.

Control4 is a home automation system distributed by Homemation – a dynamic distribution company supplying premium audio-visual, automation and other lifestyle products to the sub-Saharan markets. Homemation’s products serve the residential, commercial and hospitality markets and have certified specialist retailers and qualified custom integrators to create solutions for any project.