Harry Saini

Electronics Systems & Technology Solutions Expert

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Home Control

How the iPad is Revolutionizing Home Automation & Control

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Just when Apple fans thought it couldn’t get any better, the iPad has become one of the most useful home management tools on the planet.

Imagine going on the road for a number of days and being able to control important home devices/appliances (from the air conditioner, to house lights, to door locks); waking early in the morning to a chilly home and turning the furnace on before hopping out of bed; and cutting down on energy costs by monitoring each of your major appliances for efficiency -- all from your trusty iPad.


A growing number of home owners are discovering the power of “home automation” or the use of digital technologies to streamline their household. Technology providers such as Smart Home Control by Control4, Sonos, Lutron Home Control +, IP Cam Viewer Pro, Eragy, and Powerhouse Dynamics technologies are forever changing the way people interact with their homes. Each technology works seamlessly with the iPad, making the device THE remote for the entire household.

All of the above technologies work seamlessly with the iPad via an app or downloadable console and can play a role in lowering energy consumption, increasing home security, and/or enhancing personal comfort.

How the iPad and Digital Technologies Can Make a Difference:

  • Home Theater Controls & Flexibility. The iPad works seamlessly with the Control4 home automation system, which can make all home entertainment technologies work together including flat screen monitors/TVs, DVD players, stereos and. wireless speakers. It even has the power to lower window shades and lower the lights when the beginning movie credits begin to roll.

  • Child Proofs the TV. With the help of Control4, if a child is watching the TV instead of completing their homework, parents or a babysitter can simply click a button on their iPad to instantly turn it off.

  • Lighting, Window Covering Controls, & Thermostat control. There are number of amazing products that can be used separately or in conjunction with one another to save a tremendous amount of energy and make temperature regulation possible. Lutron Home Control +, Eragy, Control4, and Powerhouse Dynamics solutions all work seamlessly with the iPad.

  • Door Lock & Garage Monitoring. Control4 keeps track of all door locks and garage doors and can be set to alert homeowners if either a door is ajar or the garage door open. In the case that a door needs to be locked or garage door shut, homeowners can use their iPad to make needed changes…no matter if they are at home, at the office, or across the world.

  • Music Control. For music lovers that want more control over the various speakers their homes, Sonos provides you the ability to control every speaker in the house individually. It is even possible to turn on a different song in each room to keep everyone happy!

  • Video Monitoring & Recording. Utilizing the $3.99 IP Cam Viewer Pro app, you can control & view IP cameras from anywhere in the word. This is perfect for checking in on teenagers or security surveillance. The app can be easily accessed from and used on the iPad.

Really, the opportunities for home automation and iPad utilization are endless! The only limitation is a homeowner’s creativity and/or knowledge of cutting-edge technologies. The secret to discovering the right combination is to inventory all appliances/devices within the home and then reach out to a leading home automation specialist.

As the release of the iPad 3 approaches, who knows what’s next for homeowners. Without a doubt, its application within the home is becoming more valuable each and every day!

The beauty of the Control4 system lays in the fact that it is fully customizable and scalable to fit the unique needs of individual homeowners. The secret to discovering the right combination of technologies to install within your home is to reach out to a leading lifestyle technology specialist. A leading force in Vancouver BC is Digital Smart Homes, whose team will personally sit down and brainstorm with you on creative ways to streamline and bind together the technologies in your home.

For more information on how custom technologies can enhance your home and make your iPad even more valuable, visit www.DigitalSmartHome.com or call 800-375-3474.


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Control4 Launches Video Intercom Solutions with New Touch Screens and Door Station

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High-performance In-Wall and Portable Touch Screens with full-motion video intercom and wideband audio deliver dedicated control and crystal clear communications.
Las Vegas, NV– January 10, 2012 at 7:00 AM PT – Control4, a leading innovator in residential and light commercial automation systems, introduces its new video intercom solutions, which include the Control4® 7” Portable Touch Screen with Camera, the Control4® 7” In-Wall Touch Screen with Camera, and the Control4® Door Station.
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Control4 Announces New High-Performance Automation Controllers

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New one-room and whole-home controllers dramatically enhance consumer experiences with fluid on-screen control, blazingly fast media access, and instantaneous responsiveness.
Las Vegas, NV– January 9, 2012 at 9:30 AM PT – Control4, a leading innovator in residential and light commercial automation systems, announces two new models to its award-winning family of automation controllers: the flagship HC-800 and the versatile HC-250. Designed to harness the power of Control4’s award-winning operating system, the HC-800 and the HC-250 provide the ultimate Control4 experience for speed, performance and flexibility at an exceptional value for homeowners and businesses.
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Control4 MyHome Android App Release

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It’s the app you’ve been waiting for! The Control4® MyHome Android app is now available for download! The Control4® MyHome Android app allows customers to interact with their Control4 systems from the convenience of their Android smartphone or tablet. As with other MyHome apps, customers get the familiar Control4 user interface to control lighting, temperature, music, movies, security and more.

Control4 MyHome requires a license that is available only from Control4 Dealers. With the MyHome licensing structure, you can design systems that meet your customers' needs while giving you an additional revenue opportunity. Licenses are available for a single device or for multiple devices at a single location.

The MyHome Android app is available as a free download from the
Android Market.
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Homeowners Are Turning to Smart Technology to Streamline Their Lives and Reduce Energy Use

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Article by Amanda Ash, Contributor for eHow

Long gone are the days when we read by candlelight and cooked dinner on a wood-burning stove. And for many North American homes as of 2011, the acts of flipping light switches and manually controlling thermostats are going the way of the dinosaurs.

The Green Revolution, coupled with incredible technological advances, has spawned tech-savvy "smart homes": digitally outfitted dwellings that may be programmed to do just about anything you can think of, except maybe clean your room.

Harry Saini, who owns Digital Smart Homes of Canada and has wired his Vancouver condominium to the hilt, believes that automating your home not only simplifies your life but also reduces energy consumption. Home automation technology is becoming more accessible every day, allowing the average person to transform a home into something straight out of "Star Trek."

"If you were looking at home automation five years ago, you'd easily be looking at 10 times the cost compared to now," Saini said. "And the number of dealers and retailers that are able to support that technology compared to five, six years ago has doubled---tripled, even.

"People used to think home automation is for lazy people, but that's not what it is. Essentially, everything talks to one another. Your lights talk to your stereo. Your alarm knows what your garage is doing. All your devices know what's going on."
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What is Home Automation or a Smart Home?

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In today’s ultra-complicated and fast-paced world, home automation and smart home technologies were developed to simplify life! Thanks to revolutionary devices, you can now link and control all of the electronics and systems in your home from a single digital interface.

Digital Smart Homes links together onto one operating platform the following technologies and more:
  • Home theatre systems
  • Multi-room music & video
  • Smart lighting & shades
  • Advanced temperature control
  • Safety and security devices
With a system such as Control4, your life will be forever changed and simplified as you hide away multiple remotes and take advantage of an easy-to-use interface that can be accessed via a single remote, your computer, iPad, iPhone, or other Smartphones.

Transforming your living environment into a “smart home” not only makes life more manageable, it makes it more secure. For instance, let’s say that you head out of town for a weekend trip and you realize a few hours out of town that you forgot to arm the security system and program the porch lights to illuminate at dusk. All you have to do is pull out your iPhone, bring up the Control4 interface, and push a few buttons to secure your alarm & program your lights.

Is Home Automation Scalable? As you revolutionize and grow your home technologies, you may be wondering if home automation is scalable. This is actually the beauty of a system like Control4. You can begin with one or two technologies and then scale out to meet additional needs. For example, if you have an amazing home theatre setup and a security system, you can begin there and then add to your setup as time progresses.

What’s in a Smart Home Console?
This is where the fun begins! Just to give you an idea, here are some of the things that Control4 can accomplish:

  • Control your home theatre
  • Dim the lights as the opening credits roll
  • Turn off all your TVs when your kids should be studying
  • Alert you when the garage door is open…and then close it
  • Manage your lights, window coverings, and thermostats
  • Monitor your locks, lighting, and security cameras
  • Allow you to play music in any room of the house
The sky is the limit! Your home can now be easily managed, and finally you don’t have to constantly provide lengthy instructions on how all of your devices work!

Visit our fully featured hi-tech showroom in Vancouver at 1385 West 6th Avenue.

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Introducing The LaunchPort System. The first Inductive charging system for iPad

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The LaunchPort system is a revolutionary way to mount and charge your iPad 2 anywhere. The system consists of a Station and PowerShuttle. Any PowerShuttle can work with any Station, LaunchPort uses the magic of magnets and induction charging (charging through the air), it's like magic.


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Control4 Panelized Lighting—powerful lighting control for home and business

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Home and business owners can direct complex lighting events from elegant user interfaces while the system is centralized “behind the scenes”
Indianapolis, IN – CEDIA Expo 2011 – September 8-10, 2011 – Booth #2302 – Control4, a leader in IP-based home control systems, today announced the new Control4® Panelized Lighting Solution. Panelized lighting systems enable complete control over whole-home and commercial lighting systems using sophisticated keypad and touch screen interfaces, rather than a collection of light switches on every wall.

The Control4 Panelized Lighting Solution is Ethernet-based, providing simple and robust communications from the home controller or Control4 Touch Screen to the light. The Control4 Panelized Lighting Solution is also one of the first centralized lighting systems to offer energy monitoring capability for each load, which allows energy management applications to monitor and control individual lights. This empowers high-end customers to enjoy the privileges of whole-home lighting control while still being energy conscious.
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Control4 Announces New Addition: MyHome App for Android

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Unveiled at CEDIA EXPO 2011, the new app provides whole home control from today’s popular Android devices.
Indianapolis, IN – CEDIA Expo 2011 – September 8, 2011, 8:00 AM ET – Booth #2302 – Control4, a leader in affordable IP-based home control systems, announces their new Control4® MyHome - Android™ app for Android-enabled mobile devices. Developed by Clever Controls for Control4® systems, the app is currently in beta testing with select Control4 dealers and release is currently slated for Q4.

The Control4® MyHome family of software apps allows homeowners to access and control lighting, temperature, security, music, movies, and so much more from a wide range of devices in a Control4 enabled home. The new MyHome - Android app is a robust solution that will allow homeowners to access, manage and control their Control4 system from their Android-based devices built on Android OS 1.6 or higher.
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Control4 Launches New Portable Touch Screen

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Elegant tablet design and full Flash app support offer features and functionality for any Control4 project.
Indianapolis, IN – CEDIA Expo 2011 – September 8-10, 2011 – Booth #2302 – Control4, a leader in affordable IP-based home control systems introduces a new portable touch screen to their award-winning touch screen family. The Control4® 7” Portable Touch Screen offers two-way intelligent control and navigation of a Control4® system. With a capacitive full-color LCD panel, the new touch screen has a sleek look and dedicated control functionality that homeowners are unable to get from other tablet devices.

The Control4 7” Portable Touch Screen expands the already incredibly successful line of Control4 in-wall touch screens by giving homeowners welcome flexibility. The Portable has a sleek tablet form-factor and comes with both a long-lasting rechargeable battery and a tabletop charging station. Out of the cradle, the Portable offers excellent wireless range so you can easily move about the house and outside while still enjoying complete control. When the tablet is affixed to the docking station, it functions as a tabletop touch screen, ideal for locations like nightstands, end tables and kitchen counters where anytime access is important but an in-wall or fully portable device doesn’t make sense.
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Control4 Launches New Portable Touch Screen

control4_portable_touchscreen
Elegant tablet design and full Flash app support offer features and functionality for any Control4 project.
Indianapolis, IN – CEDIA Expo 2011 – September 8-10, 2011 – Booth #2302 – Control4, a leader in affordable IP-based home control systems introduces a new portable touch screen to their award-winning touch screen family. The Control4® 7” Portable Touch Screen offers two-way intelligent control and navigation of a Control4® system. With a capacitive full-color LCD panel, the new touch screen has a sleek look and dedicated control functionality that homeowners are unable to get from other tablet devices.

The Control4 7” Portable Touch Screen expands the already incredibly successful line of Control4 in-wall touch screens by giving homeowners welcome flexibility. The Portable has a sleek tablet form-factor and comes with both a long-lasting rechargeable battery and a tabletop charging station. Out of the cradle, the Portable offers excellent wireless range so you can easily move about the house and outside while still enjoying complete control. When the tablet is affixed to the docking station, it functions as a tabletop touch screen, ideal for locations like nightstands, end tables and kitchen counters where anytime access is important but an in-wall or fully portable device doesn’t make sense.
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Cool Motion Sensor Ideas for Control4

Check out this CardAccess video for some cool motion sensor ideas to go from centralized control to true home automation.

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What is Smart Home Control? Control4 Automation Systems Explained

What is home control and why the buzz?

Home control is pretty simple. It's taking the technology that already exists in the home and making it work simply and easily for the people who have to live with that technology, which is you the homeowner. Let's face it life has become complex. We bring this electronic gadgetry into our homes with the hope of enhancing our lifestyle and what it leads to is frustration. You're sitting there with the goal of watching a movie, you've got 5 remotes now sitting in front of you and now you have to figure out which sequence of events you need to do in order to just watch a simple movie.
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Complete Control! - Control4 Review by 'Home Theater Magazine'

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Download the story
Check out "Home Theater Magazine's" two part piece on Control4
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Remote Control Finder App for Control4

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Find your missing SR250 remote control. This app lets you search out for each remote control in your home. It will let you have the remote beep for 1,3 or 5 minutes. Once you select the time to beep you will get a status of when the remote checks in and when it starts to beep. It can take up to 60 seconds for a remote to check in. The designers of the app have made it easy by providing you feed back of this process.
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Control4 Home Automation System Demo of Smart Home Technology



Join us on a tour of a Control4 home automation system in McKinney, Texas. Control4 dealer Byron Baird of Diem Digital Interiors & homeowner Jeff Layn provide a home automation demo of Jeff's townhouse located on a golf resort called Craig Ranch.

Jeff's smart home technology controls multiple zones of audio, multiple televisions with DVRs for every family member, fireplaces, ceiling fans, thermostats, & IP cameras. He started small and has been adding on to the system over time.

What's great about this Dallas palace are the endless custom touches. When Jeff arrives home and opens the garage door, his home control system turns on the lights & the television turns on to his favourite channel (ESPN).

Jeff also has a personalized microchip key chain that has his personal settings programmed into it. He waves it over the 'wand' behind the door which then brings up his personal settings of how he wants to live his life when he comes in the house.

Want this for your home? Contact me for a personalized quote.
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RedEye app for Android (beta)

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The popular Redeye Universal Remote Control products for iPod, iPhone and iPad, just got even better. We are glad to announce that a new RedEye app for Android phones and tablets is now available. This application is currently in beta release.
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Introducing iRemote Reset by Technology on Demand

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iRemoteReset
Have you ever had to go to your parents or friends home just to reboot a Cable/DSL Modem to fix "The Internet" going down or to just to cycle power on a device? Have you ever had to instruct your spouse where to find the power cord for a device inside a crazy-busy rack only to find you still have to go there or that it took longer to talk them through it than if you actually went there?

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What is the Control4 MyHome app for iPad?



Enjoy control from your favorite devices. Now you can control your lights, temperature, music, movies, energy, security, and more from your iPhone, iPad, tablet or laptop. With the Control4® MyHome app, you can now turn your favorite screen into your favorite control system.

Want to enjoy Control4 MyHome App in the comfort of your home?

It's easy!
  • You must have a Control4 system to use MyHome. If you don't, just contact me here
  • If you already have a Control4 system, just download the free app for the device(s) you'd like to enable.
  • Contact me to get the license to activate your app and start controlling your home, your life, your world!
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Control4 Partners With Sub-Zero and Wolf

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Control4 can now connect to Sub-Zero and Wolf high-end kitchen appliances for convenience, energy savings and the perfect meal every time.
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Lutron Home Control App for Android™ Now Available in the Android Market

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Conveniently control your RadioRA 2 system over a Wi-Fi network with your Android device. Features include viewing/adjusting light and shade levels throughout the home, controlling system keypads including button feedback and raise/lower controls, and managing multiple RadioRA 2 systems in the same app.

Download the Lutron RadioRa2 Android app here
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Now Available! Temperature Control from Lutron

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Add temperature control to the RadioRA 2 system for increased convenience and energy savings. Control temperature from keypads, mobile devices (iPhone, iPad, Android and more), occupancy sensors, and an energy-saving schedule. The three-part design puts each component where it makes sense.

  • seeTemp can be mounted in locations which would not normally be appropriate for a thermostat, such as exterior walls and sunny spaces.
  • The wireless temperature sensor is easy to position and allows the temperature to be measured in the optimum location.
  • The HVAC controller installs out-of-sight

Download Lutron Thermostat Brochure

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Enhanced Lutron Home Control+ App Version 3.0

Now available in the App Store, version 3.0 brings a wealth of added features to the popular total home control app, including full functionality on iPhone®, iPod touch®, and iPad® devices.
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• Full functionality on iPhone®, iPod touch®, and iPad® devices
• Thermostat support including scheduling
• Support for Venetian blind control and editing
• Pico™ wireless control support
• Support for RadioRA 2, HomeWorks® QS, and HomeWorks systems
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Purchase a Control4 System and get a free iPad2

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That's right, you heard me - FREE iPad 2!

Between April 15th 2011 and June 30th, Digital Smart Homes is offering a free iPad 2 to any client who signs up for a Control4 home automation installation including the following system integration elements:

  • Home Theater
  • Distributed Music
  • Surveillance Camera(s)
  • Climate Control
  • Automated Door Locks
  • Lighting Control

These packages are more affordable than you may think. We have packages ranging anywhere between $5k - $100k+. Start simple, or automate your entire home. We are happy to work with every client!

If you haven't seen the iPad Control4 Home Automation app in action yet, please visit our custom showroom at 1385 West 6th Avenue, Vancouver for a demonstration.

Also, check out this video for a brief demonstration:

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New Apps for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch Now Available!

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It's a new look, a new feel, and a new level of control! New releases of the MyHome app for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch include myriad performance improvements that make it even easier to access and control lighting, temperature, music, movies, energy, security and more-all using the glorious new OS 2.0 interface.
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Control4® MyHome App for MAC,PC, Linux & Tablet Now Available!

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The Control4® MyHome - PC/MAC/Tablet application announced at CES is now available for download so you can allow virtually any laptop, desktop or tablet device that is capable of running Flash* to be used as an interface for managing a Control4 system.

By turning existing smart phones, tablets and PCs into additional interfaces, Control4 MyHome offers homeowners an affordable way to access and manage their system, while offering dealers an additional platform to deliver greater flexibility and portability for home control to your customers.

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Control4 and Cisco Sign Strategic Agreement to Deliver Network-enabled Automation Platforms for Smart+Connected Communities and Home Energy Management Solutions

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Control4, a leader in affordable IP-based home control systems, today announced that it has signed a strategic agreement with Cisco to deliver network-enabled automation platforms for connected smart communities and home energy deployments around the world.

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New Driver Mates Crestron Lighting with Control4 Automation

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Just in time for Valentines, new driver mates Crestron Lighting with Control4 Automation. Especially valuable for retrofit jobs, Extra Vegetables® Control4® driver for Crestron® lighting allows you to integrate a Crestron lighting system with keypads into Control4. This provides the same features and customer experience as Control4's native lighting control. You can dim and switch loads and there is also the facility to represent Crestron relays as motorization devices within Control4. The driver is IP based.

Crestron keypads are fully supported by the driver. It is possible to add custom programming to key presses on the Crestron keypads within the Control4 system. So keys not used for lighting operations could be used for AV or other control purposes.

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Wireless control via iPad or iPhone of your networked-enabled Onkyo or Integra receiver

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With oRemote, an iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch (iOS 4.2 required) and a wireless (Wi-Fi) network, you can control your network-enabled Onkyo or Integra AVR from anywhere in the house. oRemote enables full control over all inputs and zones with constant screen updates of the status of your AVR.

iPad and iPhone application for network control of devices that use the eISCP protocol - this includes most network-enabled Onkyo and Integra AV Receivers (see below for list of supported receivers). Now you can fully control your receiver without having to turn on your TV.

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We are now a Control4 2011 Platnium Authorized Dealer

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I am excited to announce that we have been awarded the Platinum Dealer designation by Control4.

At Digital Smart Homes, we pride ourselves on delivering personalized control and automation solutions for everyone and maintain the highest level of customer service and satisfaction for our customers.

As a Platinum Control4 Dealer, you can rest assured that each of our technicians and sales associates have completed a comprehensive training program on how to install and support all Control4 products, so we’ll have everything we need to be your personal automation expert and make sure you’re making the most of your Control4 system. As a Premier Dealer, Digital Smart Homes has completed additional Control4 training, sales and experience requirements in home automation.
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Control4 Announces Kwikset SmartCode, ZigBee Deadbolt Locks in a New Contemporary Style.

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The Kwikset SmartCode, ZigBee Deadbolt Locks add enhanced security and convenience to any Control4 system.Designed with a sleek contemporary style to complement home interiors and exteriors, these locks make it easy to secure entry doors and never again have to worry about carrying a key. View the status and lock or unlock the lock from any room in the home from any Control4 interface, or monitor and control the locks remotely through Web Navigator. ZigBee Pro provides 128-bit encryption for secure communication within the Control4 system. Read More...
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Card Access™ Ceiling-Mount Wireless Motion Sensor

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Card Access is pleased to announce the new Ceiling-Mount Wireless Motion Sensor. Using the same Control4 driver and providing all of the same functionality as our wall-mount Wireless Motion Sensor, the Ceiling-Mount Wireless Motion Sensor allows for convenient ceiling mount applications. This new product is a great way to add occupancy sensing capabilities to any room. We offer two versions of the Ceiling-Mount Wireless Motion Sensor: battery-powered and line-powered (9-24v AC/DC)

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Connect Any Device to Any Network Instantly with Global Caché iTach

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Connect almost any electrical device to a network in a matter of minutes. Based on open systems and industry standards, the ultra-compact device fits almost anywhere (even the palm of your hand), and includes a choice of wireless (WiFi) or wired (TCP/IP) connectivity to infrared (IR), serial (RS232), and contact closure (relay) equipment. The Global Cache iTach is a simple wired or wireless conduit between you and your device over a network or the Internet. This is instant network-enabling at its best.

Seamlessly connect, monitor, and control: IR controlled devices, Serially (RS232) connected devices, and relay activated devices (Contact Closure) over a network, and via the Internet. The iTach TCP/IP (Ethernet) and Wireless (WiFi) devices provide a new level of control flexibility, enabling device networking in homes, businesses, schools, or just about anywhere. The product is based on open systems and standards for easy integration and compatibility with PC based control software, iPhone/iPod/iPad control apps, and high-end control systems. Read More...
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And Now You Know - Control4 iPad & Kwikset Door Lock

Watch Akash Sablok on TELUS TV’s MyVancouver Show, with host Simi Sara, talking about the latest tech for your home. In this segment Akash demonstrates how Control4 can operate your electronic devices using your iPad or iPhone.

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New Control4 "MyHome" Extends Control Wherever You Want It

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Software apps extend Control4 functionality to virtually every screen in the home.

Las Vegas, NV – CES 2011 – January 6-9, 2011 – LVCC South 21407 – Control4, a leader in affordable IP-based home control systems, today introduces Control4® MyHome, a family of software apps that allows consumers to access and control lighting, temperature, music, movies, energy, security and more from a wide range of devices in Control4® enabled homes. Consumers need only purchase a Control4 MyHome license and download the application to their iPhone®, iPad®, PC or Mac® laptop, desktop computer, or tablet to enjoy all the features of their Control4 system.

“Consumers expect choice and convenience, so by offering our customers the ability to access and control their home automation system from nearly any screen in the house, we make it easier for them to integrate Control4 into their everyday lives,” said Control4 CEO Will West. “Now, whether you turn on your TV, pull out your phone, turn to a touch screen in the kitchen, or power on your laptop in the office, you’ll always be in control of your connected home.” Read More...
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Control4 InfinityEdge 5" In-Wall Touch Screen

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Announcing affordable total system control in a sleek 5" in-wall design!
Edge-to-edge capacitive glass combined with the elegant Control4 user interface reveals the most visually stunning Control4 touch screen to date. With new optional intercom capability, a choice of AC power or Power Over Ethernet, wired or WiFi connectivity options, and four programmable buttons for customized commands, this flexible solution is perfect for every room in the house. Read More...
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Card Access Wireless Smart Pressure Sensor


Card Access is pleased to announce the new Wireless Smart Pressure Sensor Package. A replacement for Bed and Chair Sensors previously offered by Card Access, the Smart Pressure Sensor is an easy-to-use occupancy sensing solution for chairs, beds, and sofas. This next generation sensor provides better results through customizable sensitivity making it more suitable for a variety of home automation applications.

The sensor works by measuring the change in distributed pressure when a chair, a bed, or a sofa is occupied. Proprietary “learning” technology allows dealers to calibrate the response of the sensor to suit a wide range of furniture and occupants – with just the push of a button.

By using this technology, the sensor delivers superior control and flexibility when compared to other similar sensors on the market, which are not adjustable and are only reliable in limited applications.
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The Anywhere Button


Have you ever said to yourself, “If only there was a simple button that could….” Well, now you can have that button. We have a limited supply of Card Access "Anywhere Buttons." It is a button that you can put virtually anywhere in your house to make anything happen through Control4 programming. Wish there was a button to call the kids to dinner? Wish there was a goodnight button you could hide behind the headboard of your bed? Wish there was a romance button hidden away in your sock drawer? Make that age old “if only there was a button…” dream come true today. Talk to me to order one and for more "Anywhere Button" ideas.
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Lutron Releases New Apple iPhone and iPod Touch App


Light control manufacturer Lutron Electronics is pleased to introduce the Lutron Home Application, which provides control of lights and shades, including the new RadioRA 2 total light control system, via an Apple iPhone and iPod Touch. The Lutron Home Application provides control of a RadioRA 2 system over a Wi-Fi network and requires RadioRA 2 Software version 3.1.14 or higher. RadioRA 2 Software is available only to qualified installers. The application is available now, free of charge, on iTunes®. Read More...
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Introducing the all new Control4 InfinityEdge In-Wall Touch Screen


New InfinityEdge In-Wall Touch Screens replace the current 7" In-Wall Touch Screen and feature sleek design, and new functionality at cutting-edge price points. Key features include capacitive touch glass, Ethernet or Wi-Fi connectivity, power via AC or Power Over Ethernet and four programmable buttons. Read More...
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Introducing RedEye. Remote control via iPhone or iTouch


Available later this month at Digital Smart Homes, RedEye by ThinkFlood is a universal remote for an iPhone or iTouch. There are 3 products in the line up that start at $50 to a rack mountable pro unit that is $600. The App, now available on iTunes is free and can be downloaded here. Read More...
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iPort to offer in-wall docking for the iPad, iPod Touch


The Control Mount Series by iPort lets your iTouch or ipad become in-wall touchscreen. It can be mounted either horizontally or vertically. Read More...
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Onkyo rolls out 2 HTIBs with 3-D capabilities


Onkyo has introduced two home-theater-in-a-box systems with 3-D capabilities: the HT-S6300 and the HT-S7300. The HT-S6300 -- which features four HDMI 1.4a inputs, 1080p analog up-conversion and a 290-watt subwoofer. Read More...
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Control4 2.0 is Here!


We are excited to to announce the release of Control4® OS 2.0. This next-generation OS offers new home-control functionality, updated SDKs, support for additional hardware products, integration of third-party applications, and improved media management. Featuring an elegant Flash-based user interface, Control4® OS 2.0 will provide Control4 integrators with the most powerful Control4® solution to date. Read More...
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We now carry Denon



We are excited to announce that Digital Smart Homes no carry’s Denon products. Denon, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality home entertainment products, is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2010. In 100 years of significant and innovative “firsts,” Denon has continuously brought passion, artistry and the best of technologies to discriminating customers around the world, always providing them with a superior home entertainment experience. Learn More
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We now carry RTI & Crestron



We are excited to announce the addition of RTI (Remote Technologies Inc.) and Crestron Automation and Control products to our impressive line-up of products and services. Read More...
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Control4 My Home app for iPad


Control4, a leader in affordable IP-based home control systems, announced today the Control4® My Home application for iPad, which was developed in collaboration with Control UI. In a Control4®-enabled smart home, users will be able to access lighting, temperature, music, video, security systems, web cameras and more from an Apple iPad. Available now on the iTunes App Store, the Control4 My Home app has been selected as an Apple staff favourite for iPad apps.

Control4 provides home automation through an extensible operating system that integrates energy using devices and systems in the home, including, audio and video equipment, lighting systems, motorized shades, and security systems. With the new, specially designed Control4 My Home app for iPad, homeowners can use their iPad as an interface to their Control4® system to create personalized experiences such as custom lighting scenes; to conveniently control entertainment systems; or to take advantage of energy savings with programmable thermostats and other ‘green’ settings. Later in the year, homeowners will be able to use Control4 My Home in conjunction with a Control4® 4Sight remote monitoring subscription to turn lights on and off, lock or unlock doors, or access IP video cameras and security systems from the Internet, providing increased home security and peace of mind.

“Consumers want the devices in their home to be integrated and easy to use. The Control4® Operating System is designed to do just that. Many of our customers use touch screens to access their Control4 system and the iPad is a great platform that meets the needs of many homeowners for exactly this task.” said Will West, Chief Executive Officer of Control4. “We think the iPad is an important platform for homeowners looking for a smarter home and believe that when combined with Control4 My Home we will continue to push forward the mainstream adoption of affordable home control technologies that make our lives easier.”

Control4 homeowners can immediately download Control4 My Home for iPad
here and authenticate to their Control4 system with a Mobile Navigator license which you can obtain from us at Digital Smart Homes.
For more information on Control4 feel free to contact me or click
here

Control4 iPad Screen Shots
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Lutron Lighting and Shades


I am very excited to welcome Lutron Electronics into our line card. Lutron offers a complete line of lighting control solutions for residences as well as for commercial projects.

What is light control?
Light control is the ability to adjust the amount of daylight and electric light in a room or throughout your whole home or business. With Lutron, you can adjust the amount of daylight with electronically controlled shades and drapes, and electric lights with dimmers and switches. And you can conveniently control it all with keypads, sensors, and other light control devices to create the perfect balance of daylight and electric light to suit your lifestyle.

So whether you are a homeowner seeking to enhance the appearance or atmosphere of a single room, or a facilities manager looking to enhance employee productivity and comfort while reducing energy-related costs throughout an entire corporate campus, Lutron can offer you the best value lighting control solutions that will meet or exceed your expectations while staying within your budget.

Contact me today and I’ll help you see your world in a different light!
(Download the Lutron RadioRa2 Brochure)
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Control4 Premium Gold 2010 Dealer


In a third year in a row, we have once again been awarded the honour of being a Premium Control 4 Gold Dealer. This highlights us as a custom integration dealer who specialize in automation and have achieved key training, sales and experience requirements in Control4 products. “Control4 Premier Gold Dealers are uniquely qualified to make your life Everyday Easy.” We could not have achieved this designation without the support of our clients.
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iPad for Control4 Integration & Automation

The introduction of Apple’s iPad has made it much more affordable to add a touch screen panel to your home automation system. A touch screen from a Home Automation vendor can be as much 10 times higher than an iPad loaded with Home Automation software. When the iPad is released in late March, the cost of owning a touch screen panel to operate a Control4 Automation system will become under $900. Not only will the iPad give you “Door to your Drape” control, but with additional apps from iTunes you will be able to start you car, stream media and much more all from one powerful interface. The iPad will also act as a mobile controller out side of your “Home Zone” whereas proprietary controllers only work within the homes wireless coverage.

So if you can imagine.., your on the couch reading an eBook on your iPad and listening to music, the door bell rings and the music automatically pauses. You simply switch to your Control4 app to see who’s at the front door before you unlock the door...all from your iPad anywhere in your home or anywhere in the world. The iPad will not only bring new and exciting innovations but will effect electronics that already exist in your car, at businesses, in schools and at home today.
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