Home Automation & Smart Home FAQ
Below is a list of some common questions relating to the services we provide. Please get in touch if anything is still unclear.
Why Should I use Custom Controls?
We believe our no nonsense approach sets us out in the crowd. We don't employ sales men as our products and systems sell themselves. Our project management skills ensure your project runs smoothly and, crucially, we don't over commit our resources. We would rather lose customer number 10 than have 9 unhappy customers.
What is a Smart Home System?
A smart home system is a piece of technology which brings all your electrical systems under one control system. To be truly smart this should then be easy to control from anywhere in the home providing convenience and efficiency.
Is that the same as Home Automation?
We tend to think of Home Automation as slightly smaller scale than a smart house. A cinema room which utilises a plasma lift to hide the screen away when not in use or blinds closing at sunset are examples of Home Automation.
I don't like the idea of having all this technology on show. Won't it look ugly?
We can hide all the ugly boxes away under the stairs and leave you with one beautiful touchpanel - created just for you. We even install in-ceiling speakers and hide all wiring so you will end up seeing less equipment than a normal home!
I'm worried about security, can a Smart Home System help?
Yes - the simple act of tucking boxes away will deter burglars. We can even tie your security system in with your lighting system so if the alarm is activated the lights come on. You also have the option of viewing CCTV on the touchpanels or even from the other side of the world via the internet.
All this technology must cost a lot to run?
Quite the opposite. Our systems can control the standby states of anything electrical to ensure devices are only on when you need them. Our lighting systems are all digital dimmers meaning you use much less energy for lighting than previously.
Surely it is expensive to buy Smart Home Technology?
Well yes. It isn't cheap. We only deal in the premium end of the market but project prices vary a huge amount depending on the level of technology required. All our systems are modular so if you want to let the system evolve as funds allow then that is perfectly acceptable. This flexibility is why we deal in the products we do, some cheaper products may perform certain functions but have no option to add functionality at a later date.
I can't set the video, I've got no chance of working a Smart Home!
Our touchpanels are custom designed on a per project basis by our highly trained project team. For some clients one button press performs a number of actions whilst others prefer to view the detail. We can program your system so one button press closes all your blinds and brings your lights on or you can have individual control of each blind and lighting circuit in the house. We rarely train people to use our systems as they are so intuitive.
What happens if it breaks down or needs updating?
We only install premium products for this very reason, some of our lighting dimmers are still in use 30 years after they were installed! Our skill at systems design and programming ensures reliability. We do get calls from customers who have lived with their system for a couple of months and would like a tweak or two - usually along the lines of "It would be really cool if...."- and we usually install the system in such a way that we can connect over the internet for remote upgrades. We actually like these calls as it shows our customers are fully engaging with the technology and have a full appreciation of the possibilities.
Can I have a Custom Home Cinema without lots of ugly speakers?
Yes. We have a variety of in-ceiling and in-wall speakers from the british speaker manufacturer Bowers & Wilkins. They are extremely discreet and can be painted to match your interior. Coupled with hiding the sources away you can have a home cinema better than your local multiplex which is nearly invisible when not in use.
Do I have to buy my hardware to use your Crestron Programming Services?
No, We perform accredited Crestron Programming for trade and private clients regardless of where in the UK the equipment is sourced. The only requirement is that the hardware was sourced via Crestron UK.
Do you supply lighting fittings too?
We do have access to some light fittings from various manufacturers. Our core business is lighting dimmers and control systems but we can supply energy efficient light fittings - usually LED indoor and outdoor fittings. We are more than happy to control any type of light fitting though - sourcing from us is not a requirement.
If I have 'multiroom' can I have different music in different rooms?
Our whole house or multiroom systems allow you to have the choice - either listen to the same source as another room or choose your own. Flexibility is the key!
Are your systems PC based?
Definitely not! A windows PC is no where near reliable enough to run our smart home systems. We can integrate the PC as a source in a home cinema if required but this would be at a clients request.
Can I buy a Kaleidescape System and Install it myself?
We normally come and setup your system for you - for free. Having said that we don't have a problem if you would prefer to do this yourself. Please contact us as we may be able to offer a discount for you.
If I buy a Kaleidescape system who loads my films on to it?
We have a Kaleidescape speed reader which we can rent to you to allow bulk loading of films. This loan can be negotiated for free if the Kaleidescape system is large enough to warrant it. For our bigger customers we also offer a service where you ship your films to us and we pre-load all your films before installation. Your films are then returned to you when we install the system.
I have a Kaleidescape bought from someone else, can you upgrade it?
Of course, we would be happy to take over the support of your system. We can send you a form to send, via email, to Kaleidescape and the support will then revert to us. If you have an existing server which has run out of space then we can easily add on extra storage to accommodate your film collection.