Monday, January 25, 2010

Elan's New "g" Control System

11 devices, 1 interface...an affordable solution.

LiteSync is excited about the new line called "g". It is history in the making and a blend of Elan and Home Logic. In the new g line, the graphics are consistent across a variety of interfaces, including an OLED display, IPhone, PC, new touchscreens and two firsts for Elan" an on-screen display for controlling the system via the television, and a two-way hand held remote.

The system is more scalable in design making it suitable for a range of installations, from single-room to large-scale mansion level.

Monday, January 11, 2010

LiteSync and Elan.

LiteSync is proud to be a Elan "g" system installer. "g" formerly Home Logic is coming out with a new touchscreen interface that mimics the one it designed for the iphone. The company is applying iphone-like flick technology to the HomeLogic's own touchscreens which gives people the features that they enjoy the most in the iphone.

Users can flip through thermostats, music lists, rooms, A/V options and more. Devices now sync up with each other with lighting speed. The new graphical user interface (GUI) will be standard with the "g" new controller and touchscreen platforms that are expected to be available in Q2 in 2010.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Chose your automation product carefully

At the LiteSync/about us/David Rishor web site, we wrote a paper about "The Evolution of an Industry". In that we state how today there is a bumper crop of low voltage only contractors with the flavor of the month automation manufacturer that may or may not be in business tomorrow. Such is the case with one vendor Colorado vNet whom supplied varying types of home automation integration products.

This rather recent entry into the market closed it's doors in September 2009. In 2008 LiteSync was approached by a developer whom was in the process of building a LEED certified home. They desired to utilize this new start up Automation vendor and while we could have helped them, our advise was to stick with manufactures that can survive tough economic climates and whom have proven track records related to themselves and their products.

We also advised them to avoid utilizing a low voltage only contractor as they do not have the license to connect high voltage wires into their automation products nor do they have the credentials to properly configure lighting control.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

ASU Installs LED Lighting

Arizona State University retrofitted six parking structures on the Tempe Campus with new light-emitting diode (LED) fixtures. Changing the existing fixtures to LED low-bay solution will give ASU an annual savings of up to 127,000 in energy and maintenance costs for the six structures that were retrofit.

As part of the Phase II energy conservation and sustainability project underway throughout the campus, ASU replaced more than 2,000 150 -watt metal halide fixtures. By replacing existing metal halide fixtures and lamps, ASU will reduce it's energy consumption by 1.5 million kilowatt-hours.

Money in the bank for ASU, hats off to them!


 Bookmark and Share

Friday, September 4, 2009

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005)

Energy efficient lighting and controls can pay for itself in energy savings. For at least the next two years it may pay for itself initially as well as over time. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 was signed into law on August 8th, 2005. It includes a significant tax deduction to encourage the use of energy efficient products. Lighting and controls is emphasized and encouraged because of the ease of upgrading and the dramatic energy savings from readily available new technology. The HVAC/hot water systems and building envelope designs can also qualify for additional tax deductions totaling up to 60 cents per square foot for each system with a possible $1.80 per square foot maximum. A 100,000 square foot building could generate up to a $180,000 deduction just for using progressive energy saving products to exceed ASHRAE 90.1-2001 requirements.


 Bookmark and Share

September is CEDIA EXPO 2009

Every thing is new about the CEDIA Expo in Atlanta this year. It's a very exciting atmosphere and the industry is ready to move in a positive direction again with the economy gaining strength. LyteSnyc enjoys attending events such as this and the CES Show as it allows us to see first hand the latest industry tends and new products.

Building/home automation and audio/video has erupted into a flood of manufactures and installers offering new products. At LiteSync we have been watching this evolve over the past 30 years and within the last 10 years is when we have seen the most growth. Everywhere the consumer looks there is new product choices and vendors offering this industry credential or that industry credential...it becomes a daunting task to know what is the right choice for ones budget and needs.

LiteSync's approach is to align themselves with manufactures that have been been in the industry for decades like ourselves. We all will be here years from now for the support you need. Our best advice to consumers is...do your homework! Ask the vendor you are considering the tough questions. If their automation is controlling your lighting, what education, what credentials do they have in the lighting discipline? It's much more than just turning some lights on and off rest assured and we have witnessed their failings in the most expensive of projects. Do they have the electrical contractors license to execute all phases of your work or do they have to hire others to support them? While many vendors put on a very good facade, there are big holes in their service and these holes can affect you and the cost of your project.


 Bookmark and Share

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

New Standards for Lamps Light a Path for Greater Efficiency

Seven percent of all electricity used in the United States is for lighting, the department of Energy recently announced aggressive actions to promote energy efficiency, propelled in large part by new standards for the lamps most commonly found in residential and commercial buildings.

The standards apply to general service fluorescent lamps and incandescent reflector lamps. By bringing more energy-efficient technologies to American homes and businesses, we won't just significantly reduce our energy demand, we will put more money back in the pockets of consumers.


 Bookmark and Share