Ivory Egg Blog Archive

Posts Tagged ‘Smart Home Technology’

Exciting Accents for Demanding Architecture - The Gira Esprit switch range with glass, aluminium, wood and refined metal frame variants already offers you a highly diverse selection of materials.

Gira has recently expanded their range of glass Esprit frames with an additional design known as glass C. The soft edges and rounded corners of glass C offer a new alternative in the otherwise clearly-cut and linear switch range. The edges of the 6 mm thick glass frame are ground to a semi-circular form with the so-called ‘C grinding process’.

Gira has also added a black glass to the frame variants that corresponds perfectly with the architectural, linear design of the switch and lends Gira Esprit its particularly elegant character. The high-gloss surface of black glass has a distinctive depth and achieves an optical perfection that cannot be achieved with any other material or any other colour. The glossy black surface gives Gira Esprit an expressive presence that nevertheless blends unobtrusively into the surroundings. The range is especially well-suited for use within architecture with a high aesthetic claim, for example with open masonry, exposed concrete and glass. But also in combination with natural materials such as wood and natural stone or on brighter surfaces the black switches of Gira can create an exciting accent.

The switch inserts and covers are in aluminium, which further emphasise the impression of modern functionalism, harmonizing perfectly with the cover frame of black glass. Inserts and covers are also available in anthracite as well as matt pure white and glossy pure white. More than 230 functions from System 55 can be combined with the Gira Esprit cover frame, including Gira’s door communication system.

Dimensions

(in mm)

Frame Height Width Depth
1-gang 95 95 9.85
2-gang 166 95 9.85
3-gang 236.8 95 9.85
4-gang 308 95 9.85

About Gira

Gira places great value on product design. Through intensive cooperation with external and in-house design teams, Gira develop products, which are repeatedly recognized for their exceptional and simple design.

The modern electrical installation from Gira offers a broad range of intelligent building technology for convenience and security. Devices for networking home technology, music control for all rooms and comprehensive switch ranges, plus numerous functions for door communication, energy and light outdoors – and it all fits together. All functions and devices can be easily combined, and the uniform design lines always offer the right cover frame for every purpose.

The GiraShop.co.uk supplies the complete range of products that are currently available in the English language catalogue.

Not a product we currently sell, but a very interesting one all the same, so I thought we needed a quick ‘blog’ on this one… The leading Belgian lighting and home automation manufacturer, Niko (which I beleive celebrates its 90th anniversary this year) has just received the ‘Exceptional and innovative design’ from ‘red dot’. Easily the world’s biggest and most distinguished design competition, the Red Dot Design award is only granted to exceptionally creative, innovative and high-quality products.

Niko has been developing switching ranges for decades. With a hard-earned reputation for innovation, the company has continued in this tradition with the introduction of a revolutionary new concept in switches – the truly invisible switch. The imaginatively named ‘Mysterious’ range from Niko goes beyond traditional switches and socket outlets. With Mysterious, Niko takes the first step towards imagining life without any of the ‘traditional’ switching material.

Mysterious is a range of switches and sockets with an elegant and simple design that can be seamlessly integrated into any wall. When fitted, the switch can then be papered over painted like the wall so that only an incredibly discreet round edge remains visible. In the dark this outer edge lights up with the warm white glow of an LED that is incorporated into the switch. Mysterious simply adapts itself to the colour of the wall, just like a chameleon.

The switch is multi-functional, with its programme comprising push-buttons with one to four key points, sockets for data/TV connection boxes, and orientation lighting. The design is inspired to allow functionality into carefully designed interiors without detracting from the look of the room. Its an Architects/Interior Designer dream… No more ugly switches ruining their clean design aesthetic.

With more than 11,000 submissions from 61 countries, the international red dot design award is the largest and most renowned design competition in the world. It is divided into the red dot award: product design, the red dot award: communication design and the red dot award: design concept. Niko’s Mysterious was awarded the prestigious red dot award: product design.

Each year an international jury reviews and evaluates the submitted products according to criteria such as degree of innovation, functionality and the formal quality. This ensures the seriousness of the competition and its international acceptance. The group of jurors is made up of renowned designers and design experts from all over the world who reach their decisions on which designs are good enough to receive a red dot award independently and impartially. The constellation changes from year to year and guarantees a high degree of objectivity and reliability.

The award is as a seal of quality; it stands for membership of the best in design and business. After 90 years, its good to see that Niko continues to play at the top of its game and to lead the field.

For more information about Niko’s award-winning Mysterious range – and the rest of its impressive line-up of home automation and lighting solutions, visit: nikouk.com or telephone Niko UK direct 01525 877707

For more information about the red dot awards, please visit red-dot.de.

 

Innovative touch display with Ambient Thermostat, IR Receiver and Binary Inputs.

InZennio Z38 Touch Panel

Available in a Polar white, Silver or Anthracite Gray finish, its 3,8″ display in square format makes your management and enjoyment easier, getting a uniform communication environment in the intelligent home.

3 Way Design

  • Simply predictable. You know the way the Z38 is acting, as you can watch it
  • Touch Sensitive. Flat surface to receive the orders.
  • Listen to it. A “beep” confirms the selection.

Feel it

  • Packaged in a highly distinctive and minimalist panel, makes integration with working and living environments easier, and also prepares them for the future.
  • Polar White, Anthracite Gray and Silver are the available finish/colour options for this stylish room controller.
  • Perfect Size: 3, 8” display in a 4×4 format makes the Z38 an easy choice for every room, giving a uniform communication environment in the intelligent home.

InZennio Z38 All in One

  • Everything under control, lights, shutters, sunblinds…. and any kind of drives.
  • An Intelligent Room Thermostat will make a significant difference in Energy Saving while your comfort is not affected.
  • Up to four different and independent climate control systems are supported (Heat, Cool, Additional Heat, and Additional Cool).
  • “Recall” and “Save” different scenarios create the “lifestyle” you imagine (Cinema, Relax, Romantic…).
  • From far to near. Communication is possible thanks to the built-in IR receiver.
  • Our Home Control at a press of a single button.
  • Air Conditioning Control integrated. A Remote Control for all!
  • Schedule timer to plan the room climate, as well as any other home system.
  • Binary inputs available for standard push buttons. Easy for use by disabled people.
  • Technical Security Functions (flood, smoke, gas, fire…) as well as anti-burglar system, with the security keyboard option enabled.

From today you can find the Zennio product database in VD file format. The PR files have been removed and replaced by a registered database.

Zennio Product Catalogue

The Z38 touch screen has been updated to the last version 4.2 and the Z38 manual is now on their Web page.

Please note the above cover shows the latest version of the manual. Zennio will carry on with the updating process and if the manual features a new image, then you know its been updated again.

If you need an application program that is not on their website (Fan Coil for example), please contact Zennio direct. Any further quesitons, please contact Jesús Arias García at Zennio – Tel: +34 925232002, Email: jesus@zennio.com and Web: www.zennio.com.

The Joy of ReVox M-51

September 16th, 2009
ReVox M51 Home Audio System

While most home audio systems only ever offer the last state-of-the-art technology, in other words home technology that is already out of date as soon as you’ve handed over the cash, the ReVox M-51 is a five-channel AV system that has the future built in and was designed to grow with your audio requirements.  New functionalities can be continuously integrated through simple ‘plug and play’ modules.  This can be done tomorrow or several years down the road, and ensures that you can always incorporate the latest audio technology into your home.

The modules for DVD, decoder and amplifier are already included and further functions such as radio tuner, input/output, satellite radio, audio or video server, multi-room and the multi-room slave module can be simply integrated via ‘plug and play’.  Therefore, it is not only possible to combine all functions as you want, but they can be retro-fitted at any time in the future.

The M-51 is one of the most remarkable home audio systems I have encountered in recent years.  Imagine one component serving all your home AV needs.  The M-51 is a DVD/CD player, FM tuner, home theater processor, home theater amplifier, and multi-room control center all rolled into one little compact unit.  The M-51 consolidates and simplifies your life by reducing an entire system to a single unit controlled by a single remote.  As you would expect from ReVox, the quality of picture and sound is what sets the M-51 apart (audiophiles take note), as the M-51 can even provide an outstanding MM/MC switchable phono stage and the input signal remains entirely in the analog domain unless the surround sound mode is engaged.  In other words you can still play your vinyl collection through the system and with five 60W amplifiers it sounds, well to be honest, fantastic!

The ‘M’ in M-51 stands for modular and that word pretty much sums up what this device is all about.  Easily upgraded and expanded, the M-51 provides a multitude of ‘plug and play’ expansion slots.  For example, the M-51 can be outfitted with a second FM tuner board, so you can listen to two different radio stations in two different rooms.  Future upgrades are easily achieved either by swapping or adding boards, so you can ensure the system always meets the latest technology and your AV needs as they change over time.

The M-51 can run an entire household, providing a home theater experience with full surround sound in one room, and music in up to 32 others.  The M-51 features one of the friendliest and most intuitive user interfaces I have stumbled across, and the ReVox keypads provide the same look and feel in every room.  And best of all the M-51 can be controlled wirelessly from a Pocket PC, laptop, or desktop PC.

The Revox Re:System M51 unites innovative functionality with aesthetic perfection.  High-quality materials and extensive processing support the clear and functional design contours.  The housing is made of solid aluminium with a brushed-finish surface. Great attention was paid to the details of the M51. For example, the solid turning knob is positioned in a brass bearing, guaranteeing perfect rotary movement, while the large and clear digital display is functional aesthetics.

To add to the ease of use and impressive features of the M-51 system, I would also strongly recommend the M-57 Music Server.  Built into a matching aluminum housing, and to the same high standards, the M-57 features a CD-R drive and a hard drive plus software for organizing and playing digital music files.  Based on the iMerge platform, the M-57 Music Server can store up to 4000 of your favorite CDs and distribute them to 8 zones throughout your home.

However, if like me you’re all things Apple Mac, then my favorite way to control your Revox Multiroom System is via the Revox Re:control M232, an iPhone and iPod touch application which allows you to control the complete Revox M-Series Multiroom System.  It is a completely wireless remote control for all major features of the Revox System and combines the simply beautiful touch-based interface of the Apple iPhone with the easy to use Revox AV controls.

About ReVox

ReVox has developed from being just a purveyor of audio equipment to being a provider of state-of-the-art, complete audio solutions.  ReVox can look back over many years’ experience of studio sound technology as it develops high quality technology for use in the home. The perfection embodied in the professional systems is enhanced by the touches of originality, which ReVox includes in its domestic product range.

Today, the company covers not only the audio market but it also provides products for video, multimedia and Multi-room usage. The choice of the right technology, combined with the legendary ReVox customer service means that customers can be sure of enjoying their ReVox products long into the future.  Exceptional quality and exquisite design, gift all demanding music fans an unforgettable experience with their ReVox Home Entertainment System.  Very importantly, with its highly developed Multi-room System, ReVox products allow you to enjoy this top quality throughout your home. The outstanding audio and video quality is further enhanced with intuitive handling and an innovative use of technology, which will meet or exceed all your requirements in terms of comfort and performance. Whatever the future brings… ReVox is already there.

For further information please visit ReVox.com.

Top of page

Follow Ivory Egg Online

  • Updating Tweet ...