An Evening With Crestron
From a study of the past to a glimpse into the future. In my mind, home automation systems are the ultimate luxury - something of spy films and sci-fi novels. A quick clap and the fire is ablaze, the lights dim and the music eases on. You can picture it, right? However, a recent BIID talk by Crestron completely shifted my opinion. More than just a toy for the wealthy, automation can address mobility challenges and help our homes to become more environmentally friendly. We can interact with buildings in much more intelligent ways, if only we have a little more forethought.
What is Crestron?
Crestron’s founder, George Feldstein, originally worked in a school in the US. Here, he encountered the design flaws of the classroom first hand - a teacher having to walk all the way to the back of a room to switch off the lights before returning to operate the overhead projector at the front. Adamant to correct problems like these, Crestron started out in the commercial space, before expanding to hospitality. Within the past twenty years, automation has increasingly been applied to residential projects too.
The company “create automation solutions that transform the way people live their lives, making their day-to-day tasks easier […] improving efficiency and productivity.”
What areas can be automated?
Quite a lot, it turns out! The main areas are audio/visual, environment and security.
Audio/visual covers entertainment equipment like TVs, projectors and speakers. Considerations might include how equipment should be distributed across the building, whether it should be a feature of a room or hidden away, whether a traditional remote or tablet is required, whether guests can connect, what sources are used (Spotify, Apple, Sonos)…
Environment includes lighting, climate (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, thermostats) and window treatments.
Security is self-explanatory. However, one might want to talk to providers about whether to keep security separate or only automate certain parts - the ability to enable the alarm but not disable it, operating cameras away from home for peace of mind etc.
Common misconceptions
Like mine above, there are other misconceptions, but the talk did well to counter these.
Misconception: The tech is too complicated.
Reality: It is actually really intuitive. There is a demo app to see the user interface before making any purchases. Engraved keypads are also really important to personalise.
Misconception: It is too expensive.
Reality: It is quite accessible, especially since there are different ‘levels’ of automation.
Misconception: There are timing issues and automation can’t be retrofitted (i.e. if the project has been completed already).
Reality: ‘Full fat’ does require a black box, a rack, code to be written etc. and advice would be to communicate as early as possible with AV installers* to understand what infrastructure is needed, the costs and whether there is enough power. However, ‘Crestron Home’ is lighter and programming is not required, meaning it can be retrofitted with wireless options.
*The governing body for AV installers can provide a list of approved installers.
Misconception: There are issues around the control of data.
Reality: A black box stands this product apart from market alternatives, although I’d like to do more research here.
Misconception: With the speed of tech development, systems become outdated quickly.
Reality: Whilst the front end can be updated, the built in backend remains unchanged. There are also automatic software updates, to ensure it is continually upgrading and improving.
Misconception: There are appearance and sound issues.
Reality: Crestron prides itself on integrating tech with design. There are many different finishes and faceplates can match other hardware finishes, mirroring the style or period of any home. They can also reduce wall clutter by condensing multiple switches into one touchscreen (and we are now moving towards voice control too).
Other benefits and applications
I guess the main benefit of tech like this is that it ties everything together into a truly managed home and the applications seem endless:
To make homes more sustainable, appliances can be switched on and off automatically to become almost self-regulating. For example, if the sunlight is too strong, blinds can be drawn to protect furniture. If the temperature drops below a certain point, heating can come on.
This also works for security. If a client is on holiday, lights can be switched on to give the appearance of an occupied house.
In the health and wellbeing sector, tech can be used to monitor movement. If, for example, movement has not be detected in a nursing home resident’s room for a certain period of time, an alarm can sound.
Tech can even make homes more accessible for those with disabilities - being lifestyle enabling and life changing.
Automation is certain something I’m going to keep up to date on, especially as Crestron has opened its new living environment in Chelsea. Not merely the stuff of sci-fi movies, it is more accessible and achievable in projects than ever. It can be intuitive, informative, adaptive to client needs and is ultimately here to help.
