This project was highly challenging as all work on the rack had to be done while extensive renovation work was in place. With the client living in the house during the ongoing renovation work, we had to ensure that there were no interruptions to the entire lighting, security, and audio-visual system during the relocation of the existing rack.

Control

With extensive upgrades to the existing system, the control of the entire property was focus of this project.

The following equipment was installed to ensure control of the overall system throughout the property:

• 1x Crestron TSW-1060-W-S fixed in-wall touch-panel

• 1x Crestron TSW-760W-S fixed in-wall panel

• 7x Crestron TSR-310 Touch-screen Handheld Remotes

When users select a shared source from one of the interfaces above, they can see if any sources are currently in use. They can also see in which zones they are.

Additionally, we provided a new priority control logic that allows sources to be configured in one of the following “In-Use” modes:

Warning Only – If a source is currently in use and someone tries to access it in another zone, the user will be shown a warning prompt saying which source is in use and in which area. The user can then cancel or continue to use that source.

Loose Priority – If a source configured for Loose Priority is already in use and someone tries to select it in another zone, that user will be shown a prompt saying “This source is already in use in Area Name. You can use it here but cannot control it.” The user can then cancel or continue to watch/listen to the source with no control.

Strict Priority – If a source configured for Strict Priority is already in use, this source cannot be selected in another zone until it is turned off in its original zone.

Audio and Video Distribution and Control

With the client’s wish to keep the existing Sonnex system, a 16x16 DM frame 4K Crestron video distribution solution was chosen that fits the input and output Sonnex system.

A Monitor Audio media player is used as the main audio streamer. This allows the user to send music directly to the speakers without touching the control system. The new system consists of 6 video output zones throughout the house. The Sonnex system distributes audio to 8 speaker zones.

The highlight of the audio and video upgrades is the 1080p LED video wall (2400x1350) that replaced a 75” TV and was fully integrated into the Video Matrix (DM Frame). We recalibrated the current sound system for the best user experience, added a new subwoofer and added an HDMI input plate for media presentations, which is connected to the central Crestron DM Frame. The client can enjoy live games and cinema experiences at home thanks to a centralized system.

Network

With extensive upgrades to the existing systems we had to make sure that the network keeps up with the new system. Therefore, we added 2 network switches and reconfigured them to meet standards. Additional WAPs were added to the extension of the house for full WI-FI coverage on the property.

Automation

With complex programming sitting behind the scenes, we provided fully automated events that do not require the user’s interaction.

Alarm Activations: When an alarm is activated, lights in specific areas turn on, any audio playing is muted, and a popup is shown on all Crestron interfaces. This prompts the user to log in and disarm the alarm.

Alarm Arming: When an alarm area is armed, all AV and lights in that area are turned off.

Fire Alarm: When the fire alarm is activated, a trigger is sent to the Crestron system. When Crestron receives this trigger, alerts are shown on all Crestron interfaces. Crestron commands the Lutron system to turn on various lights around the property. Crestron powers off all AV Zones. When the ICT security system receives this trigger, all electronic doors are unlocked, and an alert is sent to the monitoring company.