Articles and whitepapers

Product article - Crestron Adagio and iLux CLS-C6 (3/1/2006)

By Petra van Meeuwen, Crestron UK

The benefits of total home technology are now far more widely recognised than they were even just a couple of years ago. Increasing numbers of end-users, alongside key influencers such as architects, interior designers, and property developers, are all buying into this new lifestyle philosophy of technology for convenience and simplicity. This is especially so at the top end of the residential market. As the industry has continued to grow, and if it is to continue to do so, it is becoming apparent that the biggest potential for growth lies in solutions for the mid-range.

Multiroom audio has always been a base level requirement for people taking their first steps on the home automation ladder. One of the shortcomings of the available systems on the market however, is that they do not allow people to upgrade when their budget and circumstances allow. It was with this emerging dynamic in mind that Crestron developed the affordable Adagio range.

Adagio multiroom audio and control

Although, at first glance, the Adagio modules look like hi-fi separates, that is where the similarity ends. In fact, Adagio is a combined, fully expandable, multiroom audio and control system. It combines high performance with straight-from-the-box functionality and as it is specifically targeted at first-time consumers in the world of multiroom audio and home entertainment. A bonus for the installer is that it requires no programming.

Crestron Adagio multiroom music server

Adagio consists of several products including whole-house audio distribution, a home entertainment system, a digital audio server and an audio room expander. These individual items can be integrated with Crestron keypads or LCD panels for expanded control, and capabilities can be widened further still, to include iPod interfaces on touchpanels, lighting and HVAC control for an integrated solution.

iLux CLS-C6 lighting control

Lighting control is another area capable of generating appeal in the wider marketplace, and also is also perfect for the entry-level consumer. Crestron recently launched a new lighting control system for the European market, the iLux CLS-C6 Integrated Zoned Lighting System. This can control six lighting zones and six groups of blinds or curtains, and is suited to new and retrofit applications, including whole-house and home cinemas, as well as commercial applications such as auditoria, boardrooms, and learning environments.

The iLux CLS-C6 has been designed to be cost-effective, versatile, simple to program and easy to use, and with quiet and efficient performance. Like all lighting control systems, it can used to replace numerous wall switches and dimmers, but it can also centralise lighting, blind and screen controls so that the user no longer needs to search for the right switch plate or fumble through trial and error to find the right combination of light settings. The system also incorporates preset lighting scenes, and offers the added benefit of seamless integration with Crestron control solutions.

Crestron iLux CLS6 lighting controller

For convenience, the iLux CLS-C6 can be wall-mounted, and features built-in dimmer circuits to control each of the six lighting zones. The six three-position rocker buttons on the front panel provide individual control of each zone whilst providing white-LED feedback. The corresponding seven-segment LED bargraphs offer easy visualisation of lighting levels in each zone. Mounted on the front-panel, a 'Master' button and large 'Off' and 'On' buttons provide additional lighting system control. Up to 15 scenes for lighting and shades may be pre-programmed for simple, intuitive client use. Fade time and ramp rate are programmable along with various system functions such as scene recall, scene off and master dim control. Each scene may be assigned to individual buttons at setup.

As the home automation market grows we will need to work together, as manufacturers and installers, to maximise the opportunities that come our way. These two latest product developments for the mid-range are designed to attract new consumers into the sector and at the same time give dealers a secure platform for business growth.

Petra van Meeuwen is the Marketing Manager of Crestron UK Ltd, manufacturer of control and automation systems.

www.crestron.co.uk