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AWE Highlights the Importance of a Holistic Home Automation Approach with URC Total Control Range (3/9/2012)

A new house without a coaxial aerial system is a huge rarity. Home data networks are now often being integrated into new builds, but home automation infrastructure is still often neglected in the construction process, with these frequently being installed after the house is built. The new URC Total Control range available from AWE, aims to challenge these preconceptions by offering an easy-to-install home automation package, at an extremely competitive price point.

With the rapid changes in consumer lifestyles over recent years, homeowners now expect their properties to be smart ready for technology. Mainstream devices such as the iPad and iPhone, Smart TVs with on-demand services, and multiroom audio and entertainment systems are now more and more common in the home. They offer convenience, ease of use and represent increasingly affordable technology which can be enjoyed by the whole family.

This has resulted in buyers expecting their home to be designed to complement this technology, mimicking their ease of use, whilst not detracting from the aesthetics of the house. Properties that aren’t tech-ready in this way could potentially be a less attractive proposition for house buyers. At the same time, consumers expect greater energy efficiency in their home and smart home technology can assist with this by reducing energy consumption from lighting and heating systems.

AWE has recently launched the highly awaited URC Total Control range, which provides homeowners with a unique system that can effortlessly combine their entertainment, lighting, heating, blinds and more - into one simple whole home automation package.

The Total Control range encompasses everything from network system controllers, multi-zone audio amplifiers, network switches, streaming network players, security cameras and keypads. Working in unison, these products can be used to create a simple or complex home automation solution which comprises of audio, video, lighting, security and HVAC.

With this URC approach, homeowners can control up to 32 different zones within the property, with a variety of control options available for every individual room. This innovative solution is designed to operate all aspects of an installation; delivering unprecedented convenience, efficiency, comfort and security.

THE URC TOTAL CONTROL RANGE

• Total Control App
Total Control Mobile - a fully functional app for iOS devices which allows complete access to the Total Control system, providing an experience similar to that of the URC TKP-2000 touchscreen. This App supports all URC touch screens and controllers. A sales demo of the app is now available from iTunes as a free download. To use the app with Total Control, the MRX-10 requires a license which will support limitless iDevices.

• MRX-10 Advanced Network System Controller
The controller is the brains behind the whole Total Control system. Able to be hidden away, it will not detract from the property’s aesthetics. With just one MRX-10 controller required for each project, it will control all aspects of the system. All commands and information are routed through this unit to the Total Control system. It is possible to extend control over specific components to other locations in the home by adding MRX controllers. The flexibility of combining various elements of the fully integrated Total Control system assures compatibility between virtually every type of AV component on the market.

• DMS Amplifiers
The Total Control DMS amplifiers allow audio to be streamed throughout the home. URC uses ground-breaking ‘network streaming media’ technology that delivers CD-quality sound which hasn’t been compressed or converted. It also delivers exact synchronisation between adjoining rooms.

• TKP-2000
For those who prefer in-wall touch screens, URC has developed the TKP-2000 Network keypad. This 3.5” graphic touch screen offers complete metadata feedback for all compatible products’ colour screen with two way communication for IP and RS-232 control. This keypad can be programmed off the premises via the internet, providing the end user with fantastic customer service, as the installer can update the system remotely.

“The URC Total Control range is designed to be intuitive and easy to use for homeowners, with the components of the system programmed to suit a family’s particular requirements,” says Stuart Tickle, Managing Director of AWE Europe. “By consolidating all the electronics into one easy to navigate menu, homeowners can enjoy simple control from anywhere around the house. Investing in the right infrastructure delivers more than a marketing opportunity. A show home equipped with the latest audio-visual, lighting, HVAC control and data network technology, as offered by the URC Total Control range, will allow developers’ to position their scheme attractively, and also provide a platform to sell technology as a profitable extra option.”

www.awe-europe.com