In Praise of Home Control

Put concisely, our business is about combining a vast assortment of complicated equipment into a flawlessly performing, easy-to-use "package". A prevailing example would be a "classic" home theater with projector, screen, DVD player, CD player, cable and/or satellite, VCR, surround sound processor/amplifier and more.

From the factory, these combinations are very complicated to operate: several remotes are needed just to turn everything on. If you want to catch the latest episode of "Desperate Housewives," a barrage of additional commands are required. One miscue and Susan and David are nowhere to be found. A real headache! An elaborate effort to accomplish a mundane task is not the road to TV nirvana, so we at Supercalibrations almost always specify the Niles Intellicontrol, a microprocessor based RF remote system.

This remarkable product integrates all your controls into one magically simple device. The theater is now easier to start than the family minivan! Simply push the big bright "Cable" button and you will soon be enjoying all the latest activities on Wisteria Lane in high definition and Dolby surround sound. The Intellicontrol is great for home theaters, but for the ultimate in home electronics control, we recommend the super reliable products from AMX. The pinnacle of these computer-based controllers goes way beyond home theater. You may not recognize the name but you will find AMX in use at world famous locations like Disney World and Camp David, the presidential retreat. Yes, the president uses an AMX touch panel. (It must be easy to use!)

These upper echelon systems not only operate your TV and audio equipment but also regulate lighting, heating, cooling, security, sprinkler and spa systems. Hmmm...there are these new electronic toilet seats from Japan...Okay, AMX is probably not really needed there.

A fun application could be labeled "Pool Party": One push instantly activates your favorite satellite music channel, sets the house temperature and lighting to appropriate levels, and even warms up the jacuzzi.

Or how about the master bedroom? A "Good Night" command turns off all the house lights, leaving hallways and bathrooms at 15 percent -- just bright enough to get around; the garage doors are checked and closed and finally the system deactivates all the common audio and video equipment. No more chasing around at bedtime or waking up with the stereo still playing in the living room.

Since AMX systems are infinitely programmable, we personalize each system for the specific needs and desires of each client. Quite a bit of trial and error occurs as we fine tune all the operations, although the extra effort is definitely worth it. Final results can be very cool indeed!

Most of the design and programming for these arrangements goes toward comfort and convenience, but recently -- near the final stages of an AMX based installation -- I was reminded about the client's enthusiasm for his alma mater, Duke University. He especially enjoys a big basketball win for the "Blue Devils". Not surprisingly, he also really loves to remind supporters of the University of North Carolina, Duke's local nemesis and the 2005 NCAA champions, about a Coach K victory.

With that rivalry and enthusiasm in mind, our programmer, Paul Dooley, added a large "Duke Time" icon incorporating the team mascot into a few critical touch panels. Integrating a "Flash" audio recorder commonly found in museum displays, allowed us to store about 30 seconds of "Fight, Bluedevils, Fight!" for instant access later. When "Duke Time" is activated, the rouser volume elevates to the loudest tolerated level on all 50+ loudspeakers in and around the house.

In one final attempt to accentuate the revelry, we programmed the entire Lutron lighting system (100+ dimmers!) to flash a random sequence during the fight song playback. The results are better than we expected: Impossible to miss and not a very welcome environment for UNC boosters! Paul put the button to activate "Duke Time" a few layers down in the menu system to avoid easily setting off this loud and clear event. It's not something you want to accidentally turn on in the middle of the night -- unless your guests happen to be from the University of North Carolina! I just read that Duke is ranked #1 this year. It looks like "Duke Time" could be put to good use!

Hey, I wonder where our home team, the Golden Gophers, is ranked this year. I know I have a copy of the rouser somewhere.