PRO FX Tech Pvt. Ltd.

PROFX stands as a distinguished specialist in audio, video, and automation solutions. Pioneering the AV landscape in the country, PROFX was among the first brands to address the unique requirements of audiophiles, introducing them to a world-class audio and video experience. The product range has expanded, now offering tech-savvy solutions and hosting some of the world’s finest brands. PRO FX specializes in delivering top-quality Home Theatres and Hi-Fi systems, professional audio-video solutions tailored for corporate offices and business houses, as well as cutting-edge solutions in automation and integration.

DENON - AVC-A1H

The DENON AVC-A1H, is a powerhouse in home entertainment. This 15.4-channel AV Amplifier, boasting 190 watts per channel at 6 ohms, redefines your audio experience. With an impressive 8K Ultra HD capability, immersive 3D audio, and the convenience of HEOS Builtin, this amplifier is designed to transform your home cinema into a professional theater experience.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the AVC-A1H features our most potent transformer, carefully selected components, and robust, high-rigidity construction. Supporting configurations of up to 9.4.6 channels, it delivers unparalleled audio performance. Manufactured at Denon facilities in Japan, this amplifier guarantees precision and excellence in every aspect of its design.

KEF – LSXII

The KEF LSXII – where HiFi meets the convenience of WiFi. Immerse yourself in a world of High-Fidelity sound that feels almost tangible. This secondgeneration all-in-one speaker system has been upgraded to provide a more balanced sound in higher resolution, offering a comprehensive range of connectivity options. Effortlessly stream your favorite content using AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify, Tidal, or easily connect the LSXII to your laptop, TV, and various other devices for a seamless audio experience.

Equipped with 7 HDMI inputs, the AVCA1H ensures seamless connectivity and versatility for your home entertainment setup. Elevate your audiovisual experience with the DENON AVC-A1H, where cutting-edge technology meets Japanese craftsmanship for an immersive and powerful home cinema experience

POLK – MagniFi MAX AX

Introducing the flagship 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Sound Bar, accompanied by a powerful 10” wireless subwoofer. This audio marvel features an impressive 11-driver array, including built-in height drivers, working seamlessly with Polk’s patented SDA technology to deliver a captivating 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D sound experience, creating an accurate and expansive soundstage for both movies and music.

Elevate your audio journey with high-quality Wi-Fi music streaming directly from your phone, tablet, or computer using Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect, or any Works with Alexa-compatible music service. Bluetooth connectivity adds another layer of convenience, ensuring a hassle-free connection to your favorite devices.

The MagniFi AX Series doesn’t stop at superior sound quality; it also offers a multi-room music listening experience. With services like Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect, and Works with Alexa compatibility, you can sync multiple sound bars for a seamless and immersive audio experience throughout your home.

DEFINITIVE TECHNOLOGY - BP Series

Explore a New Dimension of Sound The BP9000 range offers the most cutting-edge audio technologies, including ForwardFocused Bipolar array technology, integrated powered subwoofers, Intelligent Bass Control™ and Dolby Atmos® and DTS: X™ compatibility. This extraordinary speaker is truly state-of-the-art in both music and home theatre sound reproduction. We expect you will enjoy the full-range sonic signature of Definitive Technology.

Embark on a Sonic Journey Discover the BP9000 series, where state-of-the-art audio technologies converge to redefine your audio experience. With Forward-Focused Bipolar array technology, integrated powered subwoofers, Intelligent Bass Control™, and compatibility with Dolby Atmos® and DTS: X™, this extraordinary speaker sets the benchmark for cutting-edge music and home theater sound reproduction. Immerse yourself in the full-range sonic signature of Definitive Technology and elevate your audio encounters to a new dimension.

Future Prospects

The next generation of immersive audio systems will be built with novel techniques applied to sound reproduction that will make use of an improved understanding of how our minds process and localize sound. These systems will bring a 360-degree immersive sound experience to home theatres without requiring a large number of speakers positioned around a listener. However, a lack of environmental awareness about the listener and the listening environment will be a major impediment to these systems in meeting the demands of immersive audio. A fusion of vision intelligence with sound reproduction is key to overcoming the impediments and bringing the next generation of immersive audio systems to life.

Samsung and Google have been working behind the scenes to create a new 3D spatial audio technology to challenge the likes of Dolby Atmos. ‘Immersive Audio Model and Formats’ (IAMF), is claimed to be the first open-source 3D spatial audio technology. Work on IAMF began back in 2020 through Samsung and Google’s joint venture, ‘Project Caviar’, which drove the idea of pushing open and royalty-free HDR video and 3D audio alternatives.

In conclusion, we would say, that the journey into immersive audio is marked by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and a pursuit of audio-visual perfection. As technology continues to evolve, immersive audio stands as a testament to the industry’s dedication to delivering not just sound, but an unforgettable and immersive entertainment experience that resonates with the desires of audio enthusiasts and home theater connoisseurs alike.

How has Z-Wave Alliance evolved over the years, and what key technological advancements have shaped its trajectory?

The Z-Wave Alliance has stood as the steward for Z-Wave technology for over two decades and recently, has undergone extensive changes that will be critical to the continued success of the protocol. Here, it is important to distinguish the difference between Z-Wave as the technology, and the Alliance as the organization dedicated to its advancement. Key milestones for the Z-Wave Alliance include the release of the interoperability layer of the Z-Wave standard to the public domain in 2016. The Z-Wave Public Spec provides cloud service developers, gateway makers, technology enthusiasts, and others free and easy access to the Z-Wave interoperability layer for the development of smart home IoT applications. Shortly thereafter, with security and interoperability as pillars of the Z-Wave technology, the Z-Wave Alliance mandated in April of 2017 that any product receiving Z-Wave Certification must include the most up-to-date security framework to ensure greater protection from cyber intrusion for both Z-Wave products and the global smart home ecosystem.

Avi Rosenthal, Chairman of the Board at the Z-Wave Alliance, discusses pivotal achievements, and the robust Z-Wave Certification program, and anticipates a milestone of 4,400 certified devices from numerous brands by the close of 2023. Positioned as the most extensive interoperable sub-GHz collection of smart home devices, the Z-Wave ecosystem reflects a new era, poised to lead two decades of progress and innovation in smart homes and the connected IoT segment.

Most recently, three updates come to mind that have most dramatically shaped the trajectory of Z-Wave and the Alliance itself. The first is the completed ratification of the Z-Wave Alliance as an independently run, memberdriven standards development organization. From there, the Z-Wave Alliance was able to announce the open Z-Wave initiative by way of the Source Code Project which has provided an environment for members to directly contribute to and help shape the future of the Z-Wave technology. In fact, to date, over 130,000 lines of code have been collectively added/changed with more work expected to be completed in 2024 and beyond. Lastly, in 2023, the Z-Wave Alliance announced the availability of an additional silicon resource and certification house for members. This important update provides membership of the Alliance with a new, direct source of Z-Wave silicon chips and modules.

Each of the advancements outlined above has accumulated over time to completely reshape the structure of the Z-Wave Alliance and empower the organization to be in its strongest position ever to work with members toward the continued domination of Z-Wave technology.

Z-Wave Alliance is known for its interoperability. How does the technology ensure compatibility among various smart home devices?

Interoperability amongst Z-Wave devices, regardless of manufacturer or silicon generation, is a pillar of the Z-Wave technology. As an organization, the method through which the Alliance works to guarantee this is the Z-Wave certification program mandate.

This process mandates and ensures rigorous compatibility standards for all Z-Wave devices. Within the Z-Wave Alliance, certification is regulated on multiple levels – technical and marketing certification – and is not a one-and-done process. The Z-Wave Alliance continuously works to update and modify integral aspects of certification and launch new programs as needed. For example, with the advent of Z-Wave Long Range, new certification levels have been made available to ensure interoperability with existing Z-Wave devices and the ongoing Z-Wave Certification Plus program will continue to introduce new standards that address key features such as increased range, extended battery life, and improved bandwidth.

How has Z-Wave Alliance influenced the landscape of home automation, and what role does it play in the broader IoT ecosystem?

As a technology, Z-Wave, and by extension Alliance membership, have played a vital role in the home automation landscape by providing a reliable, secure, and interoperable platform for smart home devices. Z-Wave plays a vital role in the broader IoT ecosystem by existing as one of the largest collections of smart home solutions certified for interoperability. By the end of 2024, the Z-Wave ecosystem is on track to include over 4,400 devices that have been certified to work across manufacturers, product categories, silicon generation, and more.

Z-Wave is known worldwide as a leading technology operating within the sub-GHz bandwidth with superior mesh-networking capabilities whereby each node within a deployed network helps to strengthen and repeat the signal. That said, Z-Wave continues to push the envelope and drive the industry through the introduction of new advancements, such as Z-Wave Long Range, which pushes network boundaries beyond the four walls of the home to the edge of the property and beyond.

Can you share insights into the global adoption of Z-Wave technology? How has the market responded to its solutions?

With over 100 million Z-Wave devices deployed worldwide and a certified ecosystem on track to include over 4,400 devices across hundreds of manufacturers, it’s safe to say the response to Z-Wave solutions has been tremendous. Globally, Z-Wave technology is available in over 100 countries with different established standards and frequencies in each to ensure the same level of performance around the world.

Z-Wave, in terms of both the technology and the Alliance, is not resting on our laurels here either. Having been ratified completely as an open-source standards development organization, Z-Wave has entered into a new era and is well-equipped and positioned to usher in another 20 years of advancement and innovation for the smart home and connected IoT space.

What can we expect in terms of future innovations or advancements in Z-Wave technology?

The development of Z-Wave Long Range (ZWLR) is a significant advancement, offering increased range and coverage, scalability, and optimized battery life. ZWLR extends Z-Wave connectivity beyond the boundaries of the home and accelerates the adoption of Z-Wave in other verticals, such as light commercial, hospitality, and multi-dwelling units (MDU).

Z-Wave Long Range increases the number of end nodes, reduces system cost and complexity with the elimination of repeaters, and improves reliability by combining Z-Wave devices across both a mesh and star network.

Z-Wave Long Range offers a maximum wireless range of 1.5 miles when operating in long-range mode at full power. ZWLR also offers increased scalability, optimized battery life including coin cell, and interoperability.

With the rise of technologies like AI and 5G, how does Z-Wave Alliance plan to integrate or leverage these advancements for enhanced smart home experiences?

We plan to continue working closely with our members on integrating AI for smarter device management and using 5G as the catalyst for improved connectivity and speed. Both technologies offer numerous opportunities for advancement. AI-enabled smart home devices can learn when homeowners turn off lights or adjust their thermostats, so it happens without a voice command. 5G’s higher bandwidth can help devices run more smoothly without clogging up the home network. Both can be used in concert to beef up homeowner security, with AI able to detect unusual patterns while 5G ensures you get alerts from your security cameras in real-time.

What challenges does Z-Wave Alliance foresee in the ever-evolving landscape of smart home integration, and how does the technology address them?

Across the broader smart home space, the

Z-Wave Alliance foresees interoperability maintenance amongst the constantly growing number of devices as well as security and new technology advancement adoption to be an ongoing hurdle to mainstream adoption. Fortunately, Z-Wave technology already addresses these challenges through its robust certification program and continuous technological advancements. The certification programs in place for Z-Wave technology are only going to continue to expand and improve as new features and technologies become available, ensuring Z-Wave remains a top choice for homeowners, professional installers, and everyone in between.

With the recent advancements in AI and the inevitability of new technologies such as 5G, the industry is on the cusp of contextually aware environments and the dawn of the true “smart home”. Technologies and organizations will be forced to continue to keep their ear to the ground and remain nimble as we enter an era of rapid development and advancements. Even established protocols and standards, such as Z-Wave, will need to remain inventive and vigilant to keep pace.

Security is paramount in the IoT space. How does Z-Wave Alliance ensure the security and privacy of user data and connected devices?

The Z-Wave protocol ensures the security and privacy of user data and connected devices through the Z-Wave Security 2 (S2) framework. This framework mandates industrystandard AES128 encryption and secure key exchange, providing robust security against potential attacks. Z-Wave Alliance member companies are also keeping a close eye on new advancements to keep homeowners’ data more secure and regularly suggest and promote that end-users deploy best practices within their home network to ward themselves against nefarious actors.

The Z-Wave certification program remains as one of the most powerful tools for ensuring both Z-Wave interoperability and security. As of April 2017, every single Z-Wave device submitted for certification is required to implement S2 Security and that security framework is constantly monitored and updated to include and provide updates that continue to secure deployed devices.

Moving into 2024 and beyond, the Z-Wave Alliance looks forward to announcing updates and advancements made to the security frameworks working to secure hundreds of millions of Z-Wave devices moving forward.

Z-Wave Alliance has been a key player in partnerships. Can you highlight some significant collaborations that have shaped Z-Wave’s journey?

The Z-Wave Alliance has been instrumental in forming significant collaborations to continue to be a leader in wireless smart home control, especially within the sub-GHz space. Most recently, the partnership worth highlighting is the one with Trident IoT, a new technology and engineering company focused on simplifying RF development and decreasing time-tomarket for connected device manufacturers.

For Z-Wave Alliance members, Trident IoT is a new direct supplier of Z-Wave silicon chips and modules and a resource for product design and development services. In conjunction with the creation of Trident IoT, a new U.S.-based Z-Wave Certification laboratory, Solutions for IoT, was also founded to serve Z-Wave Alliance members. The provided services benefit Z-Wave Alliance members - who are the companies responsible for the ecosystem soon to consist of over 4,400 certified devices – in several different, yet critical ways. First, a new U.S.-based certification house makes it even easier for North American manufacturers to communicate and work through the certification process, resolving issues that arise quickly and ultimately, helping get products to market faster. The expertise housed within the new company can help Z-Wave Alliance members continue to innovate and successfully implement new features such as the Z-Wave Long Range.

Can you elaborate on the success and key features of the Z-Wave 800 Series, particularly its backward compatibility, extended range, and impressive 10-year battery life?

The Z-Wave 800 Series stands out as a significant advancement in smart home technology, primarily due to its backward compatibility, extended range, and remarkable 10-year battery life. The following features collectively contribute to its success in the market:

Backward Compatibility: Just as with all versions of Z-Wave that came before it, Z-Wave 800 Series is compatible with existing Z-Wave networks. This empowers users to integrate new 800 Series devices into their current smart home setups without the need to replace older Z-Wave devices. This compatibility ensures a seamless transition for users upgrading their systems and preserves their investment in existing devices.

Extended Range: The Z-Wave 800 Series boasts a significant enhancement in wireless range, especially with the integration of Z-Wave Long Range (LR) capability. This feature allows for a wireless range extending beyond 1.5 miles, a considerable improvement over previous generations. This extended range is particularly beneficial in larger homes or for outdoor devices, ensuring reliable connectivity across greater distances.

Impressive 10-Year Battery Life: The 800 Series dramatically improves battery life, offering up to 10 years on a coin cell battery. This is a 50% increase compared to the Z-Wave 700

Series. This extended battery life is achieved through low sleep and active currents for both the microcontroller unit (MCU) and the radio. This improvement is not only convenient for users by reducing the frequency of battery replacements but also contributes to more sustainable, eco-friendly technology usage.

Enhanced Processing Power: The series features the ARM Cortex-M33 processor, delivering approximately 20% more processing power than the Cortex-M4 found in the 700 series. This increased processing capability enables faster and more efficient handling of complex tasks, enhancing the overall performance of smart home devices.

Network Topology: With Z-Wave 800 Series, Z-Wave mesh and Z-Wave Long Range capabilities are combined into a single SoC. Working in tandem with each other, the Z-Wave mesh topology provides unparalleled reliability while the star network topology leveraged by Z-Wave Long Range produces never-before-seen range performance.

Advanced

Security and Machine Learning

Capabilities: The 800 Series is equipped with advanced security features like S2 and Secure Vault, providing top-notch security for IoT applications. Additionally, the inclusion of an AI/ML Hardware Accelerator supports machine learning applications, paving the way for smarter, more adaptive smart home devices.

Can you share details on the first certified Z-Wave Long Range Devices?

Certainly. The accolade for the first certified Z-Wave Long Range device belongs to Alliance member Universal Electronics for the Ecolink 700 Series Garage Door Controller. This certified device is a perfect example of the type of device that Z-Wave Long Range was designed to enhance given the typical deployment in the garage which can be located quite a distance away from a central point within the home. While Universal Electronics was the very first to complete Z-Wave Long Range (Z-Wave LR) certification in 2022, in the past year a total of 50 Z-Wave Long Range devices have all completed certification.

How does the Z-Wave to Matter Bridge contribute to future-proofing solutions, and what benefits does it bring to the Z-Wave ecosystem?

Z-Wave Alliance is deeply committed to the global smart home market, and with Z-Wave certification designed for interoperability, in addition to full backward and forward compatibility among all generations of

Z-Wave devices, Z-Wave will prove to be the key to unlocking the promise of Matter. With a large existing install base of Z-Wave and other wireless IoT protocols, Matter + Z-Wave bridges will play a key role in connecting Matter devices to both legacy and new Z-Wave devices.

For the Matter promise of industry-wide interoperability to happen, the hundreds of millions of existing devices, installations, and large ecosystems already in the market must work with emerging ecosystems. True interoperability can only happen with the inclusion of the hundreds of millions of existing Z-Wave and other devices already in the market. With 4,400 certified devices from hundreds of brands expected by the end of 2023, the Z-Wave ecosystem is the largest interoperable sub-GHz catalogue of smart home devices in the market.

Could you share insights into the collaboration with Trident IoT as an additional Z-Wave silicon and module provider?

Absolutely. As mentioned above, the Z-Wave Alliance celebrated the launch of Trident IoT this past summer. The launch of Trident IoT was beneficial to Z-Wave Alliance members in two major ways. First, it means Trident IoT can serve as a direct supplier of silicon chips and modules. Their ability to do so simply provides Z-Wave Alliance members with a choice and an additional location to source the silicon solutions they need for developing Z-Wave devices. Second, Trident IoT launched to offer product design and development services and empower member companies to leverage the expertise housed within Trident IoT. This launch was a major milestone in helping Z-Wave Alliance members deftly navigate the product development landscape and reduce overall time to market for said devices.

If someone is interested in becoming a member, how can they reach out? Are there specific contact points or a structured process for inquiries?

The Z-Wave Alliance welcomes new members and has a wide range of membership levels available to help companies of any size, as well as individuals, join the organization. Those interested in learning more about Z-Wave Alliance membership can visit https://zwavealliance.org/join-z-wave-alliance-now/. To skip directly to filling out a membership application, interested parties may visit https:// z-wavealliance.org/application-process/. For questions about Z-Wave Alliance membership including benefits, feel free to reach out to membership@z-wavealliance.org.

Merlino, at Snap One APAC, provides insights into the brand’s evolution and growth. He discusses the latest advancements in audio, video, control, and networking solutions, along with a focus on AI-based surveillance integration with Control4 and other notable developments.

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How has Snap One evolved and grown as a brand since its inception? What key strategies have contributed to the brand’s growth, and how do you plan to build on them in the future?

Snap One as a business was built for professional integrators by integrators! As a company, Snap One set out to simplify the access and availability of products required to implement Smart Living experiences in the home and business. Today, we have taken our business to the next level as we design, manufacture, and distribute smart living solutions for homes and businesses to make life better–all installed and supported by trusted professionals worldwide. Our mission is simple: We bring together the best people, partners, and products to make lives more enjoyable, connected, and secure in a connected ecosystem that can be trusted, monitored, and updated as needed over time. As a company, we are committed to providing Partners with leading products across all major categories, including Control4 and OvrC remote management solutions, Araknis enterprise-grade networking gear, Luma and

ClareVision security and surveillance systems, Binary MoIP media distribution products, 230V WattBox power control devices, Strong racks, Wirepath wiring, and theater-quality speakers and audio components from Episode and Triad — as well as support for DANTE audio and DALI lighting.

During the CEDIA Expo, Snap One unveiled cutting-edge developments in audio, video, control, and networking solutions. Could you provide more details on these advancements?

Our Product team is simply the best! CEDIA is one of many launch platforms for us, we continuously introduce new products and platform enhancements to ens ure deployment efficiencies for our Partners. Additionally, we release software updates to improve endcustomer experiences throughout the year. CEDIA 2023 saw the introduction of no less than two dozen new products!

On the Control4 side, we introduced the CORE Lite bundle designed for single room installations; Smart Home OS 3.4, primarily released for end customer refinement and empowerment. For our Partners we introduced a new feature called “customer handoff” which ensures privacy for the end user and protection for our partners. We first introduced this feature with our exclusive line of Luma NDAA-certified surveillance platforms deployed via OvrC.

Triad had a massive refresh with all new designs which improve performance and aesthetics, we released the all-new Triad 4 & 8 zone amplifiers with 25% more power and a five-year warranty, all-new Triad subwoofer amplifiers with the ability to maintain full power for 1 full minute – this is UNHEARD OF! And the long-awaited update of the Triad streaming amplifier with 200w x 2 fullbandwidth, HDMI ARC/eARC support and extensive DSP controls.

Araknis Networks had a massive release with multi-gig networking products. From routers with 2.5Gb LAN to WAN, to 2.5Gb-10Gb network switches and our Wi-Fi 6 access point family. This release was key for our next evolution of our Media over IP (MoIP) solution from Binary. The Binary MoIP family delivers 4K60 4:4:4 and HDR video distribution plus advanced audio downmixing capabilities. When joined in a system with a MoIP 960 Transceiver or Receiver and one MoIP Controller, you get a highly scalable, flexible IP media distribution system delivering visually lossless 4K60 HDR (HDCP 2.2 compatible) video. OvrC remote management allows for quick system setup, easy troubleshooting with access to live screenshots of source streams, and simple firmware updates.

Can you offer additional insights into product lines such as Access Networks, Episode, Luma, and Araknis within the Snap One portfolio?

In general, all Snap One brands are designed and engineered to work together in a connected ecosystem that is anchored by Control4 and that includes Access Networks, Episode speakers (including our new Landscape speakers and Episode 70V commercial amplifiers and MoIP amplifiers),

Araknis’ cutting-edge switches and WAPs that offer up to 10Gbps speeds, Luma’s expansive X20 family of NDAA-compliant surveillance cameras and NVRs, as well as the new Luma Insights platform integrated with AI, and the value-centric surveillance and security solutions offered by ClareVision. Each of these brands can be integrated with the Control4 system.

The acquisitions of Access Networks, Staub Electronics, and Clare Controls have significantly impacted the company. How has Snap One benefited from these acquisitions, and what advantages do the buyers gain as a result?

Currently, Access Networks is available only in North America, as we look ahead we would like to offer this product family in Asia Pacific.

The Clare Controls platform is a logical expansion of our product platform to include security-centric Smart Living options. It is currently available in North America only. Our product team is reviewing what is required to make Clare One internationally compatible.

The acquisition of Staub in Canada was an ongoing strategy to build our “local stores” in North America. A local store is a place where a Snap One partner can shop a wide range of our products and distributed products.

In general, the addition of new brands to our portfolio expands the range of solutions that can be connected to the Snap One Smart

Living ecosystem. This in turn creates exciting new options for the end user customers we serve to create more robust and reliable experiences in their home or business and major new business growth opportunities for our Partners.

Can you provide information about Luma Insights, particularly its AI-based surveillance integration with Control4? How does this integration enhance the overall capabilities and functionalities of users?

Luma Insights was engineered to enhance a Control4 Customer’s surveillance experience by delivering highly anticipated features, including cloud-based video playback from Control4 user interfaces such as touchscreens and apps, and dynamic surveillance-based notifications that are more intelligent, personalized, and rich with contextual information. Luma Bridge is the hardware device, empowered by the Hailo-8 Al processor, that enables our new Al surveillance platform: Luma Insights. Luma Insights leverages that platform to add Al capabilities, like image recognition and automated surveillance notifications, to Luma X10 and X20 IP cameras and the Control4® Chime Video Doorbell.

Insights also provides 7 days of cloud storage for event-triggered snapshots and video clips and enable cloud-based video playback through the Control4 Touchscreens and Apps. And as we continue to develop our new AI platform, keep watch for new capabilities and innovative surveillance features made available through Insights. Insights is easy to install, using only OvrC® to configure and deploy directly into a Control4 OS 3.4+ system in about 3 or 4 steps and with no additional programming necessary. Luma Insights is the perfect solution for professional installers who want to offer their customers a cutting-edge security solution for new or existing systems. Control4 recently released OS 3.4, touted as a much-needed update to the user experience. Could you elaborate on the key enhancements and improvements that users can expect from this update?

What possibilities exist for KNX and Control4 integration? How can users benefit from the combination of these technologies, and what features does this integration offer?

KNX is a longtime partner with Control4. The

KNX offering is fully integrated via our ETS importing tool with the Control4 platform and user experience.

At the upcoming ISE Show, we will be placing a major emphasis on demonstrating how our support of and integration with KNX, through the Control4 platform, creates major new opportunities for Partners throughout the world. The continued integration of KNX with our solutions is a major focus point for our company.

In India, how many dealers are actively working with Snap One, and what are the company’s plans to engage with the design and build community in the Indian market?

Snap One is represented by our distribution partners in India. The go-to-market strategy by both companies considers the design and build communities. Where possible, myself and my team also participate in these events.

Have any specialized product lines been introduced specifically for the Indian market?

At Snap One we take a global approach to our product releases, I am pleased to say that one of our manufacturers in the lighting category is an Indian-based company.

Looking ahead, is there a specific area within home automation or technology that Snap One aims to explore in the future?

Looking ahead is part of our DNA at Snap One, technology advances at an alarming rate. Fortunately, our products and platforms are constantly evolving through software enhancements and hardware activation. Naturally, AI and voice are high on the agenda.

What recent innovative products has Snap One introduced to the market, and how do these offerings distinguish themselves from competitors?

As mentioned, we release many products… our big differentiator is our platforms Control4 Smart Home OS and OvrC. Smart Home OS provides the end customer experience, OvrC is a deployment, management, and maintenance tool for the professional integrator. OvrC enables no less than four subsystem configurations, therefore maximising efficiency! As for innovation, the Luma Surveillance Bridge with AI was recently announced. This AI platform is owned and managed by Snap One, therefore ensuring customer privacy, the functionally announced on day 1 is the start of our AI journey. Araknis Wi-Fi can be deployed via a few clicks of a mouse, Luma is deployed and configured through OvrC, you no longer need to log into every camera or the NVR to set up! Wattbox intelligent power setup and configuration and our MoIP solution is a breeze when utilised with our Araknis 10Gb switch. One-click of a mouse followed by the ports being used is all you need for an initial setup.

In adapting to evolving technology trends and consumer preferences, how does Snap One incorporate these changes into its strategic planning?

Snap One and our product team are constantly aware of evolving technology trends. We have a strategy, and we incorporate technology when it’s for the benefit of our partners and, ultimately, the end customer.

Anticipating future challenges, how does Snap One plan to address them, and are there specific market trends or emerging technologies that present growth opportunities for the company?

Every business faces challenges, but also opportunities and threats that can align with our strategy. When that happens, we act quickly and decisively!

Our product development and management team are constantly looking at cutting-edge technology and working closely with our partners globally to improve end-customer experiences and refine deployment and management processes for greater results.

Ashish Tijare, Director of Intelligible Tech Solutions Pvt. Ltd., enthusiastically discusses the comprehensive integrated solution they deliver, curated from top brands such as Savant, ABB, Absolute Power, GEST Butler Service, IC Realtime, Atlas Cables, Near Audio, Adept Audio, Artison Audio and Extreme Networks. Emphasizing their commitment to excellence, he sheds light on the invaluable services they extend across diverse industry segments.

Could you share the journey of Intelligible Tech Solutions Pvt. Ltd., highlighting key milestones and achievements that have contributed to its reputation in the industry?

Intelligible Tech Solutions Pvt Ltd (ITS) stands firmly on the foundation of five core values: Collaboration, Trust, Simplicity, Reliability, and Integrity. Our journey as a premium valueadded distributor for the residential segment began in August 2020 when we signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Savant for the Indian market.

Over the past three years, we have strategically expanded our portfolio, consistently adding a new distribution brand each quarter. Today, we proudly offer a comprehensive end-to-end integrated solution from renowned brands, covering Home Control, Home Automation, Home Network, Lighting Automation, Surveillance and Security Solutions, Cables, Wiring Accessories, Building Management Systems, and more.

With affiliations and alliance partnerships established with 25+ leading brands in the residential segment, these collaborations stand as a testament to the industry’s trust in ITS. Our growth has been impressive, starting with 50 transacting partners in our first year and now boasting a network of over 250 transacting partners.

Our success extends to notable projects, including achieving an 80% connectivity rate in a luxurious Mumbai building, covering a vast 4,000-acre residential project in a tier-2 city in India, and delivering projects across 12 states with many more in the pipeline. At ITS, we continue to thrive on our commitment to excellence and innovation in the residential technology space.

Could you give us a walkthrough of Intelligible Tech Solutions ecosystem and the type of expertise you provide in various segments?

Our core expertise lies in the professional services that we offer to our dealer ecosystem like Design, Consultation, and Implementation. We have a very efficient team of experienced technical experts, 24x7 Online Support and Documentation. We have a strong technical and channel communication team that ensures that we provide all the required resources within 24 hours. We have invested in very high-end industry-tested, secured and best CRM solutions, digital tools and designing tools to be able to provide the best in class services. Our expertise lies in our understanding of advanced trends, design and technical aspects that are needed in the residential segment and offering an integrated solution securing future investment of the consumers. We have distribution for brands like Savant, ABB, Absolute Power, GEST Butler service, IC Realtime, Atlas Cables, Near Audio, Adept Audio, Artison Audio, Extreme Networks and many more which are all market leaders in their respective domains. Our expertise also lies in the cumulative experience of the core team of ITS which is more than a century across diverse domains.

As a value distributor in the home automation market, what are the challenging projects you are working on in various segments?

ITS has ventured into multiple verticals, spanning Luxury Home Automation systems, Audio-Video and Entertainment solutions tailored for high-end residences, alongside enterprise-grade networking, security, sophisticated surveillance systems, and energy management solutions. Collaborating with our partners has led to diverse projects, integrating one or more of these verticals.

For example, one of our partners is orchestrating the implementation of a sprawling 50,000 sq. ft. home near Mumbai. This project showcases a comprehensive integration of all ITS verticals, including complex integrations like Building Management Solutions. This system not only manages resources and utilities but also offers remote monitoring and advanced weatherbased automation, adapting the house according to weather conditions.

In another project within Maharashtra, spanning 250,000 sq. ft. and featuring a private lake, our partner is overseeing automation and entertainment solutions alongside critical security measures. Intrusion detection systems and advanced analytics are integrated due to security concerns posed by the private lake. The system design grants the client access to utilities, resources, and building management solutions directly from their mobile device. These projects stand as benchmarks for some of India’s most intricate implementations, combining home automation, entertainment, surveillance, enterprise-grade networking, and security solutions in residential settings.

Among Home Automation, Security, and Home Entertainment, which segment is currently experiencing the most significant growth, and what factors contribute to this trend?

Energy efficiency has become imperative, especially with the escalating energy consumption amid concerns like global warming. Even in affluent residences, the focus has shifted towards contributing to a greener environment and embracing cleaner energy solutions. Recognizing this shift, we believe that energy management and efficiency stand as the future of high-end residential systems. Our approach involves deploying systems that manage diverse energy sources like solar, diesel generators, and raw power equitably. This strategy aims to create an efficient environment by leveraging home automation to reduce loads on climate controls and lighting. This move aligns with our vision for what we term sustainable homes.

Furthermore, wellness has emerged as a significant concern, particularly in the wake of recent global events like the pandemic. People are seeking solutions that offer cleaner air, balanced artificial and natural lighting, addressing issues related to mindfulness, stress, and overall health. We’re excited to share that we’re actively involved in multiple projects addressing these wellness and mindfulness concerns. Our efforts extend to creating environments suitable for individuals with disabilities, senior citizens, and patients with chronic health conditions. Moreover, we assist clients in utilizing home automation systems to enhance focus, promote anti-aging practices, and foster healthier sleep habits.

Could you provide insights into some of the latest Home Automation Solutions you have implemented for your clients, emphasizing their features and applications?

Through numerous collaborative projects with our partners, we’ve delved into advanced integration solutions that redefine convenience and efficiency. One notable achievement is the seamless integration of Zoom Rooms, allowing clients to effortlessly book and initiate Zoom calls with a single touch. In another project, we successfully integrated live music with whole-home audio, ensuring a harmonious experience without compromising amplifiers and speakers.

Our expertise extends to projects where clients can effortlessly set up and control their pools and jacuzzis with just a single touch. Recently, our products were employed to automate an entire corporate office for a prominent developer in Gujarat. Notably, this marked the first instance of Savant being utilized in a corporate environment in India.

You have collaborated with brands like ABB, Savant, IC Realtime, and Absolute Power to name a few, what are the latest offerings from these brands?

We have always tried to associate with brands that have a high focus on research and development and we always look at the roadmap of these companies before we start recommending them. ABB, for instance, has elevated its offerings by integrating Building Management Solutions with Home Automation Systems, addressing challenges in large homes and corporate offices. ABB’s collaboration with the new Matter platform for the free at-home range further underscores their commitment to innovation.

Savant, in its version 10 release, introduced compelling features such as Apple Music and Amazon Music integration. The awardwinning Saman Scenes feature has been enhanced for smoother operation with scene organizers. Notably, Savant showcased full integration with Siri Shortcuts in the Cdr 2023 X4, enabling natural voice commands for home automation. The incorporation of NFC tags allows users to trigger actions in their homes with a simple tap on the wall or any NFC-enabled surface.

ICRealtime recently unveiled their video management software, elevating video analytics to a new level. Artison Audio introduces new subwoofers, while our Call Butler system now offers a fully app-based solution, eliminating the need for additional hardware and featuring a comprehensive food menu integration.

Yacht Cloud’s latest media player allows users to access content from popular overthe-top services like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney through a single app. One of the most intriguing developments comes from

Absolute Power, renowned for its aesthetically pleasing keypads. They have now made their entire keypad range wireless, providing users with the flexibility to carry keypads with them.

The new RF gateway from Absolute Power enables remote control of curtain motors without any wiring requirements, adding a new dimension to convenience and control.

Please elaborate on the functionalities and added advantages that Savant Pro Remote X2 offers with its comprehensive package of smart features.

Savant Pro remote X2 is one of the hottestselling products for Savant not just in India but in the entire globe. It offers a 3.7-inch touch screen which makes user free of their phones as the entire app is more or less accessible here. Not only that it has a wide range of Hard buttons on the remote and the agronomic design of the remote doesn’t make use of feel that they are using any new gadget and there is hardly any learning curve to use the remote. The best part about the Savant Pro remote X2 is creating user profiles on the remote so 5 different users in the house can have 5 different user interfaces depending upon their choice on just swipe. The users can also customize their user interface depending upon what are the preferences of various services and the scenes. What makes it aesthetically more appealing is the fact that it is available in 3 glam colour options Space Grey, Jade Black and Rose Gold. With available options for Siri voice control integration, those who prefer to speak their mind won’t be disappointed.

Intelligible Tech Solutions Pvt. Ltd. covers various expertise areas, including Home Automation, Home Control, Networking, Lighting Automation, and Home Theatre. Can you provide more details on your offerings in each of these domains?

ITS is a value-added distributor of a plethora of products for residential and commercial Lighting Management Systems, Control Systems, Building Management Solutions, Energy Management and Efficiency Solutions. ITS offers a complete ecosystem to achieve smart and intelligent homes. This includes the backend systems, required hardware, the user interfaces along with complete design and if the partner requires. It can aid in implementation and support.

Share information about IC Realtime Digital Surveillance and the advantages it brings to users, particularly in the context of security solutions.

IC Realtime is a US-based camera manufacturer with a manufacturing facility in South Korea. The cameras have advanced I-Sniper technologies with AMD and Intel Chipsets. This means high reliability and high image quality up to 4K.

This also enables IC Realtime to offer warranties up to 10 years which gives immense peace of mind to the users. IC realtime also offers Advanced analytics from the NVRs and the complete Video Management Software for complex and large requirements. With IC Realtime clients get Simplified Surveillance Management, Scalability and Customization, Flexible Storage options and Flexibility. All the cameras are NDAA compliant thereby offering security assurance, regulatory compliance and peace of mind.

From your wealth of experience, what do you foresee as the next major development in Home Automation and Smart Home Technology, and how do you anticipate it will impact the industry?

This is the era of mobile applications and digital transformations. However, with passing time consumers will rely lesser on applications and that’s where Artificial Intelligence will play a central role in smart home technology. It’s easy to profile a user today and understand their personal preferences. This means the user will not operate the systems on demand and prefers things happening automatically as per their needs. With changing weather conditions, the homes are expected to respond automatically to these conditions, focus will also increase on security, wellness and cleaner homes. Home automation will solve a lot of consumer issues that they face already or the coming times will throw at them.

In the first of this series of articles on KNX IoT, Bruno Johnson and Wouter van der Beek explain how KNX has fast become the leading wireless IoT solution for commercial building automation.

KNX IoT Emerges as Pinnacle Wireless Solution for Cutting-Edge Commercial Building Automation

Digital transformation has been one the main strategy topics on company board meeting agendas for the last few years. The opportunity to develop digital services from cloud-based applications requires Internet protocol (IP) based network connections to edge devices that become the customer interface. Business of all shapes and sizes in commercial building automation have been asking for wireless IoT solutions to make this happen.

The wait is finally over and the opportunity is right here, with the launch of KNX IoT Point API (KNX IoT). This is a new addition to the suite of KNX physical transmission media. The transmission medium is IPv6 (the later Internet protocol standard) thus future-proofing KNX as it can be used on IT equipment and all common IP physical transports.

KNX Association contracted Cascoda, a-UK based IoT semiconductor and communications company, which has spent 12 years building industry-leading knowledge in this area, to develop the KNX IoT Point API open-source software stack, thereby catapulting itself into the leading wireless IoT solution for commercial building automation. The new open-source software stack is based on the robust, tried and tested Thread Mesh LPWAN wireless standard. This has been extended with banking-level security and all that is required to be a perfect product market fit for KNX users.

Furthermore, KNX IoT guarantees interoperability with existing KNX wired or wireless infrastructure because it uses the same functional blocks and the same communication model as other KNX technologies. This is key as it allows KNX tooling, such as the Engineering Tool Software (ETS), to be used for the configuration of KNX installations, regardless of the transport used.

Specification:

The KNX IoT specification in the KNX system specifications group (3_10_5 KNX IoT Point API) describes:

A new transport layer based on IPv6, e.g. WiFi, Ethernet and Thread-based networks.

A new communication/message protocol using CoAP and CBOR.

Interoperable

As demonstrated in the Specification section above, KNX IoT conveys the same semantic data on the transport layer as all other KNX implementations.

This is the key feature of KNX IoT that guarantees interoperability between KNX IoT and the other KNX technologies, while allowing the same tools to be used for configuration of KNX installations, regardless of the permutation and combinations of transport used.

Secure

Legislators in both Europe and North America have developed standards for IoT security. For example, the European Commission (EC) has

Open Source

Using the same functional blocks as the other KNX transport layers.

Using the same S-mode message semantics as the other KNX transport layers.

Using the same configuration data to configure which device is talking to which device.

adopted new Articles in the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) which establishes a regulatory framework for placing radio equipment that can:

Communicate over the Internet, either directly or via any other equipment.

Process personal data, traffic data or location data.

Enable users to transfer money, monetary value or virtual currency.

These provisions become mandatory on 1 August 2024, at which point manufacturers of radio connected devices must be compliant. KNX IoT has been designed with this and the U.S. NIST cybersecurity standards in mind.

KNX IoT Point API Public Stack on GitLab

KNX IoT is backed by an open source software stack, sponsored by the KNX Association and developed by Cascoda. Over a six-month period, Cascoda developed the open source KNX IoT software stack, whilst making sure that the specification-maintained alignment. Implementations of the stack were successfully demonstrated at Light+Building 2023 show in Frankfurt.

Thread-compatible

KNX IoT was developed in such a way that it can work with Thread. Thread is a low-power wireless mesh network-layer protocol, based on IPv6. Thread enables direct IP-based device-todevice and device-to-cloud communications. It reliably connects hundreds (or thousands) of products and includes mandatory security features. Thread networks have no single point of failure, can self-heal and reconfigure when a device is added or removed, and are simple to setup and use.

power, embedded devices. Summary

The advantages of KNX IoT are that the new technology is IP-based and can therefore be used over IT networks. It has been developed with guaranteed interoperability with existing KNX technology, and it uses latest underlying internet-based technologies in its specification, thereby making KNX IoT secure by design.

The specification has been designed with embedded devices in mind, and the open source stack implementing KNX IoT has been shown to be quite small, running with as little as 512kB of storage memory and 96kB of memory.

Cascoda will shortly be releasing a KNX IoT over Thread development kit, and later a series of reference designs for particular applications. This development kit has been designed for flexibility and allows a huge range of commercially available sensors and actuators to be used, thereby covering thousands of use cases.

(Writer Bruno Johnson and Wouter van der Beek are the CEO and COO respectively of Cascoda Limited. Cascoda is a communications company that manufactures secure IoT semiconductor radios and modules, and leads the development of secure IoT communications standards for smart building and smart city. Its products solve range, reliability, security, power and scalability issues for industrial and commercial IoT through patented innovations and the latest most secure standards, all integrated into inexpensive ultra-low power IoT modules.

Cascoda has ported KNX IoT to its own secure embedded Thread-certified wireless modules, thus ensuring that KNX IoT has been written in such a way that it can be used with small, low-

(Entelechy are

Elevating Lifestyle and Convenience with Cutting-Edge Smart Home Technology

Avenue Sound skillfully blends state-of-the-art Smart Home Technology, achieving a refined equilibrium between visibility and concealment.

More often than not, we see Smart Homes where the technology must work with or around the design and decor of each room. This plush 4BHK apartment located in Bandra, Mumbai overlooking the panoramic view of the Sealink was no exception. For this Tech Savvy family, the aesthetics of the home was as important as the functionality and performance of the Smart Home Technology. The family wanted to have complete control over their home and the technology but without it being too complicated.

Mumbai-Based Avenue Sound took on the challenge of this whole-home install. Ashish Hingorani, Director, Avenue Sound adds,“As our clients are tech savvy and have been using smart home solution for many years, the goal was to create a state-of-the-art integrated smart home which is customized to their likes and adapted to their changing needs with three kids at home.”

Explaining the technicalities Ashish says, “The main focus of this Smart Home was to seamlessly integrate cutting-edge technology into the living space that serves dual purposes—hosting match-watching events and entertaining guests. The unique challenge lay in harmonizing a large projection screen and projector discreetly within the room, striking a delicate balance between visibility and concealment.”

The team also had to focus on the lighting and window treatments, and their fundamental impact on the rest of the decor. The team worked towards integrating a system where at the press of a button, there is a change in the lighting scene and lowering or raising a fabric over the window that would transform the ambience of the room. Ashish further adds, “The challenge on our part was to give the family this power to control their environment without making it complicated, clunky, or worse, unreliable.”

Balancing Aesthetics and Technology

As Avenue Sound has been working with the clients for many years, they were very clear on the client’s requirements. They have built a robust automation design which would allow them full control of their home and customization at their fingertips. Using Savant Home Automation, they were able to provide them with an attractive user interface which could control their Lighting, Audio/Video,

Security, HVAC, Window Shadings and also let them create and edit their own scenes to ensure they had complete control of how their home operated based on their experience with the home. “We also integrated digital touch screen keypads from Ekinex which remained completely in sync with the smart home. In case a scene was modified using the Savant Interface, the same scene would automatically be updated and remain in sync with the keypads as well.” explains Ashish.

The team has provided Ekey Biometric Access for their entrances and Master Wardrobe along with slim CCTV cameras and distinguished motion sensors that allows seamless blend of technology with design. Speakers and Subwoofers by Netherland-based Gray Sound became almost invisible in the ceiling so that no one was able to locate where the sound was coming from. “The most challenging part was concealing a short throw projector in the middle of the ceiling of the Living Room and ensuring it drops in the perfect location just ahead of the large chandelier to fill a 120-inch Projection Screen.” Says Ashish.

Smart Home Controls

Ekinex’s Signum Keypad, (Ekinex EK-EV2-TP) an Italian marvel known for its aesthetic appeal and robust design, offered diverse keypad options. The Signum keypad transcends the conventional push-button paradigm, allowing clients to create dynamic screens akin to a smartphone home screen. With up to 5 pages and 6 customizable buttons each, the Signum seamlessly integrates every aspect of a smart home, from lighting to security, offering functionality with a touch of Italian sophistication.

Effortless Somfy Motorized Curtains

As a part of the design narrative the system Integrator has seamlessly integrated Somfy automatic motorized curtains, elevating convenience to unprecedented levels. Homeowners can effortlessly command the curtains through a smartphone app or a single remote control, adding a touch of modern sophistication to their living spaces.

Multizone Audio Distribution

The Masterpiece that takes center stage in this project with its cutting-edge Multizone Audio Distribution solution, featuring The Gray Sound’s C40 and S80. This harmonious blend of high-quality materials and precision engineering creates an immersive auditory experience. Powering this sonic masterpiece is the AudioControl M4800, The Director, an 8-channel multi-zone network matrix amplifier designed for compact spaces.

Enhancing the Audio Experience with AudioControl M4800 the Director M4800 is a powerhouse, delivering a minimum of 100 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms and 200 Watts per channel into 4 Ohms. Its compact design is ideal for installations with limited space, and extensive protection features ensure the longevity of speakers, creating a transformative audio experience.

Overall Avenue Sound has seamlessly integrated cutting-edge technology, aesthetics, and functionality, transforming living spaces into modern, intelligent hubs. Each element, from innovative projectors to sophisticated keypads and motorized curtains, plays a crucial role in creating an immersive and sophisticated living experience for the Tech Savvy client.

TECH INSIGHTS:

Architecture & Interior Designer: SHROFFLEóN

Systems Integrator: Avenue Sound PVT LTD

Automation System Used: Savant

Smart Lighting: Panasonic

Security Cameras: Unifi/Ubiquiti U6-LITE-US

Projectors: Optoma 4k400STx

Projector Screen: Screen Innovations SOT120PG-CADG-12S-LVRTS 120” (59x105)(16:9) - Slate Gray 1.2 {MOTORIZED SCREEN}

Projector Lift: Tono Systems Real Slim Two (Projector Lift drops 1 feet in 24″x24″ frame for upto 30 kgs)

Power Management: SurgeX SX-AX10Ei

Video Doorbird: DoorBird D101

Amplifier: AudioControl M4800

Sound System: Gray Sound C40, Gray Sound S80

Sensors: Tense KNX_MOTIB

Biometrics: Ekey Access Control

Smart Locks: Archimax AAML 100.60.1 (Magnetic Lock)

Keypad: Ekinex EK-EV2-TP

Networking Devices used: Ubiquiti U6-LITEUS

Curtain Motor: Somfy