Getting Down And Dirty with HVAC Integration
By Lee Distad
rAVe Columnist If there’s any discipline in the construction trades that integration designers can find intimidating at the outset, it’s HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems). It’s far enough removed from most integrator’s AV comfort zone to seem impossibly complex, right down to its own technical lingo. Although when described like that, it sounds a lot like the AV world appears from the outside, looking in. I know that I was a little freaked out when I first had to deal with controlling an HVAC system. Of course, it didn’t help that my first foray into HVAC control as a designer was for a monster house that employed a mix of forced air and in-floor radiant heating with over a dozen climate zones, each with their own thermostat. It wasn’t exactly a simple, beginner project, but that’s a story for another time.
The good news is that you don’t have to go back to school and earn your ticket in the trade in order to control HVAC systems; you just have to learn the fundamentals of HVAC, and be able to speak the same language as the tinbashers on the jobsite, in order to install the sensors and controller for the system that they’re installing.
There are a number of online resources you can access to learn more about HVAC, but I’m going to take the opportunity to plug CEDIA course ESD322: HVAC Subsystems. I took it a few years ago when I had that aforementioned monster project on the horizon and it was, absolutely the best use of my former employer’s training dollars I ever spent. My instructor had over twenty years of experience dealing with HVAC, and in addition to an expansive delivery of the course materials, was kind enough to spend a half hour with me going over my design (I brought it with me!) and double checking my work. If you need to dig into HVAC control I can’t endorse ESD322 enough.
One thing that sets an HVAC system that’s automation controlled apart from one that isn’t is the presence of more sensors, and the fact that the integrator will be running lines for the sensors and the thermostats. So you need to know that the standard on-wall height for mounting thermostats and temperature sensors is 60 inches from the floor. Some, but not all, municipalities even specify this in the building code.
With radiant in-floor heating, slab sensors need to be installed. For both in-floor and for ones buried in the concrete foundation, metal conduit should be run to the sensor location. Sensors sometimes fail, and need to be replaced without jackhammering the foundation. With in-floor heating on upper levels, mount the sensor equidistant from the heating pipes to avoid inaccurately high readings.
While we’re on the topic of sensors, always use sensors that are either branded or recommended by your automation vendors. Mixing and matching thermostats and sensors from different brands can lead to an inoperative system. Here’s why: temperature sensors are electrical devices and have resistance, and there’s no industry standard. Many readily available temperature sensors have a resistance of 10 kΩ, while others can be as much as 15 kΩ or as little as 100 Ω. Automation thermostats with inputs for remote sensors are calibrated based on a known — fixed resistance. Input from a sensor whose resistance is as much as 10 times greater or lesser will mean that the HVAC system you’re supposed to be controlling won’t operate.
Airflow is central (lame pun intended) to HVAC design, and while it’s important everywhere, it’s especially important in high occupancy areas, as well as areas where AV equipment is located which gives off a lot of heat.
A room full of people watching football means high occupation density, and can create a close, overly warm, uncomfortable atmosphere. Integrators need to communicate with the mechanical contractor in order to avoid that, and that means they need to be conversant with CFM (cubic feet per minute), BTU’s (British Thermal Units) and Tons of Cooling. HVAC guys will generally want to know about how many Tons of Cooling are needed, so after calculating the total heat load in BTUs in the room, it needs to express it in Tons of Cooling. The easy part is that 1 Ton of Cooling = 12,000 BTU. A number of your vendors, especially rack makers may even have equipment databases you can access to research the heat output of your equipment.
As daunting as it seems at the outset, understanding HVAC isn’t hard. With some studying and applied effort you’ll be able to be just as nerdy about HVAC as you can be about AV, and actually enjoy working with it! Lee Distad is a rAVe columnist and freelance writer covering topics from CE to global business and finance in both print and online. Reach him at lee@ravepubs.com
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Is 3D Dead? The UK Public Thinks It's Hype A new report from Informa Telecoms & Media forecasts that fewer than half of the 11 million 3DTV-ready homes in the UK in 2016 will be active and regular users of 3DTV content. Last year, almost 90 percent of homes with 3D-ready sets were “active” users. This much higher proportion results from early adopters being significantly more likely to sign up for 3D content services, coupled with operators making content available for free to build some scale. As 3D becomes a “default” technology embedded into more and more sets as standard, it will reach consumers who are not particularly interested in the technology and so the “active” percentage will fall.
“3DTV has the backing of the major UK broadcasters like Sky and Virgin, and most recently the BBC announced its plans to show the Wimbledon final in 3D for the first time. However, despite this, public reaction has been mixed — due to both a lack of content and a simple failure of the public to engage with what is, essentially, a new type of viewing experience,” comments Adam Thomas, Senior Analyst and author of Global 3DTV Forecasts.
There will, however, be significant growth in the penetration of 3D-ready sets with one in three households in the UK owning a TV set with 3D capabilities by 2016. But this growth is being driven by a change in strategy amongst consumer electronics (CE) companies. At launch, 3D was marketed as the “next big thing” for the mainstream TV viewing experience — the natural successor to HDTV. So, with mainstream adoption becoming a much harder sell, the emphasis has changed to a future-proofing strategy. By depicting 3D as the cutting edge of technology, CE manufacturers can use it to attract TV set buyers by convincing them that a compelling 3D environment will eventually be in place, so they should equip themselves for it now.
Want to see the entire report, go here: http://www.informatandm.com/section/home-page/ Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Crestron Countersues Savant Crestron filed counterclaims earlier this month against Savant Systems in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts in response to the lawsuit filed by Savant on the eve of the CEDIA conference last year.
Crestron’s counterclaims charge Savant Systems with tortious interference with contract, tortious interference with prospective business relationship, and unfair and deceptive trade practices. Crestron alleges that Savant is using its lawsuit against Crestron and its calculated efforts to publicize this lawsuit to enhance Savant’s competitive position at Crestron’s expense. Crestron’s counterclaims further charge Savant with unlawful business practices and tactics to “shortcut” its success in the marketplace instead of competing on the merits of its products. Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Technology That Will Rock the Photo Business Click away. Shoot first; focus after. That's right, after. A new company, Lytro launched a technology as revolutionary for photography as 3D is for AV. It's the first "light field camera" that allows you to "shoot now and focus later." Here's how it works: Take a picture, upload it and then click on a blurry section that you'd like to have re-focused.
Recording light fields requires an innovative, entirely new kind of sensor called a light field sensor. The light field sensor captures the color, intensity and vector direction of the rays of light. This directional information is lost with traditional camera sensors, which simply add up all the light rays and record them as a single amount of light. By substituting powerful software for many of the internal parts of regular cameras, light field processing introduces new capabilities that were never before possible. Sophisticated algorithms use the full light field to unleash new ways to make and view pictures.
Relying on software rather than components can improve performance, from increased speed of picture taking to the potential for capturing better pictures in low light. It also creates new opportunities to innovate on camera lenses, controls and design.
Basically, you can take the picture you wish you would have taken — after the fact.
Go here to see how it works: http://www.lytro.com/picture_gallery Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Wolf Cinema Debuts "The Cub" Wolf Cinema, known as a high-end home cinema projector company, last week announced the release of its latest 3D home projector, the SDC-15 — also known as the Cub. Designed to project images up to 11 feet wide, the SDC-15 boasts a next generation three-chip, D-ILA (Direct Drive Image Light Amplifier) light engine at native 1080p. Delivering in July at a price of $15,000, the Cub includes 99 custom memory calibration settings as well as capability for 2D and 3D projection. Housed in a high-gloss, black cabinet, and integrated with IR, LAN and RS-232 system control, the SDC-15 features a dual set of HDMI 1.4 inputs, one set of component and PC inputs. Additional home theater options include two Wolf Cinema VariScopeT FX fixed cinema anamorphic lens assemblies that help enable full 2:35 widescreen viewing.
It’s not on the company’s website yet, but for complete specs on the Cub, click here [PDF]: http://www.wolfcinema.com/pdf/Wolf_Cinema_New_Product.pdf Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Panasonic's First 3D Home Theater Projector At InfoComm 2011, Panasonic showed its new 3D home theater projector, with plans to release it later this year. This 3D Full HD home theatre projector is the successor to the award-winning PT-AE4000.
In the PT-AE4000, Panasonic used 2.35:1 extra wide aspect cinemascope viewing with its Lens Memory Feature. Adding 3D, Panasonic claims that it was developed in collaboration with Panasonic AVC Networks’ Emotive Technology Development Centre and Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory engineers, who have taken key roles in meeting industry standards for 3D.
You can see all the specs here: http://panasonic.net/avc/projector/products/ae4000/ Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Integra Launches Four New Receivers Integra has announced major audio and video upgrades to what the company calls its “affordably priced” DTR-20, '30, '40 and '50 series THX-Certified home theater receivers. Integrated networking and USB capabilities are now available on all of Integra's new AV receivers, the DTR-20.3, DTR-30.3, DTR-40.3 and DTR-50.3, including the capability to connect to internet radio, stream network content and be controlled via the network.
But one unique functionality we haven’t seen on a lower-priced receiver is the ability for all four of these models to scale inputs up to 4K resolution (3840 x 2160), which the company is branding as “Marvell Qdeo 4K.” On the audio side, the DTR-40.3 and DTR-50.3 add Audyssey's MultEQ XT for advanced room acoustics correction, Dolby Volume, dual subwoofer preamp outputs, remote controls with macros, plus improved system integration capabilities on all models.
The Marvell Qdeo 4K video processor is now used across the line to provide upscaling from any resolution HDMI, component video, S-video, and PC (analog RGB) source devices to a full 4K HDMI output, including1080p to 4K.
The Integra DTR-50.3 adds a second video processor with a ridiculously long name — the IDT HQV Vida VHD1900. The Vida processor is used to upscale all 480i/p, 576p, and 720p video sources to 1080p, while the Qdeo processor is used to perform 4K upscaling of 1080p sources. The Vida chip includes HQV processing to enhance image detail and quality with four-field motion adaptive de-interlacing, multi cadence tracking, expanded 12-bit color processing and detail enhancement. In addition, Integra says also provides real-time clean up of highly compressed video by reducing compression artifacts of block and mosquito noise from lower-quality sources such as Internet video. In addition, this processor allows a further refinement of video performance with its inclusion of ISF Calibration controls.
As you know, Integra products are designed for custom installers and systems integrators, they all include bi-directional Ethernet and RS232 ports for control, 2 IR inputs and 1 out, 3 programmable 12-V triggers, non-volatile and lockable dealer settings, firmware updates via Ethernet and USB, Overlaid Graphical On-Screen Display (OSD), and GUI Navigation via HDMI. The DTR-20.3 has Zone 2 preouts with independent volume, bass, treble and balance controls. The DTR-30.3 adds powered Zone 2, the DTR-40.3 adds Zone 2 video, and the DTR-50.3 adds zone2/3 preouts. The DTR-50.3 also includes a bidirectional, preprogrammed, and customizable remote controls with on-screen set-up, mode-key LEDs, and Macro presets for four activities.
All four new Integra models are currently available from Integra dealers with suggested retail prices of $600, $800, $1000 and $1,400 respectively. More specs can be found here: http://integrahometheater.com/prod_class.cfm?class=Receiver Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Soundcast Outdoor Wireless System is Very Cool Soundcast Systems has launched a new OutCast 3.4 multi-room, multi-source wireless speaker system with a subwoofer. OutCast 3.4 connects up to three sources and distributes it wirelessly to up to four rooms — all wirelessly — with a range up to 300 feet.
We have to admit we love the simplicity of this system and the fact that it integrates with popular music source devices like the iPhone, iPods and PCs so seamlessly — and it is truly wireless. This system is definitely not Sonos, but it’s also much less complicated than Sonos too.
Check out the complete line here: http://www.soundcastsystems.com/products Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top ZVOX Shows Two New Desktop Sound Bars ZVOX announced the introduction of the Z-Base 555 and Z-Base 580, desktop-style sound bars designed to fit under flat-panel TVs using stands (not hanging on the wall) and use only one connecting wire. Both models feature a Class-D digital amplifier that uses approximately 1/10th of a watt in standby mode (making it officially “green”).They use five high quality full-range speakers and built-in subwoofers all housed within real wood (MDF) cabinets, have two analog audio inputs, one optical (Toslink) digital input, one coaxial digital input — plus a front panel 3.5mm analog stereo input. They’re priced at $399 and $500, respectively.
For complete specs, go here: http://www.zvoxaudio.com/cgi-bin/category/shelf-mount Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top SnapAV to Launch New Line of Subs Known for inexpensive, simple speakers, SnapAV has launched a higher-end line of subwoofers from 100 to 300 watts. Completely re-designed with what they are calling “BASH” amplifiers and top-shelf, woven fiberglass drivers, the new line is designed to actually look high-end and sound high-end, according to the company. The high-gloss, furniture-grade finish is impressive, we have to admit.
You can see them all here: http://snapav.com/c-30-subwoofers.aspx Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Mozaex Ships Blu-ray Player with Built-in Server Little-known Mozaex has begun shipping of its unique multi-room Blu-ray entertainment server dubbed ShowStar. ShowStar lists for $2000, stores up to 100 Blu-ray movies and inclues a 1TB (optional 2TB or 3TB) server that allows for storage of online digital copies of movies and other recorded or rented movie content as well.
Included with two-way control via IR, RS232 or a network, the ShowStar outputs everything at 1080p and 5.1 or 7.1 DTS sound, accommodates 2D and 3D Blu-ray or stored content and playback, and is about the size of an AV receiver.
Go here to read all about it: http://www.mozaex.com/pdf/ShowStar-flyer-L620DK-web.pdf Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top NeoPro Intros Sports Bar Package Integrated with Control4 At InfoComm, NeoPro unveiled what the company is marketing as a complete sports bar package for video distribution on up to 80 screens, plus complete control of the system via the Control4 platform.
NeoPro’s newest product, the Tahoe, is a modular video matrix switch with 24 inputs, and can be configured from 16 to 80 outputs, all over a single CAT5 cable. Built for reliability and scalability, the system features field upgradability and redundant hot swap power supplies.
To address the specific needs of bar and restaurant operators, NeoPro developed a custom Control4 automation app, BarBoss. The app, which will be available for download in the Control4 4Store app marketplace in July, allows for management of a large number of displays and audio zones. Control4 also allows the integrator to incorporate lighting, HVAC, and even motorized blind control, all from an intuitive interface.
For more details go here: http://www.neoprointegrator.com/sports_bar_video_systems.php Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top IP Networking Workshop Coming to the East Coast Add to the skills already in your ESC tool-box when you register for the Networking and IP for Integrators workshop offered at Royal Systems in Melville, NY on July 12. Don’t worry if you have no experience in IP networks; this workshop is designed specifically for you. IP networking is quickly becoming a key skill in the residential integration. Are you prepared to deliver?
This one-day workshop will teach you basic troubleshooting tasks on LANs and how to define an IP addressing scheme for a project. This workshop integrates classroom teaching with practical hands-on experience, so you will feel prepared when you enter your next jobsite. Click here for more information or to register: http://www.cedia.net/education/royal_training.php Back to Top Ami Wright Joins Crestron as Director of Residential Market Development Crestron has appointed Ami Wright as its director of residential market development. Wright previously worked for Universal Electronics Inc. where she was national sales director for the custom electronics division in North and South America. To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top Karl A. Hantho Appointed President of projectiondesign in Americas Recently projectiondesign announced that it had acquired projectiondesign LLC, which had been its (apparently independent, confusing names notwithstanding) North American distributor since 2004. Just after InfoComm, the company announced the appointment of Karl A. Hantho as president of the subsidiary. To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top Savant Control Systems Now Compatible with Hunter Douglas Savant Systems has added Hunter Douglas, a manufacturer of custom window coverings, to its Excellence in A/V cooperative program, which is the group of manufacturers with which Savant's control systems are compatible. To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top Tim Costello of Builder Homesite, Inc to Deliver CEDIA Expo Keynote CEDIA has announced that Tim Costello, chairman and CEO of Builder Homesite, Inc and New Home Technologies, will deliver the keynote address at CEDIA EXPO 2011. Costello will address the crowd at the annual keynote breakfast on Friday, September 9. To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top SnapAV Launches New Dealer Website SnapAV has launched a new website, which has an improved layout and navigation, according to the company. The company has also added Live Chat for "immediate communication with SnapAV product specialists." To view the new SnapAV website, go to http://www.snapav.com/ Back to Top For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe HomeAV Edition out there, hopefully you enjoyed another opinion-packed issue!
For those of you NEW to rAVe, you just read how we are — we are 100% opinionated. We not only report the news and new product stories of the high-end HomeAV industry, but we stuff the articles full of our opinions. That may include (but is not limited to) whether or not the product is even worth looking at, challenging the manufacturers on their specifications, calling a marketing-spec bluff and suggesting ways integrators market their products better. But, one thing is for sure, we are NOT a trade publication that gets paid for running editorial or product stories. Traditional trade publications get paid to run product stories — that’s why you see what you see in most of the pubs out there. We are different: we run what we want to run and NO ONE is going to pay us to write anything good (or bad).
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A little about me: I graduated from Journalism School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (where I am adjunct faculty). I’ve been in the AV-industry since 1987 where I started with Extron and eventually moved to AMX. So, I guess I am an industry veteran (although I don’t think I am that old). I have been an opinionated columnist for a number of industry publications and in the late 1990s I started the widely read KNews eNewsletter (the first in the AV market) and also created the model for and was co-founder of AV Avenue – which is now known as InfoComm IQ. rAVe Publications has been around since 2003, when we launched our original newsletter, rAVe ProAV Edition.
rAVe HomeAV Edition, co-published with CEDIA, launched in February, 2004.
To read more about my background, our team, and what we do, go to https://www.ravepubs.com Back to Top Copyright 2011 – rAVe [Publications] – All rights reserved. For reprint policies, contact rAVe [Publications], 210 Old Barn Ln. – Chapel Hill, NC 27517 – 919/969-7501. Email: sara@ravepubs.com
rAVe HomeAV Edition contains the opinions of the author only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors. |