Daniel J SaitDemoPad’s Graphical User Interface home automation/universal remote system for control of AV kit and utilities has a new key ingredient in the form of the new Centro-8M, which arrives this October (£99). The product is a new processor which the company says will revolutionise the possibilities with DemoPad.
Used in conjunction with the free Apps Centrocontrol HD and HDL, this compact product (small enough to fit behind a TV) has three IR emitter ports and one IR receiver port, so acts as an IP gateway for sending IR commands. Add an optional RS232 to USB cable and it also controls more equipment or it can receive IP commands.
The unit carries the company’s Linux server software so it can handle complex macro commands directly or automatically from schedules installers define.
How about Amazon Echo for voice control and IFTTT (DemoPad’s HDL App will not have until later release) to link to hundreds of appliances and applications. Add any hard button remote, initially DemoPad has included Sky and TiVo remote templates, then just pair it in the software and the remote becomes a universal model capable of controlling all the user’s AV kit and utilities. Using a wired or the in-built W-Fi network connection, the Centro-8M is able to record flags, labels and number variable feedback for the status of all your equipment
A new version of the DemoPad Designer software and the HDL App will enable installers to customise all these features into their projects.
Mike Caine, director, DemoPad, explains: “Basically it’s a little computer running our LINUX server software so it can monitor disparate systems such as a TEXECOM alarm and NEST or HEATMISER – so you can tell it to shut down the house if an alarm is activated turning off TVs and lights, closing shades, HVAC and so on. It has a real-time clock for scheduling and can run MACROs.”
DemoPad says using several units, installers can build a powerful system with a Centro-8M included in different rooms, one acting as the master and all others as slaves referring back for system status to provide feedback on what is currently on/off and update tablets or phones being used for control.