Embracing the future within the home with the help of Custom Controls

The cartoon world of The Jetsons is fast becoming a reality in our homes, with endless touch-of-a-button lifestyle possibilities. Dave Chester from Custom Controls explains how his company is pioneering a new age in home-tech engineering. By James Matthews

WHEN WAS THE COMPANY FOUNDED?

Custom Controls was formed in 1998, with a focus on providing programming services to IT and AV companies. By 2004, we decided we needed to work directly with home owners to deliver the best possible smart home systems. Now we focus on private residences. Our projects are split between fully-integrated smart home systems and home cinema rooms.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A SMART HOME?

It adds convenience and saves energy. By centralising control of all devices, we can add a layer of intelligence and enable systems to work together. This for example, enables the heating and air conditioning to work together to find the perfect temperature. It allows entertainment systems to be available anywhere in your property. You can also access these controls outside of the home.

TELL US MORE ABOUT FITTING A HOME CINEMA

We can transform any space into a home cinema room, but most people choose to convert their attic rooms and basements. We install systems which will outperform your local multiplex, offering a safe and comfortable environment for the entire family. We think of everything, from acoustic treatments to ensure minimal sound leakage, to high quality rendered room designs.

WHAT ARE THE LATEST HOME CINEMA DEVELOPMENTS?

The last few years have seen significant advancements with the arrival of 4K projectors, which benefit from ultra-bright laser light sources. These allow us to fit bigger projector screens while providing a crisp, bright image. There are also major developments in 3D audio formats which use height speakers to give a fully immersive sound – ideal for helicopters and asteroids flying overhead, but also for enhancing general audio throughout the film.

HOW DOES HAVING A SMART HOME CONTROL COSTS?

Smart home systems save huge amounts of energy by ensuring devices are only on when required. In a recent project, we combined the lighting system with LED lamps. Now the entire home uses the same amount of energy as the kitchen and living room combined.

WHAT’S THE NEXT BIG THING IN SMART HOME TECHNOLOGY?

Voice control. Initially it sounded like a gimmick but it’s incredibly practical for wet areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. In a fully-integrated smart home, any device can be controlled, so closing the blinds or switching on the lights with a simple command is all possible.

+44 (0) 203 012 0321

www.customcontrols.co.uk

enquiries@customcontrols.co.uk