Posted 30 May 2014
As our lifestyles are becoming increasingly digital, the devices and equipment we use to consume digital media are becoming more integrated into the home.
No longer a dream of tomorrow, the ‘connected home’ is now very much a reality with more and more properties being either built or retrofitted to include some form of building management system.
Home automation networks combine multiple integrated electronic systems providing entertainment, lighting and building control, heating, security via a central control. This can be a fixed panel, remote control or increasingly a smart phone or tablet.
Home Automation Systems
Home automation systems allow digital distribution of HD video, audio and broadband to access points around the home. Composite cables are increasingly popular as they enable multiple cable runs within one jacket for ease of routing and identification.
The TruHome home automation range contains multiple high performance Cat 5E, Cat 6, digital coax and even fibre optic which can be run to multiple points around a building, to provide access to centrally stored media, sharing of broadband connection or telephony. Heating, lighting and security systems can also be controlled across the network.
Home Networking
High speed data networks allow multiple devices to share connection of internet and media. Structured wiring systems are no longer confined to the office as end-users connect entertainment systems and set-top boxes, as well as running telephone signals over Cat 5E or Cat 6.
Streaming HD or 3D signal requires cables that provide fast, accurate data transmission. The last few years has seen the market flooded with ‘cheap’ boxes of Cat 5E which, while tempting, can cause problems in installations requiring high performance either now or in the future.
TruLAN Cat 5E is tested beyond the Cat 5E standard up to 350MHz. For ‘future proof’ installations allowing for expansion, Cat 6 500Mhz and Cat 7 are good alternatives. Cat 7 for example offers data rates of 10Gb/s.
Audio Visual
Multi-room audio systems where music can be enjoyed in any room in the house are becoming common place as most of us store our media digitally.
Professional-grade speaker cables are able to carry music to recessed in-wall or invisible speakers providing discreet audio systems with superb sound. Look for products with oxygen free copper (OFC) conductors for the best sound quality.
Popular products include the TruSound 16/2 and 16/4 16AWG speaker cables and multicore round speaker cables from 1.5mm² to 4mm².
Lighting and Building Control
Lighting control systems offer not only ambient light but also security and energy efficiency through preprogrammed lighting options. Cables for most popular systems are available including Mode, Lutron, Simmtronic and Thorn, in addition to KNX.
KNX systems, formerly known as EIB are increasingly used in both commercial and high-end residential developments for lighting and total building control.
KNX systems allow the contractor to interconnect equipment from a large range of manufacturers, rather than being tied to one group of products. Using KNX approved products guarantees the interoperability of devices, safeguarding against failure. FS Cables offer a KNX certified cable to ensure compatibility.
HDBaseT
HDBaseT is the leading standard for whole home or office distribution of uncompressed HD media over a single cable. Through a single HDBaseT certified Cat 5E or Cat 6, HD video, audio, ethernet, power and control are all achievable.
Full HD, 3D, 2K & 4K uncompressed video can be streamed to a network of devices or a single unit, offering superb levels of picture quality with zero latency. Audio standards including Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD-Master Audio are all supported.
FS Cables offer both HDBaseT certified Cat 5E and Cat 6 for use on this popular system. As well as sound and power, ethernet broadband distribution, electronic control and up to 100W DC power are all provided along the same Cat 5E or Cat 6 with runs of up to 100m. This has the advantage of placing equipment where there may not be an available power source.
About Tru
Tru is brought to you by CEDIA trade supplier FS Cables bringing you the ultimate level of connectivity.
Tru cables use only the best materials to ensure consistent, high performance making sure you get the most out of your digital equipment and devices.
For more information about these systems for home automation and the products in the Tru range, visit: