A Smarter System—Leighton Buzzard

When this architecturally-stunning home was built in 2011 an automation and AV system was installed, however it had never worked properly and was becoming increasingly unreliable. The home owners approached Cyberhomes to see if we could upgrade the system to something more up-to-date and reliable.

Key elements

• Control4 control system
• Multi-room music system
• Audio and Video distribution to existing TVs
• Two surround sound media rooms
• 4G Internet access with managed Wi-Fi
• Lutron lighting control
• CCTV

Cyberhomes undertook an audit and infrastructure test to ascertain what of the existing system could be reused. The main category wiring around the house was adequate, but the existing equipment racks were poorly cabled. We therefore supplied and built two new full height AV racks with the latest Control4 control system, Sonos media players and Lilin CCTV recorder. The existing video matrix was retained, as were all the TVs around the home…these can be upgraded as required over time.

Being able to watch streamed TV and movies as well as listen to streaming music services was a key requirement, yet the rural location meant that local ADSL/VDSL broadband simply weren’t fast enough. Although mobile coverage within the home was also poor, a site survey identified a reasonably good 4G signal could be achieved if a quality external 4G antenna was installed. This was linked to a new Draytek Internet router and a Ubiquiti managed Wi-Fi network to ensure good internet coverage available throughout the property and, most importantly, the AV system had a fast enough internet connection to be able to access streaming audio and video services without buffering.

The ensure the system continues to deliver optimum performance, the homeowners have subscribed to a Cyberhomes SMARTsupport care package which gives them regular system checks and firmware updates as they become available.

“Cyberhomes resolved the problems we were having with our previous home automation system. We now have a faster connection, and a smarter system that’s neatly integrated into the design of our home.”

 

The team knew exactly what they were doing, and were a pleasure to have around—we’ve recommended Cyberhomes to our friends and neighbours.”