I just returned from training in Atlanta where I completed the DigitalMedia-Engineer certification. DM-E certification is required to deliver systems that comply with the HD Digital Transport and Distribution System (HD-DTDS) specification. HD-DTDS is a comprehensive roadmap that clearly defines the critical aspects of system design and installation that must be followed to assure reliable system performance. Crestron guarantees and fully supports any DM system installation that conforms to the HD-DTDS standards.

More information on the HD-DTDS specification (PDF)

I just returned from training in Indianapolis where I completed the Registered Outreach Instructor program. As an ROI, I will be offering training to industry partners including architects, builders, and interior designers.

From the ROI information site: "CEDIA is an approved provider of continuing education for the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the American Institute of Building Design (AIBD), the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), the Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC), and the Interior Designers of Canada (IDC). Members of these industry partner associations receive continuing education credit for attending ROI-administered classes and gain an expert resource in the residential technologies industry."

CEDIA currently offers 11 courses which are generally about an hour in duration and can be delivered in a "lunch and learn" format. Course topics include a variety of home technology concepts, and courses are free of charge.

Please contact us if you would like more information.

Interactive Automation, Inc.'s Facebook Page

Recently we were faced with situation where radio interference made it all but impossible to deliver a remote control that would provide a good customer experience. All our usual remotes simply refused to work reliably all the time.

The home had some older Crestron wireless remotes that did work well, but these remotes operate on a different frequency than current models. I had heard that RTI remotes operate on this different frequency, so I decided to try one out for this customer. In short, the results have been very good.

We installed a T2B and found that it can be programmed to work much like a Crestron ML-600. As a result, the learning curve was minimal. The T2B also offers some nice features such as a long lasting battery with a charging station, and motion sensitive backlighting.

Although we always recommend Crestron remotes and we truly deplore "hack" solutions, the T2B or a similar RTI remote may be a good low cost option for anyone looking to replace an older ST-1500 or 1550C in certain situations.

This year's lightning season has kept us busy the last month or so and has caused the most equipment damage of any season so far. The main victims have been audio amplifiers tied to landscape speakers.

Landscape speakers generally survive nearby strikes, but the surge travels along the speaker cable to the amplifier and causes damage to at least the amp, but often to other equipment as well. Fortunately we have found a new surge suppressor from Total Protection Solutions designed specifically for this problem and would suggest anyone with landscape speakers add these. At about $200 plus installation per pair of speakers, they are not inexpensive, but should help prevent down time during the months when you want to use your outdoor speakers.

Other common victims are cable TV receivers, automatic gates, pool controllers, and landscape lighting systems. Generally we design in protection for these if they are part of a system, so we don't have a lot of problems. Occasionally we will replace surge suppressors that fail due to a surge, but these suppressors are designed to fail when protecting your other equipment from particularly bad surges.
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