VIDEO CONTROL AND STATUS SCREENS:

Both HomeVision units generate video text for display on any TV in a Menu style format that provides interactive control capability. You can design custom screens or use inbuilt ones provided (below are some examples). If the TV's have Picture in Picture (PIP) the menus will pop up without disturbing football, news or other favourite programs. HomeVision software offers over 50 built-in screens, including compatible HVAC and security devices and provides status and/or control of an extensive functions list which is detailed at length in the Options section.

You can create personalised control screens, display messages or reminders etc. You decide what's displayed, where it's displayed, background colour, character size, character blink rate and more. The software makes it easy to create complete and dynamic custom menus in minutes.

SAMPLE SCREENS:

Connect selected thermostats to give direct control of set points, modes etc. Some wall mounted units also report actual temperature, set point and status to HomeVision such as RCS serial (RS232/RS485) units or Dallas DS1820S digital sensors.

The only issue for enabling control of HVAC is support of an interface to the manufacturer's product and must be established before purchasing.

TWO WAY INFRARED:

Any standard programmable or learning remote can be quickly configured to control HomeVision. Commands can then be issued directly or via the video screens displayed on any TV just by pressing the appropriate button.

Both HomeVision units can store up to 255 infrared signals in a library which are then transmitted to operate any electro-magnet device in the home that can be controlled by infrared. Since all HomeVision functions are cross-linked, any X-10, C-Bus, security system or other events HomeVision "sees", trigger IR signals and vice-versa. The most common use is to set up macros that output sequences when specific infrared signals are received. HomeVision 'std' has an IR transmitter and receiver built into the front panel with additional hardware output jack on the rear panel. HomeVision Pro has both hardware jacks and connector blocks for direct interface to Xantech, Knoll and other OEM distribution products.

INPUT AND OUPUT PORTS:

All ports on both controllers can be switched and/or read individually or as a group. Output ports can be "pulsed" on and off with millisecond precision. HomeVision 'std' has 16 Ports and HomeVision Pro 60 on 2 connection blocks that support digital temperature sensors (you don't require a Multi-Function Expansion Board as you do with the HomeVision 'std') and it has an improved drive circuit. Inputs can be used to trigger actions if desired.

A HomeVision 'std' unit inputs, outputs and operating flexibility may be enough to cope with an average network. However, a recent project included a Home Theatre (right) with audio (7.2), connections made to a zoned A/C, audio in the Family room (5.1), a Microsoft Media Centre, C-Bus lighting, CCTV and smart security system installed so a HomeVision Pro was the client's choice.

The project has been set-up with complex macros that automatically respond to a single key press on the client's Pronto to turn on TV's, set lighting levels, operate the projector and output commands to the DVD and any other CE equipment, depending on the command actions programmed.

MULTI-EXPANSION BOARD FEATURES:

The Multifunction Expansion Board (MEB) option provides 8 zones of infrared output and with a whole-house IR distribution system so control of any device can be done anywhere in or around the home.

TIME AND DATE SCHEDULING CONTROL:

A real time clock automatically adjusts for leap years (NOTE: DST is still Northern Hemisphere) if OEM software is used, otherwise, in HomeVision XL, this oversight has been corrected. It accurately tracks sunset and sunrise times based on latitude and longitude. Events can be scheduled based on sunset/sunrise or fixed times and any events can be limited to specific days, dates and months etc. Lights, CE equipment, blinds etc. can be programmed to randomly switch on and off by up to +/- 4 hours around a base time (you select the interval) to give the home a "lived-in" look when there are no occupants or you're away on holiday. Periodic events can be set up to perform actions at preset rates.

An automatic power failure recovery routine is extremely powerful yet flexible. Events missed while power was out can be "caught up" when it re-connects or skipped altogether. Timers which were running when the power failed are handled properly, with events performed in the proper sequence (even with intermixing of scheduled events and expiring timers).

POWERFUL PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE:

HomeVision is initially set up through the supplied Windows-based PC program. Each file created (schedule) is then downloaded after which the PC can be disconnected. Schedules are "event-driven"; simply enter actions to perform when any specified event occurs. Programming is by "point and click"; there's no need to memorise or type in complex statements. Commands are entered using list boxes, push-buttons, spin-buttons etc. Commands and conditions are displayed in plain English text, not bizarre syntax. An online help file is always available as a guide when you need assistance.

Extensive programming capability includes flags, variables, timers, delays, waits, macros, X-10/A10 outputs etc. (255 of them). If-Then-Else statements with multiple And/Or conditions can be "nested" 15 levels deep. Over 380 different commands and 140 conditions are available. Advanced commands provide such capabilities as millisecond-accuracy delays, logging of time and date, indirect accessing of variables (one variable is the pointer to another) and variable mathematics. All events can be individually enabled or disabled. This simplifies schedule development, as events can be disabled until they are working properly, then enabled.

Although a sample schedule is supplied with the controller implementing a wide variety of functions, most are initially disabled. You can simply enable them and make a few simple changes or expand your own scheduled events from a base platform supplied by Digihouse as a starting point. Because HomeVision can handle schedules of over 8000 lines, you won't run out of memory in a hurry.

Making Changes page offers an overview of software programming screens and you can load it onto your computer from the Download page.

FLEXIBLE SERIAL INTERFACE CONTROL:

HomeVision functions can be controlled over the serial interface (command and message protocol is fully documented). Operating from 1200 to 57600 baud, HomeVision can "talk" to any other program or device capable of transmitting serial data or by direct connection to a PC. Both controllers can read in ASCII and binary data and take any actions based on it plus transmit ASCII text or binary data to control your PC or other connected devices. You can configure them to automatically report event occurrences, which makes debugging a schedule very simple, as each event automatically sends a message to the PC for display or is logged to a file (256-line event log shows what has occurred and help screens are included). The built-in terminal emulator or PC programs can also be used for this purpose.

A serial extension module (left) can provide up to 4 rs232 ports for interfacing to hardware such as;

The software offers a wide range of communication options:

HomeVision usually operates without the need to always be connected to a PC. Using a PC during programming offers a real time control capability to test new or updated command sequences written in any new schedules. It can also be used for any infrared signals not "learnt" into the HomeVision library or to output WAV files when requested by HomeVision in response to an event, scheduled command or security system alert. The screens provide direct control for X-10/A10, IR signals, I/O ports, macros, video displays etc.

You can control HomeVision with a variety of software programs;

WEB SERVER:

HomeVision software contains a built in web server, which provides several capabilities for local and remote management options:

HIGH SPEED PERFORMANCE:

HomeVision units have been engineered from the ground up to provide maximum performance. They have unique architecture that allows them to respond to events virtually instantaneously (typically <0.02 seconds). Many competitive control systems typically take several seconds when running large schedules or need to have 'delay' codes inserted between specified command output multiples.

HomeVision Pro PCB with 10/100 ethernet daughter board installed.                             HomeVision "std" board

Both PCB's have been carefully laid out to maximise speed and power, yet retain simplicity of design and are approved for use in Australia.    

HOMEVISION PRO ETHERNET ADD-ON BOARD:

The Ethernet daughter board (pictured above) provides connection to HomeVision Pro over any TCP/IP network. To enable the same architecture for a HomeVision 'std', Lantronix MSS100 or similar serial/data devices can be easily installed.

EXCELLENT RELIABILITY:

HomeVision units have always been designed from the start with reliability in mind. Although either can be located in the main entertainment area for direct connection to CE equipment, in a new or extensive renovation, it is always recommenced that they be situated in the central control hub (Node 0) to allow easy interfacing with all relevant components.

HomeVision units bring together seven key home automation features;

LINKS: HomeVision website

To the best of my knowledge, everything appearing on this page and throughout this website is accurate, unless configuration changes or the passage of time have determined otherwise. If my observations or research on various subjects is incorrect, if it is brought to my attention and proven right, I will make the changes immediately.