Somfy Systems Inc., the manufacturer known for its radio-controlled motors window coverings, is extending it brand into home automation with its new TaHomA line. The new technology was designed to easily and efficiently control a homes’ “energy triangle,” or the combination of lighting, thermostat, and shades control.
The TaHomA interface
TaHomA begins with an entry-level Z-Wave home automation solution that allows consumers to control, schedule, and supervise their Z-wave enabled window coverings, lighting, and thermostats. Accessible from a computer, iPad, or iPhone within or outside the home, TaHomA’s web-based interface guides consumers with graphics and step-by-step prompts as they personalize their home energy functions. TaHomA is designed as a robust yet low-maintenance system that allows users to choose their level of involvement–as needed, when needed, the company says.
“With the launch of TaHomA, we offer a unique and affordable tool that will help consumers achieve greater energy efficiency while enjoying the ease and luxury of home automation,” said Somfy North America CEO and president Michael Lee. “TaHomA presents a practical and strategic extension of our current business, as it seamlessly integrates Somfy’s existing collection of trusted products that have been used in homes around the world for decades.”
Somfy described the following series of steps, that will enable consumers to experience TaHomA technology:
A certified Somfy TaHomA Expert dealer installs and tailors the operation of the TaHomA gateway controller and each Z-Wave and RTS wireless controlled device according to the consumer’s life at home and when away.
When plugged into a home’s network router, TaHomA automatically connects and configures to the home network and Somfy’s remote support server allowing TaHomA to locate all of the Z-Wave and RTS wireless controlled devices.
Scenes are created with a blend of various devices with personalized settings and pre-scheduled hours of automatic operation for each day of the week.
Once the specifications and schedule have been determined for each of the Z-Wave and Radio Technology Somfy (RTS) wireless controlled devices in the house, TaHomA will automatically control these devices 24/7, 365 days a year.
Creating and scheduling “scenes” helps consumers simplify and optimize their home’s natural and artificial lighting, heating, and cooling needs. For example, a common scene might call for window shades drawn to 50 percent, lights in the kitchen to be automatically turned off, and the thermostat set to energy savings mode every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when the house in unoccupied. Then, at 4 p.m., window shades will be closed, lights will automatically turn on to 75 percent, and the thermostat will be set to a comfortable temperature, as household members arrive and become active in the home.
The TaHomA controller operates with Z-Wave enabled light switches and dimmers, thermostats, motion sensors, and Somfy RTS-controlled motorized window coverings such as blinds, shades, and awnings.
TaHomA will be available for purchase in the first half of 2011.
