Somfy’s wireless communication protocol controls a wide range of motorised equipment.
Somfy unveils innovative io series
Somfy is confident of strengthening its presence in the global markets with the launch of its innovative range of home automation and control systems.
01 February 2006
French specialist in automated control system, Somfy has raised the bar in home automation with the launch of its innovative io-homecontrol system that has been co-developed with Velux and Honeywell. It has also upgraded its secure radio technology with its new RTS collection.
“The wireless communication protocol controls a wide range of motorised equipment in the home to improve comfort, well-being, security and save energy, and is a revolutionary concept aimed at providing a simple and global response to the needs of today’s users, says the spokesman.
A world first, a single io remote control unit can control all the openings in a home (roller shutters, street gates, garage doors, skylight etc) plus the heating, air-conditioning and lighting systems. The important technological advancement is the feedback function. Users always know what is happening in their home – and are warned if a problem occurs.
The spokesman elaborates: “Users can programme scenarios to mirror the way they live. A single click on the io unit runs the programme that drives all the products they need to make the most of each moment – in comfort. The system also allows users to manually override the automated system whenever they want with the automatic/manual function. The control unit base features a timer, which implements system programmes automatically. As soon as you pick up the remote unit, it returns to the manual mode.
“On the Keytis 4 Home access remote control unit, users can lock all access points into the house – entrance doors, garage doors, roller shutters, etc – at the push of a button. In addition, the remote control can also confirm that everything has effectively closed, offering total peace of mind.”
“The stark lines of the io collection highlight the quality of the materials. Pure, pearl and matte silver finishes blend with every kind of interior design and complement every lifestyle.
“io-homecontrol is easy to install because there is no control bus or wiring,” he continues. “Its modular concept and flexibility enables the equipment to be upgraded and extended all the time as the needs of the user evolves.
“The system uses three frequencies to transmit instructions to modules in the system. It automatically chooses the best frequency and instantaneously changes to another frequency if interference is detected,” says the spokesman.
“As regards other aspects, the system reinforces transmission reliability further by repeating instructions up to eight times in a few milliseconds; operates by a 100 per cent protected and encoded two-way transmission over 128 bits making the signals tamperproof; has a range of up to 20 m, even through walls and fingertip control of all systems from anywhere in the home.
New RTS collection
The new RTS collection positions Radio Technology Somfy as the benchmark for home comfort control.
“With over three million installations worldwide since 1998, Somfy’s secure radio technology has become a popular means of controlling automated openings in the home,” says the spokesman. “To consolidate this success, Somfy has renewed its whole home comfort, gate and garage door control automation systems range for 2006.
“In addition to standard comfort controls, the new RTS collection provides new functions that are more adapted to current lifestyles. Radio Technology Somfy is very easy to install and personalise for individual preferences.”
Impresario Chronis RTS: Somfy’s user-friendly remote control unit can centralise and control the movements of openings (windows, gates, doors, etc.) from anywhere in the home. Each shutter, garage door, etc in the system can be lowered, raised or set to a favourite position independently from all the others. The system can also be programmed to open and close shutters, etc at pre-set times. The automatic/manual function makes it possible to override automated programmes.
Telis Composio RTS: This home zone control unit from Somfy offers separate control of, for example, the ground floor, upper storeys, facades exposed to the wind, sun etc and access (street gate, garage doors, etc.). All the equipment in the same zone is raised, lowered or set to a favourite position simultaneously. Each group is identified on the screen for at-a-glance recognition.
Special units for Venetian blinds: The company’s Telis Modulis 4 RTS and Telis Modulis Soliris RTS help to easily control natural light. Its four-plus-one channel remote controls enable precise adjustment of Venetian blind slats with the central wheel. Combined with the Soliris RTS wind/sun sensor, this unit automatically lowers Venetian blinds in bright sunlight and raises them in windy weather.
“For additional security, the four-channel street gate and garage door remote control units feature ‘code’ keys that lock the key pad to resist forced opening and set a confidential access code,” says the spokesman.
The new design of Somfy remote controls and automated systems emphasise perceived quality and simplify the use of the new functions.
The smooth rounded shapes of the remote control units make them easy to hold. The wall-mounted hooks ensure the remote controls are easy to find when needed. The “my” button runs the modules in pre-programmed sequences instantaneously. Remote controls for street gates and garage doors are ergonomic and pocket-sized. Soft plastic makes the remote control units shock-resistant. Patio units are water-resistant too.
Another highlight of the units are their user-friendly ergonomics. Remote controls with wide digital screens have simple-to-use arrow keys making it easy to read the programmed functions; The wheel on Telis Modulis units enables extremely precise positioning of Venetian blind slats; Home remote controls feature a touch pad with clearly indicated functions (raise, lower, “my” favourite position); personalized pocket-size remote controls can be identified by a coloured clip for each user;
The new RTS collection offers a choice of indoor and outdoor functions and four decorative styles:
• Indoor remote control units – Pure, for all interiors; Silver, which naturally blends into contemporary interiors, and Lounge, which offers a sophisticated look for luxurious interiors.
• Outdoor remote control units – Patio, for life in the open air (terraces, swimming pools). It is shock resistant and watertight.
New unit designs
“Being simple, reliable and timeless, the new io and RTS remote control unit designs meet consumer expectations fully by allowing end-users to express their individuality,” he says.
“As creators of – and the international benchmark for – home motion, we know to anticipate the comfort, well-being and safety needs of end-users by developing high-performance technologies that are innovative and reliable. Perfectly controlled innovation means that Somfy ensures long-term business growth for the manufacturers and retailers who use our products. Home motion is the coordination of technological systems – motors, controls and automation devices – for all openings in residential, commercial and industrial buildings.
Focused on end-users
“Somfy’s objective is to automate all homes through providing end-users with worry-free comfort backed by the excellence of its equipment. Our corporate development strategy is clearly focused on end-users via the professionals with whom we work,” says the spokesman.”Since early 2005, the new Somfy logotype has symbolised the company’s commitment to consumer benefits through new technologies, designs and functions.”
Somfy is currently present in 45 countries and has a team of 35 people dedicated to the promotion of Somfy’s Living Architecture.
