Somfy, a global manufacturer of motors for interior window coverings, projection screens, and exterior solar protections, recently announced a new partnership with Extron, a global specialist in the design and manufacture of professional AV systems.
The two companies announced last October that they are combining Extron's control capabilities with a range of Somfy-powered products for today’s smart building projects.
As noted by the partership's official announcement:
Facility managers and AV professionals will appreciate the simple installation, setup, automation, and control that is enabled with an Extron control processor and a touch panel integrated with Somfy-powered devices. A simple press on the Extron touchscreen allows the user to adjust motorized shades and projection screens, and interact with other AV equipment in the room, enhancing the experience and versatility of lecture halls, conference rooms, and meeting spaces.
The Extron control processor communicates with the Somfy-powered products via standard control protocols. The shades and projector screens then provide a responsive room control experience as part of a complete smart building platform.
Sensors can be used to trigger automated settings for shades and projector screens based on room occupancy, ambient light level, and other functions.
“At Somfy we are committed to simplifying smart building control and elevating the room experience for the specifiers and installers, as well as for the people in the space,” said Brittany Mier y Terán, Partnerships and Custom Integration channel manager, Somfy North America. She added, “We are excited to work with Extron – a leader in AV technology – to bring Somfy-powered product control together with touch panel and AV integration.”
The companies note that, through the integration of Somfy-powered products and Extron control system drivers and device modules, users can access even smarter features.
Somfy-powered products can work in concert with an occupancy sensor, providing touch-free automatic control. This room automation capability can raise the shades and projection screen when a room is no longer in use or can lower the appropriate shades in preparation for a presentation based upon lighting level in the room.
“We are very excited to offer our customers all the advantages of the Somfy motorized window covering controls using the simplicity of our Extron control system products," said Casey Hall, VP of Worldwide Sales and Marketing for Extron. She added, "By working with Somfy, we know that our customers are getting a truly reliable, convenient, and integrated experience."
Somfy powers products from leading motorized shade and projector screen manufacturers including Hunter Douglas, Stewart Filmscreen, Draper, MechoShade, and others.
A statement by Extron added, "We are pleased to announce our partnership with Somfy, the world’s largest manufacturer of tubular motors for interior window coverings, projection screens, and exterior solar protections. Working together, we are combining Extron control capabilities with Somfy powered products for today’s smart building projects. Facility managers and AV professionals will appreciate the simple installation, setup, automation, and control that is possible when an Extron control system is integrated with Somfy powered products."
