Somfy, the manufacturer of motors for interior window coverings, projection screens, and exterior solar protections, has formed a partnership with Extron, the designer and manufacturer of professional AV systems. The integration of Somfy-powered products and Extron Control System Drivers and Device Modules enable access to smarter features.
Somfy-powered products can work in concert with an occupancy sensor, providing touch-free automatic control. This room automation 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.
Somfy powers products from leading motorized shade and projector screen manufacturers such as Hunter Douglas, Stewart Filmscreen, Draper, and MechoShade.
Facility managers and AV professionals will appreciate the simple installation, setup, automation, and control that is enabled with an Extron control processor and a touchpanel 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.
“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. “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 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 the complete smart-building solution. Sensors can be used to trigger automated settings for shades and projector screens based on room occupancy, ambient light level, and more.
“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, vice president of worldwide sales and marketing for Extron. “By working with Somfy, we know that our customers are getting a truly reliable, convenient, and integrated experience.
Related: Somfy PoE Touch Panel Room Controller Designed to Improve User Experience
