Big changes a foot

With all the projects Future Lifestyle has completed over the past 18 months and the press coverage we have been receiving both locally and internationally we thought what better time to highlight it on a new look website.

The forthcoming website will incorporate a larger portfolio, a section of press releases and articles involving our installations as well as general updates showcasing our work and development of our work as a direct result of our market growth as our industry goes from strength to strength.

And as part of the new website launch there will be offers on various services and product releases. 

We´ll keep you posted - so watch this space → www.futurelifestyle.es

Smart Home Article

One of Future Lifestyle's installations has been officially recognised by Control4 by having one of its installations feature in their own international home technology magazine - 'Home Smart Home'. 

The article is in the autumn issue and available on the Home Smart Home' app or on the Control4 home page of their website.

Control4 had heard that we were pushing the boundaries of what is considered conventional home automation systems here in Spain and the American based company were keen to let the world know about our work. 

Having been installing the Control4 system for a number of years in southern Spain; from one room solutions to whole house control systems, the Future Lifestyle team are proud to be given this recognition from the manufacturer themselves..

Click here to read the article about Future Lifestyle or go to www.control4.com to look at the whole magazine.

Addition to the fleet...

To cope with the increasing demand for Future Lifestyle installations it has be necessary to increase our fleet of vehicles... And with our new design you will be able to spot them easily in a crowd...

Customer service is high on the agenda for the FutureLifestyle team and our fleet of vehicles enable to ensure that our customers are never left in the dark. Providing service calls, advice and upgrades, our vans can be seen up and down the coast.

If you see one of our vans and are interested in any of the services that we can provide just ask the driver for more details or call the office on +34 902 107 227

Control for everyone...

Future Lifestyle has teamed up with the developers of a stunning apartment complex to provide the audio and visual solutions for their new home owners...

This project consists of 140 luxury apartments over 9 blocks in beautifully landscaped sub-tropical gardens in the heart of the Nueva Andalucia better known as the "Golf Valley" just behind world famous Puerto Banus (Marbella).

Future Lifestyle have provided 3 video and 2 multi-room audio options as well as additional extras such as audio and video memory storage options with stand-a-lone audio solutions, a Control4 iPod dock, lighting control and apple licenses for smart devices for buyers to choose from. The developers wanted to ensure they were offering the best in class in kitchens, furniture, spa baths etc so we were teamed up with other local companies specialising in their field to produce turn-key packs that the end user could choose from.

Demo Suite

In the showflat we have installed a sample of one of our ´packs´, showing HD video and audio for demonstration purposes. A Samsung flatscreen TV with Harman Revel speakers and subwoofer sit in the lounge with Nuvo In-ceiling speakers providing audio in a second zone (main bedroom).

The whole house can be controlled via the easy to use on-screen interface in the lounge. You can choose movies stored on the media server using the cover art or search through the albums by artist or even genre.

Wondering into the bedroom you can use a remote that provides 2 way communication of what song or artist is playing. It is even possible to pick up or iPhone or iPad* and control the home.

The lights have been added to the system in the entrance, hallway, kitchen, dining area and lounge. To show that it is possible to integrate almost every system within these apartments.

*there is also an Android version of the app

The director of Aloha Hill Club has stated, 'It was very important for us (Aloha Hill Club) to be able to offer potential clients the latest in what luxury living can offer. We have involved several companies all specialising in different fields to ensure our overall package was unrivalled at our price point within real estate in Marbella. We have chosen Future Lifestyle as they are able to provide the latest in home technology at affordable prices with the added benefit their systems are up-scalable and flexible to all our buyers.´

The packs that were designed this project have provided a good guide line price for the potential home owners of the Aloha Hill Club. But these packs are not set in stone and can serve as a guide not only in this development but for any installation.

The systems we use are designed to be able to expand as your needs or wants grow. Future Lifestyle are on a mission to prove that it’s not only the million Euro villas or the yachts down Puerto Banus that can benefit from home automation.

To set up a demonstration of the Future Lifestyle control system at the Aloha Hill Club or to request copy of our AHC Audio – Visual packages contact a member of the sales team on sales@futurelifestyle.es or call on +34 902 107 227

Future Lifestyle go East...

Future Lifestyle headed up the coast to Nerja this month to bring another home into the 21st century. This luxury 3 bed villa with its own 2 bed guest apartment in Frigiliana near Nerja is being built by an English businessman who is looking to the future. Although this will initially be a holiday home the client has every intention of moving over here on a more permanent basis in the future. So this is how Future Lifestyle approached the project, we wanted to give the client a system that would keep him entertained whilst he is on holiday, but with enough scope to upgrade the system as he spent more time in Spain.

More tubes than the London underground...

We have learnt from our experiences in Spain that there is no such thing as over tubing, although we did get looks of disbelieve from the Spanish workers on site when we started installing the tubes back in the summer. However, as the cable is installed they begin to understand the need for such a tube network.

In our 1st phase of cabling we are installing the cables for a Cat5 network, these points can be used for a number of things including a stable internet connection, networking of PC´s & printers, telephones (internal phone network with extensions), Wi-Fi boosters and a host of other IP based technologies. Also going in at this stage is the cabling for a Multiroom Audio System. We have used high grade speaker cable installed from a central location to points in the ceiling and walls where discreet speakers will be installed. We have specified the Nuvo system to provide the audio, control of which will be done using the Nuvo keypads placed at the entrance of each room, each of which needed a Cat5 cable for connection. The Nuvo system was chosen for its ease of integration with Control 4 home automation system which will be installed to provide control of all elements via touch pads in key areas, which also requires Cat5 cables for communication.

Although a coaxial network has been installed for the TV distribution thanks to the Future Lifestyle design it will be possible to install a satellite receiver in any of the 8 rooms with a TV or a PVR satellite system with dual input for recording (Sky +/Sky HD/ Canal+ HD) in 3 of the rooms and shared around the house.

Alternatively all systems can be installed in a central location (Head End) and distributed around the home, with control done via an IR repeater or Wi-Fi remote. But if that wasn´t enough to cover anybody’s TV addiction we have installed a Cat6 network to the rear of every screen. This is to allow the streaming of HD programs or films from a central location or via the internet with IPTV when it finally comes of age.

Surround sound set ups have been installed into two locations in the main house, one in the lounge and the other in the dedicated studio which should stop any arguments during next year’s world cup.

Also to be added is a lighting system by Rako that will give him full control of his lighting from anywhere in the house as well mimicking a presence when he is not in Spain, whilst saving him money on electrical bills and extending the lamp life of his lights.

Yet to be installed is the CCTV network and video entry system which would allow the client to check on any visitors - wanted or otherwise, from any TV screen in the house or anywhere in the world via the internet.

And that´s not all.......

The client has appreciated the approach that we took with his installation. Not only has he got all the elements that he wanted in his original brief but he has room to grow as he spends more time in his new home. Space left in the tubes means that extra cables can be added in the future if need be and the comprehensive paper work handed to the client at the end of the job means that he knows what his house has hiding behind the walls. And as with every Future Lifestyle system that is installed a member of the team is never more that a phone call away to answer any questions the client might have, be it now or in the future.

If you would like to know more about benefits of installing a Future Lifestyle system in your property or you would like to know more about any of the things mention here give a member of the team a call on +34 902 107 227

Malaga City goes LED for Christmas

The Christmas lights for the Andalucían capital have been installed using LED bulbs which will use over 60% less electricity. This year’s bill is expected to be around € 35,000 compared with a bill of € 70,000 last year, which 5 times less than eight years ago, despite there is 4 times as many bulbs. The reduction in the watts used equals a staggering 158.09 tons of CO2 not being emitted!

All the lights in the city are new and will be on for 41 days from  6.30pm to midnight from Sunday to Thursday and until 2am on Friday and Saturday´s.

It is good to see a local government in Spain using new technology to look towards the future and going green. Although still slightly more expensive that your conventional light bulbs the price of LED lights is falling all the time and the initial outlay for the bulbs will soon pay for itself in reduced electricity bills. It is now possible to get LED lights that no longer need transformers, making it easier to upgrade from your old lighting system.

Contact Future Lifestyle to see how we can help bring a little light into your life and reduce your electricity bill at the same time....

¡Mama Gina Goes Anglo!

The popularity of the premiership is now taking hold on Spanish businesses in key expat areas. La Pesquera group has now added English football to its Mama Gina restaurant in Benalmadena to cope with demand from local ex-pat residents which account for 95% of the restaurants clientele.

A SKY package has been installed with a 92” projector screen to the bar area to add to the 2 TV screens used for showing the Spanish games via Canal+ in the restaurant. This installation has gone in 12 months after a similar installation using a 102” screen went in at the Medium Rare in Old town Marbella, also one of the La Pesquera chain of bar/restaurants in Spain.

Jose of Mama Gina said, ‘We have added this system to encourage our expat clientele to stay after eating in the restaurant. The Premier league is popular in other establishments in the area and as our clientele is 95% English this seemed like an obvious upgrade for us to put in. We hope it will also bring people in just for drinks which should see us gain more business right through the season and into the summer with the World Cup in South Africa. Everyone welcome, thanks’.

There is now talk of the same installation going into the La Pesquera in La Linea, near Gibraltar. Exciting times…..

OLED Screens here to stay....

The rebirth of the OLED TV could be here. It was almost dropped because of the cost and complexity, despite combining low power consumption and super thin design with startling colour reproduction and superb contrast.

But fear not, both Samsung and LG now appear to be looking again at their plans to fast-track OLED production.

Samsung Mobile Display (SMD) the organic panel specialists (which is a joint venture of Samsung Electronics and Samsung SDI) is reportedly considering a 1.5 trillion investment in a new OLED production line.

Samsung Mobile Display is the world’s largest supplier of Active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AM OLED) panels, producing some 20,000 a month, and can boast Sony, Samsung and Sharp as its clients.

LG meanwhile has introduced its 15in OLED TV into the Korean market, using panels produced by LG Display. LG Display is also looking at constructing a 5.5th-gen line, with a possible launch date of 2011. With industry predictions suggesting the OLED TV business could be worth $1.8 billion by 2015, could a race to dominate the market about to get underway?
So after a little faltering the OLED TV looks to take off. With style, great specification and functionality these TV are sure to make it a winner.

Why not contact the sales team at Future Lifestyle to get a quote on the latest OLED screens and the new super slim wall brackets.

Call +34 902 107 227 or email sales@futurelifestyle.net to speak to the sales team.

PlayStation 3 opens it´s movie store in Europe

PlayStation this month (19th Nov) have opened the new PlayStation Network movie download store for business in Spain and select European territories. Now you can save the trip to the shops and enjoy hundreds of films in the comfort of your own sofa on your PS3 or on the go with PSP.
Sony says users have a choice of 800 movie titles from a wide range of studios – both new releases and back catalogue titles. Unlike Xbox’s new 1080p streaming service, the PSN proposal involves downloading a DRM-laced file to the PS3 hard drive. While Sony concedes that this will take several hours on a good connection, it points out that viewers will be able to watch their movies only shortly after the download begins. With movie rentals, users have a 48-hour window to view their download, commencing with the first Play activation.

Interestingly, those who download a standard-def movie have the option of transferring the film to Sony’s PSP portable for additional viewings. However, if you opt for a 1080p movie, there is no provision for transferring a portable version of the file to a PSP.

Also with the latest firmware update (v3.10) will allow you to access your Facebook account through your PS3. By linking your PlayStation Network account to your Facebook account, you will have the option for the PS3 to automatically update your Facebook News Feed with Trophy and PlayStation Store activity. A spokesman for Sony says this is just the beginning of our integration with Facebook and we are looking forward to adding new features enhancing the experience in future updates.

Plan now for the Future....

Confusion and fear of new technology - aswell as cost, have all been mentioned to us when we have spoken to architects, builders and homeowners on the Costa del Sol about home automation or intelligent home installations.

Not surprisingly then that home automation and home entertainment systems tend to be down on the list when refurbishing or building a new home. Future Lifestyle have created a guide to consider when you’re thinking about upgrading or building a new home which hopefully will prove that planning is everything.

Tips for your future home

1.Tubing for the future – The way homes are constructed on in Spain lends itself to plan now for the future. A well thought-out tube network installed at the build stage of a project will pay for itself in the future. The cost of installing the tubing is minimal compared to the added advantages it can hold.

2.Wire for everything now...even wireless technology – If you are building or refurbishing your Spanish home, start with a plan for future wiring needs. Cable is necessary to support even wireless applications. No one can guarantee what the future brings, however Future Lifestyle make it their business to look at the technologies coming through and likely to become part of our lives in the future and take this into account when designing any integrated home system.

3. Ensure the experts work together for you – Maximise your home by having your architect, builder and interior designer team up with Future Lifestyle from the very beginning of the planning process. All parties will work to create the home of your dreams, at the price you have agreed and in the timescale you require. We provide all of our designs in an AutoCAD format that can be integrated with that of the architects’ for the project so all parties are able to work with us.

4. Insist on integrated systems – Make sure the electronic equipment you are buying can be interconnected and operated as one, if required. Some manufacturers use a closed communication system, meaning that their equipment will only communicate with other hardware by the same manufacturer. This will limit you to what components you can install and will usually come at a premium cost.

5. Integrate lighting and heating control – Going green meets convenience. Get the most out of your system with the least amount of energy consumption. System integration provides automatic energy-efficient adjustments saving you time and money.

6. Think with your wallet, but lead with your head – Quality and long-term dependability are the most cost effective attributes that you can build into a home.

7. Think "green" – By utilising green practices, you can save money by having a more energy efficient system and help save the planet. Ask Future Lifestyle about how you can "go green" in your home.

8. Simplify your life – Easy to use, all-in-one remote controls are available for any system. Future Lifestyle can even custom program them so they make perfect sense to you. New technologies offer control from other devices and even through Internet browsers anywhere in the world.

9. Increase your expectations – Your home automation system is a big investment and you deserve to be satisfied with it. Future Lifestyle can provide you with comprehensive designs, a wide range of product options, a professional installation and especially, a full aftercare service for your system.

10. Consult a professional – Today's home automation systems grow, evolve and change over time, constantly adding entertainment, comfort and security features. Future Lifestyle will be with you every step of the way, from concept and design, through the build process and be on hand to help and advise well after the dust has settled.

Are you interested to find out more? Then why not give Future Lifestyle a call on +34 902 107 227 or contact them at info@futurelifestyle.net to arrange your free consultation.

The World Cup in 3D

It is rumoured that around half the games in next year’s FIFA World Cup competition will be broadcast in 3D!!!!

A report in TVB Europe states that FIFA officials are keen to see at least half of the South Africa-hosted tournament covered in 3D. One official FIFA sponsor is Sony, which along with other manufacturers such as Panasonic, LG and Samsung, have all invested in 3D displays which will be widely available ahead of the soccer festival.

FIFA, along with host broadcaster HBS, is considering a full range of transmission options including supplying broadcast feeds to cinemas or for outdoor speciality coverage. A formal announcement could come as soon as the end of the month (November 09).

Keep posted to hear more and to check out the new 3D screens as we get more information.

Sound Design

Future Lifestyle based on the Costa del Sol is happy to announce the installation of a small Video / Audio installation in the new Richard Lewis Interiors boutique shop in Guadalmina´s busy Commercial Centre. Richard Lewis Interiors, Marbella’s premier home design destination for over eight years, are specialists in bespoke handmade curtains, blinds, pelmets, valances and soft furnishings, all of which are made on site by an established team of curtain makers and soft furnishings.

This exciting new boutique is your chance to see the amazingly sleek PMC Wafer One´s super slim hang-on-the-wall speaker, that are designed to fit very discreetly into any room. There's no denying the effectiveness of its 'disappearing act' - although not exactly invisible, it's visually very easily overlooked.

The Wafer 1 sounds significantly bigger than one expects bass lines are quite clear and explicit, but with a definite thickening of upper bass textures. Finished in silky white, grey or black, both Wafer models come in two styles. One is intended to be flush mounted by being recessed into a wall, the other (the ones installed at Richard Lewis Interiors) fixes onto a solid wall, so that it stands proud by a modest 11cm.

Mounting the speakers alongside flat screens often forces them to be mounted in both portrait and landscape orientations. This would normally guarantee compromised imaging from one of these orientations, however the Wafers are fitted with two tweeters that allow them to be mounted in either orientation without compromise to the imaging.
The result is a hifi and monitor speaker that delivers the very best performance from an application that would deeply compromise the performance of any normal loudspeaker... read more

Why not drop into Richard Lewis Interiors new boutique shop and have a listen, or contact one of our sales team on +34 902 107 227 or click here to send us an email........

All in One remote controls

Does it take you about five minutes and the use of about half a dozen remote controls just to turn the TV???

Turn on the TV.... make sure it is on the correct channel...fire up the amplifier....selected the TV audio source.....now pick up the satellite remote control and enter the correct channel number........Today this is not unusual, we all have to perform this daily rituals just to watch the news. Wouldn´t it be nice to just pick up one remote control and with the press of one button you can get to watch your favourite program.

In the past all-in-one remotes were either too expensive for your average person, or were so complicated to use you needed a manual just to work it. However today there are a number of solutions for the overcrowded coffee table and not all of them will break the bank or require a degree to work them.

Many manufactures including Phillips Pronto, Logitech & Control 4 offer solutions that fill this gap in the market. With IR, RF and Wi-Fi solutions available let Future Lifestyle of Marbella help you decide which one is right for you as well as programming it to ensure you get the most for the control. And as your system grows or changes Future Lifestyle are on hand to update your control pad to bring all of your components under the control of the remote.

For as little as €99.99 we can offer all in one programmed solution, so get rid of your coffee table clutter and give us a call on +34 902 107 227 today and get one of our sales team to help decide the best solution for you.

So simple an adult can use it...

Intro to Future Lifestyle

Future Lifestyle is an installation company that specialise in the networking of all digital products in the home. We have worked with developers and private owners in the UK and the Costa del Sol.

With the rapid growth of internet and email the world of technology is taking over our lives. Future Lifestyle is able to offer the design, supply and installation of all types of home entertainment and lighting control in the home and work place. From the latest flat screen technology to IP networks for a fully integrated system contact us on how you can upgrade your lifestyle.

The past decade has seen the rapid growth of the internet and email. The use of mobile phones, computer games and the like, have changed the lifestyles of us all. Add to this high definition flatscreens and improving internet connection speeds, people are spending more time at home, many are even working from home.

Our homes now can be controlled by touchscreens or via the web, allowing simple interfaces to be designed to the user’s needs – in some cases using a single button.

No more visible wires nor the need for multiple boxes and remote controls in every room……!



Our Installation services include:

Visual:

- Flat Screen Televisions - wall or stand mounted.

- High Definition upgrades
- Satellite Systems
- Home Cinema – full reference
- Calibrated Surround Sound
- Video distribution - TV and Cat5e Networks
- Computers & wireless networks – surf the net from anywhere in the home.
stream movies, music and TV programs on demand!
- Game console set up - link to surround sound and play online.

Audio:
- Multi room audio - Use of MP3 and CDs throughout.
- Integrated speakers – Discrete In-wall or In-ceiling.
- Calibrated Surround Sound set up
- Hifi stereo equipment for use with both MP3 and CD' s
- Gardens and terraces

Control:
- TV Screens, all AV components, lighting, blind & climate control, internal telephone, video entry
and Security system networks.


Each installation is tailor made for each of our clients. Upon final calibration and programming of the equipment we offer a full demonstration of how to get the most from your new system. We provide a aftercare service second to none and can provide a maintenance contract to ensure your system always runs to its full potential.

To book your free consultation call +34 902 107 227 or email us at info@futurelifestyle.net