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Topic:
Anyone here used this: Sonte window film
This thread has 7 replies. Displaying all posts.
Post 1 made on Thursday March 20, 2014 at 12:41
IRkiller
Advanced Member
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Apparently it's retro fit, controllable window film. Just wondering if it's worth looking into and especially open to 3rd party control.

http://Sonte.com
how in the hell does ernie make money?
Post 2 made on Thursday March 20, 2014 at 13:00
ceied
Loyal Member
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5,749
i think its a cool product... i did not see any way to add it to a control system...

this could be a winner in the CI market if there is a way to control it....

that being said, you could pobably hack into wiring
Ed will be known as the Tiger Woods of the integration business, followed closely with the renaming of his company to "Hotties A/V". The tag line will be "We like big racks and tight holes"...
Post 3 made on Thursday March 20, 2014 at 15:02
lippavisual
Senior Member
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1,458
I've seen it before but haven't used it yet. All that is required is (I believe) 24V power supply and a relay to change whether it's clear or opaque. Just open or close the relay.

Pretty cool product, but do you know the pricing? I didn't get that far when I was looking at it.
Post 4 made on Thursday March 20, 2014 at 16:46
jberger
Active Member
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I don't think it's actually shipping, however the kickstarter project was funded.

The part you don't really see in the videos is the external transformer and wiring required.

I'd really like to see a great retrofit option for smart glass, but it's hard to build a product that has great light transmittance for retro applications. It's DC powered and has to be protected so it adds glare and reduces light transmittance giving a smeared appearance when it's used. That's why the current smart glass stuff is built in panels like they've shown at Cedia Expo, it keeps the PDLC in between the glass panels and provides a much better viewing window. It also helps hide the wires inside the window frame.
Post 5 made on Thursday March 20, 2014 at 19:53
SB Smarthomes
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I just did a project with actual glass panels from American Switched Glass:
http://americanswitchglass.com/

They also have a film product, but I haven't tried it.  Power is 24v so you need to get wiring to the window(s) and it's clear when electricity is applied so basically it's powered up and drawing energy when you can see through it.  Once you remove power it goes opaque.

Be aware the the glass still looks a little milky even when powered up so may not be a good idea for view windows.

Video:
www.sbsmarthomes.com
Santa Barbara Smarthomes
Post 6 made on Thursday March 20, 2014 at 20:39
Zohan
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On March 20, 2014 at 19:53, SB Smarthomes said...
I just did a project with actual glass panels from American Switched Glass:
http://americanswitchglass.com/

They also have a film product, but I haven't tried it.  Power is 24v so you need to get wiring to the window(s) and it's clear when electricity is applied so basically it's powered up and drawing energy when you can see through it.  Once you remove power it goes opaque.

Be aware the the glass still looks a little milky even when powered up so may not be a good idea for view windows.

Video:

Paul, are these a viable option to use instead of motorized shades?
Are they in the same price ballpark?
Post 7 made on Thursday March 20, 2014 at 23:28
SB Smarthomes
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On March 20, 2014 at 20:39, Zohan said...
Paul, are these a viable option to use instead of motorized shades?
Are they in the same price ballpark?

I'd say they are a unique solution, but still can't do a lot of things that shades can do... a few things that come to mind quickly that shades can do and switched glass/film can't:

1. Shades can blackout a room.
2. Sheer shades can still preserve some of the view out the window.
3. Shades can provide better thermal insulation. 
4. Shade styles like Roman & drapes can enhance a room even when open.

I think the best use for switched glass/film is when privacy is the main concern.  You can also project on it so I'm waiting for the opportunity to use it in a conference room.

It's difficult to use the glass or film in windows with mutiple muntins separating smaller panes of glass because you'd have to get wires across the muntins to each glass panel.

I had a client that wanted to use switched glass film on the window in the photo below but it just wasn't practical and we're doing drapes instead.



Pricing for the actual glass is probably comparable to automated shades... the stick on film is probably less.  The cost of the glass in the video I posted was about $4500.

 
www.sbsmarthomes.com
Santa Barbara Smarthomes
Post 8 made on Thursday March 20, 2014 at 23:46
Zohan
Super Member
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On March 20, 2014 at 23:28, SB Smarthomes said...
I'd say they are a unique solution, but still can't do a lot of things that shades can do... a few things that come to mind quickly that shades can do and switched glass/film can't:

1. Shades can blackout a room.
2. Sheer shades can still preserve some of the view out the window.
3. Shades can provide better thermal insulation. 
4. Shade styles like Roman & drapes can enhance a room even when open.

I think the best use for switched glass/film is when privacy is the main concern.  You can also project on it so I'm waiting for the opportunity to use it in a conference room.

It's difficult to use the glass or film in windows with mutiple muntins separating smaller panes of glass because you'd have to get wires across the muntins to each glass panel.

I had a client that wanted to use switched glass film on the window in the photo below but it just wasn't practical and we're doing drapes instead.



Pricing for the actual glass is probably comparable to automated shades... the stick on film is probably less.  The cost of the glass in the video I posted was about $4500.

 

Good info, much to consider.....thanks


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