How Torus Power plays a key role in a prominent Dallas design district technology showroom
Elliston Systems & Design is known for implementing sophisticated technology solutions that blend seamlessly with design. Set in the design district of Dallas and surrounded by upscale galleries and shops, its recently constructed 3,500-sq.-ft. Experience Center is one of the best examples of how technology can be beautifully integrated in luxury homes. Along with catering to local clientele, it also serves as a regional showroom for other integrators and design-build professionals to show their clientele what’s possible.
To showcase how technology can play a role in their projects, the Elliston Systems & Design Experience Center features human-centric lighting, motorized shades, fully integrated audio, standard and mirror TVs, video walls, and more. Using products from the best home tech brands on the market, including Ascendo, Quantum Media Systems, Lutron, Ketra, Crestron, James Loudspeaker, Sony, Samsung, Séura, Torus Power, and more, the showroom offers clients the opportunity to see, touch and feel tech in a comfortable environment free of distractions.
However, with the showroom located in what can be considered a manufacturing area, the electricity coming into the building is unreliable at best. With a million-dollar home theater inside that is anchored by a Quantum Media Systems Pro Cinema dvLED wall paired with Ascendo speakers, it was essential that the space implement technology that not only protects its investments but also ensures they perform at their optimal level. This is where Torus Power comes in.
“There was no question that we were going to include Torus Power, but we started off thinking that we really only needed to protect the video wall. Then we realized we had a pretty expensive Ascendo system as well. As we looked around, it was obvious. We determined there was not one thing in this place that didn’t warrant effective power conditioning and protection,” said Steve Elliston, president of Elliston Systems & Design. “Absolutely everything in our facility is now powered and protected by Torus Power.”
When clients first come to the Elliston Systems & Design Experience Center, they are first captivated by how Ketra lighting illuminates the lobby and a wall of art featuring Texas musicians. Lutron Palladium shades can be dropped to black out the room and show off all the elements of the downlighting. The Elliston team has set scenes to show how lighting can change throughout the day and mimic daylight fading from sunrise through sunset and into the night. An open-space kitchen nearby is kitted with high-end connected appliances and a simulated living area features smart lighting fixtures and small aperture speakers from James Loudspeaker. A full Dolby Atmos audio system in the room shows off more of the benefits of fully connected and integrated audio. A bedroom vignette features motion sensors that trigger programmable underbed lighting.
All of this is protected — and looks and sounds at its best — because of Torus Power. According to Elliston, the main reason his company receives service calls is because of power-related issues. By investing in Torus Power, clients not only enjoy the best performance their technology offers but are fully protected if a power surge or other potentially damaging event occurs.
The showroom utilizes three Torus Power isolation transformers across the property. Two Wall Mount units (1x WM 60 BAL TVSS and 1x WM 50 BAL TVSS CUSTOM) are devoted to the 12.-ft.-wide Quantum Media Systems Pro Cinema dvLED video wall and the Ascendo audio system in the purpose-built Cinematic Experience Room. Using Torus Power’s proprietary Toroidal Isolation transformers, virtually all the power line noise artifacts are eliminated using patented Plitron NBT technology. This technology attenuates differential and common-mode noise without using external circuits or components, resulting in a dramatic improvement immediately noticeable in audio and video systems. A Torus Power RM 20 RK rack-mounted unit powers and protects the rest of the Elliston Systems & Design Experience Center.
A 15A or 20A Torus Power Toroidal Isolation Transformer can deliver 300A or 400A peaks when needed, allowing the highest-power amplifiers to deliver top performance and dynamics without compromise. However, Torus Power builds units with power ratings far beyond 20A to suit a variety of applications for residential, commercial, pro audio, and industrial markets. Along with specifying the power requirements, integrators can take advantage of custom capabilities like individual IP addressable duplex outlet zones, scheduling, and automatic reboot features. Cloud-based monitoring and control are also available.
“The most important thing about your house is your foundation. It’s got to be solid,” said Elliston. “Here in Texas, like many states, we have a rocky power grid. So, we tend to have a rocky foundation. Torus Power solves that problem. That is why we recommend their Toroidal Isolation transformers for every project we do.”
To learn more about Torus Power products featured in this project and other solutions in the lineup please visit www.toruspower.com/north-american-products.
To learn more about Elliston Systems & Design Experience Center in Dallas, TX please visit www.ellistonsystems.com.