Automated lighting control systems continue to be a fashionable addition to many residential and commercial properties.

Wiring accessories manufacturer, Focus SB, traditionally known as an established manufacturer of high quality architectural and decorative switches, sockets and data outlets, introduced its Home Automated Lighting system (HAL) at the beginning of 2009. In response to market demand for a competitively priced, easy to use, simple to install and fully integrated device that didn’t require any software knowledge to programme or alter lighting scenes. They provide a far more stylish and easier to operate alternative to rotary dimmer switches and potential energy savings that traditional products may not. Optional infra red remote controls give an enhanced ease of use and convenience.
Programming HAL lighting scenes can be compared to as simple as searching for a new radio station on a modern digital car radio and then ‘storing’ (or memorising) to one of the presets.
HAL has been further upgraded with the launch of the IR4-OLED 4 Scene Master Control Plate, the first in a new generation of control plates that utilise the latest Organic LED Display technology, communicating with the HAL main dimming control panel via a simple Cat5 data link. With typical plate dimensions of 88 x 88mm the IR4-OLED will fit into a standard UK 35mm deep single gang back box.
The 36mm high x 22mm wide 128 pixel discrete blue display has a far superior contrast ratio and viewing angle than some of the LCD modules currently used in many smaller displays. It is crystal clear, can be read from virtually any angle and at a distance of several metres in any ambient lighting conditions.
Each of the four scene buttons has an icon (or text) that can be chosen from a selection of over 40 custom pre-defined icons that describe the lighting ‘mood’. When a scene recall button is pressed, the selected icon appears twice its normal size.
The HAL IR4-OLED control can also be used to open and close electronic curtains, blind controls, roof lights and drop-down TV screens. HAL’s modular design concept enables it to be built-up from a very simple switching and dimming operation, to offer more complex solutions including a ‘global control’ that can operate all lighting circuits within a property and be linked with CCTV, intruder, fire safety and heating and ventilation systems.
To complement the new HAL IR4-OLED Scene Recall Control, Focus SB plans to launch additional control plate options during 2010. These will be suitable for commercial, hotel and residential applications. DMX protocol dimming control panels will also allow intelligent programmable control of the ‘new generation’ colour changing LED luminaires. Visible indication of lighting control energy consumption on the OLED screen will also be a feature of these new products. 
The OLED technology can be used with the majority of the attractive decorative plates from Focus SB’s extensive plate range, enabling them to blend with the interior design theme. The OLED screen, with its library of icons or texts, now makes the engraving of scene designation control plates unnecessary.