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CEA and CEDIA Announce Software for Architectural Drawing Symbols for use in Microsoft Visio, AutoCAD and More
[July 28, 2015]

CEA and CEDIA Announce Software for Architectural Drawing Symbols for use in Microsoft Visio, AutoCAD and More


The Consumer Electronics Association (News - Alert) (CEA)® R10 Residential Systems committee today announced the availability of software versions of the symbols defined in the publication of ANSI Standard J-STD-710 Audio, Video and Control Architectural Drawing Symbols announced in April. This new standard defines a common set of floor plan icons that represents all facets of pre-wire and installation of electronic systems, products and devices in residential and commercial environments.

Standardized symbols on plans allow architects, designers, builders, and electronic systems contractors (ESC (News - Alert)) to share information, making home technology planning and design easy. Layouts designed with Symbols help minimize miscommunication among all parties involved by easily identifying the locations of installed technologies, whether they are equipment, devices, sensors, control interfaces or cabling. Software file formats for symbols are in black and white and include:

.dwg for use with AutoCAD and compatible software
.vss stencils for use with Microsoft (News - Alert) Visio
.png graphics with transparent backgrounds
.jpg standard graphic format with white backgrounds
.gif graphics with transparent backgrounds
.tif graphics for printing, non-transparent

"Not only was the architectural drawings standard a huge milestone for the low-voltage industry but it took a very important step of providing the actual symbols themselves!" said Walt Zerbe, product manager, audio, for OnQ Legrand and NuVo and Chairman of CEA's R10 Residential Systems Committee. "All of the actual symbols are included with the standard in trusted industry formats which can be loaded into your favorite design and layout software tools."



"CEA was very pleased to work with CEDIA and InfoComm on this important industry standard," said Dave Wilson, vp technology & standards, CEA. "Common symbols will help to ensure that home design projects are completed as planned no matter who does the planning, or who does the building," said Wilson.

Symbols software may be purchased at www.bedrocklearning.com. The recently published standard is available free of charge through TechStreet.


About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the technology trade association representing the $286 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative and regulatory advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also owns and produces the International CES (News - Alert) - The Global Stage for Innovation. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA's industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org, www.DeclareInnovation.com and through social media: http://www.ce.org/social


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