 |
|
|
|
||||||
 |
|
|
|
 |
In the News2007 Archive December 24, 2007 07:30 PST HomeSeer Partnership with Cooper Wiring DevicesCooper Wiring Devices and HomeSeer have teamed up to create the Aspire RF Z-Wave USB-PRO Kit, which targets professional integrators and installers. The new kit combines Cooper Wiring Devices' professional grade Z-Wave USB interface with a specially engineered version of HomeSeer's HS2 home automation software. The kit offers advanced automation functions and provides seamless integration of lighting, HVAC, security, irrigation, and home entertainment systems. Integrators will appreciate the kit's versatility and advanced feature set. The software includes a built-in web server for remote access anywhere in the world. Support is also provided for a wide variety of user interfaces including scene controllers, touch screens, handheld remotes, cell phones, and PDAs. Devices can also be controlled by voice. Aspire RF was released in select markets throughout North America in October and will be rolled nationally throughout 2008. ACT Announces Z-Wave RF-Controlled Duplex ReceptacleAdvanced Control Technologies, Inc. is rolling out an addition to the lineup of Z-Wave enabled HomePro products in the form of a new RF-controlled 120 VAC, 15A, duplex outlet. The ZRR150 replaces any standard wall receptacle. It can control the ON or OFF of any lamp or load plugged in using the ZTH100 Wireless Controller (or any similar controller) operating the HomePro Lighting Control System. Its ON and OFF can also be scheduled using the Timer function on the HomePro ZTH100 Wireless Controller. Each ZRR150 Duplex Receptacle functions as an automatic repeater transmitting signals to other HomePro Z-Wave Modules to ensure full home RF coverage. ?This product supports 40Kbps data transmission and can also be used for networking support in systems that stream metadata. An example might include transmission of information from audio devices such as song title, artist, and album information to various displays around the home. Leviton Adds Gigabit Speed Home NetworkingLeviton has expanded its structured cabling offering with the addition of its gigabit-speed home networking solution - the Integrated Gigabit Network System. The system enables today's homeowners to benefit from a superior high-speed networking capability that supports both current and future technologies, such as the latest in multi-player gaming consoles, NAS network drives, high-end media servers, high-speed networking devices, and other home technologies. November 26, 2007 09:00 PST HomeSeer Announces Z-Tool Advanced Z-Wave Installation SoftwareHomeSeer Technologies released its Z-Tool advanced Z-Wave installation software, which is designed to run on any Windows laptop computer and will work with popular Z-Wave USB interfaces including those from Cooper Wiring Devices, Intermatic and Wayne-Dalton. With Z-Tool, users can quickly and easily set up their Z-Wave home networks and transfer the USB interface to any Z-Wave enabled automation system for total home control. Available now for $29.95, Z-Tool includes support for the latest Z-Wave devices from Cooper, Leviton, Intermatic, Wayne-Dalton Monster Cable and ACT. The program also includes features to backup and restore Z-Wave network information when used with professional grade USB interfaces. November 19, 2007 09:00 PST Everspring Rolls Out Z-Wave Based Home Control Products for EuropeInitial products in Taiwanese-based Everspring's line of Z-Wave based products for Europe include a dimmer, on/off switch, and PIR as well as magnetic door and window sensors. With the ADI30 dimmer system, users can operate all lighting in the home and adjust the levels of illumination in any room. The dimmers can be controlled with any Z-Wave based remotes from third-party vendors including Logitech, Monster, Intermatic, and Sirius. The on/off modules of the AN 135 product line offer convenient operation of devices that could previously only be manually controlled. The battery-driven PIR sensors of the SP103 product line help to increase home security. These movement sensors are equipped with Z-Wave technology and always automatically switch lights on and off. The sensors can be connected to alarm systems that trigger via Z-Wave complete partial alarms (silent alarm), comprehensive alarms or a number of alarm processes (switching on the lighting, locking doors and windows, or alerting security or the police). The sensors can be used inside or outdoors. All Everspring devices are compatible with the products of other companies within the Z-Wave Alliance including Merten, Danfoss, Logitech, Monster, Innovus, and ACT. November 12, 2007 01:00 PST Wayne-Dalton Rolls Out Home Entertainment Solution at EHXLong Beach, CA - Wayne-Dalton announced Z-Wave home entertainment system and a new USB Z-Wave interface at EHX Fall last week. Furthering its commitment to the home control market, Wayne-Dalton rolled out Solo, a stand-alone entertainment solution that manages everything from the television to climate and appliances; Series Three Server that controls the entire house and is designed to work with up to 30 theater clients acting as the main source for entertainment network storage; and Theater Client, a systems extender product that features a local interface for TV, movies, and the internet. All three offerings feature are based on Z-Wave home control technology. The Z-Wave USB interface, which comes with ThinkEssentials software (from ControlThink), plugs directly into any USB port and is compatible with computers that run Windows XP or Windows Vista operating systems. Using ThinkEssentials software users can create a simplified floor plan of their home, applying icons that represent specific home controls to the correct locations. Users can then control light switches, appliances, electronics, the thermostat and other Z-Wave enabled devices at their computers or via the Internet. The software also allows for custom-timed events based on day of the week, time, sunrise, and sunset. For more information, visit Wayne-Dalton. Intermatic Announces Two New InTouch Wireless ControlsLong Beach, CA - Intermatic's InTouch HVAC Heating and Cooling Thermostat Control offers homeowners greater energy management. Designed work with any contemporary 24 VAC HVAC unit, the InTouch Thermostat Control offers two-stage heat/pump and two-stage cooling, automatic compressor short cycle protection, a low battery indicator, and adjustable temperature collaboration. The InTouch USB Controller lets installers and users access an InTouch network via personal computer. The USB stick, when paired with a variety of software, offers whole home control remote access via the internet and allows for in-field upgrade of InTouch controllers. These Z-Wave enabled devices are 100 percent compatible with other Z-Wave control products. For more information visit Intermatic. Embedded Automation Releases Add-In to Windows Home ServerSurry, BC - In conjunction with the general availability of Microsoft's Windows Home Server, Embedded Automation has released the mControl Add-In for Windows Home Server. Based on mControl v2 (Home Edition), the mControl Add-In provides digital home control functionality to the Windows Home Server platform. The new add-in lets users:
Embedded Automation has tailored the mControl Add-In to work seamlessly with Windows Home Server using the native Windows Home Server Add-In installation management functionality. Users simply copy the mControl Add-In to the Software Add-Ins share and use the Settings console to manage installation. Adding a Windows Home Server Console tab provides administrative and diagnostic functionality for the mControl Add-In. Adding mControl as a Windows Home Server web application offers convenient and secure remote access through a personalized login.?? "The mControl Add-In is an exciting example of how Windows Home Server provides a platform for a wide range of solutions for the home," said Steven VanRoekel, director of Windows Server Solutions at Microsoft. "The mControl Add-in extends the capability of Windows Home Server by allowing users to monitor and control their home - from managing lights to viewing security cameras," said Ted Singh, Business Development Manager of Embedded Automation. "Users have access to the entire mControl functionality from systems connected with their Windows Home Server, including networked Windows Media Center PCs and remote connections." The mControl Add-in for Windows Home Server is available from and other distributors. The Add-In ships as a part of an updated mControl v2 (Home Edition) package and is available from download online from Embedded Automation for US$74.99. The same package allows for a 30-day free trial. September 17, 2007 06:00 PDT Embedded Automation Releases mControl V2Embedded Automation announced last week the general availability of mControl v2 (Home Edition). mControl v2 (Home Edition) is immediately available from the Embedded Automation web store and through the Authorized mHome Dealer Network. mControl v2 (Home Edition) is a free upgrade for users of mControl v1 (Home Edition). The first widely available home control solution that supports Vista's Media Center, mControl v2 (Home Edition) includes the following new enhancements:
iControl Networks, Inc. Announces Home Security 2.0Aligned with GE Security, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of the General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), iControl's integrated solution broadband and mobile access to security systems, cameras, and home devices delivering remote home monitoring and home control functionality to traditional monitored home protection. Accompanied by a tri-mode security network (broadband, cellular/GSM and POTS access), this integrated solution lets users to stay connected to their homes, families, and properties when away. With Home Security 2.0 extends Monitronics' monitored home security services by enabling customers to remotely access and control their system. In addition, customers can see live video and pictures of their home, receive email and/or text message notifications of events, and control lighting, and thermostats from anywhere in the world via their personal web portal or mobile phone. Monitronics - which deploys security and monitoring solutions for homes and businesses - will offer the solution in the United States. CEDIA Announcements Include New Alliance Members, New OfferingsThe Z-Wave Alliance announced eight new alliance members during CEDIA 2007. Its newest members include: BTX Window Automation Inc., Del Motorized Solutions, Digeo Interactive LLC, Digital Delivery Group, Draper Inc., France Telecome R&D, Synergy-Consult, and Vero Duco NV. In addition, several alliance members rolled out new products and upgrades to current offerings: Electronic Solutions Inc. introduces Z-Wave enabled motor controls for window coverings. Universal Electronics Releases NevoQ50: Controlling home entertainment with one hand. Leviton Announces Partnership with Electronic Solutions along with several ViziaRF™ products including a new Plug-In Serial Interface Module. Advanced Control Technologies Announces New Duplex Outlet for Z-Wave-Enabled HomePro Line. Hawking Technologies introduces Z-Wave accessories and devices for the HomeRemote™ Home Automation Solution. Version 3.3 of the Lagotek® Home Intelligence Platform adds cell phone support, and new hardware. ControlThink introduces Z-Wave enabled platform for mass market Windows SideShow enabled remote controls, launches ThinkEssentials Pro, and demos ThinkRemote. September 11, 2007 06:00 PDT Major Z-Wave Vendors Roll Out New Products at CEDIA 2007ControlThink, HAI, and HomeSeer introduced new Z-Wave enabled products at CEDIA in Denver last week further establishing the growing home control market. ControlThink rolled out the ThinkRemote platform, providing PC and accessory manufacturers the ability to create mass-market Microsoft Windows SideShow-enabled remote controls using Z-Wave. PC and accessory manufacturers can now create Windows Media Center remote controls as well as other Windows SideShow enabled devices. Any Z-Wave device with a display can integrate with the ThinkRemote platform and display Windows SideShow content using standard Z-Wave profiles. Remotes will also be able to communicate with other Z-Wave devices, such as lights, blinds, thermostats, and security and entertainment devices. The initial release supports full Windows SideShow experience for text-based remotes, including both glance data and regular content. Home Automation Inc. (HAI) announced three new products at the show including its HLC Scene Switch with infrared capability, the OmniTouch 5.7, a plug-and-play touchscreen interface for its Omni and Lumina home control systems, and an update to its software offerings. The Web-Link II, Home Control for Windows Media Center, and Snap-Link were upgraded for use with the Windows Vista OS and now include various audio control options. The software products offer web-based control of all HAI home control systems, such as lighting, security, and temperature settings. HomeSeer Technologies introduced its HSTouch IP-enabled touchscreen designer software, which provide an easy to use, family friendly graphical interface for all HomeSeer home control systems. It runs on in-wall, stand-alone, portable, handheld, and wireless touchscreen devices. HSTouch can be used to monitor and control remote HomeSeer installations, including secondary residences. It's designed to run on both Windows and Windows CE platforms. The HSTouch is slated to begin shipping in Q4 2007. September 3, 2007 08:00 PDT HomeSettings Announces Three New Z-Wave Products at CEDIAHomeSettings from Intermatic is announcing three new products this week at CEDIA including the HA14 600 Watt in-Wall Dimmer, the HA18 15-Ampere Wall Switch, and the HA20 600Watt Toggle-Style Dimmer. The HA14 600Watt In-Wall Dimmer supports three-way configurations and works with any HomeSettings remote control or as a standard dimmer. The HA18 15-Ampere Wall Switch sustains three-way configurations and operates with any HomeSettings remote control or as a standard wall switch. It's compatible with compact fluorescent bulbs. The HA20 600Watt Toggle-Style Dimmer has the same features as the HA14 but the toggle-style option. The HomeSettings system requires no new wiring and is automated by the Z-Wave chip. Z-Wave is a, two-way, wireless mesh network communications technology that enables consumers to monitor and manage their lighting, security systems, and other home controls easily, conveniently and securely from anywhere in the world. Z-Wave is a fully developed, affordable, easy-to-use and interoperable technology that is available in nearly 100 wireless home control and automation products, including Intermatic's new InTouch™ line which is fully compatible with all HomeSettings products. All Intermatic HomeSettings products come with manual override, a six-year warranty and a step-by-step, easy-to-follow guide as well as a full online tutorial. For more information, visit www.Homesettings.com. August 20, 2007 00:00 PDT Intermatic and Hawking Launch Home Monitoring System at CompUSAIn an attempt to take home monitoring systems to another level, Intermatic and Hawking Technologies have announced a joint offering, which will be available at CompUSA stores. Using the Home Settings line from Intermatic - including plug-in lighting and appliance modules as well as in-wall devices that can be monitored with a Master Controller and Handy Remote - in combination with Hawking's HomeRemote Wireless Home Automation system, users can monitor household appliances and lighting from anywhere in the world. The HomeRemote Control Gateway serves as a portal to any home or business from the internet and provides an easy-to-use interface. Adding WiFi cameras to the system allows for closer monitoring of children, elderly parents, or pets. Users are notified via text message or email when certain events occur in their home or business. In addition, users can control all indoor and outdoor lighting at the touch of a button, or adjust the thermostat to save on energy costs all from a mobile phone. Both Intermatic Home Settings and Hawking products leverage Z-Wave wireless home control technology, making them interoperable with other Z-Wave products on the market. July 30, 2007 08:00 PDT Motor Controls for Window CoveringsElectronic Solutions Inc. (ESI), a division of Hunter Douglas, announced its new line of motor controls using Z-Wave technology. The ESI plug and play Z-Wave motor controls allows customers to control and monitor window coverings through wireless home control systems. Compatible with most 115VAC motors and with a DC version expected to launch this fall, ESI's Z-Wave motor controls are the first available for the Z-Wave platform. According to Rick Langille, president of ESI, the open Z-Wave platform provides a simple solution that will appeal to a large base of consumers. "The complexity and cost [of home control systems] has been a barrier for some consumers," he says. "The Z-Wave platform is a much more accessible solution. July 16, 2007 08:00 PDT Zensys Announces the Third Generation Z-Wave ChipZensys has announced that its third generation Z-Wave chip, the ZW0301, is now in mass production. New features include the ability to support battery-to-battery networks, lower power consumption, and full interoperability with previous Z-Wave products. In addition, the third-generation chip will assist with the development of new marketplace opportunities, such as digital home healthcare and energy conservation. "One of the primary benefits of the next generation Z-Wave chip is its lower power consumption, which will enable its use in a great variety of consumer electronics products and grow the number of companies developing Z-Wave products," says Mark Walters, chairman of the Z-Wave Alliance. July 9, 2007 12:00 PDST HomeSeer Announces HSM100 Z-Wave Multi-SensorThe HSM100 Z-Wave multi-sensor is designed to sense motion, temperature, and light. Homeowners can use it to control up to four Z-Wave devices directly. If you have a HomeSeer equipped home, you can use the HSM100 to trigger more complex automation events for whole house control of Z-Wave and non-Z-Wave automation products. Slated to begin shipping this month, the HSM100 is based on the latest 300 series Z-Wave chip technology. It's completely wireless with a built-in battery monitor that can be programmed to alert HomeSeer users by e-mail, phone, or voice announcement when the battery needs to be changed. It is designed to work seamlessly with Z-Wave products from Cooper, Leviton, Intermatic, Monster, and ACT. The product sells for $99.95. May 28, 2007 Hawking Begins Shipping HomeRemote Control SystemHawking Technologies has announced that it's now shipping the HomeRemote home control system. It lets users control household appliances and lighting both from within their homes and from anywhere in the world via a standard Internet web browser or mobile phone. For added security, HomeRemote also allows users to monitor their homes with live video from HomeRemote Wireless Video Cameras (HRNC1). With HomeRemote users can tailor their homes for personal comfort and control within minutes. The HomeRemote System (HRGZ1), which retails for $229.99, consists of an Internet Gateway and a handheld remote control for convenient, in-home control of lighting and appliances. The HomeRemote System can be accessed through any internet web browser by entering a custom user-selectable domain name, such as "www.myhome.homeremote.net". The web interface is organized by the rooms in a home and the devices within those rooms. HomeRemote is also accessible through a mobile phone using the HomeRemote Cell Link service. Cell Link allows users to navigate an intuitively simple interface on their cell phones that is customized to their home control configuration. Cell Link is currently compatible with most major cellular carriers in North America. Hawking's HomeRemote and other compatible HomeRemote accessories are now available for purchase online. HomeRemote will be available nationwide from CompUSA and other E-tailers and distributors beginning July 15, 2007. The HomeRemote Wireless Video Camera has an MSRP of $179.99. All HomeRemote products will come with a one-year warranty and 24/7 technical support, including firmware updates. May 21, 2007 Zensys Announces Z/IP: Converging Z-Wave with TCP/IPIn an effort to establish a global home control standard and further accelerate the interoperability of Z-Wave enabled products, Zensys has announced the Z/IP program. By converging Z-Wave with TCP/IP, Zensys will enable standard-based end-to-end home control networks and applications from anywhere on the Internet all the way into sensor networks. "We are witnessing a major shift in the home control space right now away from proprietary-only based home control solutions toward IP-based systems and those that interface with IP-based devices," says Bill Ablondi, director of home systems research for Parks Associates. According to Ablondi, Z/IP will only add to Z-Wave's appeal for the manufacturers that are driving the next generation of home control systems. Z/IP will allow for the use of TCP/IP technology and knowledge in new applications directly on low-cost, low power devices. As with other previous Z-Wave protocol advances, Z/IP will be backwards compatible with existing Z-Wave products while adding compliant TCP/IP services to Z-Wave nodes and will allow the use of proven Z-Wave device and command classes in TCP/IP networks. This extension of home control standards will likely appeal to the 72 percent of Americans who expressed a desire to monitor their homes while away, according to a recent study by Kelton Research conducted earlier this year. For end users, a primary benefit of Z/IP will be the transparent use of home control applications from any location using any device, gateway, or network. "We are pleased to see the technology move toward an open standard approach," says Martin Manniche, senior director, connected home architecture group at Linksys, a division of Cisco Systems, Inc. "Using TCP/IP will help to accelerate the adoption of applications for multiple uses of Z-Wave around the home, as well as interoperability amongst multiple vendors." May 14, 2007 01:00 PDST GE Smart Home Product Line DebutsJasco announced its entry into the Z-Wave product market at the 2007 National Hardware show in Orlando, Florida last week. The GE SmartHome Z-Wave Home Automation line features eight products including the Basic Handheld Remote, Deluxe Handheld Remote, Lamp Module, Fluorescent Light and Appliance Module, Outdoor Module, Duplex Receptacle, Dimmer Switch, and 3-way Dimmer Kit. With these products, available now, users can tailor a wireless home lighting control program that will let them turn small appliances on and off, dim overhead lights and plug-in lamps, and create individual lighting groups and scenes all from a single handheld remote. Pricing ranges from $44.95 to $69.95 per product and gives users the opportunity to construct lighting control systems that can easily be upgraded as needs change. Users can quickly install, add or subtract, and reconfigure the product setup. In addition, Jasco's GE Z-Wave products not only integrate well with other products in the new line, they also work with other manufacturer's Z-Wave certified devices (such as thermostats and garage door openers). The product line operates at 908.42 MHz to provide the best frequency for the mesh network, as well as establish a system that is also Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cordless phone friendly. The SmartHome products can be controlled remotely or manually at the device, act as signal repeaters to ensure the wireless command reaches its destination, and can be included in groups or scene settings. Support for Web Services: A First LookEmbedded Automation previewed its mControl Digital Home Software with support for web services (DPWS) specifications at the 2007 Microsoft Mobile & Embedded Developers Conference earlier this month. The DPWS technologies allow distributed devices, such as lighting, security, and thermostat controls, to plug and play into the digital home over a standard home network. mControl provides a platform for managing all digital home devices and presents them in an easy-to-use interface. With support for DPWS-enabled devices, mControl automatically discovers and presents the devices to users for inclusion in their systems. The user need only attach a name to the device and it is ready for viewing and control. mControl provides several interfaces for managing devices including Access via web browser, for local and remote access, as well as Media Center interfaces for television and touchscreen operation. This is available on Windows XP Media Center Edition, Windows Vista, and Windows mobile devices, including Smart Phones and PDAs. May 7, 2007 01:00 PDST Lagotek Announces Upgrade to its Home Intelligence PlatformLagotek is rolling out version 3.1 of its Home Intelligence Platform (HIP). The HIP100 panels are WiFi and Z-Wave compatible. With the distributed audio/video control capabilities, users can control lights, change temperature, and watch a favorite movie with one push of a button. Version 3.1 includes UMPC platform compatibility. It's already compatible with HIP100, PC, PDA, and Media Center PC-based devices. Distributed audio/video control functionality is now available with the integration of multi-zone solutions from Russound CAA44, CAA66, and CAV6.6. To fulfill requests from new home builders, support for General Electric SmartCom Audiohub CC-SCAMP4 was also implemented. HIP Version 3.1 supports Global Cache GC-100 network adapters for customers who want to control their current audio and video equipment using Lagotek's HIP. GC-100 can be used to control multiple Infrared (IR) audio and video devices. It offers users a way to configure existing equipment and provides IR learning capabilities so customers can integrate any devices they choose. Lagotek is following the market that's moving toward merging home control technology with home theatre and entertainment. "Our customers and partners asked that we integrate the two in one home intelligence platform," says Lagotek CEO, Eugene Luskin. HomeSeer Rolls Out HomeTrollerHomeSeer's new HomeTroller home automation controller is designed to integrate home lighting, appliances, security, climate, and audio/video systems. Customers can choose the technologies that best suit their needs and control their homes with a wide assortment of interfaces, including touchscreens, wireless remotes, telephones, and voice activation. It's also web-enabled and can be accessed by an internet-capable device. Two new technologies are also being introduced to ensure HomeTroller's reliability. HSSentry, which monitors the unit for problems and resets the system if any are detected; and HSProtect guards the embedded operating system from any virus, spyware, or malware attacks. Available this month (May 2007), HomeTroller is designed to work with industry standard products from Intermatic, Leviton, Cooper, Monster Cable, and ACT. ___________________________________________ March 12, 2007 ThinkConnect: ControlThink Debuts Remote Monitoring System Interoperable with all Z-Wave devices, it's the latest in remote home monitoring and control. ControlThink announced its remote monitoring and control system, ThinkConnect, at EHX last week. Designed to work with almost all Internet-enabled cell phones, computers, and web browsers, ThinkConnect offers home monitoring capabilities from almost anywhere. According to Chris Walker, president of ControlThink, the goal is to meet the needs of everyday homeowners. By integrating the capabilities into the technology people use every day (such as cell phones and computers), people can enjoy all the benefits of home control. "In addition to convenience and ease of use, ThinkConnect offers homeowners peace of mind," says Walker. With the service - which starts at $9.99 per year for a single-device - multiple family members can monitor and control their home through their cell phone or computer simultaneously. In addition, if families have a vacation home without broadband service, ThinkConnect can be accessed via dial-up - the home dials up every few hours to sync up. Interoperable with all Z-Wave devices, ThinkConnect lets homeowners connect their homes to the Internet via any ThinkConnect-enabled product, such as ThinkEssentials software on their computer or Wayne-Dalton's new Internet Gateway. Home control is likely to be one of the "killer apps" that will help bring more awareness to the home control market, according to Sam Lucero, senior analyst, ABI Research. "The biggest challenge is in consumer education and availability," he says. "What's starting to bridge that gap is lower cost technologies." ThinkConnect starts at $9.99 per year for a single device service such as thermostat-only control, and $4.99 per month for whole home service. For more information, contact ControlThink at 888.90THINK. ___________________________________________ February 12, 2007 HomeSeer Releases HS2 Update In addition, the software's voice control capabilities have been improved so that users can now issue new voice commands using room microphones or headset microphones. Voice commands can be very specific, including date and time for turning on lights for even, say, just a few hours: "On February 14, turn on the front porch lights at 4:00 p.m. for five hours." HS2 allows for complete home automation and integration of Z-Wave-enabled products, including lighting, appliances, HVAC, irrigation, and audio/video systems. The latest version is available for $199.95 for the full version and $109.95 for the upgrade from version 1.x. ___________________________________________ January 29, 2007 Embedded Automation Presents "Digital Home" Award to Link Your House Link Your House, a Georgia-based systems integrator is the first recipient of Embedded Automation's mControl Digital Home award. The contest was open to all Embedded Automation's mControl digital home software users. Link Your House was chosen based on the company's work on the new Carter Grove Plantation housing development in Cartersville, Georgia. "mControl plays a critical part in the Digital Home upgrade at Carter Grove," says Frank DeFilippis, system designer from Link Your House. Link Your House offers a standardized package at Carter Grove as an upgrade to the existing structured wiring system. The standard package is built around mControl digital home software and an AOpen IntelViiv compliant, Microsoft Windows XP Media Center edition computer. Included in the upgrade are six Z-Wave enabled light switches, two Z-Wave thermostats and integration with a DSC security system. IP surveillance cameras are available as an option. With the installed package, customers have a digital media system and full control of the house, using mControl software on an attached TV or internet browser. Link Your House also provides a standard method of accessing the digital home remotely. "With sales now underway at Carter Grove, early reports from the agents are extremely positive," says DeFilippis. ___________________________________________ January 8, 2007 iControl Unveils Z-Wave Home Monitoring System CES, Las Vegas - iControl Networks introduced its Z-Wave enabled iControl home monitoring system here today. The new product and service lets you control existing, off-the-shelf Z-Wave devices. Geared toward consumers with young children or second homes, caregivers for seniors, and small business owners, the service can be accessed via a browser-based personal Web portal, PDA, or cell phone anywhere, anytime. Using off-the-shelf wireless cameras, sensors, and light modules, users can get information about what's happening in their homes or businesses and control and manage devces remotely. In addition to offering the product and service through its Web site, iControl is testing its new solution with utilities, internet service providers, telcos, and cable companies. "From estimated end user revenues of $65 million to $70 million in 2006, we project adoption of self-monitoring system and services to more than triple over the next three to four years as communication service providers bundle these offerings with other services," says Tricia Parks, CEO of Parks Associates. "As consumers seek more proactive ways of enhancing peace of mind, safety, and environmental diagnostics at home, the market for home monitoring solutions will grow from its infancy today." Embedded Automation's mCentral Offers Digital Home Integration CES, Las Vegas -Embedded Automation rolled out mCentral, a Media Center server, which is designed to simplify the installation and integration of digital media, security and other home control systems. mCentral will be previewed within the SmartLabs booth at the International CES 2007 (South 2 25908). mCentral is an Intel Viiv® compliant Core 2 Duo system that runs Microsoft Windows VistaTM and includes Embedded Automation's mControl software. mCentral acts as a server for client Media Center Extenders, Digital Media Adapters (DMA) and other Media Center computers. In addition to managing digital media, mCentral also allows users to view and control, in real-time, their security, climate control and lighting systems from any client. mCentral will be available in two models: the mCentral (Rack Edition), a 19-inch rack-mountable unit and the mCentral (Enclosure Edition), which is designed to be mounted within a standard structured wiring cabinet enclosure. UEI Launches Home Control Product Suite Lagotek and Leviton Team Up In addition, Lagotek's system design includes home theater controls via Microsoft's new Windows OS, Vista-based Media Center. The integration with Vizia-RF lets you automatically dim the lights to watch a movie and brings lighting back to a comfortable level when you pause or stop the movie. It also invokes motor controls for blinds and shades as well as climate control. |
 |
|
| Copyright © 2008 ZWaveWorld, Inc. ( ) |
