Colorado vNet Adds Security, Climate, Camera Control to Lighting & Audio System

Colorado vNet started out doing lighting control systems, and then added digital multiroom audio to the mix. After the company integrated lighting and audio controls in a single touchscreen solution called Vibe, we surmised that energy management and security couldn't be far behind.

Indeed, vNet will show in September a new controller for interfacing with third-party thermostats and security systems.

Out of the gate, the company will support Aprilaire thermostats and Honeywell Vista security panels.

"It's something we've been getting a lot of requests for," says director of sales and marketing Ben Beierwaltes. "People who have been so in love with our system really wanted to offer a full solution."

Currently, each of the four subsystems (audio, lighting, security, energy) is controlled independently. You cannot create macros that span multiple disciplines (e.g., a HOME scene triggers the security system to disarm, the lights to turn on, and the heat to kick in). However, that capability is "on the roadmap," Beierwaltes says.

Also on the roadmap is the ability to control IP cameras and view video on vNet's Vibe touchscreens.

Colorado vNet also has announced it will ship an RF lighting control system, "which has probably been our No. 1 request," Beierwaltes says. "We wanted a product for retrofit that was priced competitively with other systems, but fully compatible with our wired system."

vNet is using ZigBee mesh-networking technology for its RF functionality. The company clarified an earlier statement that its products would be interoperable with other ZigBee devices on the market. In fact, that is not the case. "We're not going to do anything to prevent interoperability," but interoperability is not a priority, says product manager Scott Stevenson.

Pricing is not finalized for the wireless system, but Beierwaltes says, "from a system standpoint, it should be 20 to 30 percent less" than that of the "industry leader" (presumably Lutron).

The wireless line will use the same capacitive touchpad as vNet's hardwired product and will be fully interoperable with the hardwired line. Both versions are programmed within the same programming environment.