Press Release: MechoShade Systems window shades, draperies first to integrate ZigBee technology

CEDIA EXPO, September 2007—The first window covering and drapery system in North America that will integrate ZigBee communication technology has been debuted here by MechoShade Home Automation, a division of MechoShade Systems.

“This and two other new developments that we’re introducing will affect how technicians, designers and project managers integrate window coverings and draperies into home and commercial building automation projects,” said Jan Berman, MechoShade Systems president and chief operating officer. MechoShade Systems is the leading manufacturer of WindowManagement systems for integrators.

The second development is a partnership with Control4, a whole-home automation manufacturer, to market automated networked window coverings and draperies that enhance homeowner convenience and comfort.

The third development is the new MechoShade System networking interface-the IQ/485 Network Interface Card-that integrates window covering and drapery sub-systems with switches and accessories through dry contact ports and 3rd-party control systems such as Crestron, Lutron, Vantage/Legrand or Control4 through RS232 ports onto a 485 network.

Three New Developments Described
The ZigBee Alliance is a group of companies collaborating on reliable, cost effective, wirelessly networked and monitoring controls based on an open global standard.

“It will help integrate window management sub-systems with master home automation controls and building automation and management systems,” Berman said.

Window management sub-systems now can contribute to a home’s overall energy conservation and homeowner convenience and comfort. Sub- systems for buildings can operate seamlessly with lighting, cooling, heating, security and privacy systems.

From an integrator’s perspective, window covering and drapery systems now can be installed without wires and control can be integrated into a single controller that includes all other home automation systems.

“It’s a clear leap forward in terms of installation ease, design flexibility and customer interfacing,” Berman said.

The partnership with Control4 brings together the two companies’ complementary WindowManagement ; and affordable home automation technologies as fully interoperable, turnkey systems. The technologies will help broaden integrators’ ability to create a variety of lifestyle scenes, specifically in home theaters, great rooms and living rooms. The technologies eliminate the requirement for building a system from disparate components and the risk of lengthy debugging in the field.

The IQ/485 Network Interface Card provides for the automation and remote control of window-shade systems and allows single-point control through a 3rd- party controller, home computer or building management system.

For more information on the ZigBee interface, MechoShade and Control4’s partnerships or the IQ/485 Network Interface Card, call 718-729-2020, or visit http://www.mechoshade.com.