On-Q/Legrand, known primarily for its structured wiring systems, is coming out with a sweet new whole-house music/communications system called Unity.

The system combines whole-house music, intercom and CCTV functionality into an elegant touchscreen interface, with an option for TV-based access.

Hard to believe that such an elegant product is coming from a purveyor of cable and metal cans, but it's true.

When On-Q was acquired by Legrand in 2005, it picked up a cousin in BTicino, another Legrand property. Based in Italy, BTicino produces lighting controls, intercoms, and other communication systems – all with classic European styling.

"You'll finally see style showing up in our products," said Steve Schoffstall, On-Q VP of marketing last year at the Electronic House Expo, where the company debuted its new selective call intercom system.

Earlier this year, On-Q combined its stylish new designs into an umbrella brand called The…

Russound, the most popular brand in multiroom audio, is taking its technology to the powerline.

At CEDIA Expo 2008, the company will demonstrate (behind closed doors) the new Collage system, which offers whole-house music, video surveillance, and intercom functionality for retrofit applications – no new wires required (unless you count a few short runs of speaker cable).

Russound is using HomePlug 1.0 to deliver the audio and video streams, as well as the control signals from the touchpad to the sources.

Russound is the second company in a week to announce a multiroom audio system based on HomePlug. Rival NuVo Technologies is launching Renovia, a whole-house music system that taps into the Romex (electrical) wiring prevalant in every home.

Except for the fact that both Russound and NuVo are using HomePlug, the two solutions are substantially different.
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Look out for ekeyUSA, the up-and-coming maker of biometric access control for the residential market.

Earlier we raved about the company's sleek, elegan TocaHome finger readers that put the clunky old keyless entry systems to shame.

Then we hinted at a biometric product developed by partner Holovision.

Now we have details about ekey's Bio-View biometric access system, which will be shown for the first time at CEDIA. Developed by partner Holovision, the new product is an integrated solution with triggers for multiple events, depending on which finger you press against the biometric reader.

According to ekey:

In lieu of a key for unlocking a door, a code for arming/disarming an alarm system, or a remote control for opening a gate or garage door a user can do all of that and more, in a simple, secure, and convenient manner all through swiping different fingers…

Press Release

DENVER – Sept. 4, 2007 – CEDIA EXPO 2007 - Booth # 336 - Channel Vision, a leading provider of technology for the Well Connected Home™ announces its entry into whole house communications with the Category 5 Whole House Intercom System. The newest addition to the company’s broad range of home technology solutions will be showcased this at the CEDIA EXPO.

The CAT5 Intercom provides convenient whole house communication, installation simplicity and the affordability that only Category 5 solutions bring. Channel Vision’s Intercom enables homeowners to communicate directly between rooms or via whole house broadcast through the Intercom Stations (ST-2000) located in each room. The system offers extensive expandability for up to 24 Intercom Stations including two door stations, making it adaptable to virtually any size home.

The system offers a comprehensive set of features that are accessible either through the IR Remote Control or Intercom Station buttons. The infrared control is a unique option allowing users to…