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Wednesday, May 02, 2012

Honeywell is one of the most popular security equipment manufacturers in the world of residential electronics and recently the Melville, N.Y.-based company introduced its latest home security product the LYNX Touch 5100 control interface.

The LYNX Touch 5100 is an interface solution that incorporates Wi-Fi and an alarm radio that communicates with 2G, 3G and 4G networks to ensure reliability. With the 5100 interface as part of a complete LYNX Touch security system homeowners will have at their disposal an array of convenience and security features that provide energy efficiency and safety to their lives. Honeywell builds in compatibility with Z-Wave thermostats, door locks and lighting systems to enable homeowners to own a complete home automation/security system at a reasonable cost.

Honeywell adds the LYNX Touch 5100 also includes the company's Total Connect technologies that allows homeowners to access options such as remote camera viewing, weather, news and traffic information from their smart phones.

Wednesday, April 04, 2012

Home Automation, Inc. (HAI) is one of the most diverse and aggressive manufacturers in the custom installation market. Adding to its line of convenience products the New Orleans-based company recently introduced its new MicroControl (part #81A00-2WHZB) stand alone remote control that can be used by property owners to lock and unlock ZigBee enabled door locks and to control other wireless devices.

HAI says that it has verified the MicroControl's operation with Black & Decker's Kwikset SmartCode locks, but it adds that the remote should work with other brands of ZigBee enabled locks. In addition to its ZigBee lock capabilities, HAI points out that property owners can also use the remote to coordinate their wireless energy management products that include thermostats, load-control modules that regulate compressors, generators, water heaters, pumps, fountains and chillers.

The remote can also be integrated into the company's Omni or Lumina control systems and HAI says the remote also provides users lock statuses for each lock to support improved property security.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

This past fall during the annual CEDIA trade show in Indianapolis, Remote Technologies Inc (RTI) introduced its new Pro Control line of products.

Recently Pro Control started to ship its Pro24.r and Pro24.z touchscreen controllers and ProLink.r and ProLink.z central control processors to provide electronics professionals with a choice of powerful and easy to use control solutions. The new touchscreen controllers incorporate 2.4-inch TFT LCD touchscreens, programmable five-way joysticks and backlit hard buttons to allow users to execute specific commands in dimly lit rooms.

The ProLink.z and ProLink.r processors store incorporate the ability to store macro commands, as well as a full array of control options, including routable IR ports with adjustable output levels, voltage-sensing inputs and Ethernet ports for networked control. The ProLink.z also includes the bi-directional ZigBee 2.4GHz wireless communication technology and RS-232 ports. Pro Control also says that it will be adding Apple iOS and Android apps to provide more control options through the use of these popular device platforms.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

In a pretty short amount of time Control4 has grown quickly within the professional electronics community because of its advanced technologies, affordable prices and growing array of products.

Adding to its product family, the Salt Lake City-based manufacturer recently rolled out two new automation controllers: the single room HC-250 and the flagship HC-800 whole-house solution. Control4 says the HC-800 provides electronics professionals with a powerful control device that can serve as the cornerstone for any multiroom control system and it's powered by a 1.8GHz dual-core processor that drives the product's ability to instantly react to onscreen control and media browsing commands. The unit is 1U high and it offers installations features such as two RS-232 ports, six IR ports, four contact relays, analog audio/video provisions and HDMI connectivity.

The single-room HC-250 is designed as a step-up solution from typical remote control devices. Control4 says the HC-250 supports HDMI and it includes 802.11n Wi-Fi and Power over Ethernet (PoE) for single Cat-5 runs that facilitate simple connectivity.

Monday, January 23, 2012

When top dealers such as Nick Tamburri of AHA Design consistently laud HAI for its line of home control, home automation and security products, it says the company must be doing something right.

Validating those opinions are actions such as the New Orleans-based company's recent announcement that it is releasing a software update to enhance its control and security systems' usability. Just after the start of the new year HAI revealed that it is updating its controller software to allow for the two-way integration of ZigBee and Z-Wave wireless door locks. HAI dealers that install Omni and Lumina home control systems will be able to utilize wireless door locks from top manufacturers such as Kwikset, Yale and Schlage, and the company says that with the update homeowners can lock and unlock as many as 16 doors using HAI tuchscreens and keyfobs, and they can control these solutions remotely via HAI's Apple iOS and Android apps.

HAI says that installers should make sure the Omni Pro II, Omni IIe, Lumina Pro and Lumina controllers are running software version 3.10 or later, and that Z-Wave integration requires Leviton RF+3 Serial Interface Module part number VRCOP. In addition ZigBee integrations will require HAI's ZigBee Interface Module part number 81A00-3ZB running firmware 14.08 or greater.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

HAI (Home Automation, Inc.) announced that its 2012 HAI Product Catalog is now available in three formats: hard-copy print, electronic PDF, and online Flash. It will also be included on HAI's upcoming 2012 Automation Simplified CD.

The Product Guide features products currently shipping and products scheduled to be introduced in 2012, including all-new Promo Kits, the ZigBee Gateway, the Bluetooth Remote Input Module, and the Temperature Display/Control.

To make it easier to find specific products, the catalog is divided into the following general categories: Safety, Energy Management, Entertainment, and Convenient Interfaces, with color-coded tabs. Also included is information on HAI's history, industry participation and research, training and dealer support programs, warranty and technical support, wiring requirements and diagrams, as well as marketing and supporting documentation.

HAI Dealers and Distributors may now order free hard copies as well as CD's via the online support websites. HAI will ship the documents when they become available within the next few weeks.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

With the analog fat lady warming warming up her vocals cords as the electronics industry rapidly approaches the analog sunset, it's now more important than ever to have the capabilities to troubleshoot a client's digital infrastructure.

The electronic connectivity manufacturer Atlona's latest product is designed to help industry professionals to successfully install fully reliable digital systems with efficiency. Atlona's new Digital Connectivity Testing Kit (KIT-PROHD3) is a simple and portable solution that installers can use to test their digital system installations. The company says the kit comes with its Signal Generator (AT-HD800), as well as its Testing Monitor (AT-DIS7-PORHD), HDMI EDID Emulator (AT-HDSync) and AT-BAT-DIS7PRO products to enable electronics professionals to diagnose 99 percent of all digital connectivity issues they may encounter in the field.

Atlona says the kit is packaged in a quality carrying case to make it as portable as possible, and it says that when installers use the kit they can save labor time and service calls through the proper diagnosis of connectivity throughput and communication.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Elan Home Systems has always been a company that's been able to balance competitive price points, modern technologies and pleasing industrial designs.

The latest example of how the company balances these three key items on a consistent basis can be found in its new TS10 touchscreen. The TS10 is the latest user interface from the company and it is engineered to provide homeowners with a versatile, easy-to-use control device that facilitates their use of their home electronics. Elan says the new touchscreen incorporates the company's "touch-and-swipe" user technologies with an active matrix screen that can display large icons that are easy for users to read, and analog video content.

Some of the features built into the unit include a 16:9 aspect ratio screen, speakers, a microphone and a choice of finishes such as almond, light almond, ivory and black. Elan also supports the touchscreen with install accessories like an optional backbox and preconstruction brackets.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

With the stock market behaving more erratically than a toddler, unemployment still raging at more than 9 percent and consumer confidence waffling, the public is looking for any means possible to save money.

The New Orleans-based manufacturer Home Automation, Inc. (HAI) is providing some relief to homeowners that are interested in curbing their utility expenses through its new energy management solution. HAI is now shipping its Standalone Wireless Energy Management System MicroControl (8100-2WHZB) unit. According to the company, the ZigBee-based device serves as the heart of its Energy Management System and it facilitates a homeowner's ability to run time-based schedules for their home's temperatures, water heaters, fountains, lamps and other components.

HAI adds the MicroControl can act as a ZigBee Interface Module (ZIM) to allow the unit to integrate into the company's whole-house control and automation systems.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Home Automation, Inc. (HAI) is one of the most aggressive companies in the entire custom installation market. With a vast product line that covers many categories and a research and development (R&D) staff that consistently updates those products the company positions itself to dealers as a state-of-the-art company with affordable products.

Reinforcing its reputation in the market are product releases like its new Snap-Link USB for Windows with Access Control, Audio, Humidity and User Settings update. The solution (product number 1120) is a USB key that plugs into a PC to allow users to access their Hi-Fi 2 whole-house audio systems, as well as their access control systems, dehumidifier/humidifiers, and user settings that include irrigation and wake-up times.

The New Orleans-based company adds that homeowners can also control their lighting control systems, their security systems, their HVAC systems and IP surveillance cameras.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Remote control capabilities are the custom electronics industry's version of National Football League (NFL) offensive linemen: You never notice them unless they fail.

The Costa Mesa, California-based electronics manufacturer Channel Vision can't help protect Tom Brady from the pass rush of the New York Jets, but it can help installers ensure the reliability of the IR remotes used to control the electronic components they install. Channel Vision's new Plasma-Proof IR Kit (IR5010) can be used to control components that are up to 1,000 feet away.

Channel Vision says the kit offers provisions for a complete one-room entertainment system, including one IR receiver, one IR hub, four flashers and a 12-volt power supply. The company adds the kit is plasma and fluorescent proof to ensure its operation in a variety of room environments.

Friday, July 08, 2011

Anyone that doubts the impact that Apple has had on the custom electronics market is probably in denial about Jimi Hendrix and Eddie Van Halen's influence on rock-and-roll guitar playing.

New York-based VidaBox is one company that has fully embraced Apple's iPad and iPhone and the company's new LiivController and vAutomation 2.0 take advantage of the powerful Apple products to provide VidaBox consumers with a choice of easy-to-use solutions that control their home electronics systems.

The LiivController is a 4U-high unit that runs the company's vAutomation 2.0 software. The hardware and software allow homeowners to control everything from their TV cable and satellite boxes, to their multiroom audio and lighting control systems, and it has provisions to utilize IR, RS-232 and TCP/IP. The system is also designed to use Apple's iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch products to enable consumers to use their familiar Apple products to control their favorite home electronics.

Wednesday, July 06, 2011

While it may be more important in some parts of the country than others, air conditioning is a home amenity that nearly everyone values.

Adding to its ever-growing list of control and automation options, the New Orleans-based manufacturer Home Automation, Inc. (HAI) has recently introduced its new CoolMaster VRV/VRF air conditioning system adapters. HAI says the CoolMaster products provide connectivity to air conditioning solutions from Toshiba, Mitsubishi, Hitachi, Sanyo, Fujitsu and Daikin. HAI also explains the newly launched adapters support multiple indoor units and each thermostat in a Omni or Lumina control systems can be setup so each thermostat can be assigned to corresponding a CoolMaster adapter.

HAI adds that the CoolMaster adapters employ a single set point for heating and cooling, and that homeowners that change their heating or cooling systems' temperatures will control the CoolMaster's set point. The adapter work with HAI Omni and Lumina control and automation systems running version 3.8 firmware or later.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Not resting on its laurels, Lutron has recently updated its brand new RadioRA 2 line of lighting and home control solutions.

The RadioRA 2 system can be setup by professional installers to wirelessly control and automate up to 200 devices, and homeowners can control their systems with their Apple iPads. Following the long Memorial Day weekend the Penn.-based manufacturer released several updates for the Radio RA 2 system that are headlined by the introduction of the system's new v4.2.10 programming software that now enables installers to activate functions in Lutron's seeTemp Thermostat to allow homeowners to set temperatures from their keypads and create temperature schedules. Lutron has also added support for its Sivoia QS wireless Venetian Blinds with Intelligent Tilt Alignment, as well as an expanded selection of non-system accessories and the ability to program phantom buttons to activate security full/flash mode, which eliminates the need for a VCRX interface.

Lutron has also updated its Home Control+ app with the release of version 3.1, which adds full functionality for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad devices, seeTemp Thermostat support, Venetian Blind support, Pico wireless control support, RadioRA 2, HomeWorks QS and HomeWorks system support.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Since the initial debut of its g system a couple of years ago, Elan has been steadily bolstering the line with subsequent product releases to ensure its viability within the custom installation market.

The latest additions to the product line address the management side of control and automation, and Elan says the new products--the HC4 and HC8--can be used by installers for residential and light commercial installations. Elan says the two new controllers are built to facilitate easy installations, and they are designed to combine control, automation over a variety of electronics systems. The HC4 incorporates four ports, streaming audio capabilities, an on-screen display, IR, relays and sensing inputs. The HC8 offers eight serial ports, two audio streams, IR, relays and sense inputs. The HC8 also includes a 500GB hard drive that allows homeowners to store security video, photos, music and video.

With the introduction of these controllers, the g line of solutions now includes a choice of four, six, eight and 12 port models and control options that range from keypads and touchscreens, to Apple iPhones and iPads.