In the News
Updated July 28, 2010
HomeSeer Unveils New Series-3 HomeTroller Home Automation Controller
HomeSeer Technologies has announced its latest Z-Wave home automation controller, the new HomeTroller S3. Like its predecessor (the S2), the new controller is a fanless, diskless unit that’s designed to integrate home lighting, appliances, security, climate and audio/video systems by combining the best attributes of the most popular automation systems available. Shipping now, the S3 builds on the success of the S2 and offers a faster processor, updated video support, software improvements and more technology interfaces.
The S3’s biggest performance boost comes from the addition of Intel’s energy efficient 1.6 GHz Atom processor. Other improvements include DVI video support, additional USB ports (for a total of five), front- and back-mounted audio ports and 2 Gigabit LAN ports. The unit’s HSProtect system has also been enhanced to provide file-level protection for much improved storage management of the internal flash drive.
The S3 is available in two configurations: Standard and PRO. The PRO version is shipped with all HomeSeer software plug-ins and add-ons, including the company’s popular HSTouch interface system. HSTouch allows all HomeSeer systems to be monitored and controlled by a variety of devices including iPhones, iPads, iPods, Windows and Linux devices. An Android client is also planned for release this fall.
All HomeSeer automation systems are designed to work seamlessly with industry standards and products from leading manufacturers such as Cooper, Schlage, Black & Decker, Lutron, Leviton, Russound, Microsoft, Centralite, DSC, Aprilaire, ACT, RCS, and others.
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Home Control Market Penetration to Hit 20 Percent by 2014
A recent report by research firm Parks Associates forecasts the home controls market to grow from 6 percent to nearly 20 percent of U.S. households by 2014. To reach that number, however, industry players should focus on entertainment and energy management. The report cites low consumer awareness and a shortage of affordable installation services hinder widespread adoption.
With the entry of well-known players, including ADT, Best Buy, Radio Shack, and Schlage, the market has grown. But the report recommends that vendors focus their value proposition on specific, easily understood applications to build consumer awareness.
“Three applications will drive adoption of control systems over the next five years: energy management, entertainment systems and content control, and remote home self-monitoring,” says Bill Ablondi director, home systems research, Parks Associates. “Consumers see the value in these areas, which, once established, can serve as the base for expanded control systems in the home.”
According to the report, as entertainment controls for home theater and audio systems become more affordable, penetration will expand from 5 percent of U.S. households to 17 percent by 2014. These systems can then be expanded to integrate lighting, window treatments, and security controls. This strategy will help push penetration of control systems overall to almost 20 percent of households by 2014.
Embedded Automation Rolls Out mControl Enhancements
Embedded Automation Inc. has announced several enhancements to its latest release of mControl. The new release includes support for current generation Z-Wave thermostats, such as those from Wayne-Dalton and Interamatic. Other enhancements, such as support for instantaneous status messages from Z-Wave devices like Leviton Vizia switches and modules, also made it into this latest release.
The company has added support for additional Z-Wave adapters including those from Aeon and Tricklestar as well improvements to its existing MiCasa Verde’s Vera controller. With the updated support for the Vera driver, there are now two ways to access Z-Wave, directly using the mControl driver (via serial/USB connection) or by Vera.
Check out this step-by-step guide for more information on how to set up Z-Wave sensors using mControl.
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Kwikset Introduces SmartCode Lever for Total Home Security
Kwikset has expanded its keyless, touchpad, electronic lock product offering with the introduction of the SmartCode Lever. You can lock your home office, wine cellar, storage room, or any other entryway and never again have to worry about carrying a key. To gain entry, simply input your personalized code.
SmartCode operates on four AA batteries so there is no hard wiring required. It also features SmartKey re-key technology with BumpGuard protection as the backup keyed entry system. It allows homeowners to re-key their lock anytime in a matter of seconds without removal from the door for improved security and convenience.
Just like Kwikset’s SmartCode Deadbolt, SmartCode Levers allow homeowners to create unique codes for each individual requiring access to the room or home. You can create temporary codes for the housekeeper or other visitors in the morning before leaving for work, and then disable those codes in the evening, making unauthorized access by temporary users virtually impossible.
SmartCode Levers fit all standard door preps without requiring new screw holes. The brightly-lit keypad also provides convenient access in low-light. The SmartCode Lever provides additional convenience and security via an automatic door locking feature with 30-second delay that can be activated or deactivated at your discretion. Kwikset provides a lifetime warranty on the mechanics and finish of the lock and there is a one year electronic warranty.
The SmartCode Lever introduction comes just two months after CES 2010, where the Kwikset SmartCode Lever with Home Connect Technology was previewed for the first time to the public. The Home Connect Technology product differs in that it is a wireless, ZigBee or Z-Wave enabled lock that can be locked or unlocked remotely via cell phone or the Internet from virtually anywhere, without any human interaction.
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Z-Wave Evaluation Kit Now Available Through Digi-Key
The Z-Wave Evaluation Kit, which offers hardware and software needed to evaluate Z-Wave technology, is now available for purchase on Digi-Key’s U.S. and European websites.
The kit allows programmers to write host applications from a PC or embedded processor that communicates to the Z-Wave interface through the serial API. The APIs are limited but enable a developer to write simple control applications and become acquainted with the Z-Wave solution.
In addition, each kit includes ZM2120 (with SMA connector), Interface board with LED dimmer SW, ZM2120 (with SMA connector), Interface board with static controller SW, 9V power adapter, 6-cell (AA) battery holder with barrel plug adapter, serial cable RS232, swivel antenna, and access to Sigma support login for evaluation kit software and documentation.
“This Digi-Key custom-assembled kit will be a valuable tool for design engineers interested in developing a wireless sensor network for applications such as home automation and control,” said Dave Doherty, Digi-Key’s vice president of semiconductor product.
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BuLogics Introduces Smart Grid Compatible Z-Wave Wireless Controller
BuLogics has introduced its Smart Grid compatible Z-Wave wireless controller. The controller bridges the wireless technology of Z-Wave home area networks to advanced metering infrastructures that use any wireless standard. It features a u-snap expansion module for connectivity to any wireless standard.
The Smart Grid controller supports ZigBee SE profile for Smart Grid metering. It can help you save money by reducing energy output during peak demand times and offers insight into consumer energy consumption patterns.
Smart Grid Home Controller is a networked appliance, offering advanced features of a complete Z-Wave home ecosystem including easy installation and setup. It lets you monitor and control your home energy consumption. It offers notification of utility demand change requests automatically via email or text message. It has a mobile web interface, but does not require internet access.
