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HomeSeer Technologies announces its latest 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. The S3 builds on the success of the S2 and offers a faster processor, updated video support, software improvements and more technology interfaces.
“Our S2 HomeTroller has been our best selling controller, hands down.” stated Mark Colegrove, HomeSeer’s sales and marketing director. “With the S3’s improved performance and added features, new unit sales should exceed S2 sales by the end of next year!”
The New SilverPAC Advanced Thermostat Provides Intelligent HVAC Control Coupled with a Smart Energy In-Home Display and 802.11 Wi-Fi. The SilverSTAT 7 Provides Solutions for Smart Climate, Smart Energy and Smart Living!
SilverPAC, a leading provider of innovative home entertainment solutions, announces the preview of their new SilverSTAT 7, advanced seven-day programmable thermostat. The company partnered with Windows Embedded to develop a truly innovative device that features a Smart Energy In-Home Display (IHD) to help monitor utility usage and expenses in style. SilverPAC has long been dedicated to the future of consumer electronics with its visionary universal remote controls and advanced digital picture frame. It continues to extend its reach by introducing the breakthrough SilverSTAT 7 with its commitment to smarter homes and smarter living.
The SilverPAC SilverSTAT 7 is embedded on Windows® CE 6.0 R3 and Intel® Atom™ platform and aims to replace standard household thermostats with an advanced home climate control system. The device is elegantly designed with its seven-inch touch screen display that is able to illustrate the distribution of household energy down to individual appliances.
HomeSeer Technologies announces the release of its new v2.4 web-enabled home automation software. The new software features direct support for Schlage’s new LiNK® line of Z-Wave enabled lever and deadbolt locksets. With direct support, locks may be monitored and controller remotely through HomeSeer without the need for the Schlage LiNK bridge gateway. Since HomeSeer supports the widest range of home automation technologies available, this allows the locks to be integrated into a much wider range of systems, including those not centered on Z-Wave.
Other new features include auto-detection of new Z-Wave hardware, support for the new Aeon Labs Z-Stick controller, native support for Z-Wave thermostats and support for Windows 7. For a complete list of other changes, please visit homeseer.com.
HomeSeer Technologies announces the release of a new iPhone client for the company’s popular HSTouch interface design system. HSTouch is a fully customizable, family-friendly graphical interface for all HomeSeer home automation systems and will run on virtually any touchscreen including in-wall, stand-alone, and wireless handheld devices. The new iPhone client puts HomeSeer home automation within easy reach of the more than 30 million iPhone users.
HSTouch integrates tightly with all HomeSeer-based automation systems and the screens are fully customizable to work with virtually all backgrounds, buttons and graphics. An integrated RSS browser is also included for easy access popular data feeds for weather, news, sports and stock information.
Unlike other programs of this type, HSTouch is IP-enabled and may be used to monitor and control remote HomeSeer installations, including secondary residences. HSTouch is also designed to run on Windows®, Windows CE, Linux and now iPhone / iPod Touch devices, ensuring compatibility with the widest range of touchscreens currently available.
Global Caché, known for its highly successful GC-100 Network Adapters, announced today the new iTach Family of Products designed to connect any control system, including the iPhone and iPod touch, to common household devices so they can be easily accessed and controlled. Employing the iTach and remote control software available through iTunes, the Apple iPhone/iPod touch is transformed into a universal remote control in a matter of minutes. Now an iPhone/iPod touch or any WiFi-based controller can access the TV, DVD, cable box, and almost any other electrical device from any room in the house without wiring.
"With 30 million U.S. households using WiFi for home networking, a significant opportunity exists to bring a wireless non-line-of-sight control element into play for consumers' growing collections of consumer electronics," said Kurt Scherf, Vice President and principal analyst with Parks Associates. "The iTach products will bring a new level of convenience to consumers seeking to simplify control of their digital lifestyles products."
If you've been thinking about upgrading your home with a control solution that would allow you to control Z-Wave devices from anywhere with an internet connect, the HomeRemote Pro Starter Kit from Hawking may good a good place to start. Digital Trends did their full-review of this kit and awarded it a 7.5 rating with this summary:
Highs: Enables you to monitor your home from anywhere you have Internet access; no software needed to install; can be expanded using standard Z-Wave devices
Lows: Subscription required for full functionality; IP cameras not included in starter kit; pricey add-on modules
Home Automation, Inc. (HAI), leading manufacturer of integrated security and home automation products since 1985, announced that their new IP-based product suite is now shipping. These products include the OmniTouch 10p Touchscreen, Automation Studio design software, and the Home Theater Extender (HTX). Additionally, a new product has been announced and will be shipping soon, the HAI Camera Server.
HAI's OmniTouch 10p (67A00-1) portable Touchscreen has built in Wi-Fi and a 10.4" viewable screen to facilitate control of lights, temperature, security, audio/video, and more. Two noteworthy features include the ability to browse the Internet and view supported IP surveillance cameras. The Touchscreens ship ready to use with HAI's new interface design, or can be fully customized. The units have a built-in stand, and an optional Docking Cradle (67A01-1) is also available. These products are now shipping.
The ELK-TS071 is an in-wall mount 7” LCD color touchscreen designed to operate with the M1Gold and M1EZ8 controls. It features a super bright TFT display, powerful microprocessor, and includes Elk’s Remote Management Software (RMS) The easy to use graphical interface is designed to simplify the operation of both security and automation. Its low profile design satisfies the most discriminating taste.
This touchscreen connects to an M1Gold or M1EZ8 control over a local network via its on-board Ethernet port (ELK-M1XEP required to connect the M1Gold or M1EZ8 control to network). When connected to a LAN that has high speed internet service, the TS071 is fully capable of internet browsing. Internet Explorer is pre-installed as part of the Windows CE operating system.
The RMS software allows control of many aspects of the system including security, lighting, climate, outputs, audio etc. The software also permits viewing of video imagery from certain brands of IP access cameras and DVRs*, with no additional equipment to purchase! RMS also allows access to up-to-date weather and traffic information and provides "Links" for easy access to frequently visited websites.
HomeSeer Technologies announces the release of its new HST-IW07 7” In-wall touch screen unit. The new unit is IP-enabled and features a bright LED-backlit LCD display for better clarity and longer life. This touchscreen is specially engineered for use with all HomeSeer systems and includes an embedded HSTouch™ client. HSTouch is the company’s custom interface design system. With HSTouch, screens may be designed by the installer or user and then deployed to the HST-IW07 remotely via any network or internet connection.
Installers will be pleased to learn that the HST-IW07 supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) for easy “1-cable” installation. In addition, the chassis is less than 2” deep and includes quick twist mounting wings and a magnetically-attached (and paintable) front bezel. The unit is shipped with an AC power adapter, mounting template and quick-start instructions.
Home Automation, Inc. (HAI), leading manufacturer of integrated security and home automation products since 1985, announced the release of Version 3.1 controller firmware for its Omni and Lumina home control systems, which adds the Lutron HomeWorks® integration.
HAI has expanded its Lutron RadioRA partnership with the new HomeWorks integration. Integrating the Lutron HomeWorks lighting control system provides wireless or wired sophisticated lighting and window shade control (using Lutron's Sivoia Quiet Electronic Drive Roller Shades) with seamless integration in either new or existing homes.
Danny Mavromatis has been providing helpful answers to DIYers interested in home automation and home theater projects on Mavromatic.com and in this post he recommends Leviton Vizia RF+ Lighting products.
I get asked often what I recommend for lighting controls for home automation systems. My answer, Z-WAVE. I’ve been really happy with Leviton’s Vizia RF+ controls.
This interesting "Tips and Tricks" article from the Consumer Electronics Association explains how lighting control may help conserve energy in your home. They give a brief description of the many options available including basic dimmers, occupancy sensors and remote controlled scenes.
New Indigo Touch provides native iPhone/iPod touch control of home automation; Indigo Lite lowers the cost of entry for first time Home Automation buyers
Perceptive Automation, the leading provider of Mac-based home automation software, today announced the immediate availability of Indigo version 4.0, a major update to the company’s intelligent home control and automation server for Mac OS X. With Indigo, users can easily control lights, appliances, thermostats, lawn sprinklers and dozens of other items found in the home, thereby helping to reduce energy usage.
Home Entertainment Magazine makes a great argument for lighting control in the home and even go as far as comparing the added convenience to a DVR - something I know I can't live without.
Five smart lighting features highlighted in the article include:
1) Dimming lights conserve energy
2) Maximize natural light with motorized shades and skylights
3) Turn on/off lights as needed from a convenient handheld controller
4) Turn on/off lights as needed with programmed events from a central control station/PC
5) Control CFL and LED lights
HomeSeer Technologies announces its latest 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. The S3 builds on the success of the S2 and offers a faster processor, updated video support, software improvements and more technology interfaces.
SilverPAC, a leading provider of innovative home entertainment solutions, announces the preview of their new SilverSTAT 7, advanced seven-day programmable thermostat. The company partnered with Windows Embedded to develop a truly innovative device that features a Smart Energy In-Home Display (IHD) to help monitor utility usage and expenses in style. SilverPAC has long been dedicated to the future of consumer electronics with its visionary universal remote controls and advanced digital picture frame. It continues to extend its reach by introducing the breakthrough SilverSTAT 7 with its commitment to smarter homes and smarter living.
HomeSeer Technologies announces the release of its new v2.4 web-enabled home automation software. The new software features direct support for Schlage’s new LiNK® line of Z-Wave enabled lever and deadbolt locksets. With direct support, locks may be monitored and controller remotely through HomeSeer without the need for the Schlage LiNK bridge gateway. Since HomeSeer supports the widest range of home automation technologies available, this allows the locks to be integrated into a much wider range of systems, including those not centered on Z-Wave.
HomeSeer Technologies announces the release of a new iPhone client for the company’s popular HSTouch interface design system. HSTouch is a fully customizable, family-friendly graphical interface for all HomeSeer home automation systems and will run on virtually any touchscreen including in-wall, stand-alone, and wireless handheld devices. The new iPhone client puts HomeSeer home automation within easy reach of the more than 30 million iPhone users.
Global Caché, known for its highly successful GC-100 Network Adapters, announced today the new iTach Family of Products designed to connect any control system, including the iPhone and iPod touch, to common household devices so they can be easily accessed and controlled. Employing the iTach and remote control software available through iTunes, the Apple iPhone/iPod touch is transformed into a universal remote control in a matter of minutes. Now an iPhone/iPod touch or any WiFi-based controller can access the TV, DVD, cable box, and almost any other electrical device from any room in the house without wiring.
If you've been thinking about upgrading your home with a control solution that would allow you to control Z-Wave devices from anywhere with an internet connect, the HomeRemote Pro Starter Kit from Hawking may good a good place to start. Digital Trends did their full-review of this kit and awarded it a 7.5 rating with this summary:
Home Automation, Inc. (HAI), leading manufacturer of integrated security and home automation products since 1985, announced that their new IP-based product suite is now shipping. These products include the OmniTouch 10p Touchscreen, Automation Studio design software, and the Home Theater Extender (HTX). Additionally, a new product has been announced and will be shipping soon, the HAI Camera Server.
The ELK-TS071 is an in-wall mount 7” LCD color touchscreen designed to operate with the M1Gold and M1EZ8 controls. It features a super bright TFT display, powerful microprocessor, and includes Elk’s Remote Management Software (RMS) The easy to use graphical interface is designed to simplify the operation of both security and automation. Its low profile design satisfies the most discriminating taste.
HomeSeer Technologies announces the release of its new HST-IW07 7” In-wall touch screen unit. The new unit is IP-enabled and features a bright LED-backlit LCD display for better clarity and longer life. This touchscreen is specially engineered for use with all HomeSeer systems and includes an embedded HSTouch™ client. HSTouch is the company’s custom interface design system. With HSTouch, screens may be designed by the installer or user and then deployed to the HST-IW07 remotely via any network or internet connection.
Home Automation, Inc. (HAI), leading manufacturer of integrated security and home automation products since 1985, announced the release of Version 3.1 controller firmware for its Omni and Lumina home control systems, which adds the Lutron HomeWorks® integration.
This interesting "Tips and Tricks" article from the Consumer Electronics Association explains how lighting control may help conserve energy in your home. They give a brief description of the many options available including basic dimmers, occupancy sensors and remote controlled scenes. 
Home Entertainment Magazine makes a great argument for lighting control in the home and even go as far as comparing the added convenience to a DVR - something I know I can't live without.
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