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CEPro

ULTIMATE
GUIDE
to
Home Automation
© 2010 EH Publishing
Unbelievably easy control of my
home theater with the touch of a button.
Bye-bye remotes. Hello, coffee table.

I am the face of Control4.


Control4’s affordable home control solution lets me ditch the five remotes cluttering

my coffee table and manage all my entertainment gear – like DVR’s, movies, music,

and game stations – right from my TV screen. The same system lets me control sound,

lighting, security, temperature, and all the other gadgets in my home. I started with

one room and added more capabilities throughout the house, transforming my

home virtually overnight without breaking the bank. Finally, a home control solution

designed for me.

GET ALL OF THE LATEST AT CONTROL4


www.control4.com/hello3

COPYRIGHT © 2009. Control4 Corporation. All rights reserved. Control4, the Control4 logo and Everyday Easy are registered trademarks or trademarks of Control4 Corporation
in the United States and/or other countries. Other names or brands may be claimed as the property of others.
CE Pro’s Ultimate Guide:
Rediscovering
HOME
Sure our comprehensive
chart includes all the old
faithful home control

Automation
manufacturers, but don’t
forget the little guys
either. by Julie Jacobson

S
Sponsored by: OME THINGS NEVER CHANGE in home automation. After all these years, we still
have the old faithfuls: AMX, Crestron, Elan, HAI and Vantage. We all know those
companies, each of which has been selling home control systems for over 20 years.
But we also have at least one other old-timer, JDS Technologies, that continues
quietly to crank out great products and support. JDS, a pioneer in home controls for 32
years, is the go-to brand for many successful integrators, but most CE pros have probably
never considered the company.
Don’t let the dated Web site fool you. The company has rock-solid hardware in its Stargate
line and a wonderful newish programming platform and interface called HomeRunner. Easily
import any image and create hotspots and icons to trigger any event.
JDS founder Jeff Stein likes to show off applications that simulate the status of every room.
For example, if you take pictures of a bedroom with lights on, lights dimmed to 50 percent and
lights off, you can display the graphical status when the appropriate event is initiated.
You can do this with the high-end systems, of course, but JDS was one of the first to
incorporate this type of GUI into its control systems — and it may be one of the cheapest
such solutions on the market.
Not that dealers should all run out and start installing JDS for their customers. It’s just one
example of what the little guys bring to the table. And they bring plenty more.
Mi Casa Verde’s new Mios system, for example, is a Z-Wave-enabled energy management

Look for the “Mobile Devices/Platforms Supported” columns in our chart to see
how smart phone-friendly the manufacturers are.

www.cepro.com April 2010 CE Pro 57


Home Automation

and control platform that gives you the basics for $300 … and
all the extras you want through a consumer-oriented app store.
HomeLogic was still a “little guy” when it came out with pos-
sibly the first embedded app for the iPhone. To demonstrate the
capabilities of the then-new mobile platform, HomeLogic set up
a system in its own corporate headquarters that enables consum-
ers to log in and mess with a variety of subsystems — not secu-
rity, of course.
Sand Hill Engineering and Perceptive Automation have qui-
etly been making Mac-based automation software for many
years, and Perceptive’s Indigo has a particularly large following
among Apple fanboys.
And here’s another thing that the little guys do particularly
well: consumer and installer forums. The top products by DIY/
pro providers — such as HomeSeer and Charmed Quark —
have strong and active followings among folks who are passion-
ate about home control. The company’s proprietors are active in We’re guessing that many CE pros don’t know about JDS Tech-
online discussions as well. nologies’ programming platform and interface, HomeRunner.
Whether you’re already loyal to one or more home-control Our chart should change that.
vendors, it’s worth it to check out some of the newer providers,
as well as the older and quieter veterans in the space. In addition to the companies listed, several other vendors
Our chart includes just a small portion of the information offer home-control products, but CE Pro did not receive their
we collected from home automation vendors. More data can be forms in time to include them in our chart. Check the online
found at www.cepro.com/whitepapers. story for a more comprehensive list.
Feel free to
take control
TSU9800

Pronto offers a complete range of control solutions for


TSU9600
the home automation market. The Pronto touch screen
control panels offer intuitive, integrated, multi-room control of
conventional home theater, multimedia content, lighting, security,
HVAC systems and much more.
TSU9400 The Pronto range also includes extenders, enabling full
integration with all automation equipment in residential and
commercial environments.
The total system is very flexible and easy to program using the
TSU9300
ProntoEditProfessional software. Through industry partnerships
with leading brands, and powered by the unique ProntoScript
technology, Pronto offers seamless 2-way integration resulting
in richer user interfaces and a unique control experience.
Philips Pronto products, trainings and technical support are
available through a global network of distributors. For more
information, please visit www.pronto.philips.com.

www.pronto.philips.com
ULTIMATE GUIDE TO HOME AUTOMATION
GENERAL INFO CHARACTERISTICS

No. systems
Years in installed Typical price Third–party No. of No. of
Home systems in of installed subsystems keypads/ touch- Software– On–screen
Control the U.S. system supported touchpads screens only (TV)
COMPANY NAME Business (thousands) Key brands (thousands) (excl. IR) offered offered option? display?

2gig Technologies
1 25k–100k Go!Control <$5k <15 1–4 1–4 No No
2gig.com

AMXhome,
AutoPatch, Endeleo,
AMX
27 >100k Metreau, Mio, >$25k >100 >10 >10 No No
amx.com
Modero, NetLinx,
ViewStat

Calrad Electronics
12 >100k xLobby $5k–$25k >100 0 5–10 PC Yes
xlobby.com

CeBotics
6 <5k HouseBot <$5k <15 0 0 PC No
cebotics.com

Charmed Quark Systems, Ltd


8 <5k CQC $5k–$25k >100 0 0 PC Yes
charmedquark.com

Cinemar MainLobby,
9 >100k <$5k >100 0 1–4 PC Yes
cinemaronline.com MLServer, DVDLobby

Colorado vNet
8 >100k $5k–$25k 15–50 0 1–4 No No
coloradovnet.com

Control4 4Store, Composer,


7 >100k $5k–$25k >100 1–4 5–10 No Yes
control4.com 4Sight

Cortexa Automation
5 >100k <$5k 15–50 0 1–4 No Yes
cortexa.com

V–Panel, Isys,
Crestron Electronics DigitalMedia,
40 >100k >$25k >100 >10 >10 No Yes
crestron.com Prodigy, Adagio,
RoomView, e–Control

Elan Home Systems


20 >100k g!, VIA!, Olé $5k–$25k >100 1–4 >10 No Yes
elanhomesystems.com

Elk Products, Inc.


15 25k–100k M1 Gold, M1EZ8 <$5k 15–50 5–10 1–4 No No
elkproducts.com

Embedded Automation
5 >100k mControl, mPanel <$5k 50–100 1–4 1–4 PC Yes
EmbeddedAutomation.com

Exceptional Innovation
6 >100k Lifeware $5k–$25k >100 1–4 1–4 PC, Mac Yes
life–ware.com

KEY: (e) Estimated by CE Pro; not supplied by vendor MOBILE DEVICES/PLATFORMS DIY ACCESS: Consumer programming: 0 - No consumer programming, 1 - Consumer
SUPPORTED: Other: [1] Nokia N800, [2] Palm WebOS, [3] J2ME, WAP can make modest changes after pro installation, 2 - Consumer can make substantial

58 CE Pro April 2010 www.cepro.com


MOBILE DEVICES/ REMOTE DIY DEALER ACCESSIBILITY &
PLATFORMS SUPPORTED ACCESS ACCESS REQUIREMENTS FOR AUTH. DEALERS

programming

consumers?

Dealer base

Distribution
Mobile/Win

Consumers

Purchasing
Blackberry

Consumer
interface?

Windows

Training
Android

Dealers
RIM OS

CE/.net
iPhone

Sell to

Demo
Other

Req.
CLAIM TO FAME (FROM COMPANY)
First self–contained home security and home
Web automation system complete with color
✓ fee fee 3 None Limited Ltd./authorized Yes Yes touchscreen, GSM/cellular radio, and built–in
app Z–Wave chip.

Dedicated to integrating a complex array of


technologies and presenting users with a reli-
able, consistent, scalable automation system
Native free 0 None Limited Ltd./authorized Yes <$25k Yes designed to simplify their lives.

55 years in business serving the pro A/V,


Web broadcast, home theater system integrator
free 3 None Limited Ltd./authorized Yes
app markets.

✓ free 3 Most DIY Ltd./authorized

Product is cost–effective, highly scalable, multi–


user and inherently networked with powerful
Native ✓ free free 3 Some Most Ltd./open <$25k touchscreen design system, and handles auto-
mation and media in a single product.

Web Affordable home automation and media man-


free free 3 Most Most Ltd./open agement.
app
Manufactures a wide range of whole–house
control solutions for lighting, climate, security,
CCTV, weather and distributed digital enter-
1 None Limited Direct only Yes >$25k Yes tainment. Blends reliability, scalability and
flexibility with contemporary design. Quick
to install.

Control4, a leading provider of the operating


system for the smart home, delivers intelligent
control of consumer electronics products, ap-
Native ✓ ✓ free fee 1 None Most Broad Yes <$25k pliances and networking systems through an
easy–to–use and intuitive software interface.

High–end system at a low–end price with


intuitive and attractive user interface and
Native free free 3 Some Most Broad Yes iPhone app. End user can customize and
tweak the system. Integrator can easily install
the system.

Delivers completely integrated whole–house


control solution. On a single reliable, scalable
Web platform, Crestron solutions control the entire
free free 0/2 None Limited Direct only Yes >$25k Yes home with no limitations, from anywhere.
app

Elan pioneered the smart–home market with a


1992 patent for an audio distribution system.
Twenty patents later innovation continues with
Native ✓ [1] free 2 None Limited Ltd./authorized Yes <$25k IP–based systems and g! – an intuitive cross–
platform management system.

M1 controls built for life safety, providing


energy and task management and integrating
Web with over 45 other manufacturers. Remote
✓ ✓ free free 2 None Most Broad <$25k control: telephone, touchscreens, PCs,
app
Internet, iPhone, Blackberry, and other mobile
devices.
mControl offers tight integration with Win-
dows–based homes including Media Center
Web and Windows Home Server. mPanel is a PoE
free 3 Most DIY Ltd./open touchscreen with integrated digital amplifier
app
for direct–to–speaker capability.

Easy–to–use software solution is hard-


Web free/ free/ ware–neutral, platform–agnostic and highly
✓ 1 None Limited Ltd./authorized Yes >$25k Yes customizable with no computer code required
app fee fee for dealers.

changes, 3 - Consumer can program start to finish, Note: Multiple answers due to dif- DEALER ACCESSIBILITY: Dealer Base: Primarily DIY, Most dealers will qualify,
ferent product lines Sell to Consumers: Most products, Some products, No products Limited no. of authorized dealers

www.cepro.com April 2010 CE Pro 59


ULTIMATE GUIDE TO HOME AUTOMATION (CONT’D)
GENERAL INFO CHARACTERISTICS

No. systems
Years in installed Typical price Third–party No. of No. of
Home systems in of installed subsystems keypads/ touch- Software– On–screen
Control the U.S. system supported touchpads screens only (TV)
COMPANY NAME Business (thousands) Key brands (thousands) (excl. IR) offered offered option? display?

Home Automated Living


15 25k–100k HAL <$5k 50–100 0 0 PC Yes
automatedliving.com

Omni, Lumina,
Home Automation Inc. (HAI) Omnistat, Omni-
25 >100k $5k–$25k 50–100 1–4 1–4 No Yes
homeauto.com Touch, HAI Lighting
Control (HLC)

PRO–100, Ho-
HomeSeer meTroller,
11 25k–100k $5k–$25k >100 0 1–4 PC Yes
homeseer.com HSPRO, Z–Troller,
HSM100

Jasco Products Co.


6 <5k GE <$5k <15 1–4 0 No No
jascoproducts.com

JDS Technologies HomeRunner,


32 25k–100k <$5k 15–50 1–4 1–4 No No
jdstechnologies.com Stargate

JET home automation


3 <5k 3NYX <$5k <15 0 5–10 PC No
3nyx.com

HomeWorks,
Lutron Electronics
49 >100k RadioRA 2, $5k–$25k 15–50 >10 0 No No
lutron.com
Sivoia shades

Perceptive Automation
8 25k–100k Indigo <$5k 15–50 1–4 1–4 Mac No
perceptiveautomation.com

Philips Pronto
12 >100k Pronto $5k–$25k >100 0 1–4 No No
pronto.philips.com

Promixis
10 25k–100k Girder, NetRemote <$5k 15–50 0 0 PC, Linux No
promixis.com

Remote Technologies Inc (RTI)


18 >100k RTI <$5k >100 >10 >10 No No
rticorp.com

Residential Control Systems


(RCS) 17 5k–25k CommStar, StarGate <$5k <15 0 0 No No
resconsys.com

Sand Hill Engineering


14 <5k Xtension <$5k 50–100 1–4 1–4 Mac No
shed.com

KEY: (e) Estimated by CE Pro; not supplied by vendor MOBILE DEVICES/PLATFORMS DIY ACCESS: Consumer programming: 0 - No consumer programming, 1 - Consumer
SUPPORTED: Other: [1] Nokia N800, [2] Palm WebOS, [3] J2ME, WAP can make modest changes after pro installation, 2 - Consumer can make substantial

60 CE Pro April 2010 www.cepro.com


MOBILE DEVICES/ REMOTE DIY DEALER ACCESSIBILITY &
PLATFORMS SUPPORTED ACCESS ACCESS REQUIREMENTS FOR AUTH. DEALERS

programming

consumers?

Dealer base

Distribution
Mobile/Win

Consumers

Purchasing
Blackberry

Consumer
interface?

Windows

Training
Android

Dealers
RIM OS

CE/.net
iPhone

Sell to

Demo
Other

Req.
CLAIM TO FAME (FROM COMPANY)
Home automation software manufacturer,
offering true speaker–independent, speech rec-
free free 3 Most Most Broad <$25k ognition for home control and multiple means of
access and control to the home.

HAI has been defining home automation for


25 years.  
Web HAI provides security, lighting, audio/video,
✓ ✓ free free 2 Some Most Broad Yes surveillance and access control with a solution
app
for every home.

First with trainable voice recognition, remote


Internet control, Z–Wave support, Windows
Media Center support, .net support, handheld
Z–Wave controller designed as PC interface,
Native ✓ free free 3 Most Most Ltd./authorized Yes Yes IP–configurable touchscreen designer and
multisensor support.

Easy–to–use, easy–to–install affordable


wireless lighting controls, handheld remotes,
fee 3 Most DIY Broad <$25k sensors and other low–cost GE branded Z–
Wave devices.

HomeRunner is a simple platform for creating


custom user interfaces from any image file.
Web Any photo, drawing and/or downloaded im-
✓ free 3 Some Most Broad <$25k age can easily be converted into an interac-
app
tive control surface.

Developer of innovative, cost–effective and


highly personalizable home automation
system, which takes advantage of using
free 2 None Limited Ltd./authorized Yes <$25k Yes mostly third–party hardware interfaces and
subsystems already in the market.

Lutron’s core business has always been con-


trolling electric light. Recently, the company
expanded that model to integrate natural light
Native free 0 Some Limited Ltd./open Yes >$25k control (automated shades) and temperature
control.

Most widely used Mac–based home auto-


free/ mation system with the highest user rated
Native ✓ [2] 3 Most DIY Ltd./open <$25k
fee iPhone interface app.

Pronto offers a complete range of control


solutions for the home automation market.
Touchscreen control panels and extenders
1/3 Some Limited Ltd./open Yes <$25k Yes offer integrated multiroom control of home
theater, multimedia content, lighting and
HVAC systems.
Automation technologies are based on soft-
ware that has been used for over 10 years.
Web Latest product PEAC is now being used in
free 3 Most Most Broad commercial healthcare facilities for disabled
app
patients.

Leading manufacturer of affordable control


solutions for professionally installed electronic
systems. All RTI products are programmed
0 None Most Ltd./authorized Yes through the popular Integration Designer
software platform.

Leading manufacturer of communicating


thermostats, zone control systems, energy
management and home automation products.
3 Most DIY Ltd./open Yes Produce thermostats for all standards,
including Z–Wave, Wi–Fi and UPB. Only X10
communicating thermostat in the world.

Web Offers multiple concurrent interfaces, wide


free free 3 Most DIY Direct only <$25k variety of devices, Web interface, ease of user
app configuration and stability.

changes, 3 - Consumer can program start to finish, Note: Multiple answers due to dif- DEALER ACCESSIBILITY: Dealer Base: Primarily DIY, Most dealers will qualify,
ferent product lines Sell to Consumers: Most products, Some products, No products Limited no. of authorized dealers

www.cepro.com April 2010 CE Pro 61


ULTIMATE GUIDE TO HOME AUTOMATION (CONT’D)
GENERAL INFO CHARACTERISTICS

No. systems
Years in installed Typical price Third–party No. of No. of
Home systems in of installed subsystems keypads/ touch- Software– On–screen
Control the U.S. system supported touchpads screens only (TV)
COMPANY NAME Business (thousands) Key brands (thousands) (excl. IR) offered offered option? display?

Savant Systems
5 <5k Protege, Rosie $5k–$25k >100 5–10 >10 No Yes
savantav.com

Schlage, Ingersoll Rand


1 >100k Schlage Link <$5k <15 1–4 0 No No
link.schlage.com

Schneider Electric Square D, C–Bus,


12 >100k $5k–$25k (e) 15–50 (e) 5–10 1–4 No Yes
mySEhome.com Clipsal, Wiser

Stardraw
5 <5k Stardraw Control <$5k >100 0 0 PC, Mac No
stardraw.com

URC
(formerly Universal Complete Control,
19 >100k $5k–$25k >100 1–4 1–4 No Yes
Remote Control) URC
universalremote.com

InFusion, Enspire,
Vantage Controls
24 25k–100k ScenePoint, >$25 >100 >10 5–10 No No
vantagecontrols.com
WireLink, RadioLink

Visiomatic/Siedle
11 <5k VisiPad, VisiServer >$25 >100 1–4 >10 No Yes
visiomatic.com

SALT, Home Settings,


Wayne–Dalton
6 25k–100k Houseport, <$5k 15–50 5–10 1–4 PC, Mac No
wayne–dalton.com/access
HomeManager

Xanboo ASG Connect,


10 25k–100k <$5k <15 1–4 1–4 PC, Mac No
xanboo.com Security Enhanced

Xantech
27 >100k Video–Link $5k–$25k 15–50 >10 >10 No Yes
xantech.com

KEY: (e) Estimated by CE Pro; not supplied by vendor MOBILE DEVICES/PLATFORMS DIY ACCESS: Consumer programming: 0 - No consumer programming, 1 - Consumer
SUPPORTED: Other: [1] Nokia N800, [2] Palm WebOS, [3] J2ME, WAP can make modest changes after pro installation, 2 - Consumer can make substantial

URC Complete Control


Philips MX-6000
Pronto

Crestron PMC2
Prodigy Media
Controller

62CE Pro April 2010 www.cepro.com


MOBILE DEVICES/ REMOTE DIY DEALER ACCESSIBILITY &
PLATFORMS SUPPORTED ACCESS ACCESS REQUIREMENTS FOR AUTH. DEALERS

programming

consumers?

Dealer base

Distribution
Mobile/Win

Consumers

Purchasing
Blackberry

Consumer
interface?

Windows

Training
Android

Dealers
RIM OS

CE/.net
iPhone

Sell to

Demo
Other

Req.
CLAIM TO FAME (FROM COMPANY)
Apple–based control, automation and enter-
tainment system solution, Savant technology
unifies all audio, video, lighting, security,
Native free 1 None Limited Ltd./open Yes <$25k Yes climate, communications and Internet into
one seamless experience.

Schlage offers a wide range of commercial


and residential door hardware, including
Web Internet and wireless–enabled home security
fee 3 Some Limited Ltd./open management, electronic keyless locks and
app
mechanical door hardware.

With 170 years of experience in the electri-


cal industry, Schneider has fine–tuned its
Web craft to create the C–Bus Home Control
free 1 None Limited system and Wiser IP–enabled automation
app
solution.

Software–based, open–architecture, universal


control platform. Control/monitor any device
Web over any protocol. Use any PC or Web–ca-
✓ free free 3 Most Most Broad Yes pable device as a UI. Control anything, over
app
anything, from anything, anywhere.

Founded on remote controls, URC now offers


whole–house control options. Best known for
1/3 None Limited Ltd./authorized >$25k the build quality and reliability of products.

From exquisite interfaces to Design Center


software, Vantage enables custom integrators
Web to efficiently personalize complete whole–
✓ ✓ ✓ free fee 1 None Limited Direct only Yes Yes home automation solutions to fit the desires
app
of their customers in the luxury living space.

A single display can be used by anyone for


simple and convenient control of all technol-
ogy within the premises –– including com-
Native 0 None Limited Direct only Yes munication, information and entertainment
–– both on site and remotely.

Known for Z–Wave home Controls. Complete


line of vehicular access to garage door as
free/ portal to the home. Very comprehensive line
free 2 Some Most Broad Yes <$25k of Z–Wave devices like lighting, touchscreens
fee
and computer interfaces.

Bridges to Honeywell, DSC, DMP, Bosch


security panels, plus Z–Wave, ZigBee and
Native [3] fee fee 3 None Most Broad Yes Yes Insteon. Install Xanboo on top of existing
✓ ✓ and new security installs for additional MRM
around broadband interactive services.

Pioneer in infrared–red technology for audio/


video systems. Expertise in high–value con-
trol, audio and video products and systems.
✓ ✓ ✓ free 3 Some Most Ltd./open Yes <$25k Solutions for every conceivable A/V control
application.

changes, 3 - Consumer can program start to finish, Note: Multiple answers due to dif- DEALER ACCESSIBILITY: Dealer Base: Primarily DIY, Most dealers will qualify,
ferent product lines Sell to Consumers: Most products, Some products, No products Limited no. of authorized dealers

Stardraw
Control 2010

Exceptional
Innovation
Life|ware

HAI OmniTouch 5.7e

www.cepro.com April 2010 CE Pro 63


Home Automation

ULTIMATE GUIDE TO HOME AUTOMATION


SUBSYSTEMS OFFERED

COMPANY NAME
2gig Technologies
ZW ZW ZW
2gig.com
AMX
amx.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Calrad Electronics
xlobby.com ✓ ✓
CeBotics
cebotics.com
Charmed Quark Systems, Ltd
charmedquark.com
Cinemar
cinemaronline.com ✓
Colorado vNet
coloradovnet.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Control4
control4.com ✓ ZIG ✓ ZIG ✓ ✓
Cortexa Automation
cortexa.com
Crestron Electronics
crestron.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Elan Home Systems
elanhomesystems.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Elk Products, Inc.
elkproducts.com ✓
Embedded Automation
ZW
EmbeddedAutomation.com
Exceptional Innovation
life–ware.com ✓
Home Automated Living
IN, ZW IN, ZW
automatedliving.com
Home Automation Inc. (HAI)
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ P
homeauto.com
HomeSeer
homeseer.com
Jasco Products Co.
jascoproducts.com ✓
JDS Technologies
jdstechnologies.com ✓ ✓
JET home automation
3nyx.com
Lutron Electronics
lutron.com ✓ ✓
Perceptive Automation
perceptiveautomation.com
Philips Pronto
pronto.philips.com
Promixis
promixis.com
Remote Technologies Inc (RTI)
rticorp.com

64 CE Pro April 2010 www.cepro.com


ULTIMATE GUIDE TO HOME AUTOMATION
SUBSYSTEMS OFFERED

COMPANY NAME
Residential Control Systems (RCS)
resconsys.com ✓ ✓
Sand Hill Engineering
shed.com
Savant Systems
savantav.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Schlage, Ingersoll Rand
ZW ✓ ZW
link.schlage.com
Schneider Electric
mySEhome.com ✓ ✓ ✓
Stardraw
stardraw.com

URC

universalremote.com

Vantage Controls
vantagecontrols.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Visiomatic/Siedle
visiomatic.com ✓ ✓
Wayne–Dalton
wayne–dalton.com/access ✓ ZW ✓ ZW
Xanboo
IN ✓
xanboo.com
Xantech
xantech.com ✓ ✓ ✓

KEY: SUBSYSTEMS OFFERED: Native support for off-the-shelf Insteon (IN), Universal
Powerline Bus (UPB), X10, Z-Wave (ZW), ZigBee (ZIG) lights, thermostats and sensors

5 Things People Might Not Know About Your Automated Systems


AMX CINEMAR CORTEXA AUTOMATION
1. Obama uses in White House 1. Price-point is deceiving 1. Robust for Dealers and DIYers
2. Control from iPod or iPad 2. Customizable user interface 2. Free remote access
3. Configure without any custom code 3. Controls two Air Force show vehicles 3. Unique, attractive user interface
4. Distributed audio starts at $5,000 4. Offer turnkey sports bar package 4. No licensing, integration, subscription
5. Our thermostat shows weather forecast 5. Offer white glove remote assistance fees
5. Vast range of compatible subsystems
CALRAD ELECTRONICS CONTROL4
1. Easy to skin, program interface 1. International distribution to 20+ CRESTRON ELECTRONICS
2. 10 built-in multizone audio streams countries 1. Touchpanels feature embedded PC
3. iTunes support, management 2. Over 1,500 dealers applications
including cover art 3. Won over 20 awards since 2005 2. DigitalMedia designed over five years
4. Updatable platform software and 4. Compatible with 10,000 third-party 3. ADMS: complete content delivery system.
hardware products 4. Only end-to-end whole-house control
5. Works with IR/RF remotes, solution
touchscreens 5. All products manufactured in U.S.A.

www.cepro.com April 2010 CE Pro 65


Home Automation

ELAN HOME SYSTEMS JASCO PRODUCTS CO. REMOTE TECHNOLOGIES INC (RTI)
1. Complete whole-house entertainment, 1. Do-it-yourself system 1. Professional-grade control products
management 2. Affordable name brand products 2. Powerful, efficient programming
2. g! first uniform cross-platform 3. All Z-Wave products work together environment
interface 3. One program: all RTI products
3. Industry’s first Smartphone control JDS TECHNOLOGIES 4. Only available through professional
software 1. Any picture can become GUI. integrators
4. Only free, live iPhone demo 2. Same platform for control, editing 5. 256 devices within one file
5. First hybrid touchpad: Olé 3. Individual password protection
4. Different UI for all RESIDENTIAL CONTROL SYSTEMS
ELK PRODUCTS, INC. (RCS)
1. IP Accessible - LAN/Internet JET HOME AUTOMATION 1. Powerline thermostats: UPB,
2. Smart phone integration, no fees 1. Based on customer’s home floorplan LonWorks, X10
3. Wireless capability: 144 Inputs 2. Easy and intuitive navigation 2. RF stats: Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, ZigBee
4. Integrates with 48 partner products. 3. Applicable to new constructions, coming
5. More economical than comparable retrofits 3. More communications: relay, RS-232,
systems 4. Scenes programmable by the user RS-485
5. Users can control remotely 4. It’s a sleeper: CommStar automation
EMBEDDED AUTOMATION 5. Temperature sensors and more
1. Most device drivers are free LUTRON ELECTRONICS
2. Integrates with Windows Home Server 1. We’ve added temperature control SAND HILL ENGINEERING
3. Supports Windows 7 and x64 2. Keypads in 50+ styles/colors 1. Continuous development for 14 years
platforms 3. Patented Clear Connect RF technology 2. Over 5,000 systems internationally
4. Supports Insteon, Z-Wave, ZigBee, 4. Retrofit and new-construction solutions 3. Commercial and light industrial
KNX 4. Modular add-ons
5. New mStation home control appliance. PERCEPTIVE AUTOMATION 5. Dynamic graphic views
1. Remote Insteon device link
EXCEPTIONAL INNOVATION management SAVANT SYSTEMS
1. Software-only option 2. Native controls for devices 1. Apple-based control system
2. Lifeware hardware not required 3. Client/server architecture 2. Unique user interfaces
3. Wide range of price points 4. Built-in Web server 3. No custom programming
4. Complete automation sans Media 5. Plug-in and RESTful APIs 4. iPhone-like gesture navigation
Center 5. Solution across many markets
5. Commercial solutions also available PHILIPS PRONTO
1. Pronto has evolved into a full control SCHLAGE, INGERSOLL RAND
HOME AUTOMATED LIVING system 1. Z-Wave-enabled wireless door locks
1. Home automation since 1995 2. Focused on Custom: training and 2. Remotely monitor lights, thermostats,
2. Support for energy management support security
(HALemc) 3. Quality and Reliability; 100% Belgian 3. Featured in Apple’s TV commercial
3. Voice recognition requires no training made 4. Available at RadioShack, other
4. Support microphones, intercoms and 4. Numerous plug-and-play 2-way retailers
telephones solutions 5. Integrates with security panels, alarm.com
5. Multiple means of user-control 5. Easy to program and configure
SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC
HOME AUTOMATION INC. (HAI) PROMIXIS 1. Wiser controls: TV, touchscreens, Web
1. Retrofittable 1. Open systems, hardware-agnostic 2. Mix wired, wireless lighting
2. Scalable 2. Commercial system for disabled 3. Elegant European styling
3. Affordable individuals 4. Visit Showroom in LaVergne, Tenn.
4. International applications and 3. Dealer version runs Windows, Linux 5. Virtual home tour: www.mysehome.
languages com/tour.html
5. Great option for light commercial

66 CE Pro April 2010 www.cepro.com


STARDRAW solution
1. Open architecture 3. Robust lighting control solution XANBOO
2. Infinitely flexible, ultimately powerful 4. Interfaces with sophisticated, luxury 1. Easy to use
3. Programming (writing code) not aesthetic 2. Affordable
required 5. Delivered through trained custom 3. Enables interactive services
4. If desired, code in C# integrators 4. Bridges to most standard systems

URC (FORMERLY UNIVERSAL VISIOMATIC/SIEDLE XANTECH


REMOTE CONTROL) 1. Perfected elegance 1. High-value, self-contained design
1. CCP: unified programming platform 2. Simple understatement 2. Flexibility of user interface
2.CCP: eliminates the programmer 3. Effectiveness 3. Multiple devices can access
bottleneck 4. Large number of available interfaces controllers
3.CCP: automates building large 5. Multifunctional 4. Programming through Web interface
systems 5. Intelligent system management
4. CCP: enables open architecture WAYNE-DALTON features
customization 1. Internet Gateway links product to
5. CCP: value-added for dealers others
2. Top selling Z-Wave thermostat
VANTAGE CONTROLS 3. Broadest line of Z-Wave controls
1. Best programming software in industry 4. Integrates with garage door openers
2. Most credible energy management 5. OEM Z-Wave devices for others
CEPro
ULTIMATE GUIDE
to Home Automation
This Ultimate Guide from CE Pro is one of many free resources
for the custom installation community at cepro.com.

Download other useful guides, including:


n Technical White Papers
n Business Documents
n Industry Lists
n Advantage Series
n Research Series
n Product Guides

For more papers, visit www.cepro.com/whitepapers


or visit www.cepro.com for more free resources.

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