Lutron and Kaleidescape announced an integration that allows control of the lighting control company’s Sivoia QS electronic shades, Ketra lighting and HomeWorks and RadioRA 3 control systems. When a user presses the play button on a Kaleidescape Strata, the video player sends information cues that trigger the shades and lights to automatically set to specified levels, they said Wednesday.
Hunter Douglas introduced the third generation of PowerView smart shades, previewed at ProSource's spring summit in March (see 2203100042) that are said to make quoting, specifying and installing smart window treatments easier for custom integrators. The company responded to integrator feedback to help them take on more shading projects, streamline installation, reduce truck rolls, maximize profitability and increase homeowner satisfaction, said Scott Stephenson, director-product, motorization. The latest series is scalable for any size project or budget and has an associated app. The third-gen shades communicate over Bluetooth Low Energy for further operating range, reliability and two-way communication, said the company. The PowerView’s gateway acts as a range extender and allows shades to integrate with third-party control systems from Control4, Crestron Home and Elan, enabling full two-way shade control. The shades have enhanced natural language processing for more speaker-specific commands and can integrate with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa to allow users to control shades with simple voice commands. Users can also control or schedule their shades to move individually or in a group from the app or a redesigned Pebble remote, the company said.
The Pandora music streaming service is now integrated with Control4's home control system, parent company Snap One announced Wednesday. Customers can access Premium, Plus and free accounts through the Control4 interface. The integration was developed in response to user and partner requests, with a focus on navigation and the ability to search and browse Pandora’s full library of on-demand content. Users can now access their favorite stations and playlists and select individual tracks or albums as their subscription allows, Snap One said.
Nortek announced smart and AI-powered Linear surveillance cameras and network video recorders that integrate with the company's control and telephone entry systems for multi-dwelling units and gated communities. The Linear Surveillance line is part of Nice/Nortek Control’s “Stronger Together” portfolio of access, security, control and entertainment solutions, Nortek said Tuesday.
Nice/Nortek Control integrated its 2GIG Edge security panel with its Elan control platform, it emailed Monday. The integration adds native control of the security panel, allowing users to arm and disarm their home security, connect to Onvif-compatible security cameras and doorbell cameras and directly view video and security events in real time, it said. The company didn’t respond to questions Monday.
Updated Control4 software spotlighted Snap One’s latest product introductions, in a Friday virtual launch. The company added OvrC Pro capabilities to Control4 OS 3.3.0 so Control4 systems with the latest software can be remotely managed using OvrC without the need for additional hardware, it emailed Monday. The software includes a lighting color wheel user interface for control of tunable white and color lighting, enabling customers to include lighting color as an element of lighting scenes and programming, it said. The company also previewed three Control4 Core Series controllers with faster processors, more zones of built-in audio, higher quality digital-to-analog converters, and a 4K on-screen user interface, it said; shipping is slated for next quarter. Also due this year are a new Episode 2.1 active sound bar and Episode wireless subwoofer bundle, pre-paired to facilitate installation. The sound bar has Bluetooth and an IR remote; the 80-watt subwoofer has an 8-inch downfiring driver. New Triad PDX architectural speakers, due in Q2, will have PushLock technology that allows dealers to change the motor unit without removing the cradle from the ceiling; the series includes eight in-ceiling and three in-wall speakers.
The ClareOne wireless security and home automation system added 10 drivers for native integration with third-party peripherals, it emailed Wednesday. It now supports shade brands Hunter Douglas, Rollease Acmeda, Rowley, The Shade Store, Budget Blinds, Timber Blinds and Lutron. The system also added support for Z-Wave door locks and third-party lighting drivers allowing integrators to add Philips Hue and Lutron Caseta and RA2 products to schedules and automations, said exclusive distributor Snap One.
Russound announced it’s shipping the IPK-1 single-gang keypad for controlling its IP-based audio system. Dealer feedback shows customers want easy access to control their home systems without always having to reach for a smartphone, said CEO Charlie Porritt Tuesday. The Powered over Ethernet keypad has an LED display for two-way feedback. The company also overhauled its app to improve reliability and system responsiveness. Users can manage music playback with familiar commands and easy-to-understand concepts, it said. App updates cover room grouping and favorites operation.
Snap One announced a new line of lighting faceplates and buttons for the Control4 system. The Contemporary Lighting line, available in 10 colors, includes 330 SKUs and is based on new design standards, emailed the company Wednesday. It will continue to sell existing lighting products.
Legrand Building Control Systems introduced a wellness-oriented lighting system for the residential market that combines lighting control, motorized shading and color-tunable lighting fixtures. Vantage Lhuman harnesses natural light when it’s available, or renders it artificially when it’s not, to improve the physical, emotional and mental well-being of occupants, said the company Thursday. A new software release, Design Center 4.2, coincides with the introduction and is said to simplify programming for installers while providing new levels of flexibility. The company is collaborating with light fixture manufacturers, it said.