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Control4's new hub connects 13,500 smart home devices on one screen
Smart home connected devices can control everything from lighting and temperature to security systems and music. But with products from so many different companies, they don't always work together. Control4 wants to change that. Yesterday, it debuted its Smart Home OS 3.
Nest devices now talk to the rest of your automated home
Nest's thermostat and Protect smoke detector may help automate your home, but they haven't actually talked directly to home automation systems so far -- a bit of a discrepancy, don't you think? All should be well now, though, since the Works with Nest program has just expanded to support the whole-home automation gear from Control4, Crestron, RTI and URC. If you're fortunate enough to have one of those systems, you can now integrate Nest equipment with home theaters, lighting and anything else that talks to one of the supported control hubs.
Dish Hopper DVRs open up to home automation control, we wonder what's next
Back in July Dish Network announced plans to open its Hopper DVR platform to mobile app developers, and today at CEDIA we saw the results of that initiative. Thanks to SDK access that can mirror the functionality of Dish's own Explorer iPad app, home automation systems like Control4 can now directly access the DVRs. That means users with those systems (or others, we saw demos of integration with a few other systems although they haven't been officially announced yet) can control their DVR with the same controls used to adjust their lighting, security and other services. So far, access is limited to simple remote control commands over IP while everything gets certified and secured, but eventually it will include full two-way communication, including guide data and more. While that's enough to make anyone who orders or builds custom systems drool, what could it mean for the rest of us? We'll have to wait and see, but if Control4 can build in access, we can certainly imagine what the Xbox One, Google TV, Samsung's Smart TV or any other rumored devices (*cough*) might be able to offer. We'll probably have to wait until CES to hear more on that front, but we did get a quick preview of a feature in testing that's coming to all Hopper DVRs: HDMI-CEC control. The ability to send and receive commands is something we've wanted on cable / satellite set-top boxes for some time, and Dish Network may well be the first to make it happen.
Sony unveils two new ES receivers that are the first with Control4 built-in, plus one without
Wondering where Sony would go next with its high-end line of ES receivers? The answer is apparently home automation. As we've seen the segment heat up with competition from companies like your cable TV provider and even Google (does anyone remember Android@Home?), Control4 and Sony have announced at CEDIA 2012 that they are partnering up to create a simpler option for the custom install market. While it doesn't address our main gripe with Control4 -- that it needs an authorized dealer to install it or tweak the setup, with all the associated costs -- it does make the STR-DA5800ES (announced last week at IFA) and STR-DA2800ES receivers an easy choice for custom builds by integrating the company's software directly into them. That means less wiring and complication for setup, and not only do the receivers themselves tie in with the system, Sony's ES control apps for iOS and Android can also control the home's automated features. The necessary license to activate the software costs $300 if you buy it along with the receiver, which will cost $2,099 for the STR-DA5800ES and $999 for the STR-DA2800ES. Still want the ES-level build quality, built-in WiFi, Bluetooth and AirPlay support but aren't keen on home automation? Opt for the STR-DA1800ES, priced at $699 -- more details are in the press releases after the break.%Gallery-164473%
Control4 delivers home automation Starter Kit for under $1,000 including installation, we go hands-on
Replacing a house full of switches and dials with a single remote seems a desirable proposition, but less-than-intuitive setup processes and fees that run far into the thousands make a disconnected home the only option for some. Like other home automation system manufacturers, Control4 has a bounty of offerings that can run up pricing into that out-of-reach range, but if you're looking to adjust audio and video in a single room, the new Starter Kit should get you going for just shy of a grand, including installation. That price includes a HC-250 Controller, which delivers IR control for up to eight components (via splitters connected to the four IR ports on the rear), serial control for up to two receivers or other systems and IP control for an unlimited number of devices. There's also an SR-250 ZigBee remote in the box, which offers full control through a television interface (HDMI and component outputs can be found on the HC-250's rear). You can also have full access through a variety of add-ons, including a $999 7-inch in-wall touchscreen with camera, a portable version for the same price, or any Android, iOS or Mac device -- access licenses for smartphones, tablets and computers run $199 each, or $499 to cover the entire home. The Starter Kit can enable control of a single room, which may be fine for some users -- to add additional home theater setups you can bring on more HC-250s at $599 a pop. There's also an option to add ZigBee lighting controls ($129 per switch), ZigBee door locks ($150 to $350) or a door intercom unit with camera ($799). All-in, outfitting a large home can be quite pricey, and the Starter Kit is designed to get folks in the door, rather than to deliver a complete solution. We tested the controller with a TV, audio system, a pair of lights on two zones, the door intercom and a deadbolt, and all performed seamlessly without an hiccups. We also took a look at the intuitive drag-and-drop PC-based interface, which owners can use to change macros and add media. Introducing new components to the rig will require a dealer service call (or remote access, if you're just trying to loop in something like a NAS to serve up content). The Control4 Starter Kit is available through third-party dealers beginning today, including Magnolia Home Theater in select Best Buy stores (in that case, Geek Squad will handle the install). That sub-$1,000 figure factors in two hours of labor, and may climb a bit higher depending on dealer rates. Still, if you're just looking to get your feet wet, this seems to be a solid solution. Thumb through the gallery below for a closer look at the components and interface.
Control4 MyHome app takes up residence on Android while Android@Home is out of town
Home automation provider Control4 has finally seen fit to open up its systems to Android users, releasing a version of its MyHome software for phones and tablets. Already available on iOS and PCs, it lets homeowners with Control4 setups manage their video, music, lighting and more on their own devices with taps and gestures. The apps themselves are free, but naturally one will need a MyHome license to use them, which runs $499 for multiple devices at one location or $199 for a single device. Of course, if you've had one of these installed scraping together the cash probably won't be too difficult, so while you're checking the couch for loose change we'll sit back and wonder whatever happened to that Android@Home project we (haven't) heard so much about. Press release and demo video follow after the break.
Control4, Sub-Zero get in on the home automation game
While brands like LG, Samsung, and Kenmore all showed off their own special brand of Jetsonian appliances at CES this year, Sub-Zero was close by touting a stable of 30 automation-ready products and a partnership with Control4 that could make them a contender for home automation domination. Sub-Zero's ZigBee-based system uses preexisting serial ports (initially installed for diagnostic purposes) to connect users to appliances via touchscreens, smart phones, and other enabled devices. The system lacks full control of potentially dangerous appliances like the oven, instead acting as an alert system when, say, your turkey is done roasting, but it does grant complete access to things like your refrigerator or freezer. Other systems might sport increased functionality, like LG's Thinq, which allows users to set oven temperatures remotely, and Samsung's fridge, which lets you tweet from a built-in touchscreen, but Sub-Zero is hoping a second-quarter release will put them at the head of the pack. We'll see if a head start makes a difference in the glacial appliance market, when Samsung rolls out its smart refrigerator this May and Kenmore's system comes to fruition in 2012.
Yale introduces Zigbee and Z-Wave remote lockable deadbolts
No, these aren't the first deadbolts available that can be integrated with your security system or home automation, but unlike some others, they don't require a subscription either. Yale was demoing two models at the Control4's CEDIA booth including one with a capacitive touch screens. Using either Zigbee or Z-Wave the locks can communicate with Control4 and thanks to the internal replaceable batteries can remotely lock and unlock your doors. In addition you can quickly see if you've secured your abode without the need to check it one last time before you go to bed. Both models will start shipping next spring with the touch screen version going for an extra benjamin over the $299 one with regular buttons. %Gallery-103160%
Kwikset finally adds remote locking functionality to door locks
Kwikset's SmartKey line of wares have been lacking in intelligence for quite awhile, but at long last, the outfit has finally added a pivotal feature here at CEDIA: true remote locking and unlocking. The new remote access control solution is being dubbed SmartCode with Home Connect -- an unnecessarily lengthy way of explaining how the company's keyless locks can now communicate wirelessly with other devices. Users can also check-in on door lock status when they aren't automatically arming / disarming, and you can initiate customized scenes upon entrance and exit in order to more accurately pretend that you're Prince. There's no mention of pricing, but given that you'll need to hit up a Control4 retailer to get your hands on this puissant technology, we'd recommend bringing the bank.Update: The MSRP is set at $349.
Control4 unveils $1,299 7-Inch Table Top Touch Screen
You'd like to sit around in your sofa while controlling every aspect of your home, huh? Thermostat, garage door, home theater system, whole-home audio volume, etc. -- if so, Control4 has the goods for you. The 7-Inch Table Top Touch Screen sports a 16:9 aspect panel, WiFi and Ethernet, though -- strangely enough -- the company is being mum on the rest of the details. Here's the detail that matters, though: $1,299, shipping to the US this month.[Via WidescreenReview]
LG rolling out pro LCDs with integrated Control4 automation
Home automation heads don't get too happy, because while LG is definitely delivering these HDTVs with Control4 OS built in, for the time being CE Pro reports they're for commercial customers only. Small steps are still progress, so if seeing Control4 take its place as "the home OS" is your dream as well, the wait may be getting a little shorter.
Control4 CEDIA 2008 booth tour
While Control4 didn't make a lot of fuss about the few new products that it rolled out at CEDIA, people knew about 'em, regardless. Easily one of the most packed booths at the Expo, this one showcased the full gamut of wares offered up by the home automation outfit. We snapped images from every angle imaginable, and we even got a few with the new touch panels and remotes. Don't believe us? Just have a look at the gallery, it's all there.%Gallery-31303%
Sony's NHS-A30C / NHS-70C AV racks and HomeShare hands-on
At CEDIA, home install is king. Thus, it shouldn't come as any shock to see Sony introducing a few products not exactly aimed at the consumer crowd. Enter the NHS-A30C / NHS-70C home automation racks and the HomeShare multi-room entertainment solution, both of which were generating a bit of buzz while we were bobbing and weaving in an attempt to snag a few shots. The HomeShare system seemed particularly amazing, with the wall-mounted touch panels being among the most attractive at the show. Check out the full walk-through below. %Gallery-31211%
Sony announces NHS-A30C and NHS-70C home automation rack systems
CEDIA just wouldn't be CEDIA without a few absolutely mind-boggling pieces of equipment that will only be acquired by the wealthiest among us. That said, even the laypeople in attendance can sneak over to "that guy's house" and check out one of Sony's two new fully-featured NHS rack systems. Picking up where the $85,000 NHS-130C left off, the NHS-A30C and NHS-70C are fully integrated racks that come pre-built, wired, tested and ready for installation. They provide Control4 home automation integration, iPod support, 5.1-channel surround sound (7.1 in the 70C), a built-in Blu-ray deck and a second zone of HD video (and a third for audio). The 70C also adds in a 400-disc DVD / CD changer, 160GB music server and room for three auxiliary devices like a cable set-top-box or PlayStation 3. Best of all, the prices on these are much more manageable than the aforementioned predecessor -- the A30C will run between $15,000 and $30,000, while the 70C rings up between $30,000 and $50,000. Full release after the cut.
Control4 announces 7-inch POE wall-mounted touch panel
If Control4's Mini Touch screen just seemed too diminutive for your fat fingers, yet the 10.5-inch edition just engulfed your wall, why not check out the happy medium? The 7-inch POE Wall Mount Touch Screen arrives right between the other two in size, yet offers up the same home controlling abilities for tweaking your lighting, temperature, volume, etc. You'll also find a built-in screen saver application that you can customize with your own photos, and if that there just pushed you over the edge, you can snag the hard-wired version next month for $1,195. Looking for WiFi? You'll have to wait until "later this year."
LG, Control4 team up on HDTV automation system for hotels
The news is flowing hot and heavy from the hospitality sector today, as just moments after LG announced a slew of new LodgeNet-enabled flat-panels, along comes word that the aforementioned outfit and Control4 are teaming up to develop a swank new automation system for the lodging industry. More specifically, the two will co-develop an "integrated automation system for HDTV sets that will allow hotel guests to control lighting, room temperature, draperies and entertainment systems through the television with a single remote control." Better still, the eventual solution will be integrated into LG's hotel TVs, eliminating the need for yet another set-top-box in the room. Regrettably, there's nary a mention of when this (amazing sounding) system will be available (nor where it will be available), but we can definitely see this swaying the avid traveler when it comes time to book the next business trip.
Sony's monolithic NHS-130C Home Entertainment Rack seen early
Sony's towering NHS-130C broke cover a few months back, but now this piece is getting set to ship to those able to cough up the $40,000 to $85,000 it typically costs to have one installed (with varying components already loaded in). Just to give you an idea of what it's packing, we're told to expect a DA3300ES receiver, CAV-CVS12ES Component via CAT5 Video Switch, BDP-S300 Blu-ray player, DVP-CX777ES 400 DVD changer, CAV-M1000ES A/V Switchers and a Control4 HC500 controller with 160GB of space for a skimpy audio library. In essence, having this in your crib will enable you to pipe audio / video to 12 separate zones, with the main rooms having outputs for HDMI, IR out and 7.1-channel sound. You'll be able to control it via ZigBee and the on-screen HD menu and integrate it with existing Control4 setups; there's even a trio of empty racks with component / HDMI hookups (Xbox 360 / PS3, anyone?). Chances are fairly high you'll spot one of these in 2009's Home of the Year, but 'til then, check out some sneak peeks in the gallery below.[Thanks, anonymous tipster] %Gallery-22011%
Control4 intros new line of in-wall / in-ceiling speakers at EHX
Although Control4 is best known for its home automation kit, the firm is using the spotlight at EHX to show off a new line of multi-room speakers. The 6.5- and 8-inch In-Ceiling and In-Wall Speakers (and In-Ceiling Stereo Speakers) all sport a two-way design, and they'll all play nice with the outfit's Wi-Fi Speaker Point, too. As for the drivers, they feature dual polymer cones, silk dome (pivoting) tweeters and rubber surrounds; hit up your dealer this summer if you're down with paying between $199 and $399 per pair.
Hands-on with Control4 home automation
One day we'll all be taking home automation for granted when every new house on the market includes built-in support for controlling our fireplaces via our watch phones, but until that glorious future arrives the home automation noob has a dizzying array of choices to contend with. We checked out what Control4 has to offer in the way of centralized command over your media, home theater, lights, security system and temperature and found fairly clean, easy to use interfaces coupled with an array of choices for central control and storage depending on the scope of your needs, all compliant with the lovably-named ZigBee wireless standard. Hit the gallery for an overview of Control4 devices and configurations including their Home Controller HC-300 we heard about earlier this year.%Gallery-13233%
Control4's HC-1000: home control processor for the demanding
Rest assured, the vast majority of us would be well served by Control4's HC-300, but for those with more home automation applications than they care to count, the HC-1000 may be the only man for the job. Reportedly, this beast will tout speeds "in the gigahertz range," and acts more as "a supplement to Control4's suite of control systems and interfaces" than a pure controller. You'll find no ZigBee here, but a USB and Ethernet port supposedly enable the box to run Director automation software and allow the "rest of the house to do what it needs to do." Additionally, the device will offer up 250GB of internal storage with room for expansion, and just in case you're leaning towards indulging yourself, the purported $3,000 pricetag may make you reconsider.
