Custom Briefs

By TWICE Staff -- TWICE, 5/18/2009

Items:
HAI, Lutron Systems Mate
CasaTunes Adds 1st Keypad
DDG Creates Z-Wave Bundles

HAI, Lutron Systems Mate

NEW ORLEANS — Home Automation (HAI) integrated control of Lutron HomeWorks lighting systems and window-shade control into Version 3.1 firmware for HAI’s Omni and Lumina home-control systems.

HomeWorks integration can be added to the HAI systems with a free firmware update for current registered users with flash-updatable controllers. The HAI systems continue to integrate with Lutron’s RadioRA lighting-control systems.

CasaTunes Adds 1st Keypad

FORT COLLINS, COLO. — CasaTunes began shipping in-wall keypads to control its PC-based CasaTunes multi-room-audio systems. The systems can also be controlled from Web-based control devices such as networked ultra-mobile, Internet tablets, laptops and other networked PCs in the house.

The CasaTunes keypad and CasaTunes USB6 keypad hub can be purchased individually or as a bundle, which retails for a suggested $999 and comes with six single-gang keypads and one keypad hub. The hub connects to a CasaTunes Xli, CasaTunes XLe, or CasaTunes XL Music Server. The keypads also connect to the hub.

DDG Creates Z-Wave Bundles

SEATTLE — The Digital Delivery Group (DDG), a consortium of regional CE specialty distributors, is simplifying the home-automation purchasing decision for installers and consumers by creating five home automation systems from multiple brands of Z-Wave wireless products.

Each package, suitable for retrofitting in existing homes, integrates remote home management, entertainment, lighting and HVAC control products from Nevo, Leviton and Wayne-Dalton. The packages incorporate Nevo Z-Wave-equipped handheld remote controls to operate the bundled products.