Home Systems Round Out Expo

MINNEAPOLIS— Lighting, security, drapery and HVAC systems are as much a part of the custom installation market as distributed-A/V systems and home theater, and Expo exhibitors plan to unveil multiple products in these segments.

Crestron, for example, will unveil its first thermostats, first intercom system, and first low-voltage lighting system as part of an effort to become a one-stop shop for residential installers.

Here's what installers will find:

CentraLite: A new low-voltage relay board controls blinds, sprinklers, garage doors and other low-voltage systems. Details were unavailable.

Crestron: The company's home-control systems integrate with major brands of thermostats, intercom systems, and low-voltage lighting systems, but the company plans Crestron-branded versions to complement Crestron-branded distributed-A/V products, including preamp controllers and amplifiers. "We already have all A/V components except for sources," a spokesman said.

Lutron: The company plans to show new control products that integrate the control of its Grafik Eye, RadioRA and Home Works lighting-control systems with the control of its Sivoia-brand motorized shade and drapery systems. Selecting a preset lighting scene will, for example, include the operation of shades and drapes in a home theater room equipped with the Grafik Eye lighting system. RadioRA and Home Works are whole-house dimming systems.

Lutron also expects to show three new packages of RadioRA wireless-RF lighting-control equipment. A home theater package comprises two in-wall dimmers, two table-lamp dimmers and a new tabletop master control with IR receiver, enabling consumers to control the lights from a universal or learning hand-held IR remote. The package starts at a suggested $1,300. A table lamp package at a suggested $1,500 consists of five table-lamp dimmers and a 10-button tabletop master control.