Atlanta – ImageCrafters
wants to simplify the installation of low-voltage multi-room lighting systems with
its planned component-style LightZing 1.6, which eliminates the need for licensed
electricians to get involved in a low-voltage install.
The device, shown at the CEDIA Expo for March 1 delivery, is
intended for low-voltage integrators, including A/V installers, who want to add
lighting to the types of systems they install in residential and commercial
venues.
Like a standard audio or video component, the rack-mountable LightZing
plugs directly into a standard 110- or 220-volt wall outlet, eliminating the
need for an electrician to hardwire components of a low-voltage system, such as
a controller, into a home’s electrical wiring. The component drives up to six
zones of low-voltage halogen or LED lights and motorized window shades installed
up to 75 feet or more away, the company said. It can be used in residential and
commercial environments.
The stand-alone component’s modular design lets installers place
up to six power supplies within a LightZing chassis to drive six zones.
Additional LightZings can be ganged to deliver more lighting zones. A six-zone
version will retail for about $2,200. Shipments are planned for March 1.
LightZing 1.6 features RS-232 and RJ-45 ports so it can be
controlled from the keypads and touchscreens of other-brand home-control
systems that integrate the control of multiple home systems. A front-panel LCD
screen is included for set-up and monitoring.
The patent-pending component is designed to work with ImageCrafters’
New World brand of low-voltage lights, but other low-voltage brands might be
approved for use. The New World collection includes rail, cable, recessed, canopy
and sconce lights.
Because it’s a simple add-on, ImageCrafters and LightZing founder
Spencer Kalker said, LightZing “is a solution for every systems integrator who
chooses to boost sales and profitability by adding dynamic low-voltage lighting
control to their projects.”
“In my experience,” Kalker said, “most electricians do not enjoy being involved with lighting design.
They like 110 volt. Twelve-volt to some is like a different language.
Specifying and installing a precision-engineered low-voltage lighting system is
something we believe is best handled by low-voltage integrators. LightZing puts
the ball squarely in their court.”
Eliminating the
electrician not only saves time and money, but “in many cases, anytime you bring in
another trade it complicates the projects,” Kalker also said. “Very few
electricians consider themselves lighting designers,” he added, “and using low
voltage gives an integrator the ability to visually fine-tune the space with
New World Lighting, halogen and LED products, which are designed to enhance the
palette available to low-voltage specialists.
Besides offering the New World Lighting and LightZing brands, Ipswich,
Mass.-based ImageCrafters also offers custom home-theater cabinetry and
seating, provides residential room-design services for installers, and advises
A/V-specialty dealers and installers on store design,
lighting design, merchandising planning and marketing strategies.
