CEDIA Expo 2009 Carmel, Ind. – Schlage
will bring its own booth to the CEDIA Expo for the first time along with
programs for installers and a custom-dedicated product.
Earlier this year, Schlage launched home automation products
based on the Z-Wave wireless mesh-network
standard. The products include door locks, keypad-equipped deadbolts, plug-in
light-control modules, network cameras, a thermostat from sister brand Trane,
and the Schlage Bridge, which connects to a home’s
existing router and enables consumers to control their Z-Wave system remotely
from a Web-enabled PC or cellphone.
Although Schlage’s Z-Wave devices are available through do-it-yourself
retail channels, the company is also positioning its products as entry-level
home-automation solutions that installers can target to consumers with little
time or acumen to do it themselves. Installers can target the retrofit products
to previous custom customers or to new customers, the company said.
For previous customers, installers can enhance the desirability
of Schlage’s Z-Wave product by offering a planned RS-232 to Z-Wave adapter,
which will integrate the control of Z-Wave products into previously installed home-control
systems. The adapter supports Z-Wave’s secure-device and lock-device class
profiles, which extend Z-Wave control to battery-equipped locks. To date, only
Schlage is offering Z-Wave-equipped locks to consumers, said product manager
Steve Samolinski.
The Schlage adapter will be previewed at the CEDIA Expo and will be
available only to custom installers in the first quarter of next year.
To support sales of the device and its other Z-Wave products, Schlage
tapped distributor ADI and launched two installer-oriented programs. The Home
Automation Starter Kit program enables installers to order Schlage products on
a mix-and-match basis and with no minimum orders. Products are shipped as the
order is received. In addition, Schlage is launching a Personal Use promotion
allowing installers to buy the products through ADI at a substantial discount
for installation in their showroom, home or office.
At next month’s Expo in Atlanta,
Schlage will also team with ADI to offer product training.
Schlage also offers the LiNK System, which lets homeowners remotely
monitor and control Schlage’s Z-Wave locks, network cameras, light modules, and
Trane thermostat from web-enabled PCs and cellphones. From a remote location,
consumers use a cellphone or PC to access the password-protected Schlage LiNK
portal. Consumers also get e-mail or text notifications when specific user
codes are entered on a lock’s keypad, and they can access a 90-day log showing
who accessed a specific lock at different times. Users can also set up
temporary entry codes for day workers, such as plumbers. A $12.99 monthly
subscription fee is required for 24-hour remote access.
Schlage’s $299 LiNK System Starter Kit includes one Schlage
wireless deadbolt or lock, a Schlage
Bridge, an Ethernet
cable, necessary batteries and one Schlage Light Module. The Bridge connects to
the home’s existing router and uses Z-Wave wireless technology to transmit data
to the wireless lock. Additional Schlage wireless deadbolts or locks are $199
each.
Schlage and Trane are brands offered by Ingersoll Rand Residential Solutions.
