ELAN® Expands g! System with an Electronic Door Lock Integration Solution That Sets A New Standard For The Industry

Furthering its commitment to provide dealers and end-users with simple, powerful tools to customize the g! System, ELAN® Home Systems today announced an electronic door lock integration solution that allows users to makes changes to pass codes and lock schedules right from the g! interface, with no technician required. The announcement was made at CEDIA EXPO 2012 at ELAN’s Booth #902 of the Indiana Convention Center.

“Integrating door locks is a very risky proposition because of the security aspects, so we take it very seriously,” said Robert Ridenour, ELAN Brand Manager. “We’ve given homeowners more options to monitor and protect their homes through user-specific pass codes, email and text message alerts, the industry’s most accessible door lock history function, and the ability to easily and quickly manage user codes from within the g! interface.  And we’ve partnered with the biggest electronic lock manufacturers to give dealers and homeowners the widest range of styles possible.

With a re-imagined door lock interface that is displayed in conjunction with the home’s security system information, ELAN has surpassed other control manufacturers and given homeowners the easiest-to-use door lock integration of any control system.  That means that they can view and check their security system and change door locks’ status all from one screen on any g! interface device, including iPhones, iPads and Android® smartphones. Also unique to the g! interface is the ability to secure all locks at once without complicated dealer programming. 

ELAN has created the industry’s most accessible history function for door locks so users can view a simple table with events for each lock, including when and how a door was locked as well as which user unlocked a door.  Dealers can also configure the g! system to send outbound alerts through text or email to the homeowner, giving them instant notification when a lock jams or has a low battery, or when a lock is opened in their home.

"The integration of Yale Real Living locks into ELAN's g! system increases the functionality of our locks exponentially," said Jason Williams, General Manager of Yale Residential.  "This new relationship fits perfectly with our plan to partner with companies whose products can significantly enhance the value of our locks."

The new Yale Real Living deadbolt and lever locks are the first products in the Yale Real Living™ portfolio of residential access control and home security solutions.  Available with either a sleek capacitive touchscreen or pushbutton keypad, these locks allow users to create personalized events or scenes triggered by the push of a button from anywhere in the home or remotely via the Internet.

When integrated with the ELAN g! System and g!Mobile app, electronic locks have the ability to communicate wirelessly with other “smart” devices in the home, such as lighting controls, thermostats and home security, making home control and personalization accessible to the average homeowner. Whether on a business trip 10,000 miles away or stuck at work when their kids get home, homeowners benefit from added convenience and peace of mind.

“According to recent research, homeowners have stated they are now looking increasingly at door locks to provide more convenience in their home automation systems,” said Larry Goldman, North American sales and business development manager of Kwikset. “Because of this enhanced desire, the popularity of Z-Wave accessories is growing steadily, especially in home security.”

The ELAN g! system is simple to use from anywhere in the world, so homeowners can easily set a temporary pass code for a maid, repairman, or so a neighbor can feed the dog while the owner is on vacation.  With ELAN’s new management feature, homeowners can also decide which locks always require a passcode from g! user interfaces, further enhancing security.

ELAN g! currently integrates electronic door locks from the Kwikset and Baldwin brands of Stanley Black & Decker, as well as Yale’s Real Living series.

About Kwikset:

Kwikset’s SmartCode with Home Connect Technology products feature the revolutionary SmartKey® re-key technology with BumpGuardTM protection as the back-up keyway. Introduced in 2007, SmartKey is the first affordable residential lock that allows homeowners to quickly and easily re-key their lock(s) themselves in a matter of seconds and without removal from the door, for improved access control and home security. Stanley Black & Decker, an S&P 500 company, is a diversified global provider of hand tools, power tools and related accessories, mechanical access solutions and electronic security solutions, engineered fastening systems, and more. For more information, please contact Abby Draper at abbyd@imre.com2.

About Yale:

Yale Locks & Hardware is recognized worldwide as a leader and innovator in the architectural hardware industry, with millions of Yale products used in over 125 countries.  Backed by over 150 years of quality and customer-oriented service, Yale offers a complete selection of door hardware for residential and commercial applications.  For more information visit www.yaleresidential.com.

About ELAN Home Systems:
Since 1990 ELAN® Home Systems has been an industry leading manufacturer of innovative, award-winning Multi-Room audio/video systems. ELAN systems were the first to integrate audio, video, phones and third-party products to create a seamless, easy-to-use "whole house" solution. ELAN systems and products are distributed through a comprehensive channel of select Dealers and Distributors throughout the United States, Canada and more than 58 countries worldwide. To learn more visit www.elanhomesystems.com. ELAN is part of the CORE Brands division of the Nortek Technology Solutions Segment (www.nortek-inc.com). CORE Brands combines the product and marketing strengths of ten iconic audio, power management and control brands into a single business unit that includes ATON®, BlueBOLT®, ELAN®, Furman®, Niles®, Panamax®, Proficient®, SpeakerCraft®, Sunfire® and Xantech® brands.

Sunfire Showcases "Atmos", The World's Smallest, Most Powerful Subwoofer, At CEDIA EXPO 2012

Sunfire®, a specialist in the design, manufacture and marketing of luxury home theater audio products, today showcased its groundbreaking, award-winning Atmos™ subwoofer, the smallest most powerful subwoofer in its class, at CEDIA EXPO 2012 in Booth #902 of the Indiana Convention Center.

Continuing Sunfire’s legacy of unique designs, the tiny Atmos delivers performance superior to many 10” to 12” woofers. The Atmos design incorporates dual custom designed 6.5” woofers in a sealed extruded aluminum enclosure that measures just over 8” tall.  Utilizing a new proprietary asymmetrical cardioid surround, these drivers are capable of excursions of up to 1.8” that deliver extraordinarily refined yet dynamic bass.

Resembling the variable thickness of the human heart, the cardioid surround provides superior linearity even at the furthest extension of the drivers. This improves fidelity and reliability and delivers bass beyond expectations. To achieve this new Sunfire standard for small-box, high-output performance, the extruded aluminum enclosure was engineered to withstand the increased backpressures that reach up to 24.4 PSI, or nearly two atmospheres of pressure, hence the name Atmos.  Backpressure is required to maintain linearity over a long throw distance, allowing the small drivers to move substantial amounts of air.

To maximize bass output over a wider frequency range, Atmos utilizes a seventh generation cool-running 1400W amplifier featuring Sunfire’s exclusive Tracking Downconverter™ technology, which provides the voltage and current necessary to create the driving force required to meet this new standard. Finite Element Analysis (FEA), a contemporary science, was used to design all elements of the Atmos, including the aluminum cabinet, the drivers and the next generation of the Tracking Downconverter amplifier.  This patient attention to detail results in unparalleled fidelity and incredibly high output from an impossibly small cabinet.

“Consumers around the world continue to show a preference for smaller and smaller subwoofers that meet their performance expectations of much larger subwoofers. They want to hear and experience all the benefits of great bass without the annoying space requirements required for larger subs. After countless hours of research and design, our engineers have achieved a new benchmark for small, powerful and accurate subwoofers.  Atmos is the ideal solution for today’s consumers who demand high performance and reliability out of a small form factor,” said Sunfire General Manager Mark Weisenberg. 

Sunfire knows that every room is different, which is why the Atmos includes a microphone and auto-room equalizer circuit that automatically adjusts the subwoofer’s response to best suit the room acoustics for maximum bass quality and performance.  And for those thrill-seekers requiring even more bass, two Atmos subwoofers can be connected with a single wire using the master/slave set up. This allows both of the subwoofers to be equalized using one EQ point.

The Atmos has an MSRP of $2,000 and includes line-level unbalanced inputs, line-level outputs with high-pass or full range switch, a 12V DC input for remote turn on, 106 dB of output and a frequency response of 30Hz-100Hz.

The continuing “Science of Sunfire” is the direct result of a design philosophy originally pioneered by Bob Carver that has become codified by the brand. This unique approach to design has resulted in amazingly compact high performance subwoofers that combine the best electronics engineers with specialized, premium materials to exemplify the mantra of “small form, high fidelity with high output and reliability”.  

About Sunfire:
Founded by renowned audio innovator Bob Carver, Sunfire designs, develops, manufactures and markets the smallest, most powerful speakers, subwoofers and amplifiers in the world. Sold in over 65 countries, Sunfire combines unconventional thinking with precision engineering to create innovative theater products that deliver exceptional performance – whenever, and wherever, they are heard. Carver’s forty years of scientific research have resulted in numerous patents including the Tracking Downconverter™ power supply used in the company’s subwoofers and amplifiers; and High Pressure, High Back-emf technology found in the company’s loudspeakers. Complete information on Sunfire, its products and technology, is readily available at www.sunfire.com. Sunfire is part of the CORE Brands division of the Nortek Technology Solutions Segment (www.nortek-inc.com). CORE Brands combines the product and marketing strengths of ten iconic audio, power management and control brands into a single business unit that includes ATON®, BlueBOLT®, ELAN®, Furman®, Niles®, Panamax®, Proficient®, SpeakerCraft®, Sunfire® and Xantech® brands.
 

Xantech Launches New XtraLink Infrared-Over-Coax Kits at CEDIA EXPO 2012

Xantech, a leader in the field of audio/video remote control and distribution for 40 years, today announced the launch of its new XtraLink infrared-over-coax kits, designed to allow remote control operation of a satellite receiver, cable box, DVD player or other device from a second room using existing coaxial cabling. These new Xantech XtraLink IR-over-coax kits support the latest generation of LCD and plasma display screens and work in all lighting conditions. Xantech Chief Marketing Officer, Paul Starkey, introduced the new product at CEDIA EXPO 2012 in Booth #902 of the Indiana Convention Center.

Introduced in response to the growing residential market demand, and with input from contractors and system integrators, the new XtraLink kits allow IR remote control functionality to be implemented over previously installed coax cabling without impacting the cable and antenna TV signals currently being carried, and without the need to install additional cable runs.

 

The DL85CK DinkyLink Coax IR – Surface Mount and HL85CK Hiddenlink Coax IR –Table Top kits include an injector, which introduces the IR signal into the existing coax cable, and a coupler that interfaces between the coax cable and the device being controlled. Each kit, which take only minutes to install without the need for tools, also includes Xantech’s best-selling, Hall of Fame Dinkylink surface-mount IR receiver, IR emitters, power supply and coax jumper cables.

For installations that require IR-over-coax remote control to more than one room, Xantech is also introducing the DL85CX Dinky Link Coax Expansion Kit and HL85CX Hidden Link Coax Expansion Kit. Each kit includes an IR receiver, injector, power supply and coax jumper cable for use in conjunction with a standard DinkyLink or Hiddenlink Coax IR Kit as appropriate.

According to Starkey, “Our new XtraLink IR-over-coax kits have been designed with contractors and system integrators in mind. As more look toward expanding their business into residential installations, the use of existing cable makes everyone’s lives easier, including the end user. We are proud to offer the new IR-over-coax kits and our compatible products to this unique and growing market.”

Visit www.xantech.com for more information.

About Xantech:
Xantech designs and manufactures an extensive range of audio, video and control products and systems, many of which have become de facto industry standards. Xantech IR products are specified into more audio/video installations than any other brand. Xantech also supplies hi-definition HDMI video solutions, touch-panels and IP control systems for residential and commercial applications, multi-room audio/video systems, audio source components and processors, and software programming tools. Products are sold to professional installers and distributors directly from Xantech. Xantech’s products are marketed in North and South America, Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Europe. For additional information about Xantech and its innovative products, please visit www.xantech.com. Xantech is part of the CORE Brands division of the Nortek Technology Solutions Segment (www.nortek-inc.com). CORE Brands combines the product and marketing strengths of ten iconic audio, power management and control brands into a single business unit that includes ATON®, BlueBOLT®, ELAN®, Furman®, Niles®, Panamax®, Proficient®, SpeakerCraft®, Sunfire® and Xantech® brands.

Niles Introduces New Line of Durable Audiophile-Quality Outdoor Rock and Planter Speakers at CEDIA EXPO 2012

Niles®, The First Name In Custom Installation®, today announced the CEDIA market introduction of its next generation of rock speakers designed to deliver an audiophile-quality performance to any residential outdoor setting, in a case that is strong enough to stand up to anything that Mother Nature can deliver. Featuring Niles’ signature rugged design and long-lasting materials, the Niles GeoRealistic™ Pro Series Rock and Planter Speakers are engineered to deliver the highest quality audio fidelity and weather any outdoor climate.

The announcement of the new speakers was made today by Paul Starkey, Chief Marketing Officer at Niles at CEDIA EXPO 2012 in Booth #902 of the Indiana Convention Center.

“These new speakers were designed to fit into any residential outdoor setting, without compromising aesthetic design. Our development team traveled the country to find real rocks that matched the look we wanted for our speakers, and specialized custom molders were then handcrafted to match them. Only Mother Nature could do better.” Starkey said.

Engineered with a focus on durability, the GeoRealistic™ Pro Series speakers feature a new NoFade™ Protective Finish and a new four-layer fiberglass weave, ensuring that the speakers are at least five times more durable and long-lasting than the current model of rock speakers, even under the most extreme UV conditions. The advanced conformal coatings on the crossover boards will protect the speakers against moisture, dust, and chemicals, assuring proper electrical connections even in the harshest environments.

 

The Niles Planter Speakers are designed to perfectly blend into any outdoor environment. Available in two types, the PB6Si Pro rectangular box shape, and the PS6Si Pro circular planter, each speaker is available in two colors, terracotta and weathered concrete. 

About Niles:
California-based Niles® is recognized as The First Name in Custom Installation®. The company is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of audio/video custom installation products and accessories and is guided by its vision to be the world's leading provider of products and services that enable professional custom installers to design and install systems that delight their customers. Additional information may be obtained by visiting www.nilesaudio.com. Niles is part of the CORE Brands division of the Nortek Technology Solutions Segment (www.nortek-inc.com). CORE Brands combines the product and marketing strengths of ten iconic audio, power management and control brands into a single business unit that includes ATON®, BlueBOLT®, ELAN®, Furman®, Niles®, Panamax®, Proficient®, SpeakerCraft®, Sunfire® and Xantech® brands.
 

ELAN Outlines Visionary Strategy For Its ELAN U Online Learning Portal At CEDIA EXPO 2012

Asserting that the long-term viability of a control system is only as good as the learning resources that stand behind it, ELAN® Home Systems today outlined a bold new vision for a completely revamped ELAN U online learning portal.  The vision, presented today at CEDIA 2012 by ELAN Chief Marketing Officer Paul Starkey, calls for a 100% online, multi-purpose learning resource that offers self-paced automated courses, student record-keeping administration tools, 24/7 forum access, a searchable database of every ELAN knowledge asset, and syncing to the ELAN g!tools software administration tool that is vitally important to field installers. The announcement was made at CEDIA EXPO 2012 at ELAN’s Booth #902 of the Indiana Convention Center.

“The company that introduced the custom installation industry to the promise of online training in 2004 is now introducing the same industry to the reality of an online learning portal that integrates academics with products and real-world field installation trouble-shooting resources,” Starkey said today.  “Over the next 12 months, our dealers and reps are going to experience first-hand what a 21^st Century online university can do for them in their day-to-day learning and work environment.”

The first release of the new ELAN U online learning portal strategy is making its debut today at CEDIA 2012 and it includes the immediately availability of an entirely new and revamped curriculum of courses that cover every basic aspect of the ELAN g! System.  What’s more, this first release eliminates the traditional need for a first day ‘face-to-face’ training session, which means that every dealer can begin their online learning program quickly and at no travel cost to them.  “Dealers registering for this release become registered users automatically as we roll out additional courses and capabilities over the next 12 months,” Starkey explained.  “Furthermore, there is no charge for the online training or for portal registration.  However, participants must be pre-approved by ELAN.”

At the same time, the first release includes the roll out of a sophisticated new search engine that allows learners to immediately access all product information, integration notes, related training and marketing images, as well as up-to-the-minute technical alerts.  Also included is complete access to ELAN increasingly popular technical forum which has rapidly evolved to become a vital social media community for dealers and installers looking to share information and ideas. 

“Our new ELAN U online portal is being designed to integrate learning, community, and real-world installation experiences together in one portal,” Starkey concluded.  “We live in a world that is now inextricably anchored on the Internet.  Dealers have always wanted instantaneous answers to their questions and now there is no reason why they cannot have those answers.  Today we are implementing the first release of this new portal.”

Since its debut in 2004, thousands of ELAN U learners have completed more than 500,000 courses. In 2011 CE Pro magazine designated ELAN U as a Gold Award Winner in training as part of the magazine’s 2011 Quest for Quality Awards Program.

About ELAN Home Systems:
Since 1990 ELAN® Home Systems has been an industry leading manufacturer of innovative, award-winning Multi-Room audio/video systems. ELAN systems were the first to integrate audio, video, phones and third-party products to create a seamless, easy-to-use "whole house" solution. ELAN systems and products are distributed through a comprehensive channel of select Dealers and Distributors throughout the United States, Canada and more than 58 countries worldwide. To learn more visit www.elanhomesystems.com. ELAN is part of the CORE Brands division of the Nortek Technology Solutions Segment (www.nortek-inc.com). CORE Brands combines the product and marketing strengths of ten iconic audio, power management and control brands into a single business unit that includes ATON®, BlueBOLT®, ELAN®, Furman®, Niles®, Panamax®, Proficient®, SpeakerCraft®, Sunfire® and Xantech® brands.
 

Niles® Unveils Two New Powerful High Fidelity Compact Subwoofers at CEDIA EXPO 2012

Expanding its line of powerful high-fidelity subwoofers, Niles®, The First Name In Custom Installation®, today announced the CEDIA channel introduction of two new stylish compact subwoofers engineered with designers in mind, the SW6.5 and the SW8.  The announcement was made at CEDIA EXPO 2012 in Booth #902 of the Indiana Convention Center.

“With these new stylishly-designed compact subwoofers, installers can place a high-powered, highly attractive and easily concealed subwoofer virtually anywhere for a home theater or home audio system,” said Paul Starkey, Chief Marketing Officer of Niles. “These subwoofers outperform their larger rivals and offer superior sound quality and design for all residential installations.”

The SW6.5’s and SW8’s ultra-compact sizes and fingerprint-resistant piano-black finishes present an aesthetically pleasing profile that is easy to blend into any décor.  Pairing a long-throw front-firing woofer with dual long-throw side-mounted passive radiators, the compact subwoofers deliver the power of subwoofers four times their size, making them perfect for any setup requiring more bass in less space. 

In addition to the designer-friendly features, the SW6.5 and SW8 have even more technical features that make them perfect for the custom installation industry.  They both feature automated turn-on via 12 volt trigger or audio signal sensing and include a built in CAT5 balun to enable audio delivery over easy-to-use CAT5 cable.  Additionally, both models come with a built-in bracket-mount that is compatible with the optional OmniMount® 30.0 ST-MP to allow easy wall or ceiling mounting, making it perfect for all residential installations. Installers can further increase the subwoofers’ placement flexibility by going wireless with the optional Niles SW-T wireless transceiver and SW-R receiver that easily attaches to a built-in mounting port on the rear of the subwoofers.

As for the audio, the SW6.5 produces 200W RMS power and up to 800W peak power through a 6.5” active driver and two 6.5” passive radiators with a frequency response of 42-200Hz. This unbelievable power is delivered from a cabinet that is smaller than 10 inches-cubed and weighs only 11 pounds.

The SW8 ups the ante, producing 300W RMS power and up to 1200W peak power through an 8” active driver and two 8” passive radiators with a frequency response of 36-200Hz.  Once again, this room-filling bass performance comes from an amazingly small cabinet about 12 inches-cubed that weighs only 16.5 pounds.

The subwoofer’s long throw active drivers feature a black anodized aluminum cone that provides superior rigidity compared to conventional paper cone designs.  The dual anodized aluminum cone passive radiators provide additional driver surface area that combine with the active driver to produce higher output than a larger single active driver.  Both models include both LFE and stereo line level inputs and unbuffered stereo pass-through line outputs, allowing up to four subwoofers to be wired from a single receiver output. The adjustable frequency control features a bypass positions, eliminating low pass filtering within the subwoofer, and variable phase control (0°-180°) allows for precise phase matching with the main speakers.

About Niles®:

California-based Niles® is recognized as The First Name in Custom Installation®.  Niles is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of audio/video custom installation products and accessories and is guided by its vision to be the world’s leading provider of products and services that enable professional custom installers to design and install systems that delight their customers. To that end, Niles pursues a mission to provide solutions for end users that enable simple and easy access to home entertainment and that integrate seamlessly with other low voltage subsystems like lighting, Internet, security and HVAC in residential and light commercial environments. Niles conducts its business with a promise to treat its customers, employees, suppliers and stakeholders with fairness and respect and to foster teamwork, innovation and a commitment to be the best in everything it does. Additional information may be obtained by visiting www.nilesaudio.com.

Accelerated ELAN Third Party Development Program Kicks Into High Gear At CEDIA EXPO 2012

Demonstrating its commitment to integrate all of the most popular third-party components, ELAN® Home Systems today announced that it has added more than 30 new drivers to its ELAN g! Entertainment and Control System since May 2012.  With new and updated drivers for the latest climate control systems, surveillance cameras, lighting, audio receivers, music sources, security systems, HDMI video switchers and connectivity products, ELAN continues to offer its dealers simple integration with the industry’s top products. The announcement was made at CEDIA EXPO 2012 at ELAN’s Booth #902 of the Indiana Convention Center.

According to ELAN Chief Marketing Officer Paul Starkey, “ELAN continues to enhance the g! system’s integration with third-party developers with the addition of more than 30 new drivers that dealers want most.  With significant additions to nearly every control category, the easiest-to-install, easiest-to-maintain, and easiest-to-use entertainment and control system just got a whole lot easier for everyone.”

Amplifying this point further, Joe Lautner, ELAN Product Manager & Business Development said, “ELAN partners with other best-in-class entertainment, climate, security, lighting, irrigation and other home automation companies to make sure our products and theirs work together seamlessly. It is this proven integration that makes an ELAN g! System the safe foundation of any Smart Home control solution you desire.”

ELAN has greatly expanded its list of supported climate control systems with new drivers for systems from 2 Gig, Honeywell, Trane and Z-Wave-based thermostats.  More than a dozen brands of climate control are now fully integrated with ELAN g!, including systems from Aprilaire, Bryant, Carrier, HAI, KNX, RCS, Tekmar, and Lutron.

The g! System also received several new drivers for Honeywell security systems.  Integrators can now choose from a wide range of security options including systems from Ademco/Honeywell, Bosch, DSC, Elk, First Alert, GE, HAI and Napco.

New drivers for video surveillance products from Axis, Panasonic and Vivotek give integrators maximum installation flexibility to incorporate the ideal components for both residential and commercial security applications.

With the addition of several new and updated drivers for Denon and Pioneer, the g! System now supports the latest a/v components from ADA, Denon, Integra, Logitech Squeezebox, Marantz, Niles, Nuvo, Onkyo, Pioneer, Russound, Sony, Yamaha and SpeakerCraft.

To provide users with even more music choices, ELAN has added support for TuneIn, a web-based music service that delivers digital versions of broadcast radio stations from all over the world.  Other supported digital music sources include, ShoutCast, Rhapsody, Pandora, Sirius/XM and Apple iTunes.

With new lighting systems integration for products from Rako, integrators all over the world now have a slew of top-tier lighting solutions to spec and install including systems from Centralite, HAI, Leviton, Lutron, PCS, Somfy and KNX.

The g! System also received updates to support Xantech’s new XtraNet line of IR-over-IP connectivity solutions, giving dealers the ability to fully leverage this new more reliable remote control technology.

About ELAN Home Systems:

Since 1990 ELAN® Home Systems has been an industry leading manufacturer of innovative, award-winning Multi-Room audio/video systems. ELAN systems were the first to integrate audio, video, phones and third-party products to create a seamless, easy-to-use "whole house" solution. ELAN systems and products are distributed through a comprehensive channel of select Dealers and Distributors throughout the United States, Canada and more than 58 countries worldwide.  To learn more visit www.elanhomesystems.com.