Another New HA Protocol

["Mark McCall" <lists@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

http://www.hometoys.com/news.php4?section=view&id=12501468

SMARTHOME INTRODUCES NEW HOME AUTOMATION NETWORK PROTOCOL
For more info visit http://www.smarthomemfg.com.br

InsteonT (pron: "instee-on"), combines RF and powerline
communications to
create a seamless home control mesh network, to deliver a secure, reliable
and fast connection for remote control of lighting, security, entertainment
systems and HAVC.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Amy Jenkins or Mike Kilroy
Maples Communications, Inc.
p. 949-477-0710 ajenkins@xxxxxxx


SMARTHOME INTRODUCES NEW HOME AUTOMATION NETWORK PROTOCOL

InsteonT Combines RF and Powerline Communications for First Time to Create
Seamless Home Control Network

IRVINE, Calif., June 7, 2004 - Smarthome, Inc., the world's leading
provider
of home automation products, today announced InsteonT (pron:
"instee-on"),
the first home automation network technology to combine the home's existing
wiring, or powerline, with radio frequency (RF) communications to deliver a
secure, reliable and fast connection for automatic or remote control of
lighting, security, entertainment systems, appliances, climate and more.

Developed over the past four years by Smarthome engineers, Insteon works 30
times faster than X10, the home automation standard for the past 30 years
that works exclusively through the powerline. By combining the powerline
with RF, Insteon offers the cost benefits and efficiencies of powerline
communication and the wireless connectivity required for certain
applications in or outside the home.

Insteon's enhanced powerline communications also enables it to perform
"mission-critical" home automation tasks such as remotely locking
the front
door or automatically filling the swimming pool while maintaining
affordable
pricing.

"Many OEM design engineers, home builders and remodelers, lighting,
electrical and HVAC contractors, and even interior designers have been
waiting for an affordable, reliable and easy-to-use home automation
protocol
for some time," said Joe Dada, president and CEO of Smarthome, based
in
Irvine, Calif. "We believe Insteon will become the standard to meet
their
needs."
"Because the technology is backwards compatible to X10, we believe
Insteon
will become the de facto standard among existing home automation users very
quickly," said Dada. "We believe the new level of performance and
simplicity
Insteon offers will also spur home automation demand among mainstream
consumers."
To begin using Insteon, users will simply need to plug-in two RF access
points in their home and two filters to prevent interference with PC power
strips or certain brands of televisions. The installation of Insteon home
automation devices will feature a simple "Plug and TapT" process.

"In the past, most efforts to create a reliable home automation
network
concentrated on broadband technology, while today many are focused on
exclusively wireless or powerline solutions," said Dan Cregg, vice
president
of engineering for Smarthome. "We wanted the best of both worlds -
affordable and efficient powerline technology combined with RF to provide
extended reach as needed and to work with wireless applications."

Insteon is designed for incorporation in OEM products, such as washing
machines, dryers and dishwashers, HVAC (heating, ventilation and
air-conditioning) devices and garage door openers, for a variety of
controls. For instance, when incorporating Insteon, dishwashers could be
programmed to not turn on when the washing machine is in use or when
someone
is taking a shower. When the dryer's cycle is complete, a pleasant voice
can
remotely tell a user their "Clothing is finished," instead of a
loud buzz.

Other examples of applications for homeowners using Insteon can include
receiving a text message on their mobile phone if a refrigerator stops
working or the plumbing leaks, adjusting outdoor speakers via a wireless
controller, and changing room temperature automatically when entering a new
room by carrying a wireless thermostat.

"With Insteon's reliability, the opportunities for home automation
applications are nearly endless," Cregg said. "Users can
creatively program
Insteon to perform tasks that best suit their living environments - and
make
their homes more convenient, safe and fun."
For more information regarding Insteon, please visit Smarthome's Web site,
www.smarthome.com or call 1-800-SMARTHOME.

About Smarthome, Inc.
Founded in 1992, Smarthome, Inc. is the largest home automation and home
control supplier in the world. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Smarthome
products are sold to an international customer base via the Web, phone and
retail outlets as well as to professional dealers and installers through
its
SmarthomePro division and to distributors through its Smarthome MFG
division. Smarthome, Inc. is dedicated to making life more convenient, safe
and fun. Smarthome's on-line catalog can be found at www.smarthome.com.