Smart Home Blog

Control4 adds the Z-Wave integration to their systems thanks to UK-based company Extra Vegetables who develop actual interface. That interface connects Control4 systems with Vera2 home controller from Mi Casa Verde. As result Control4 owners or consumers, who just thinking to buy it, will be able to use Z-Wave devices. Control4 already offers a support of another RF-based mesh network technology ZigBee. But Z-Wave has better interoperability between devices produced by different vendors. Also it’ll give possibility to upgrade the Z-Wave DIY system to commercial product. If you need it, of course.

[via Electronic House]

GreenWave Reality launched its Z-Wave based home automation system with energy, water and gas consumption meter. It includes a GreenWave Reality Gateway, Energy Display and PowerNodes (intelligent power strips). Any other Z-Wave devices produced by different manufactures can be used as well (viva Z-Wave!). The Gateway communicates with Z-Wave devices, control them and collect energy/water/gas consumption data. The Energy Monitor grubs that information and shows it to consumer in clear way. It also can be used separately in any Z-Wave compatible system.

The Gateway can be connected to Internet. In that case the system can be managed remotely as well as update its firmware. There is no any info about price and availability yet. But GreenWave Reality system looks very promised.

[via AutomatedHome]

Company Vesternet launched a few interesting Z-Wave products in UK. First of all its plug and play transceiver comes with on board drivers and a Z-Wave application for managing devices. So, by attaching it to PC or laptop we immediately will have Z-Wave controller. Clever solution for £49.99 device indeed.

Also Vesternet offers two kinds of kits – Energy and Security. Both of them include free Z-Wave USB stick. Additionally Energy kit contains nine Homepro On/Off Sockets and AeonLabs 3-Clamp Power Meter. Security kit has three Everspring Door & Window Sensors, three Homepro Motion Detector and three Everspring On/Off sockets. Sure you can buy any device included into kit separately.

[via AutomatedHome]

FAKRO announced a few new Z-Wave products for skylight type windows – an electric FTP-V pivot windows, an ARF blackout roller blinds and an ARZ roller shutters. Z-Wave support allows to control window from remote control or control panel of home automation system. Also built-in moisture sensor can close the window when it detects the rain. Using the ARF blackout roller blinds consumers may control illuminance in the room on summer and prevent loosing of heat on winter. Integration with smarthome system (thanks Z-Wave support) will give a possibility to create various scenarios to make your home more comfortable.

[via AutomatedHome]

If you use some remote control for your Z-Wave devices and another one for AV equipment the Remotec Z-URCTM 550/500 definitely makes your life easier. Because except Z-Wave chip it has IR transmitter and allows control up to 4 (Z-URCTM 500) or 8 (Z-URCTM 550) IR devices.