Gene Posted January 4, 2011 Share Posted January 4, 2011 Interesting!========================================Somfy's slick Tahoma Z-Wave and RTS home automation gatewayhttp://www.engadget.com/2011/01/04/somfys-slick-tahoma-z-wave-and-rts-home-automation-gateway/Somfy Launches TaHomA® Comprehensive Home Automation SolutionTaHomA Gives Consumers Simple and Economical Solution for Automating the Control of Window Coverings, Lighting, and ThermostatsLAS VEGAS, N.V. (January 4, 2011) – Somfy Systems, Inc., the world's largest manufacturer of radio-controlled motors (Radio Technology Somfy – RTS) for interior and exterior window coverings, is pleased to announce the launch of TaHomA®, a home automation solution that enables consumers to easily and efficiently control their homes' "energy triangle."TaHomA begins with an innovative, affordable and easy-to-use Z-Wave home automation solution that allows consumers to control, schedule and supervise their Z-wave enabled window coverings, lighting, and thermostats. Accessible from a computer, iPad or iPhone within or outside the home, TaHomA's user-friendly Web-based interface guides consumers with intuitive graphics and step-by-step prompts as they personalize their home energy functions. TaHomA is a robust yet low-maintenance system that allows users to easily choose their level of involvement-as needed, when needed.TaHomA will grow with the needs of the home environment and provide a Total Home Automation solution for a broad range of lifestyles."With the launch of TaHomA, we offer a unique and affordable tool that will help consumers achieve greater energy efficiency while enjoying the ease and luxury of home automation," said Somfy North America CEO and President Michael Lee. "TaHomA presents a practical and strategic extension of our current business, as it seamlessly integrates Somfy's existing collection of trusted products that have been used in homes around the world for decades."With TaHomA, users can efficiently manage their homes' energy triangle, or optimize the interaction of natural and artificial lighting, heating and cooling according to their personal preferences.Through the following short series of steps, consumers will quickly and easily begin enjoying the TaHomA technology:- A certified Somfy TaHomA Expert dealer installs and tailors the operation of the TaHomA gateway controller and each Z-Wave and RTS wireless controlled device according to the consumer's life at home and when away.- When plugged into a home's network router, TaHomA automatically connects and configures to the home network and Somfy's remote support server allowing TaHomA to locate all of the Z-Wave and RTS wireless controlled devices.- Scenes are created with a blend of various devices with personalized settings and pre-scheduled hours of automatic operation for each day of the week.- Once the specifications and schedule have been determined for each of the Z-Wave and RTS wireless controlled devices in the house, TaHomA will automatically control these devices 24/7, 365 days a year.Creating and scheduling "scenes" helps consumers simplify and optimize their home's natural and artificial lighting, heating, and cooling needs. For example, a common scene might call for window shades drawn to 50 percent, lights in the kitchen to be automatically turned off, and the thermostat set to energy savings mode every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when the house in unoccupied. Then, at 4 p.m., window shades will be closed, lights will automatically turn on to 75 percent, and the thermostat will be set to a comfortable temperature, as household members arrive and become active in the home.The TaHomA controller operates with Z-Wave enabled light switches and dimmers, thermostats, motion sensors and Somfy RTS controlled motorized window coverings such as blinds, shades and awnings. Z-Wave is a wireless ecosystem that uses simple and reliable low-power radio waves, with Radio Technology Somfy® (RTS), the company's proprietary wireless radio technology embedded in millions of motorized window coverings around the world. The TaHomA solution optimizes the best of both technologies and establishes a reliable network. The options for customization are vast, as consumers can choose to control individual devices, single rooms or regions, or the entire home.Somfy brings TaHomA to market with the support of its superior customer service capabilities, and extensive network of Somfy Expert dealers across the country. TaHomA will be available for purchase in the first half of 2011. Systems will be affordably priced and can be purchased from Somfy TaHomA Expert Dealers throughout the United States.To learn more about TaHomA or to see a full product demonstration, please visit the Somfy booth (#21266 South Hall) at CES.About Somfy Systems, Inc.Somfy, the world leader in manufacturing of specialized motors and electronic controls for residential and commercial interior and exterior window covering markets, has North American headquarters located in Dayton, N.J. For more than three decades, engineers at Somfy have been designing products to motorize interior and exterior window coverings such as interior shades, wood blinds, draperies, awnings, rolling shutters, exterior solar screens, projection screens and more. Somfy motorization systems are easily integrated with security, HVAC, and lighting systems, providing total home or building automation. For more information, visit HYPERLINK "http://www.somfysystems.com" www.somfysystems.com. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henniae Posted January 4, 2011 Share Posted January 4, 2011 Interesting. More competition = lower prices. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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