Actiontec Introduces New Products, First to be Sold Integrated with Home Gateways Adds Lights, Thermostats, IP Cameras & More to Home Networks for Easy Management
LAS VEGAS, NV, USA (Consumer Electronics Show) — Actiontec Electronics has announced its new zControl™ series of home automation gateways, designed to centrally manage household electronics such as lights, security cameras, thermostats, motion detectors, garage door openers, motorized shades and automatic sprinklers through the home network.
zControl will allow users to control all devices through a common interface at home as well as remotely by PC, mobile phone or Internet-enabled TV, making it possible to turn lights on and off or water your lawn even from hundreds of miles away.
Actiontec’s zControl was named a CES Innovations 2008 Awards Honoree as one of the most innovative products in the home networking category.
The CES program has become recognized as the hallmark event for showcasing best-of-breed product design and engineering.
The first generation of the zControl product, scheduled to ship next month, will be a standalone unit that connects to the home router and can be accessed by PC or cellphone.
Additional versions available later in Q1 will be integrated into Actiontec’s wireless routers and DSL gateways for sale through service providers.
A companion set-top box to be released mid-year will add a media center with a TV interface, offering new conveniences such as the ability to display digital photo albums and view home security camera images on your TV screen.
The TV interface will offer other innovations and be the first of its kind in the industry.
“zControl will change the way people manage their household electronics. The home network will no longer be limited to computers, printers and gaming consoles but instead encompass smart home products of all kinds,” said Brian Henrichs, Actiontec VP of Business Development. “Integrating this functionality into the home’s broadband connectivity equipment will also eliminate an extra box and supply broadband providers with a cost-effective solutions”.
