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Smarthome™ Expands Its Energy Saving Product Offering with Lutron® Light and Fan Controls
Irvine, CA – August 16, 2010 – Smarthome™ announced today that it has expanded its offering of appliance and lighting controls by launching over 100 products from light control manufacturer Lutron Electronics, Co., Inc.
The Lutron product offering includes the Maestro® eco-minder™ dimmer and eco-timer™ light and fan control, plus the Maestro Wireless® system with Radio PowrSavr™ wireless occupancy sensor.
The Maestro line of products includes several innovative light and fan control options that not only offer convenience, but also save energy.
The Maestro eco-minder dimmer features an LED that changes from red to green when at least 15% energy is being saved. The Maestro eco-timer saves energy by automatically turning the fan or lights off after a set period of time.
Maestro Wireless offers impressive lighting control functionality and convenience that will fit almost any commercial or residential application. Radio PowrSavr wireless sensors give the system even greater flexibility, plus the added benefit of improved energy savings. The Maestro Wireless system is incredibly easy to install and operate, allowing customers to control light levels with any combination of up to 10 dimmers, switches, sensors and wireless controls – all with the touch of a button.
“We are certainly excited to partner with Lutron and offer our customers yet another fantastic product base,” said Mike Scharnagl, Director of Marketing at Smarthome. “The addition of Lutron products continues our commitment to our customers as a one-stop source for all their home automation, lighting and appliance control needs.”
“Lutron is delighted to be entering into a relationship with Smarthome,” said Michael Maholick, marketing director at Lutron Electronics. “Our energy-saving, easy to install dimmers and fan controls are a great complement to their existing product line.”
Lutron products can be found online at Smarthome.com/lutron
Magnifier Desk Lamp Provides Large Viewing Area for Any Hobby
The Carson Optical LM-20 DeskBrite™ 200 LED Magnifier Lamp is a 2x LED magnifier desk lamp with a 6x power spot lens. The DeskBrite 200 Magnifier Desk Lamp features two super-bright LED lights, while it’s large 4″ crystal-clear acrylic lens provides a large viewing area for any hobby. The DeskBrite 200 LED Magnifier Desk Lamp also has a flexible neck that allows you to position the Magnifier where you need it. The DeskBrite 200 LED Magnifier Desk Lamp plugs into any standard outlet or can be powered by using 3 AA batteries (not included).
Install a Dual Rocker Switch to Control a Fan/Light Without Running Any Wire and Avoid Tearing into Walls
The AD HOC Electronics Fan/Light Combo Wireless Light Switch Kit is the ideal solution for adding independent operation of a ceiling light and fan into the space of one wall mounted dual rocker switch – without running any wires or needing to enter you walls! The Light/Fan Combo Switch Kit includes two RF relay receivers and one dual rocker self-powered wireless light switch. One receiver is wired to the light and the other is wired to the fan, the receivers are then stored in the light box. Because the light switch is a dual rocker, one rocker is programmed to the light receiver and the other is programmed to the fan receiver through a simple learning process. This battery-free wireless light switch saves you time and hassle by eliminating the need for wires and switch boxes. Traditionally the wireless light switch is surface mounted on a wall with screws or industrial tape but can also be used in a standard switch box or as a wireless hand held remote. The switch is powered by EnOcean technology that converts the press of the switch into a small amount of electricity. This electricity is used to transmit a radio frequency (RF) wireless signal that communicates with the relay receiver. Perfect when replacing a single light with a new light/fan combo. Easily control the light and fan separately without the hassle of installing a second switch and running new wires.
Green Up Your Calls with this Solar-Powered Bluetooth Speakerphone!
The Scosche Industries solCHAT™ II features an integrated solar panel that will continuously recharge the lithium ion battery. The unit can be mounted on your windshield or visor, so you’ll never have to use an uncomfortable earpiece again! With DSP echo cancellation, you’ll have crystal clear transmission, even in noisy vehicles. Once set up, you’ll be able to perform most of your phone’s functions, such as answering, toggling between calls, etc. with the solCHAT II multi-function button. A USB charging cable and car adapter are included for directly charging the unit.
Keep a USB Cable on Your Keychain with the New flipSync!
Attach the Scosche Industries IPUSBM flipSYNC™ to your keychain and you’ll always have a charger at your fingertips. Connect one end into your iPod or iPhone and the other into a USB port and you’ll always be able to charge your device, whether you are at home or on the road.
Safeguard Your Water Supply With the ConservCo DSL-2 Hose Bibb Lock with Padlock !
The Hose Bibb Lock is designed to prevent both water theft and vandalism to outdoor faucets and hose spigots.
The Hose Bibb Lock’s fitting assembly screws securely onto the end of any standard garden Hose Bibb, yard hydrant, or vacuum breaker. The cover is placed over the fitting assembly, and locked with the included padlock.
The Hose Bibb Lock is designed so that the cover and padlock spin freely around the fitting assembly, preventing anyone without the key from using the faucet.
Water won’t flow – even if the handle is turned to the full open position unless you remove the Hose Bibb Lock.
Xantech ML95K Universal Micro Link IR Receiver Kit, Extended Range
The interference from a wall mount TV can wreak havoc with your IR control system. Xantech designed this Universal Micro Link IR Receiver to resist the interference from plasma, LCD and LED TVs, as well as fluorescent and compact fluorescent lighting (CFL), and sunlight – so you can mount this receiver in any room with confidence. The Universal Micro Link IR Receiver Kit makes it possible to control up to four different audio and video components behind solid doors or walls using your existing IR remote.
The IR receiver is a small peep-hole style infrared repeater assembly, perfect for a nearly flush in-wall or cabinet installation with minimal footprint for a professional finish. The high sensitivity and extended range of this receiver allows it to receive IR commands up to 120 feet away, it also includes a ‘talkback’ LED so you’ll know the command was received and sent to the emitter. Using the included connecting block, you can connect the IR receiver to the four IR emitter ports. The connecting block supplies power to the IR receiver using the included power supply. The connecting block receives IR signals coming from the IR receiver and distributes the IR signals out to your audio and video components using the included IR emitters. With a Xantech IR Kit, equipment can now be concealed for clean room design. In addition, a centralized IR receiver means there is only one IR target resulting in improved remote control interaction. Featuring color-coded connectors, a Xantech IR Kit is easy to install, and allows a worry-free installation. Includes Black, Brass and White bezels.
Use DeskBrite as a Magnifier or a Desk Lamp
The Carson Optical LM-50 DeskBrite™ 400 Magnifier is a 1.75x LED magnifier desk lamp with a 4x power spot lens. The DeskBrite features 10 super-bright LED’s to illuminate your viewing subject. The large crystal-clear acrylic lens ensures a bright, sharp and clear image. Open the hinge for use as a magnifier or close the hinge for use as a desk lamp. The DeskBrite magnifier lamp plugs into any standard outlet, no batteries are required. The DeskBrite is a perfect and handsome addition to any desk.
Real Customer Reviews of the SwitchLinc 3-Way Dimmer – INSTEON 3-Way Dimmer Kit 2494M3
Check out what some real customers had to say about the SwitchLinc 3 Way Dimmer:
PAUL — MORENO VALLEY, CA Date: 2/27/2010
Review: Nice that they came pre-programmed to work as a pair. Not too difficult to install but bit harder than a normal switch. Pay attention to the instructions as they wire without the traveler wire between them used.
VERLIN — SOUTH BELOIT, IL Date: 1/4/2010
Review: I’m converting my house from X-10 to Insteon. The SwitchLinc 3Way Dimmer was one of the last items I had to install. Wiring was easy and linking to my SmartLinc worked fine. Being a 3Way it was a little more complicated, but went well by following your directions. Worked the first time it was turned on.
STEVEN — MIDDLETOWN, MD Date: 12/19/2009
Review: Very good product, wiring diagram not as detailed as it should be (the single red wire labeled LOAD goes to the LOAD, and the red wire labeled LOAD running with the HOT wire goes to LINE).
MARK — MINNETONKA, MN Date: 12/17/2009
Review: Works just perfectly. I’m no electrician, but I was able to follow the directions and set this up.
OR
Buy the SwitchLinc 3-Way Dimmer – INSTEON 3-Way Dimmer Kit 2494M3 at Smarthome.com
Receivers Provide an Easy way to Add Self-powered Wireless Control to Lighting Control and Security Systems
The AD HOC Electronics 8-Channel Low Voltage Relay Receiver accepts wireless signals from other AD HOC EnOcean-enabled wireless light switches and sensors. It can be used to connect wireless light switches or door/window sensors to existing security, lighting, media, HVAC and other control systems. The low voltage relay receiver provides 8 channels of relay output which mirror the status of battery-free, EnOcean-compatible wireless transmitters. The relays provide wireless links to magnetic proximity window/door sensors or wireless light switches. The receiver receives information from EnOcean transmitters using a simple “ID learn-sequence” that stores transmitter IDs (addresses) in its EEPROM memory. This allows the receiver to store an association between each switch and each relay output. When used with compatible switches, the relays can be configured to toggle with each button press or provide momentary relay closure while the button is held and released. Also available as an 4-Channel Low Voltage Relay Receiver.
Full-Featured Security System with 4 Independent Voice Message Dialer Channels!
The United Security Products AVD-2010 combines technologically advanced features, ease of programming and reliable operation in a compact, unobtrusive dialer that is compatible with virtually any security alarm system. The AVD-2010 features a Power Monitoring System (PMS) that constantly operates in the background. The PMS automatically calls up to 8 phone numbers with a pre-recorded message when any of the three conditions have been detected: AC POWER OFF, BATTERY LOW, or AC POWER RESTORED. Installation and hookup are quick and easy, whether installed in conjunction with normally open, normally closed dry contact or voltage activation sensors. The unit can also function as a stand-alone device, by simple connection to an ordinary telephone jack.
The AVD-2010 features a ‘smart’ Power Monitoring System (PMS) that constantly operates in the background without interfering with any of the dialer functions under normal power conditions. In the event of a blackout, or when battery voltage falls below a safe level, or when power is restored, the PMS automatically dials out and notifies by means of pre-recorded voice messages which of the three conditions have been detected: AC POWER OFF, BATTERY LOW, or AC POWER RESTORED.
The AVD-2010 is extensively programmable, offering personalized customization to fulfill virtually any residential or business requirement. Plain-English prompts walk the user through the process in a timely manner. Programming options abound, allowing the user to:
Store up to 8 telephone/pager numbers
Choose 1-9 calling efforts for the numbers dialed
Select 1-3 message repeats
Record a variable combination (maximum: 7) of instructional outgoing messages (total elapsed time: 60 seconds)
Program up to 4 separate input channels with individually enable/disable, entry/exit delay and activation options (Normally
Open (N.O.), Normally Closed (N.C.) – (dry contact or voltage activation) including momentary and continuous activation for each).
Further individualize each channel by selecting the delay times, telephone/pager numbers to be dialed and the specific
outgoing messages to be played.
Magnifier with Tweezers Gives You an Extra Hand When Needed!
The Carson Optical MG-88 LED Lighted MagniGrip™ is a compact 4x Magnifier with attached fine-point tweezers and bright LED light. The Magnifier’s built-in LED allows for a clear and bright view of an object, giving the user better precision for their work. This magnifier/tweezers combo is perfect for all those “little” jobs when you need an extra hand! It is extremely lightweight and can be used as an aid for everything from hobbies and crafts to getting out that pesky splinter.
Explore at Night with the Portable Digital Night Vision Monocular
The Carson Optical NV-100 Aura™ is a portable digital night vision monocular. The Aura Night Vision Monocular uses digital technology to provide a bright, clear and sharp image. No more blurry green images using old intensifier tubes! The Aura Night Vision Optics operate on 4 AA batteries (not included), and includes a soft pouch and wrist strap. The Aura Night Vision Monocular has a one-year limited warranty.
Install a 3-Way Light Switch Without Running Any Wire and Avoid Tearing into Walls
The AD HOC Electronics 3-Way Wireless Light Switch Kit is the perfect solution for adding a 3-way light switch virtually anywhere in your home without needing to run new wire. The kit includes two self-powered wireless light switches and one RF relay (non-dimming) receiver. The receiver is simply wired between the power and the light, and then stored in the light box behind the fixture. The light switches are programmed to the receiver through a simple single-button configuration procedure. This battery-free wireless light switches save you time and hassle by eliminating the need for wires and switch boxes. Traditionally the wireless light switches are surface mounted on a wall with screws or industrial tape but can also be used in a standard switch box or as wireless hand held remotes. The switches are powered by EnOcean technology that converts the press of the switch into a small amount of electricity. This electricity is used to transmit a radio frequency (RF) wireless signal that communicates with the relay receiver. By adding more switches you can create 4-way lighting applications quickly and easily. Or add more relay receivers and control an unlimited numbers of lights. With an RF wireless range of nearly 100 feet, AD HOC transmitters and receivers allows you to add lighting control from almost anywhere in you home.
How would I write a framework to replace PCI?
I’ve been working in and around the payment card industry for over four and a half years now. A year and a half working for a service provider and seeing the worst of credit card storage possible and three years of performing Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI-DSS) assessments have shown me both the best and the worst of how merchants, service providers and other entities protect our cardholder data. I’ve seen, and made, huge mistakes in implementing and securing cardholder environments. I’ve assessed clients who’ve gone far beyond the requirements of PCI to truly secure their networks and I’ve seen administrators struggle to get even the most basic security measures in place because they don’t have the resources to do more. Throughout all my experiences the one thing I’ve always been able to do is learn from the failures and triumphs of the individuals I deal with and I think I’ve gained a pretty deep understanding of the credit card systems and some of the things that are required to maintain a base level of security in today’s world. And when it comes down to it, that’s all a framework like PCI is, an attempt to create a security baseline.
While I do have a lot of experience in PCI, I will never claim to have the all the answers to securing a cardholder environment. I won’t even claim that I understand all the implications that writing a policy and technology framework like the PCI-DSS. But I do have some ideas around how I’d do things differently if I was writing the requirements. Boy do I have some ideas. And I know that I have a lot of friends and peers in the industry who are more than willing to give those ideas a thorough looking over and thrashing to separate the wheat from the chaff and help me winnow out what’s useless from what can really help the industry in the long term. So over the next couple of months, I’m going to lay out a series on how I’d write the PCI-DSS. I expect that many of the ideas I throw out will be torn apart, but I want to encourage people to start thinking about how we can change the standards going forward.
One of the reasons I’m starting this right now is that the PCI Council has just released Summary of Changes for PCI 2.0 and changed from a two year to a three year lifecycle. While the changes aren’t set in stone as of yet and all we have so far is an outline of what these changes are, what we have seen is nothing more than minor clarifications and minimalistic guidance for virtualization. Since the new changes aren’t fully revealed yet, it’s hard to be too tough on the PCI Council; yet minor changes coupled with lengthening the time between revisions seems to be a plan to calcify the PCI-DSS and protect anyone from having to make major changes to their environments. I feel there’s been enough time and feedback that this approach is not in the best interest of security nor is it really in the best interest of the public. Bluntly put, the change to a three year life cycle should have been accompanied by a major revision of the requirements, not the minor tweaks we’re getting.
I won’t call what I’m thinking of PCI; the PCI-DSS is what it is and I can’t change that directly. What I’ll be writing is just a series of thought constructs based on what I think are the real steps we should be taking to secure the credit card process. I want to think outside the box that we’re currently in, looking at what we do now and trying to understand how we can do it better without tearing apart the merchants and service providers with additional costs and burdens. I’m realistic enough to know that anything that requires large amounts of time and money are going to be met with screams of denial and pain. But I also know we can refocus many of the efforts we’re making now and use the same tools we already have in place more effectively.
I want to start with a few principles that I think everything else should derive from. And I know even these principles need to be challenged and refined. The first of these is simple: Everything flows from policy. This is currently the last requirement in the PCI-DSS and I have always thought that it was the biggest mistake that was made when the original CISP requirements were written up. As it stands now, policy is stuck onto the end of the requirements almost as an afterthought, even though in many companies it’s what gives the teams trying to secure the environment the ability to make clear cut decisions about what is and isn’t acceptable in the cardholder environment. It’s also very helpful in getting the budget to purchase the tools you need. Of course, I’ve already had one person tell me that starting with policy is doomed to failure, but this is my framework, so too bad.
The second principle is Keep it simple. Come on, 200+ requirements?? How many of these are redundant, needless or just a vestige of something that is no longer reasonable to require. We’re still required to check for a stateful firewall, even though every firewall built in the last 5 (10?) years is stateful. I’m sure you can think of dozens of other requirements that are similarly outdated and needless. Why have requirements that are simply placeholders that serve no real purpose? Once a requirement becomes outdated, it needs to be retired to make room for something more important.
My final principle is Concentrate on results, not technologies. There are very few things I like to see more in an assessment than a client who’s met with the PCI-DSS in a way that goes well beyond the simple requirement and actually secures their environment. Andy Ellis, aka @CSOAndy is one of my heroes in the industry because of everything that he and his team have done to secure Akamai. I need to talk to him to see how much he’s willing to disclose about what Akamai does differently, but let’s just say that his compliance assessments are truly unique and not something you ever want to send a junior assessor to deal with. My goal is to develop a framework that concentrates on the results we want to see, not the tools you have to have in place to make it happen.
I think I’m taking on an impossible task here. But I my goal isn’t to tell anyone what they’re doing wrong; it’s to come up with alternative ways to meet the same goal, which is securing the credit card process and promote security for enterprises overall. I’m going to stumble a lot, I’m going to make mistakes and people are going to tear my ideas apart. But if I can get you thinking about how we can do things differently, I’ll consider this experiment a success. I want people to consider what we’re doing now and how we can do it better. Some of my ideas will be thought of as impossible in the ‘real world’; some ideas will be taken almost directly from the PCI-DSS. And some will be taken directly from friends and peers. My biggest fear is not being criticized for the effort; my biggest fear is that it’ll be ignored.
Incredible Noise Isolation Earphones with tapLine II Control Technology
The Scosche Increased Dynamic Range™ Earphones accurately reproduce brilliant highs, silky-smooth mids and powerful bass for all musical genres. The tapLINE™ II control surface allows you to play, pause, adjust volume, skip tracks and much more with simple button presses. Silicone inserts are included in three different sizes to ensure a perfect seal to your ear, isolating against external sounds and dramatically increasing bass response.
These audiophile-grade earphones have been designed by audio enthusiasts for audio enthusiasts that want to get the most out of their music. Listen and you’ll hear the difference.
Compatible with iPhone 4, iPad, iPhone 3GS, iPod nano (Gen 5), iPod shuffle (Gen 3), iPod touch (Gen 2), iPod nano (Gen 4), iPod classic (120 GB) and Mac computers purchased after Oct 2008 .
Energy Saving Sensors Ensure Lights Automatically Turn Off in Unoccupied Spaces
By using the Lutron Radio Powr Savr Wireless RF Wall Occupancy/Vacancy Sensor offers convenient lighting control that detects when you enter and leave an area – triggering lights to turn on and off on when a room is occupied. This sensor saves energy by directing a compatible Lutron Maestro RF dimmer or switch to reduce lighting levels or turn lights off based on room occupancy/vacancy. The Occupancy sensors turn lights on automatically as an occupant enters the room and turns lights off again when the room is
unoccupied. The vacancy sensor requires lights to be turned on manually when an occupant enters a room, but will turn lights off automatically when the room is empty. The sensor wirelessly transmits the appropriate commands to an associated Maestro Wireless devices (or devices) to turn on or off automatically. Up to 3 sensors can be added with each RF dimming or switching device for extended coverage. Each sensor may be added to up to 10 compatible RF dimming and switching devices for spaces with multiple zones of lighting. It combines both convenience and exceptional energy savings along with ease of installation.
Latching Solenoid for Your Enercon Irrigation System, No Energy Required!
The Alex-Tronix LS Latching Solenoid is a 12 VDC two-wire polarized latching solenoid. It requires a short DC pulse to turn it on, and a reverse polarity DC pulse to de-energize it. No energy is required to keep the valve open. The LS can be operated directly by the Enercon controllers. Alex-Tronix recommends using the model LS (Latching Solenoid) with all of its battery powered controllers.
*Black lead is the common and the red lead is the positive. Connecting the leads in reverse will cause valve to stay on when it is supposed to be off, and off when it’s supposed to be on.*
