Control4 Launches New Entry-Level Automation Controller

Posted by Jay Bartlett February 7, 2018 3:08 am Categories: New Products, Residential, Smart Devices, Technologies Tags: Automation Controller, CA-1, Control4 Corporation, Martin Plaehn, smart locks, Vincent Grabowski, Z-Wave.

Control4 Corporation announced the immediate availability of the Control4^® CA-1 Automation Controller. The CA-1 enables Control4 Dealers to provide an orchestrated smart home experience for homeowners interested in lighting, temperature control, and security.

At $350 U.S. MSRP, the new controller is designed to appeal to home builders, MDU developers, and hoteliers, giving them a way to differentiate with the inclusion of the most sought-after smart home experiences.

“The emerging range of smart locks, thermostats, lights, and cameras available today have certainly raised consumer awareness for the promise of the smart connected home,” said Martin Plaehn, Chairman and CEO, Control4. “Homeowners as well as home builders and building developers are looking for more than a just collection of independent, smart devices. Our new CA-1 and industry-leading Control4 OS deliver that needed capability and customer experience – orchestrating all of the smart devices in a home.”

“Demand for home automation is growing and home buyers expect smart experiences in the houses we are building,” said Vincent Grabowski, Vice President of Construction from Saddle-Tree Homes in Colorado Springs. “But if we just add individual smart devices here and there, the homeowner experience quickly becomes disjointed or incomplete. Control4 and its new CA-1 provides a far more comprehensive solution and cohesive connected home experience – and at a price-point that fits all of our homes.”

Tailored specifically for smart home projects that desire lighting, comfort, and/or security, the CA-1 Automation Controller includes Ethernet, WiFi, Zigbee, and serial communication, leveraging the large Control4 database of thousands of third-party devices to ensure easy integration and interoperability.

Using the optional Z-Wave module, sold separately at $70 U.S. MSRP, enables the CA-1 to be compatible with a selected set of Z-Wave control devices including door, window, water, flood, and temperature sensors, electrical outlets, and dimmer outlet modules.

The CA-1 also features Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) so it can be installed virtually anywhere with a single network cable.

“The CA-1 utilizes the industry-proven Control4 platform and broad device ecosystem so our dealers can immediately succeed with the skills, resources, and expertise that they already have,” added Plaehn. “This is not a dialed-down version of the Control4 OS nor a compromise; this is a new category of automation controller designed to meet the connected home demands of home builders, building developers, and their buyers.”

Expanding the Control4 controller lineup, the CA-1 complements the entertainment-focused EA Series controller line, used in projects of all sizes and complexity.

Using the CA-1, home builders and homeowners can now start with smart lighting, safety, and security via Control4.

The new Control4 CA-1 comes in white for discrete wall, closet, and shelving installations. The CA-1 is available and shipping today, globally, at $350 U.S. MSRP with a two-year warranty. The CA-1 will be featured at Integrated Systems Europe in Amsterdam from February 6 to 9, 2018 in the Control4 stand 10-N130.

Control4 is a leading global provider of automation and networking systems for homes and businesses, offering personalized control of lighting, music, video, comfort, security, communications, and more into a unified smart home system.

Source: control4.com

0 Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Son of a Salesman

For a lot of us who have made the jump to starting our own business, there’s a foundation of knowledge that came from those who mentored us before our journey began. When reflecting my own journey in the alarm industry, it’s abundantly clear that my foundation is my father. I’m the proud son of an alarm salesman. My dad sold alarm systems door to door, and he sold a lot of them. Aside from being a very personable guy, Dad knocked on more doors, walked into more papered storefronts, and chased more U-Hauls than anyone else I know. He hustled hard and he built lasting relationships along the way. It was not only a recipe for success, but also an example of s stick-to-itiveness for me and my siblings to follow. As kids, we would sometimes watch from the backseat as Dad “walked up deals” whenever a new family or business moved into the neighborhood. He’d walk right up and introduce himself, and would always smile and listen along with caring, thoughtful eyes. It never seemed like a salesman pitching to prospects. It was like he was talking to new friends. When he was invited to go inside the business or home, we would wait in the car with anticipation. More often than not, he returned with a signed contract in hand and the whole family cheered for his victory. It wasn’t uncommon for us to run into those same folks at the local grocery store, church, or a restaurant and he would go out of his way to greet them warmly--never missing the opportunity to introduce us kids with a proud smile. His interactions with his customers outside of their normal business dealings were always returned with warmth—there were lots of hugs, back pats, and double-handed handshakes. Not only were they his customers, but more importantly to him they were friends, too. Our favorite restaurants who were also his clients always welcomed our family on Friday and Saturday nights. Dad often paid the check with gift cards the restaurateurs traded for their alarm system and cameras. He was always sure to tip the waiter separately in cash. Over the years, Dad sold thousands of alarm systems and along the way, he demonstrated to me how to build a successful business through strong relationships, extraordinary service, and an outstanding reputation. Dad also taught me that doors open for those who knock. Throughout the years, the lessons he taught me about persistence, integrity, and relationship-building have helped me in my own career. While I long ago decided not to join the family alarm business, I did become an alarm salesman. Today, I own a national security distribution company where we sell alarm systems to thousands of alarm dealers nationwide. Like my dad with his customers, many of mine have become great friends, some of which I consider family. When people ask me why I didn’t join the family business, I explain that if I was to stand any chance of selling more alarm systems than my old man, I knew I’d have to sell them wholesale! Jake is the Founder and President of SS&Si Dealer Network, an independent distribution company that offers competitive pricing, private labeling, fast shipping, marketing support, vendor programs, and funding options. He also serves as the Associate Director for the Integrators Association of Florida (IAF) as well as the on the Marketing and Communications Committee for The Monitoring Association(TMA). He completed his Bachelors of Arts from Rollins College.