In case integrators and perhaps commercial automation manufacturers haven’t been noticing, Control4 has been establishing itself as a light commercial automation solution provider over the past couple of years.

Well established in the residential integration market, the Zigbee-based open automation manufacturer Control4 seems to be targeting its slate of ISE 2013 product releases at commercial integrators.

New products include:

• Control4 Panelized Lighting solution with Wired Keypads
• Certified commercial drivers supporting the popular KNX protocol
• A host of new commercial apps, software updates and features

Control4 says it aims to help its global network of over 3,000 dealers, deploy more systems in corporate, health care, hospitality and retail venues.

Control4 on its Panelized Lighting Solution:

Control4’s new lighting solution is designed to integrate seamlessly with Control4 automation systems, delivering a robust, yet simplified lighting infrastructure to environments where standard, standalone wireless switches and dimmers aren’t ideal due to aesthetic or construction requirements. Control4’s new Panelized Lighting solution provides a centralized, Ethernet-based wired alternative, perfect for businesses or restaurateurs looking to create a more refined and predictable lighting experience.

It’s also perfect for concrete or stone structures where control of wireless switches and dimmers may not be reliable. For system integrators, the Panelized Lighting solution also alleviates extra time and expense spent on separate integration of third-party panelized solutions, since programming is done through Control4 Composer Pro software, enabling quick and easy configuration of lighting scenes, network settings and load profiles.
The Control4 Panelized Lighting solution enables complete, discreet control over whole-home and commercial lighting systems via sophisticated keypad and touch screen interfaces, rather than the traditional collection of electrical load-bearing switches on every wall. A unified solution supporting 110-volt to 277-volt applications, Control4 Panelized Lighting is ideal for both upscale residential installations and commercial environments worldwide. The Control4 Panelized Lighting solution effectively controls LED lighting loads, which are rapidly replacing fluorescent and halogen lights as an energy-saving alternative.

Control4 on the new wired keypads:

Control4 is also introducing new, elegant Wired Keypads to complement the Panelized Lighting solution - a Euro-style square (UK) keypad available in 2, 3, and 6 button configurations, and a Decora-style (US) keypad which comes with a completely customizable button kit. Both Euro and Decora keypads offer custom engraving and backlit buttons. The Decora-style keypads also feature light sensors to automatically adjust the keypad backlight and status LEDs based on the ambient light in the room.

Control4 on its KNX supporting drivers:

Control4 is also announcing new certified drivers for devices supporting the popular KNX protocol, which will provide installers with a high-performance solution for integration of lighting and control devices operating on this growing communications standard. The addition of KNX support enables Control4’s intuitive control and automation interface to connect and control HVAC, ambient lighting, security, energy management, and AV distribution systems as well.

Updates to Control4’s operating system are also aimed at the commercial market, according to the company.  From the Control4 press release:

The new Access Agent, which enables a user to limit unauthorized access through password protection, and the ability to hide selected functions, which provides business owners more controlled access to automated capability.
The new FieldServer driver, which provides support for commercial HVAC systems through the FieldServer Technologies’ QuickServer Gateway, enabling automation access to Delta Controls, GE, Honeywell, Johnson Controls, Mitsubishi, Rockwell and other thermostats over device networks including BACnet, Lonworks, Modbus, and more via serial, bus or TCP/IP. 

The new Tandberg driver, which extends Control4’s support for teleconference systems, supplementing existing support for Polycom and ClearOne.

The enhanced Themes SDK enables user interface customization by dealers to thematically brand screens on Control4 touchscreens and displays running Control4 Navigator.

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