| Author |
|
randy52
Newbie
Joined: May 31 2005
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 3
|
| Posted: May 31 2005 at 13:28 | IP Logged
|
|
|
Hi,
I just received an insteon starter kit last Friday. Spent the weekend playing with it and it is pretty nice, setup took me 10 minutes. As much as I hate to admit it my insteon lamp modules turn on at least a second before my regular x10 modules. Anyone have any feedback? I want to get insteon switches but have not seen them. Anyone have any eta's or other? I have not experienced any signal strengh issues either. 
Randy
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
TonyNo
Moderator Group
Joined: December 05 2001
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2889
|
| Posted: May 31 2005 at 20:40 | IP Logged
|
|
|
From AutomatedOutlet on Cocoontech...
"Insteon news - looks like the switches might be coming out a month early - probably June."
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
dhoward
Admin Group
Joined: June 29 2001
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 4447
|
| Posted: June 01 2005 at 12:29 | IP Logged
|
|
|
I too have received my Insteon developer kits (I ordered both USB AND RS-232). I however have not had a chance to even take them out of the box  .
Ive been through the documentation a couple of times and am constantly monitoring the developers forum however. After the dust settles from moving into the new house, I will work on integrating this technology into PowerHome.
The demos that I saw at the EH Expo of Insteon are just as you state. Much faster than X-10.
Dave.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
randy52
Newbie
Joined: May 31 2005
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 3
|
| Posted: June 15 2005 at 18:17 | IP Logged
|
|
|
Awesome, I look forward to ordering some new switches. My X10 works "pretty" good but I would love the reliability.
2 weeks after playing with the starter kit I still have not seen any problems. I integrated the lamp modules into my x10 scenes so they are working both as insteon and x10.
The best part about the controller - I am not stuck with A1 - A2 - A3 etc. I have 5 different housecodes programmed to it.
Randy 
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Dean
Senior Member
Joined: August 21 2003
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 109
|
| Posted: June 22 2005 at 22:49 | IP Logged
|
|
|
I see the developer's kit contains a PowerLinc V2, which I assume is the computer interface. Is this the same as the PowerLinc II? Will any X10 computer interface (e.g. CM11A, Ocelot, etc.) be able to send/receive Insteon commands with the proper software (e.g. PowerHome) that supports Insteon?
dhoward wrote:
I too have received my Insteon developer kits (I ordered both USB AND RS-232). I however have not had a chance to even take them out of the box .
|
|
|
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
randy52
Newbie
Joined: May 31 2005
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 3
|
| Posted: August 17 2005 at 11:39 | IP Logged
|
|
|
I just saw a post from cocoontech.com saying Powerhome would be supporting insteon. Any timeframe on this release? Do you need an extra beta tester? 
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
dhoward
Admin Group
Joined: June 29 2001
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 4447
|
| Posted: August 17 2005 at 14:16 | IP Logged
|
|
|
Randy,
Ntt quite sure of the timeframe, but it's what Im actively working on so it should be in the next beta.
I just received my replacement PowerLincs (USB and RS-232) and just ordered the Insteon starter kit as well as a couple of the new dimmer and relay switches for testing. I just started recoding the entire controller object so that I can add the new technologies such as Insteon and UPB.
I'll keep everyone posted on my progress. Insteon is the technology Ive decided to use in the new house so it'll be a priority .
Dave.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
kelbell25
Newbie
Joined: January 10 2006
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 4
|
| Posted: January 10 2006 at 20:14 | IP Logged
|
|
|
"SmartLabs Partners With Leading Electronic Home Control Software Companies to Add INSTEON to Home Control Software
New Applications for Mac and PC Give Users Greater Flexibility in Managing INSTEON-Enabled Devices
CES, Las Vegas, Nev. — Jan. 5, 2006-- SmartLabsTM Inc., the world’s leading authority in electronic home improvement and automation, today announced that two leading electronic home control software companies, Perceptive Automation, the maker of Indigo home automation software, and Home Automated Living (HAL), the leader in voice-controlled digital home systems integration software, have embraced the INSTEON protocol and have developed new applications for managing INSTEONenabled home control devices. Software developers like HAL and Perceptive Automation can license the INSTEON protocol at no cost.
INSTEON is a dual-mesh (powerline and radio frequency) home control networking technology optimized for home management and control. Simple, affordable and reliable, INSTEON links together core home systems such as lighting, security, comfort control, consumer electronics, appliances and safety sensors for remote monitoring and control. Perceptive Automation’s Indigo software is being used as a home control server for the Apple Macintosh. Indigo allows users to remotely control lights, fans, appliances, sprinklers and other home systems and devices. It also integrates SmartLabs INSTEONenabled
in wall keypad with iTunes to manage and customize music remotely. Users don’t have to go to the computer to manage the music; they can simply use the programmed keypad to make choices and changes. It is an end-to-end streaming media solution.
Perceptive Automation turned to INSTEON in an effort to find a replacement for legacy technologies such as X-10. INSTEON’s ability to transport messages by peer-topeer simulcasting with error detection, message confirmation and automatic retries was attractive, and because INSTEON devices all have unique addresses and automatically act as simulcasting repeaters, the network requires no configuration or routing controllers.
“SmartLabs has been very cooperative and open with the INSTEON standard and protocol specifications, and INSTEON met the price point and technology demands of our customers,” said Matt Bendiksen of Perceptive Automation. “The technology is very robust and offers a ‘true mesh’ experience without the overhead and complexity found in routed solutions.”
SmartLabs is also working with HAL. HAL software functions like an operating system for the home, enabling users to control their homes—and all the technology inside—remotely. Using any number of interfaces such as a web browser, touchscreen or HAL’s speaker-independent speech interface gives the user total control of home systems such as lights, appliances, climate, home theater, security and telephone.
“INSTEON delivers a stable platform that solves the reliability problems found in older technologies,” said Tim Shriver, president of HAL. “We offer a seamless solution that interconnects devices and systems mirroring SmartLabs’ INSTEON solution, and the fact that we as software developers get the INSTEON protocol for free allows a lot of design flexibility.”
“With support for INSTEON now incorporated into Indigo software for the Macintosh and HAL for the PC, homeowners will be able to take advantage of powerful new Mac- and PC-based home control applications that enable greater flexibility and more complex programming of their INSTEON-enabled devices,” said Ken Fairbanks, SmartLabs VP of Business Development. “We’re pleased that these software leaders have recognized the value of INSTEON. The partnerships will strengthen the appeal of our respective product offerings, helping to further grow the electronic home improvement market.”
Representatives from both HAL and Perceptive Automation will be demonstrating their INSTEON-compatible solutions during CES (Jan. 5-8) at the SmartLabs partner pavilion, South Hall 2/26424. SmartLabs executives will also be available for press and analyst briefings. Contact Michelle Laird at 503-705-4577 or mlaird@olearypr.com to make an appointment, or stop by booth South Hall 2/26424.
About SmartLabs
Founded in 1992, SmartLabs Inc. is the world’s leading authority on electronic home improvement and automation. SmartLabs is organized into three companies: Smarthome Direct, which includes Smarthome.com, "the Amazon of electronic home improvement" (Newsweek, 2004); SmartLabs Design, creators of best-in-class home control products; and SmartLabs Technology, the pioneering architects of INSTEON. SmartLabs’ INSTEON Alliance offers a focused community for developers to incorporate the INSTEON standard into their products. SmartLabs products are sold to an international customer base via the Web, phone and retail outlets, as well as to professional dealers and installers through SmarthomePro. The company’s online catalog can be found at www.smarthome.com; information regarding INSTEON can be found at www.insteon.net. SmartLabs is headquartered in Irvine, Calif.
About Perceptive Automation
Perceptive Automation creates home control and networking solutions. The company strives to make products that are innovative and easy to use, based on the belief that although the company’s products tie multiple protocols, interfaces and technologies together, the user experience should always be as intuitive and simple as possible. Perceptive Automation offers a free 30 day trial of its INSTEON enabled Mac home control software online at www.perceptiveautomation.com.
About Home Automated Living
Home Automated Living (HAL) is the international leader in voice-controlled digital home and home office systems integration software. HAL integrates control of all the systems of the home and home office on the PC, including lights, devices, climate, telephone, security, home theater and the Internet. HAL enables the user to control these systems by voice or via the Internet from anywhere in the home or from anywhere on Earth. HAL is regularly featured on ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and is the winner of numerous industry awards.
Contact:
Jennifer McLean/Michelle Laird
O' Leary and Partners
949-833-8006
jmclean@olearypr.com
mlaird@olearypr.com
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
kelbell25
Newbie
Joined: January 10 2006
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 4
|
| Posted: January 10 2006 at 20:16 | IP Logged
|
|
|
January 5, 2006 - "SmartLabs Introduces the ICON Line of Affordable Home Control Lighting Products"
Network-Ready "Smart" INSTEON Devices Cost No More than "Non-Networked" Alternatives
Irvine, Calif. — Jan 5, 2006-- SmartLabsTM the parent company of Smarthome and world’s leading authority in electronic home improvement and automation, today announced the introduction of its new ICON line of affordable INSTEONTM-based home control lighting products. SmartLabs is now delivering electronic home improvement and automation products at an all time low price point, making it accessible to all home owners.
The first ICON products to be released enable consumers to easily and inexpensively set up a reliable and user-friendly remote control lighting system that also becomes a foundation for a powerful home control network.
The network-ready INSTEON-based ICON products are extremely affordable—costing no more than their non-networked counterparts. For example the retail price of an INSTEONenabled ICON dimmer switch is $19.99, while “non-networked” versions of a competitive product are generally priced the same or higher. The ICON line offers the quality construction, sophisticated technology and outstanding performance of high-end devices at a fraction of the price.
“We are breaking down all the barriers for home owners to automate, integrate and control their lighting and appliances,” Said Rajeev Kapur, SmartLabs vice president of sales and marketing. “This is an unprecedented step and once again illustrates our commitment to being at the forefront of new technology, innovative products and now affordable pricing initiatives.” The new ICON line includes several products such as the INSTEON- remote control on/off appliance adapter for fans, heaters, fountains or other on/off devices; a remote control timer system that allows users to specify when lights should turn on and off and to set safety and vacation lighting modes; and a remote control on/off wall switch that connects to existing wiring to replace any wall switch for florescent lights, fans, outdoor security lights or switched outlets.
ICON devices are easy to install, and they can be programmed with the touch of a few buttons. Because ICON is part of the INSTEON true mesh network, no controllers are required to route messages. And because the system uses existing electrical wiring, no new wires or cables are needed; any consumer can set up this home automation system in minutes.
"With the introduction of the ICON line, Smarthome can now provide an INSTEON enabled controllable light switch at a price point directly competitive with standard dimmer switches, enabling an even wider adoption of INSTEON in the home," Said George West senior analyst at West Technology Research. “This development is a key step in SmartLabs plan to deliver affordable, reliable and easy to use Electronic Home Improvement and Home Control products to the mass marketplace. Developers and retailers should take note that the INSTEON technology is quickly becoming the de-facto standard in home control and automation."
SmartLabs executives will be available for press and analyst briefings during CES (Jan. 5- 8). Contact Michelle Laird at 503-705-4577 or mlaird@olearypr.com to make an appointment, or stop by the SmartLabs booth South Hall 2/26424.
About INSTEON
SmartLabs’s INSTEON, the new technology standard in electronic home control networking, uses a simple, low-cost combination of powerline and radio frequency communications to link core home systems such as lighting, security, comfort control, consumer electronics, appliances and safety sensors, allowing them to be controlled or monitored from anywhere in the world. INSTEON-based products can also bridge to other networks, such as Wi-Fi LANs, the Internet and telephony and entertainment distribution systems, allowing products to serve as the foundation for a very robust integrated home control environment.
About SmartLabs
Founded in 1992, SmartLabs Inc. is the world’s leading authority on electronic home improvement and automation. SmartLabs is organized into three companies: Smarthome Direct, which includes Smarthome.com, "the Amazon of electronic home improvement" (Newsweek, 2004); SmartLabs Design, creators of best-in-class home control products; and SmartLabs Technology, the pioneering architects of INSTEON. SmartLabs’ INSTEON Alliance offers a focused community for developers to incorporate the INSTEON standard into their products. SmartLabs products are sold to an international customer base via the Web, phone and retail outlets, as well as to professional dealers and installers through SmarthomePro. The company’s online catalog can be found at www.smarthome.com; information regarding INSTEON can be found at www.insteon.net. SmartLabs is headquartered in Irvine, Calif.
Contact:
Jennifer McLean/Michelle Laird
O' Leary and Partners
949-833-8006
jmclean@olearypr.com
mlaird@olearypr.com
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
kelbell25
Newbie
Joined: January 10 2006
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 4
|
| Posted: January 10 2006 at 20:17 | IP Logged
|
|
|
January 4, 2006 - "SmartLabs Announces First in a Family of INSTEON Chips"
Aggressive Pricing Encourages Broad Adoption of INSTEON Technology
CES, Las Vegas NV., — Jan. 4, 2006-- SmartLabs Inc., the world’s leading authority in electronic home improvement and automation, today announced availability of the first INSTEON chip. The wireline modem chip is the first of a new family of chips, for its INSTEON technology, the new standard in home control networking technology.
INSTEON uses a dual-mesh (wireline and radio frequency) communications technology to link together core home systems such as lighting, security, comfort control, security systems, home sensors, consumer electronics and appliances for remote monitoring and control.
The chips begin shipping in Q1 2006 and will be available via the INSTEON website. They are priced at $1.60 with no minimum order quantity. The INSTEON RF Chip will be available in Q2.
"We are committed to encouraging the development of electronic home improvement and automation products through the availability of a low-cost technology, INSTEON powerline modem chips are half the price of competitive offerings—plus the technology is more versatile, reliable and simpler to use," said Dan Cregg, SmartLabs’ chief technology officer. "Our development partners can pass the cost savings along to consumers, ensuring a broader market for their products."
Pricing details
The INSTEON powerline modem chip is $1.60 per chip
The INSTEON RF modem chip will be $2.90 per chip
Smart Labs will make chips available via the web with no minimum order requirements for chip purchases.
About SmartLabs
Founded in 1992, SmartLabs Inc. is the world’s leading authority on electronic home improvement and automation. SmartLabs is organized into three companies: Smarthome Direct, which includes Smarthome.com, "the Amazon of electronic home improvement" (Newsweek, 2004); SmartLabs Design, creators of best-in-class home control products; and SmartLabs Technology, the pioneering architects of INSTEON. SmartLabs’ INSTEON Alliance offers a focused community for developers to incorporate the INSTEON standard into their products. SmartLabs products are sold to an international customer base via the Web, phone and retail outlets, as well as to professional dealers and installers through SmarthomePro. The company’s online catalog can be found at www.smarthome.com; information regarding INSTEON can be found at www.insteon.net. SmartLabs is headquartered in Irvine, Calif.
Contact:
Jennifer McLean/Michelle Laird
O' Leary and Partners
949-833-8006
jmclean@olearypr.com
mlaird@olearypr.com
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
kelbell25
Newbie
Joined: January 10 2006
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 4
|
| Posted: January 10 2006 at 20:18 | IP Logged
|
|
|
January 4, 2006 - "Smarthome Inc. New Parent Company SmartLabs Inc. Formed With Group of Three Companies"
New Parent Entity Reflects Commitment to R&D and Sub Companies Smarthome Direct, SmartLabs Technology and SmartLabs Design Shows Continuing Leadership Role
CES, Las Vegas NV., — Jan. 4, 2006-- SmarthomeTM Inc., the world’s leading authority in electronic home improvement and automation, today announced the formation of a parent company SmartLabsTM and three sub companies Smarthome Direct, SmartLabs Technologies and SmartLabs Design. The creation of SmartLabs Inc. more accurately reflects its roles as a visionary think tank and its sub companies continue to exemplify industry leadership as well as delivering best-in-class home control products and technologies.
"The creation of the new SmartLabs parent company and three sub companies demonstrates our unwavering commitment to industry innovation and leadership in electronic home improvement and automation—from thought leadership and technological advancement right through to cutting-edge product designs and nextgeneration marketing and distribution," said Joe Dada, SmartLabs CEO.
The creation of the parent company SmartLabs is a recommitment and focus into three key areas of core competency mirrored in its three companies, Smarthome Direct (retail web site and catalog), SmartLabs Technology (INSTEONTM technology) and SmartLabs Design (manufacturing). These three companies, individually and in combination, will deliver the distribution channels, technology solutions and manufacturing capabilities necessary to support and grow the electronic home improvement and automation market.
The Smarthome Direct Company will continue to capitalize on the strong Smarthome brand equity through its renowned website and catalog. SmartLabs R&D as well as its INSTEON sales and marketing are within the SmartLabs Technology Company, which provides advanced home control technology solutions such as INSTEON, the first electronic home improvement and automation technology optimized for home control. INSTEON uses both the home’s electrical wiring and radio frequency (RF) communication to deliver a secure, reliable and fast connection for the remote control, integration and management of lighting, security systems, entertainment systems, appliances, climate control and more. INSTEON is licensed to OEM partners for integration into home automation products. SmartLabs manufacturing and product company—SmartLabs Design—will oversee the design, development, product sales and marketing of innovative new home control products (for example, the ICON line of affordable INSTEON-based lighting products).
"The creation of the SmartLabs company gives us a stronger corporate identity allowing us to more effectively leverage the leadership and focus of our three companies and further act as a catalyst to move the dynamic home control networking market forward," said Rajeev Kapur, SmartLabs vice president sales and marketing. "These changes continue to confirm our focus: encouraging customers to live more innovative, more convenient and safer lives through affordable electronic home improvement and automation."
SmartLabs executives will be available for press and analyst briefings during CES (Jan. 5-8). Contact Michelle Laird at 503-705-4577 or mlaird@olearypr.com to make an appointment, or stop by booth 26424.
About SmartLabs
Founded in 1992, SmartLabs Inc. is the world’s leading authority on electronic home improvement and automation. SmartLabs is organized into three companies: Smarthome Direct, which includes Smarthome.com, "the Amazon of electronic home improvement" (Newsweek, 2004); SmartLabs Design, creators of best-in-class home control products; and SmartLabs Technology, the pioneering architects of INSTEON. SmartLabs’ INSTEON Alliance offers a focused community for developers to incorporate the INSTEON standard into their products. SmartLabs products are sold to an international customer base via the Web, phone and retail outlets, as well as to professional dealers and installers through SmarthomePro. The company’s online catalog can be found at www.smarthome.com; information regarding INSTEON can be found at www.insteon.net. SmartLabs is headquartered in Irvine, Calif.
Contact:
Jennifer McLean/Michelle Laird
O' Leary and Partners
949-833-8006
jmclean@olearypr.com
mlaird@olearypr.com
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
|
|
Active Topics 
Memberlist 
Search 
Help
Register 
Login
PowerHome Messageboard : PowerHome General
Topic: Insteon feedback
