FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9, 1998
For more information
Contact: Charles McGrath
202/712-9050

The Product of the Year Award is for: Any product that relates to home automation: hardware, software, tools, system interfaces, user interfaces or any other product. The winner of this category is determined from award winners in the categories of Technology, User Interface, Interoperable product and Installation Enabling Tool.

PHAST’s Landmark System is the winner for excellence in technology, user interfaces, interoperability and its installation enabling tools.

PHAST telephone: 801/264-8090 Website: www.phast.com  

The Technology Award is for: An enabling technology for hardware and/or software, design tools, parts or development systems.

The Intellisense Gated Automatic Gain Control dramatically improves reliability and performance of home automation installations using X-10 powerline carrier signal protocol.

User Interface Award is for: The product used by the homeowner when the installation is complete for the operation of the home. Entries can be stand alone products or part of a system.

SmartLinc’s new touchscreen control panel, TouchLinc, is one of the most affordable home controllers of its type. TouchLinc uses the home’s existing wiring to control lights, appliances and even home theater equipment.

SmartLinc telephone: 714/540-9955 Website: www.smartlinc.com

The Interoperable Product Award is for: The products that make it possible for various subsystems in a home to be integrated seamlessly into a single unified home automation "system".

The AMP OnQ Home Wiring System provides a structured approach to low-voltage wiring for new homes. The OnQ system provides unmatched flexibility and expandability, allowing installation of today’s technology while allowing growth to meet tomorrow’s needs.

AMP telephone: 800/321-2343 Website: www.amponq.com

The Installation Enabling Tool Award is for: The product, hardware and/or software, utilized for design, installation and/or service of home automation systems.

PHAST Landmark software enables a home integrator to design, spec, program, and control a client’s project, as well as produce a printed proposal, all in one simple to use graphical software program.

PHAST telephone: 801/264-8090 Website: www.phast.com

The Dealer/Installer Support Award is for: Companies or programs facilitating dealers and/or installers in providing home automation systems. Possible candidates include manufacturers, distributors, consultants, training programs, publications and associations.

The DreamBuilderÔ program is designed to entice Builders/Developers to utilize today’s technologies to differentiate their products from their competitors by the inclusion of DreamHouseÔ products in their homes.

Sentinel Systems telephone: 800/822-2774 Website: www.sentinelonline.com

The Manufacturer Advertising & Promotion Award is for: Specific marketing materials and programs including, but not limited to brochures, videos, interactive computer programs, and advertising in any form.

HAI embarked on an aggressive Sales and Marketing campaign for 1997 and beyond. Targeting the distributor and dealer, HAI developed a variety of new sales tools, promotional vehicles and communication devices designed to expand industry awareness.

Home Automation Inc. telephone: 800/229-7256 Website: www.homeauto.com

The Dealer/Service Provider Advertising & Promotion Award is for: Specific marketing materials and programs including, but not limited to brochures, videos, interactive computer programs, and advertising in any form.

The TotalHome Concept includes a personalized marketing approach which walks customers through design, installation, and finally, the myriad of applications a home automation system provides.

Audio Advisors telephone: 561/478-3100 Website: www.audioadvisors.com

The Home of the Year (Under $10K) Award is for: A whole house automation installation or design under $10,000 that meets the home-owners’ needs.

Winner: Smart Homes of the Midwest

The homeowners of this two-story home wanted basic services on a "bare bones" budget. By prewiring with a plan for the future the owners were able to keep their initial costs under $10,000, yet have working telephones, video, HVAC, and security.

Smart Homes of the Midwest telephone: 816/387-8733

The Home of the Year ($10K-$25K) Award is for: A whole house automation installation or design between $10,000 and $25,000 that meets the homeowners needs.

This electronic home provides its owners maximum protection, uncomplicated control. And never-ending growth. Integration of security, lighting, heating/cooling, and audio/video exceeds owners’ expectations for their budget. A structured wiring system combines all the integration together and will provide the home flexibility and growth.

DDS telephone: 908/707-1451

The Home of the Year (Over $25K) Award is for: A whole house automation installation or design over $25,000 that meets the homeowners needs.

This home was designed to provide a comfortable and elegant environment for a family, as well as a workplace for successful professionals. The installed system represents a dramatic improvement in terms of integration, performance and ease of operation.

Sound Solution telephone: 310/393-5332

AWARD CATEGORY: 1998 HAA LEADERSHIP AWARD

The HAA Leadership Award is bestowed on a company who best personify industry leadership. Some companies wait for others to take the lead and the risks, before they commit themselves. But there are others who dare to take the lead.

EH Publishing has dedicated enormous time and effort to the Home Automation Industry. EH Publishing’s President, Ken Moyes, helped to establish the Mark of Excellence Awards and his company has been a co-sponsor since its creation. Ken Moyes has served as an officer of the HAA and has been active in many initiatives including Wiring Americas Homes, Membership development and contributing many of his company resources to benefit the association.

Although EH Publishing started only a few years ago, the company has made some of the most significant contributions to the growth of our industry. Moyes expanded his trade publication to include consumers and it now reaches tens of thousands of prospective customers interested in the benefits of home automation. His company also launched three new publications and a leading web site in the last two years expanding the reach of home automation. Moyes’ company publishes Electronic House, H.A. Pro, Popular Home Automation, Electronic House for the Architect and Builder and Electronic House On Line.

EH Publishing telephone: 800/375-8015 Website: www.electronichouse.com

The HAA judges were selected to represent various technologies and professions within the home automation industry. The 1998 judges were: Tom Callahan, Sawyers Control Systems; Doug Fiske, AMP Incorporated; Julie Jacobson, H.A. Pro; Richard Scholl, Worthington Distribution; and Kent Williams, SMART HOUSE, Inc. The process of Judging: is based on selected criterion for each award such as: provides a distinct benefit, innovative idea, enables smooth integration of sub-systems, well documented and easy to implement, and flexible.

The Home Automation Association is the trade association of the home control industry. HAA members include manufacturers, distributors, dealers, installers and service providers of home automation products. Home automation integrates lighting, entertainment, security, HVAC and telecommunications to provide enhanced energy efficiency, convenience and safety for homes.