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Mark of Excellence Award Finalists Announced

Washington, D.C.—The Home Automation Association (HAA) announced the finalists of its Mark of Excellence Awards. Co-sponsored by C.E. Pro and Electronic House, these awards recognize the products and companies in the forefront of innovation in the home automation industry. Winners will be announced at the Mark of Excellence Awards Dinner on Saturday, February 6, 1999 at The Peabody Hotel during the 1999 Home Automation Show & Conference.

Finalists were selected in ten award categories, including: Technology, User Interface, Interoperable Product, Lighting Based System, Energy Management Based System, Security Based Systed, Dealer/Installer Support, Manufacturer/Utility Advertising & Promotion, Home of the Year (Over $25K), and Home of the Year ($10-25K).

Technology

SmartLinc - SwitchLinc 2-Way
www.smartlinc.com
SwitchLinc 2-Way is the first powerline dimmer switch that can both send and receive communications over the home’s existing powerlines. It can control other switches, appliances, HVAC, and audio/visual equipment.

X-10 (USA) Inc. - Socket Rocket
www.x10.com
Turns light fixtures on and off by remote control. No wiring necessary. Just screw it into existing light socket, existing bulb screws into Lamp Module. Fits in most light sockets.

User Interface

Axiom Design, Inc. - Thomson Residence User Interface
www.axiomdesign.com
This graphically enriched user interface successfully manages multiple whole-house systems and delivers a simple, innovative, and attractive control interface in a manner that all levels of users can understand.

Interoperable Product

Home Automated Living - HAL 2000
www.AutomatedLiving.com
HAL integrates all the systems of the home including lights, climate, security, home theater, telephone and Internet on the PC. And the HAL home can be controlled by voice from anywhere on Earth.

Home Operations & Management Systems - HOMS
www.homs.net and www.homs.com
The HOMS Basic Package is an integrated home automation, security, video surveillance, computing and Internet system designed for a low budget, wireless or wired, turn key solution.

Elk Products, Inc. - Elk Magic Module
www.elkpro.com
Elk’s Magic Module, Elk-MM443 or PC Networking Elk-MM443S, is a programmable controller which can stand alone or integrate with other products, including X-10Ô, to provide affordable, functional automation and/or access control with optional voice.

Lighting Based System

Powerline Control Systems - PCS SceneMaster
www.pcslighting.com and www.smartswitch.net
PCS has developed a complete line of powerline carrier lighting products containing the SceneMaster lighting system. This high-power, high-quality professional system creates expensive scene lighting usually found in hard-wired systems at a fraction of the cost.

Energy Management Based System

Cutler-Hammer - Advanced Power Center System
www.cutlerhammer.eaton.com/apc
Cutler-Hammer’s Advanced Power Center lets users monitor and control energy used throughout the home. Using a personal computer or keypad, you can monitor energy usage and make adjustments according to your budget.

Security Based System

Caddx Controls, Inc. - NX-8 Home Control System
www.caddx.com
The NX-8 Home Control System from CADDX now features modules that allow for simple, low cost home automation. It is the prototype for the Home Control System of the future.

Dealer Installer Support

SMART HOUSE, Inc. - Customer Interaction Center ("CIC")
www.smart-house.com
The SMART HOUSE, Inc. Customer Interaction Center ("CIC") is the gateway that staff, franchisees, homeowners, builders, manufacturers, suppliers, and others use to obtain support. The CIC provides users access through phone, fax, Internet, and e-mail.

Manufacturer/Utility Advertising & Promotion

Leviton Manufacturing - Home Automation APTitude
www.leviton.com
Leviton’s Home Automation APTitude is a comprehensive Applications Product Training program that includes everything from marketing statistics and applications to in-depth product information and selling tools featuring Leviton’s DHC line.

Dealer/General Service Provider — Home of the Year (Over $25K)

Sound Solutions (SEI) - Home of Tim & Joan Litle
(web n/a)
Sound Solutions has designed and installed numerous audio, video and control systems for the Litle home. The Closed Circuit Television Systems, door access, and drape controls are just a few examples of programs provided.

Performance Innovations Corporation (PIC) - Home of Gary & Camille Seamans
(web n/a)
This home radiates an air of elegance while remaining casual. Its automation features blend with the owners’ needs, casual lifestyle, and getting value for dollars spent.

Dealer/General Service Provider — Home of the Year ($10K-25K)

DDS Home Automation & Security - Lange Residence
www.ddsea.com
Integrated home provides affordable power and simplicity. Security, lighting, and heating/cooling blend together to provide automatic control for convenience. A phone system and satellite Internet service makes work at home easy, while a whole house A/V system offers enjoyment at home.