by KMB Communications | Aug 30, 2021 | Wall-Smart
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | DOWNLOAD IMAGES HERE
See how Wall–Smart’s innovative line of mounting solutions can make touch screens, tablets, keypads, voice assistants, surveillance cameras, Wi-Fi access points, and more blend naturally into home environments by scheduling a personal online tour.
BUFFALO, NY (August 23, 2021) – Wall–Smart, the leader in the design and manufacture of innovative mounting hardware that beautifully flush-mounts or recesses a variety of home technology products within wall and ceiling surfaces, is introducing several significant additions to its line of design-friendly mounting solutions. To make it easy and convenient for systems integrators, designers, architects, and builders to see how its latest mounting products turn smart home eyesores into hidden assets, Wall–Smart is hosting personal “booth” tours online.
Each 15-minute tour will be customized to suit the specific interests of the attendee, ensuring that the information and demonstration are focused, relevant, and meaningful. The new products will be showcased in a booth-like setting and installed in a variety of different wall and ceiling surfaces to illustrate the versatility and installation ease of the product line. Personalized tours to learn how to make gear disappear can be scheduled beginning Wednesday, Sept. 1, at https://calendly.com/wall–smart/wall–smart-online-new-products-introduction?month=2021-09.
The Benefits of Wall–Smart Mounts
Each of Wall–Smart’s new wall and ceiling mounts is custom-designed, -engineered, and -fabricated for a precise fit and finish of a specific home tech product. This attention to detail ensures not only a seamless, completely flush appearance but also optimal convenience of use and quality of performance. Integrators can install devices, including tablets, touch screens, light switches, voice assistants, security cameras, and networking components into new construction and retrofit projects with confidence, knowing that the technology will look beautiful and function flawlessly.
“Technology has become a necessity for most households, but this doesn’t mean the home environment must suffer from ‘wall and ceiling acne’,” says Wall–Smart Co-CEO and Founder Galia Ben-Dor. “This is the philosophy on which Wall–Smart bases the design of every product developed. We think every home should be as beautiful as it is smart, and our new solutions give technology integrators, builders, architects, designers, and their clientele even more ways to achieve this objective with ease and simplicity.”
What You’ll See on the Tour: Mounts Purpose-Built for Leading Smart Home Products
New additions to the Wall–Smart line are mounts customized for devices from leading home systems manufacturers, including Alisse keypads from Lutron; Josh Nano voice assistant microphone from Josh.ai; Wi-Fi access points (APs) from Ruckus, Araknis, and Ubiquiti; Fibonacci keypads from Basalte; Horizon keypad and 70 Series touch screens from Crestron; Contemporary Lighting keypads and T4 touch screens from Control4; Echo low-voltage keypad from Savant; IPMX-W40F-IRW2 and W20F-IRW2 security cameras from IC Realtime; Adorne light switch from Legrand; and iPad Pro 11-inch Generation 3 and iPad Pro 12.9-inch Generation 5 from Apple.
Voice Assistants Stay Out of Sight, Not Out of Mind
Wall–Smart expands its line of mounts developed for Josh.ai voice assistants with the release of mounting hardware tailored for the Nano in-room microphone. The new Nano mount sinks the disc-shaped voice assistant microphone flush with the ceiling or wall surface, turning it into a natural extension of the home architecture. Because the mount recesses into any drywall or plaster surface, integrators have the freedom to place the Nano where it can hear voice commands the best.
Concealed Access Points Combine Form and Function
Customized for the Ruckus Wi-Fi 6 access points, including the R850, R730, R720, R710, R650, R610, R600, R550, R510, R320, and R310, Wall–Smart’s newest AP mount takes a device that would ordinarily protrude from the ceiling and tucks it into a cavity completely above the surface. Through this unique installation solution, integrators can deliver their customers high-performance Wi-Fi 6 connectivity without compromising the aesthetics of the home environment. An attachable cover, which installs flush with the ceiling surface, be painted to match, rendering the AP imperceptible.
Because the mount disappears within the home design, integrators now have a better installation alternative to hiding access points in closets and cabinets, underneath furniture, or placing them in plain sight on countertops and bookshelves. Thanks to the new Wall–Smart mount, Ruckus Wi-Fi 6 access points can be located where they provide the strongest, fastest, most reliable Wi-Fi 6 signals for optimal coverage and connectivity. The same goes for Wall–Smart mounts for Araknis AN-510-AP-I-AC and AN-810-AP-I-AC access points and Ubiquiti UAP-AC-PRO access points.
Every detail was addressed in the design of the Ruckus, Araknis, and Ubiquiti mounts, including the necessary hardware for installation in a variety of surfaces in new and existing homes.
Undercover Security and Surveillance
According to the 2019 edition of NAHB’s study, What Home Buyers Really Want, 46 percent of recent and prospective home buyers want a security camera in their home. Historically, however, cameras have been difficult to hide without blocking their view. A new mount from Wall–Smart drastically downplays the appearance of IPMX-W40F and IPMX-W20F security cameras from IC Realtime without any impact on performance. The body of the camera tucks inside a specially designed Wall–Smart mount, leaving only the lens exposed and trimmed nicely with a faceplate.
Seamless Switches Including Mounts for Control4’s Contemporary Lighting Switches
For construction and remodeling projects that call for light switches, Wall–Smart expands its offerings with mounts for Lutron Alisse, Basalte Fibonacci, Crestron Horizon, Control4 Contemporary Lighting, Savant Echo, Legrand Adorne, and Black Nova Alba and Aria keypads. Recessed flush with the wall surface, the keypads appear as a natural part of the home construction and can be placed where they are conveniently accessed—even when installed within unforgiving solid surfaces such as marble, concrete, metal, and glass. Debuting for the first time are mounts designed specifically for Control4’s Contemporary Lighting keypads, with 1- and 2-gang options available for new construction and solid surface applications.
Creatively Constructed Touch screens—Control4 Mounts for T4 Touch screens Join the Lineup
Touch screens have become a mainstay in modern smart homes as a means of control, communication, and access to the Internet and video, like real-time images captured by security cameras. Despite being a valuable tool, touch screens shouldn’t dominate the home design. Wall–Smart ensures this doesn’t happen by offering new mounts that recess touch screens from Control4, Crestron, Russound, and URC flush with the wall surface. Versions for installation in new construction, retrofit, and solid-surface wall applications are available, as well as retrofittable low-profile bezels in standard black or white, or unpainted to be custom-finished to match the texture and color of the surrounding wall surface. Wall–Smart bezels feature imperceptible perforations to enable clear, uninhibited audio transmission for intercom and voice control via the touch screen. Included in Wall–Smart’s product line are several options for Control4’s T4 Series touch screens. Available are mounts for 8- and 10-inch touch screens for new construction, solid surface, and retrofit applications.
Out of Sight Electrical Outlets
The cosmetic features of electrical outlets have changed very little over the years. But like other home technologies, they also deserve a facelift, and Wall–Smart is doing something about it with the release of a mount designed specifically for Crestron’s Horizon HZA-PWR electrical receptacles. The new mounting hardware enables a common household device that typically protrudes from baseboards and walls to sit flush with the surfaces, rendering them a more natural part of the home design.
Tucked Away Tablets
Lastly, Wall–Smart debuts new construction and retrofit mounting options for the Apple iPad Pro 11-inch Generation 3 and 12.9-inch Generation 5 tablet. They join Wall–Smart’s other tablet mounts, all of which boast a quick-release feature and built-in POE to USB converter to keep the device fully charged.
Where to See Wall–Smart
In addition to scheduling a personal online tour at https://calendly.com/wall–smart/wall–smart-online-new-products-introduction?month=2021-09, you can see Wall–Smart’s extensive portfolio of technology concealment solutions and view installation videos at wall–smart.com.
About Wall–Smart Ltd.
Wall–Smart is the leading designer and manufacturer of custom flush ceiling and wall mounts for high-end home electronic devices, including tablets, touch screens, Wi-Fi access points, security cameras, voice assistants, and more. Dedicated to providing cutting-edge, creative, and cost-effective concealment solutions for technology in new and existing homes, Wall–Smart inspires homes that are both technically advanced and exceptionally beautiful. A wide range of products, combined with simple installation, and fast, hassle-free shipping, poises Wall–Smart as a valuable smart home resource for home systems integrators, home builders and contractors, architects, and designers.
For more information about Wall–Smart, please find and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Media Contact
For interviews, reviews, or more information, please contact Katye (McGregor) Bennett of KMB Communications by phoning (425) 328-8640 or emailing katye@kmbcomm.com.
All products, product names, trademarks, and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved.
by KMB Communications | Aug 19, 2021 | D-Tools
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | DOWNLOAD IMAGE HERE
Expanded partnership provides integration firms with further support to streamline business processes and improve operating efficiency
(August 25, 2021) D-Tools, Inc., the worldwide leader in data-driven system integration software, and AV-iQ, a premier comprehensive AV products database provider, have expanded their collaboration to the benefit of suppliers (manufacturers and distributors), and end-users. Currently, through a direct integration, D-Tools software users and AV-iQ members are able to access this continuously growing library on-demand. The sharing of product details into D-Tools System Integrator preserves data integrity and enables integrators to streamline projects from initial client contract through on-going service.
To help expedite the data input process, now suppliers can simultaneously upload their product information to both the D-Tools and AV-iQ databases in one seamless process, delivering detailed, up-to-date product information and specifications that give low-voltage system integrators the ability to quickly gather product data for use in their client engagements – including accurate proposals and complete detailed system design drawings.
This offering will further help integration companies streamline business processes, improve operating efficiency, and boost bottom-line results, while making the supplier’s database management more streamlined. This new, improved integration provides the industry with the world’s largest aggregated list of products to help streamline project workflows.
Benefits to System Integrators:
- Fully integrated and streamlined assembly of proposals, system designs, and purchase orders
- Direct connection to suppliers for access to real-time dealer-specific pricing through the D-Tools Product Library
- Direct connection to suppliers for access to up-to-date product information (images, specifications, IOs, etc.) through the D-Tools Product Library, saving significant research time and expediting the system design process
- A friction-free and highly efficient sales process – instant proposal and purchase order generation, e-sign capabilities, mobile payment processing
Benefits to AV-iQ and D-Tools Supplier Partners:
- Provides partners’ dealers with a superior proposal and ordering experience that promotes loyalty
- Supports partners’ initiatives to help their dealers “improve and expand their business”
- Benefits from a single point of contact for product data management
- Achieves a larger reach with residential and commercial integrators
- Leverages a combined, robust, and extensive marketing platform
- Gets their products in the hands of more dealers
Currently, AV-iQ and D-Tools have several shared member companies that can benefit greatly from this joint effort, including:
- AVPro Global
- Barco
- Biamp
- Christie Digital
- Cleerline
- COVID
- Crestron
- Draper
- Epson
- Kramer
- Legrand (C2G, Chief, Da-Lite, Luxul, Middle Atlantic, Sanus, Vaddio, Wiremold)
- Lowell Manufacturing
- Peerless
- Platinum Tools
- Sharp
- Sharp/NEC Display Solutions
- Sony
- ViewSonic.
To learn more about AV-iQ go to www.av-iq.com or contact sales@av-iq.com.
Additional information and free trials of D-Tools Cloud and System Integrator solutions can be obtained by visiting www.d-tools.com.
About AV-iQ
AV-iQ is the most comprehensive database of AV product information ever assembled and delivers that information with powerful search tools. AV installers, designers, architects, and sales professionals have come to trust AV-iQ as the fastest and best way to begin their projects.
About D-Tools, Inc.
D-Tools, Inc. is a worldwide leader in accessible, highly accurate business software that caters to the unique and diverse needs of systems design and installation firms. The company’s on-premises software, System Integrator™ (SI), and cloud-based platform, D-Tools Cloud, are robust solutions that help manage all aspects of an integrator’s business, including sales, comprehensive system design, project documentation, procurement, and installation and service management. Today, nearly 7,000 companies in over 90 countries use D-Tools’ award-winning software to streamline business processes, leading to improved operating efficiency and increased profitability.
Find product updates and related information by following D-Tools on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Media Contacts
Tim Bigoness, D-Tools, (925) 270-4102, timb@d-tools.com
Katye (McGregor) Bennett, KMB Communications, (425) 328-8640, katye@kmbcomm.com
Mark Loftus, AV-iQ, LLC, (612) 991-4110, mloftus@av-iq.com
All products, product names, trademarks, and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved.
by KMB Communications | Aug 1, 2021 | News
Screen Innovations’ Troy IP Control Gateway enables integrators to choreograph the movement of any wired or wireless type of motorized shade or screen and integrate with multiple control platforms with ease and accuracy, no complex and expensive software necessary.
AUSTIN, TX — Screen Innovations (SI) continues to take cues from its nationwide network of home systems integrators as the basis for the development of several revolutionary motorized shading and projection screen products and technologies. The latest in a series of recent problem-solving innovations is SI’s Troy IP Control Gateway.
Integrators Talk, SI Listens
After hearing numerous integrators lament about the complexities involved when programming the speed, direction, and positioning of motorized shades and screens, SI immediately went to work and quickly engineered an easy, straightforward, hardware and software solution. The Troy
IP Control Gateway is ready and available to provide integrators with a far more efficient, simple, and affordable programming platform. A task that once took hours to accomplish on a dedicated windows PC, with multiple software applications for keypads, RF remotes, and motor configurations now takes a few minutes from any standard web browser.
“We believe all products should work together and consumers should have choices. The vision of Troy is to open up all integration abilities across all brands and all communication topologies, allowing our integrators to be nimble in any situation,” says SI CEO Ryan Gustafson. “Troy becomes the ONE simple-to-use interface to program all wired and wireless devices and utilizes the latest cryptographic protocols to provide military-grade encryption for security.”
Simple Software Results in Fast, Accurate Installations
The Troy IP Control Gateway’s built-in programming software is accessible via any web-enabled device, including Mac or PCs as well as mobile devices. On these devices Troy presents an intuitive user interface that steps integrators through the entire setup process, resulting in quicker, more accurate deployments of shades and screens. Programming can be handled prior to installation, and should any setting need to be adjusted post installation, Troy can be accessed on the jobsite for on-the-fly software modifications.
Through Troy’s programming interface, shades and screens can be assigned unique ID addresses eliminating redundant and costly programming. This adds efficiency when grouping products together and delivering repeatable designs, which is particularly helpful for MDU installations where shading and screen installations are often identical across multiple residences. Troy has been engineered to integrate with SI’s range of popular 485, Zigbee 3.0, and RTS shade and screen motors, including Zen, Nano, Solo Pro 2, and MOTO 3 and 5 Series. It also facilitates the integration of SI shades and screens with control systems from leading manufacturers, including Control4, Crestron, Savant, and coming soon for Crestron Home, Elan, RTI, and URC.
Completing a shade and/or screen installation, Troy automatically detects and recognizes 485 keypads and RF receivers on the 485-based control network, presents them on the software’s user interface, and in a similar fashion to shade and screen configuration, walks integrators through the process of assigning commands to specific buttons.
Measuring 4.1” x 8.5” @1RU, and boasting a plenum-rated attractive industrial design, the Troy IP Control Gateway mounts neatly, horizontally or vertically, into a standard equipment rack.
To learn more about Troy and SI’s full range of innovative shade and screen solutions, visit https://www.screeninnovations.com/.
About Screen Innovations
Innovative shades & projection screens, making life beautiful, convenient & fun
Dedicated to developing the most innovative and design-forward projection screens, window covering, and outdoor shading and screen solutions for home and corporate environments, Screen Innovations engineers and hand-builds every product it sells in its 75,000-square-foot factory in Austin, Texas. Always putting the customer first, SI listens, learns, and delivers a wide variety of design-forward products, services, and online tools. Committed to doing its part to limit the company’s impact on the environment, SI follows LEAN manufacturing principles and monitors production processes closely to minimize waste wherever possible. For more information about SI please visit screeninnovations.com and follow the company on social media platforms Facebook @screen innovations, Twitter @SIScreens, Instagram @siscreens, and LinkedIN screen-innovations.
Media Contact
For interviews, reviews, or more information please contact Katye (McGregor) Bennett of KMB Communications by phoning (425) 328-8640 or emailing katye@kmbcomm.com.
All products, product names, trademarks, and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved.
by KMB Communications | Aug 1, 2021 | News
New Kratos power supply leverages installation ease, either in rack or power panel, and compact footprint of SI’s new line of Zigbee 3.0 low-voltage motors.
AUSTIN, TX — Screen Innovations is a leading motorized shading and screen manufacturer that not only listens to its worldwide team of integrators but uses their recommendations and suggestions as inspiration for the development of many of its new products and technologies. The most recent introduction to springboard from dealer input is SI’s Kratos power supply. The compact, all-metal, ultra-efficient, 250-watt, plenum-rated power supply provides integrators an
affordable solution that leverages the installation ease, quiet operation, and compact footprint of SI’s new line of Zigbee 3.0-compliant low-voltage shade motors, as well as RTS systems. Dramatically less expensive than competing power supplies, Kratos carries a suggested retail price of $389, which for dealers ends up costing less than five Starbucks coffees to power each of eight motors powered by the unit. Bottom line: By utilizing Kratos, integrators can deploy low-voltage shading solutions at a lower cost than ever before.
Despite its attractive price tag, Kratos sacrifices no build quality or operational performance. The durable steel chassis runs cool to the touch and is plenum-rated for in-wall, riser, and general plenum installations. Plus, each of Kratos’s eight ports is protected against electrical shorts and mis-wiring. As an ideal complement to SI’s Zigbee 3.0 low-voltage motors, Kratos gives integrators a complete, turnkey low-voltage shading solution as an alternative to hardwired 485-based shading designs.
“Kratos is an exceptionally well-designed and -engineered product for integrators looking to take advantage of the many benefits of Zigbee 3.0 low-voltage shading motors currently available in our Nano indoor shading cassettes,” says SI CTO Michael Braithwaite. “The motors run up to 6 decibels quieter than comparably sized 485 motors, are easily integrated with other Zigbee-based devices, and now that we have Kratos, lithium batteries, which take up a lot of space, can be removed from the shading cassette, resulting in an even smaller footprint that’s ideal for installation on narrow windows.”
For delivering power and control to large residential and commercial shading projects utilizing a hardwired 485-based infrastructure, SI offers its flagship power and control hub, Janus. Infinitely scalable and compatible with all communications topologies, it affords the flexibility and versatility expected from a product bearing a higher price tag.
“Janus is our more full-featured power supply and data hub that’s designed to work with any wired or wireless shading motor. But if an integrator is installing only low-voltage motors and needs nothing more than a reliable, stable power supply, Kratos fits the bill,” Braithwaite adds.
Available to integrators now, Kratos supports a variety of mounting configurations and includes all the necessary wiring and mounting accessories.
To see Kratos and SI’s other innovative shading and screen solutions, visit Booth 5212 at CEDIA Expo, taking place in Indianapolis, IN, Sept. 1-3, 2021. For more information about SI and its growing portfolio of products and technologies, go to https://www.screeninnovations.com/.
About Screen Innovations
Innovative shades & projection screens, making life beautiful, convenient & fun
Dedicated to developing the most innovative and design-forward projection screens, window covering, and outdoor shading and screen solutions for home and corporate environments, Screen Innovations engineers and hand-builds every product it sells in its 75,000-square-foot factory in Austin, Texas. Always putting the customer first, SI listens, learns, and delivers a wide variety of design-forward products, services, and online tools. Committed to doing its part to limit the company’s impact on the environment, SI follows LEAN manufacturing principles and monitors production processes closely to minimize waste wherever possible. For more information about SI please visit screeninnovations.com and follow the company on social media platforms Facebook @screen innovations, Twitter @SIScreens, Instagram @siscreens, and LinkedIn screen-innovations.
by KMB Communications | Aug 1, 2021 | Leon Speakers
As an official member of the Bose Partner Network, Leon has pre-validated its Tonecase FIT Universal mounting product to pair with the Bose Videobar™ VB1 All-In-One Conferencing device.
Ann Arbor, MI – Leon announced today that it has become an Alliance Partner in the Bose Partner Network, a program specifically aimed at providing integrators simple, design-friendly solutions for integrating Bose technology into the workplace. The new collaboration standardizes Leon’s offerings for Bose, simplifying the specification, ordering, and production process.
“With the Bose Videobar VB1, you gain a superior audio and video experience for your conferencing needs,” shared Stephan Ilberg, Bose Work head of partnerships at Bose. “And with the Tonecase FIT, integration options expand across a variety of settings.” Leon’s dedication to style truly complements the Bose commitment to audio excellence.”
Leon’s design and engineering team has validated the Leon Tonecase FIT Universal product for use with the Bose Videobar VB1. The TcFIT-U mounts under a display, providing the Bose VB1 device a flush recess with a grille cover and custom cut-out for the camera. The TcFIT-U is built to match the exact width of the display, blending the Bose conferencing device for a streamlined look. The fit, form, and function of the two products have been tested by Leon under rigorous standards to ensure that they integrate and operate seamlessly together.
“As Bose enters the workplace market, we are excited to join their partner network to offer integrators Leon products that have been custom-tailored to work with the Bose VB1,” said Paul Sabbah, Leon’s International and Commercial Sales Representative. “With our worldwide reach, we can deliver these solutions globally, everywhere Bose products are used.”
Learn more about Leon’s solutions for Bose here.
About Leon Speakers
Leon brings a creative approach to the A/V industry by designing and manufacturing customizable speakers and technology concealment solutions that enhance the sound and style of any space. For almost 25 years, it has been a leader in the conversation on merging design with technology, creating innovative products that serve both the Residential and Commercial markets. Learn more at www.leonspeakers.com or by following @leonspeakers on social media.
Media Contacts
Press Contact: Katye (McGregor) Bennett of KMB Communications, (425) 328-8640 or katye@kmbcomm.com
Company Contact: Danne Dzenawagis, Marketing & Communications Manager at Leon Speakers, (734) 926-4088 or danne@leonspeakers.com
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