Colorado vNet News

Next Generation Lighting and Control Technology

Colorado vNet — Wed, 01 Mar 2006 16:29:57 GMT

This is the first in a series of articles by Bill Beierwaltes, CEO, Colorado vNet, addressing technologies that could dramatically change the dealer’s residential systems business. You can contact him at Bill_Beierwaltes@ColoradovNet.com.

This industry is full of familiar if not outmoded technologies. For example everyone knows and uses RS-232 and RS-485 and their control derivatives, but are these the best communications choices available?

A Brief History

Invented in the sixties, the venerable RS-232 communications link has proven its worth; however, its basic design has shortcomings. It is unidirectional, has a distance limit of 50 feet, speaks to only one device and does not tolerate noise very well. Some installers have noticed the noise issue when data from an RS-232 device appears intermittent in noisy environments.

RS-485, adopted several years after RS-232, was developed to overcome some of these deficiencies. It launched with multi-drop capability, two-way communications, and significantly improved noise immunity. However, data collisions can cause errors whenever two devices try to talk at the same time on the same RS-485 line.

Is There a Bullet-proof Network?

Let’s look at automakers for the answer. The Robert Bosch Company recognized reliability shortcomings of RS-232 and RS-485 when it developed CAN (Control Area Network) to supply Mercedes with an ultra-reliable, lightweight and simple to install system. Just how reliable is it? You bet your life on it every day. Among other things, it controls virtually all modern car brake systems - brakes and lights. Such applications depend not only on reliability, but also on fast response. To that point, CAN can deliver a command payload in under a millisecond.

Electrically, CAN was designed to improve noise immunity beyond that of RS-485, but in a car some noise can still get through. That’s where CAN’s error-management software takes over by requesting a Correct Data Acknowledgement (ACK) to let the sending device know the message got through without error. In addition, if data collision is detected, the CAN controller will automatically hold the message and re-send it a moment later, rather than let be corrupted by other traffic on the line. Because of these and other features, CAN has proven its reliability over the past several years it is now the preferred network for almost all new cars.

Table 1: CAN protects system data, making it an exceptionally reliable candidate for Lighting and Control systems. Since the automotive industry has made CAN a network you trust with your life, it’s a great choice for the home as well.

CAN and CAT5e

CAN has another advantage, it is designed to operate on standard CAT5e cables with RJ-45 connectors. As a bonus, the CAN network only uses one of the four pairs in a CAT5e for data, which means the leftover pairs can remotely provide power to keypads and other lighting and control modules. The combination of data and power on CAT5e can significantly reduce installation time and eliminate remote power supplies.

A More Powerful Architecture

CAN is an ultra fast and reliable technology. Because of this, integration of another technology is now possible: Distributed Intelligence. Device intelligence is placed throughout a system via program scripts where each device acts independently. With scripts loaded on each device, CAN systems can operate without the need for a central processor—such as used with most of today’s lighting and control systems.

Now keypads can communicate directly with dimmers, and sensors with motors, without having to use a central brain. System reliability also improves (no central point of failure), cost is reduced (the processor is deleted), and installations is faster and simpler. And, if something breaks, its impact is limited to just that device, not the entire system which keeps on working.

Architecture scales to 1,000s

Since each device, or module, has its own instruction set, it’s a simple matter to grow from a few modules to thousands using the same modules and architecture. Fig. 1 shows an example of a 3-module CAN system. Fig. 2 shows that same system, expanded to include many more devices.

Fig. 1. A minimal 3 module Lighting and Control System using CAN architecture and Distributed Intelligence.

Fig. 2. Want to expand the system? Simply add more modules.The hub is merely a connecting device; the intelligence resides in the modules. Module commissioning can be done via a PC and later removed.

Integrators sometimes ignore small projects because of sales, design and installation overhead. With the architecture described in Fig. 2, it’s practical to imagine small and large jobs being done in minutes and hours instead of days and weeks by virtue of advanced layout software. Wouldn’t it be great if a small job’s design, proposal, and programming were automatically generated in the blink of an eye, directly onto the floor plan? It’s coming.

A New Window into the House

The next obvious step is to hook a CAN network to an IP network and then to the Internet; however, since CAN can’t speak directly to IP, we need a bridge (See Fig. 3). With a communications Bridge, the system can extract the best of these two very powerful networks to combine tight control with high data rates.And, since the bridge can connect to the web, a system can now embrace Remote Management to make the integrator’s life significantly more efficient and profitable.

Fig. 3. Adding a bridge and an Ethernet router puts the Lighting and Control system on the Internet. The Bridge could also act as a repository for useful information. The integrator might even get an email from the system, saying when a module was out of spec.

Remote Management

Every integrator wants to do more with less work. Managing client requests from his desk might be one example: When a client calls to ask for a lighting scene modification, the integrator could make changes remotely while the homeowner sees scene changes in real time. Once client changes are approved, the integrator would quickly upload new program scripts to affected modules without disturbing the operation of the rest of the system. Other remote management features could include uploading enhanced software and firmware to the homeowner’s system or downloading maintenance data and stored system documentation. Add to these capabilities the monitoring of system performance, and the integrator could enjoy a new revenue stream without leaving his office.

Remote Management Security

With Remote Management comes the obligation of a secure connection. Where on-demand connections are set up utilizing static IP addresses, the resultant open ports invite hackers to take control of the customer’s automation system. However, new technology can save the day. An integrator would direct the homeowner’s system to high-security, third party servers using dynamic IP addresses without leaving hacker friendly ports open. The result can be an exceptionally secure and simple link which embraces integrator features listed above.

Conclusion

CAN brings ultra-reliable communications to Lighting and Control. Distributed Intelligence contributes simplicity of design, easy expandability and system speed. IP technology gives us Internet access and Remote Management. Bringing all these fairly new, but well-proven technologies together can create a simpler, faster, more flexible, ultra-reliable automation system that’s easy to design, install, program, and upgrade, regardless of system size. Employing these technologies could make our lives better, customers happier, and integrators more efficient and profitable.

Ed Note: This is the first in a series of three articles by Bill Beierwaltes, showing how new, but proven, technologies can change our industry. Bill is the CEO of Colorado vNet and holds BSEE, BSMath and MBA degrees. An entrepreneur for most of his career, Bill has started 5 companies. When he sold Colorado Memory System, a PC backup business, to HP, the company had a 65% worldwide market share. Before embarking on new ventures, Bill has made a habit of doing serious due diligence while thoroughly researching and investigating the best technologies for the market. Loveland, Colorado is the setting for many world-class technology companies.

How to Make More Money in Lighting and Control

Colorado vNet — Sat, 01 Apr 2006 09:44:13 GMT

This is the second in a series of articles by Bill Beierwaltes, CEO, Colorado vNet, addressing technologies that could dramatically change the dealer’s residential systems business. You can contact him at Bill_Beierwaltes@ColoradovNet.com.

The custom installation market is growing rapidly, causing dealers to turn away business for lack of skilled personnel.That leaves today’s dealers with two choices: either live with the dilemma or make skilled personnel more efficient where the same number of people can close more sales and do more installations.

Since ignoring the problem won’t increase profits, let’s focus on making people more efficient.Fortunately, the Lighting and Control community will soon have new technologies that dramatically improve efficiency by a factor of 2X, and sometimes even better. Table 1 demonstrates what 2X efficiency could mean for a $1Million/year integration company.

Table 1: Profit Model – Effects of Doubling Skilled Labor Efficiency

Table 1. Option A, the company changes nothing. Option B, the company doubles the skilled personnel efficiency and then lets half of them go. Option C, the company keeps their skilled personnel, doubles their efficiency, which permits a doubling of sales and installations. [Note: In all cases, costs of products, non-skilled labor and miscellaneous expenses were held at a constant percentage of revenue.]

New Efficiencies through advanced technology

SELLING EFFICIENCY

The old way: The dealer had a “scope and budget” meeting using the client’s roll of drawings to sketch where keypads, dimming and other modules went.Then he created lists and wiring tables to keep track of his parts and wiring. The next step was to look through the manufacturer’s voluminous parts list for numbers and prices.And, if he wanted to prepare a first-class proposal, he would hire a CAD professional to overlay the floorplan drawings with his design highlighted.Needless to say, this process typically took days.

Under the new model, emerging software technology makes the dealer’s life a whole lot easier.Proposals that took days now takes a few hours and the client gains confidence in the salesman’s professionalism.Here’s how it will happen:

The new way: First, the salesman imports the client’s floor plan into a computer program using the new software tools and then simply drags and drops system modules and loads onto the plan.Then, by pointing and clicking, he automatically wires the system and creates documents useful not only for himself, but also for the designer, the installer, the electrician and his parts manager.

When the client sees the new plan overlaid on his familiar floor plan, he smiles.And, when the salesman turns on the lighting simulator in a test room, the client immediately understands and appreciates the value of Lighting and Control systems.

The results are dramatic: after working on a 10,000 square foot proposal for just 2 to 4 hours, the salesman is ready to have a closing meeting with his client. The floorplan-centric software eliminates days of effort and creates a professional, full-sized set of drawings that impress clients.

Fig. 1. The salesman imports a scanned image or CAD drawing of the room, then inserts devices such as lighting fixtures, keypads and dimmers.Connections are made by simply pointing and clicking.The result is a finished set of proposal documentation including full size drawings and a complete Bill of Materials.

The software simultaneously generates the drawings and an accurate Bill of Materials, dramatically reducing the possibility of dealer errors and minimizing the need to pay for unplanned parts. And, when the plan is initialed, both dealer and client have a document which minimizes misunderstandings that always seem to surface at the end of a project.

Fig. 2. The floorplan software automatically generates Bills of Materials which double as an accurate ordering checklist.As a bonus, the software automatically provides a profit analysis for financial visibility throughout the proposal and design stages.

The old way: Covering small, medium and large jobs entailed choosing different systems for each.Carrying three unique systems was complex, and meant extra costs, training, and inventory.As a result, many dealers chose to limit their market scope to only comfort zone job sizes.

Under the new model, scalable hardware opens up significant new markets for the dealer.

The new way: New, scalable hardware with distributed intelligence can be competitive in jobs ranging from the smallest home theater to a 50,000 square foot house.Even the smaller jobs suddenly become profitable, while changes in scale are easy to implement.

DESIGN EFFICIENCY

The old way: The designer used to be in the unenviable position of turning the salesman’s dog-eared drawings and handwritten notes into up-to-date working documentation.It’s not hard to see how this process could produce delays and costly mistakes.

With emerging software technology, designers and programmers can produce fast, error-free designs and updates.

The new way: The designer simply clicks on a floorplan object and then relates it to other system modules, e.g. a single keypad button could control several dimmer legs throughout the house.This fast, intuitive floorplan-based programming then produces a drawing showing what switch relates to what loads (virtual wiring).It also automatically creates high voltage wiring plans for electricians while simultaneously creating low voltage wiring plans for installers.The program even checks to see if any loads have been left unwired or unprogrammed.

The lighting simulation capability, previously used during the proposal stage as a selling tool, is also a valuable tool for testing programming. It enables the programmer to test his work at the office instead of the client’s site which reduces travel time and lots of after-dark hours on site.

The old way: The volume of SKU (part) numbers was daunting.Salesmen, designers, parts managers and installers were bewildered by the thousands of SKU choices.Mechanical parts such as custom faceplates, covers, color choices, screws and brackets, plus electrical parts such as cable types, connectors, adaptors and special firmware all took their toll. Keypads were engraved, forcing the dealer to order a special new part for each change request.Installer mistakes were commonplace; delays were unavoidable and unused inventory collected dust, all creating extra cost and undermining efficiency.

With multipurpose hardware design, designers can minimize SKU count.

The new way: Multipurpose hardware has dramatically reduced SKU counts from thousands down to double digits, relieving dealers of their bewilderment.For example, new keypad designs with inkjet printouts can be modified on site and printed within minutes, using a wide selection of font styles and sizes saving weeks of engraving delays.

INSTALLATION EFFICIENCY

The old way: Installation was exasperating as the trades required lots of handholding to get their jobs done.It didn’t help when they had old marked-up drawings and inadequate documentation. Working with others on a jobsite chewed up a significant amount of an installation manager’s time.

But emerging software technology and familiar IT tools lower blood pressure and increase efficiency for all involved.

The new way: The new software can be edited and kept up to date in minutes or seconds thereby eliminating the waiting time for others to produce it.Armed with accurate documentation, the dealer now has professional communications tools to hand to other trades on site.The electrician gets a complete set of high voltage wiring plans and the low voltage guys get theirs. These drawings answer a lot of questions that would normally be directed to the installation manager.

Fig. 3. The electrician benefits by receiving automatically generated wiring plans which saves everyone’s time and greatly improves accuracy.

And speaking of installers, now that millions of trained installers and technicians understand IT technology, why not take advantage of that knowledge? Well, it’s happening.New Lighting and Control systems are being designed around CAT5e wiring and standard RJ45 connectors with combined data and power so installation managers can access a talent pool that needs little or no training. That means fewer mistakes, faster troubleshooting and more money for the dealer.

MAINTENANCE EFFICIENCY

The old way: When the client had a system problem he called the dealer who, typically blind about the problem, would dispatch one of his high level techs to troubleshoot.Unless the tech had exactly the right repair parts, this turned into a two-trip ordeal.

With web-connected system monitoring and smart system devices, the dealer can know about a problem before the client does.As a bonus, the dealer will plan maintenance activities rather than simply reacting to problems.

The new way: A new self-monitoring, web-connected system automatically sends an email when a problem occurs.The system often catches problems even before the homeowner knows they exist.Servicing the house is more efficient because the dealer knows in advance what the problem is and sends the proper replacement parts with the repairman.Additionally, the repairman’s skill level can be lower since the new system automatically reprograms replacement modules once they’re in place.The repairman only needs to know to remove the offending module and replace it with a new one – no ID switches to set, no programming necessary.

The old way: After move-in, the client wanted some scene changes.Since the dealer wanted to encourage good future references, he tried to be responsive; however, an after-dark follow up visit is expensive and time consuming, so the dealer was forced to charge for the call.

The new way: A dealer makes scene edits from his office via the web in a few minutes while the client gives him guidance over the phone. He can call up the system at any time via a secure web connection, reprogram it and then remotely test it.He can even download new software and firmware features without making site visits. Both parties are happy and appreciate the minimal effort to complete the job.

CONCLUSION

By adopting emerging new technologies, Lighting and Control dealers will soon witness a dramatic upturn in the efficiency of their skilled personnel. Making better use of the scarce resources already available, dealers can easily double or even triple profits!

About the author: Bill Beierwaltes is the CEO of Colorado vNet and holds BSEE, BSMath and MBA degrees. An entrepreneur for most of his career, Bill has started five companies. When he sold the PC backup business Colorado Memory Systems to HP, his company had a 65% worldwide market share. Before embarking on new ventures, Bill makes a habit of doing serious due diligence, thoroughly investigating the best markets and technologies. He is convinced the Custom Electronics market has a bright future where the company plans to launch many innovative products. Contact Bill at Bill_Beierwaltes@ColoradovNet.com.

How to Make More Sales in Lighting and Control

Colorado vNet — Mon, 01 May 2006 10:13:48 GMT

This is the third in a series of articles by Bill Beierwaltes, CEO, Colorado vNet, addressing technologies that could dramatically change the dealer’s residential systems business. You can contact him at Bill_Beierwaltes@ColoradovNet.com.

Growth has been robust during the past few years but that hasn’t stopped integrators from looking for more. Happily, by applying sound marketing techniques and implementing sales pearls from the field, it’s quite possible to double sales and simultaneously close more profitable opportunities.

When those doubled sales do arrive, it’s important to have the improved efficiencies necessary to accommodate the increased installation load. The path to more efficient installations was covered in my previous Residential Systems article, “Make More Money in Lighting and Control” (www.coloradovnet.com/RSArticle2).

In this article, we’ll focus on getting more sales per salesman, as it’s the salesman’s job to generate more leads, close more high quality sales and put more business into the queue. To share from the best, we’ve gathered success pearls from some of the most successful salesmen in the integrator space, and boiled those pearls down into two areas: Marketing and Presentation Success.

Part 1: Marketing

The Old Way: Nearly all leads come from client referrals.

The New Way: Leads pour in from everywhere: architects, lighting designers, interior designers, former clients, electricians, builders and realtors, as well as the web and other sources generate new leads.

A good marketing campaign makes industry professionals aware of the company and then transforms them into positive referral partners. Those quality referrals become the integrator’s life blood. Once these champions start passing leads your way, your firm, “the recommended one”, has an inside track to win the job. What’s more, your firm may be the only one considered if no other names are offered to the client.

Email Newsletter

One cost-effective way to build a bigger referral team is to publish a monthly email newsletter with eye-catching updates. Writing time is minimal, especially if you use your vendors’ support materials. The email can introduce your referral team to your company’s latest products, services and installations by way of hot links.

The simplest email puts the willing recipient’s name on the blind carbon copy (BCC) line; that way, the recipient sees only his name which makes him think it’s personally addressed to him. The BCC list drawback is that spam filters detect large strings of CC or BCC names and often divert the email.

To prevent spam filters from blocking your emails, consider using an intermediary, known as an email marketing service. These services are inexpensive (under $50 per month) and have some great advantages, such as the ability to individually address emails and partition your list for only selected names or categories. Whether the email is in plain text or html, a secondary benefit is the service’s software tracks how many people clicked on each link and what email address did the clicking.

Fig. 1. In this sample email to the salesman’s Architect contacts, he leverages his vendors’ professional material for links and then writes only a small amount of copy each month before providing it to the email marketing service. The content can be addressed to individuals and tailored to the various audiences like clients, architects, lighting designers, electricians, etc.

To Do: Google “email marketing service” or try http://www.constantcontact.com/ for an effective example.

Simple website

A simple website can be inexpensive but still lucrative. Since your manufacturers need to convey much the same information as you do, one starting point is to copy the format they use or ask them for downloads you can post. A simple web design is not difficult to create and web contractors can implement it quickly and save you money. They can even design pages that let you enter your own material anytime you want. This allows you to keep the site up to date and the costs down.

A good website must be fast, attractive and well organized, but if the site is on page 758 of a Google search, it may as well not exist. A professional web designer boosts the site hit rate by knowing the tricks search engines use to determine a site’s rank. An attractive, professionally designed website optimized for search engines represents an initial investment on the order of $2,000-$4,000, and it will pay for itself in a single sale.

Besides your contact information, consider links to your latest newsletter, installations and testimonials.

To Do: Google “inexpensive website design firms” or try http://www.telluridewebsmith.com for an effective example.

Customize, Customize, Customize

Leads and referrals are a salesman’s insurance policy. They come from people as diverse as clients, architects, electricians, designers (interior and lighting), builders, realtors and more. To reach these people effectively and turn them into champions for your cause, the message must be customized and personalized to their needs, experiences and profession.

Additionally, create a unique strategy for recruiting each member type. Architects, for example, often prefer Lunch-and-Learns in their offices. That’s perfect for the salesman, who now gets to deliver his architect-specific presentation to several people simultaneously. The builder, on the other hand, spends little time at the office and often prefers a laptop or a flip book presentation.

After each presentation, it’s important to schedule follow up calls every 2 months or so. “Out of touch is out of mind” applies to every industry. Treat these resources well because they are one of your best business assets.

Table 1 highlights some message starting points for your different audiences.

Table 1. Each influencer has a different need and needs to hear a different message.

To Do: Create custom messages and strategies for each audience.

Part 2: Presentation Success

The Old Way: Salesmen who were also installers often talked a lot trying to impress clients with their technical knowledge. When meetings were over, clients often felt their needs, anxieties and budget weren’t well understood.

The New Way: Salesmen are more professional. They dress professionally, listen well and use professional sales tools.

The high-achieving salesman is positive. Very positive. He just assumes he’s going to close a high percentage of his sales. He may have started his career as an electrician or an installer, but now that he’s in the role of salesman, he knows the importance of professionalism including appearance, presentation, selling tools, documentation and referrals.

He dresses more like an architect than a technician. He makes a profession out of focused listening. He concentrates on high level benefits and product information, even though he knows the system inside out. He dwells only on what the client wants to know: What is it? Why should I want it? Is it easy to operate? How much does it cost? He handles these questions with ease and assures the client the system will indeed simplify his life and blend with his house.

First Client Meetings

The salesman does his homework, getting the architect, builder or interior designer to share the client’s floorplans before his first client meeting. He then loads the floorplan into his software, adds sample lights and sets up a demonstration program. During the meeting, the salesman demonstrates real-time simulations using his lighting programs on the client’s own floorplan. The typical client response is WOW!

Also during that initial meeting, the salesman discusses scope and budget to learn how to position his first proposal. He takes the data back to the office and creates his plan for lighting and control using the floorplan software. He moves quickly since it takes as little as 2 to 3 hours to do a 10,000 SF house. From the plan, automatic floorplan drawings are plotted, accurate bills of materials are created, and profit analyses are generated. Armed with these tools, the salesman goes into the second meeting and again impresses the client with his professionalism. The client would never expect formal plans to be presented or such a complete equipment list. The salesman’s chances of success are hovering around 100%.

Fig. 2: The printed proposal automatically falls out of the floorplan-based software. (For example see Colorado vNet Builder Software at www.coloradovnet.com/builder )

To Do: Always be professional and well prepared – salesmen who are, almost always win.

Sales Tools

Imagine covering your sales presentation in 1/3 the time. It’s easy if your core information is presented in a linear, efficient manner. The key is to use a slide show (data projector, laptop screen or printouts in a flip book) which speaks to major features and benefits. After seeing the slide show, the client gets it quickly and fully engages. Leaving a printout of the slides with the client helps him remember key points later on.

Salesmen are significantly more effective when they can create Power Point presentations on their own. After a creating the first few slide shows, the next ones are fast and easy. At that point, salesmen can client-customize a generic slide show in a matter of minutes.

Demo cases, software simulators, professional documentation and hardware show-and-tells are all effective sales tools and provide great returns when used. Even though sales tools may seem old hat to the salesman, they’re always fresh and appreciated by the clients.

To Do: Learn Power Point and create your own high impact slide shows for each customer type.

Quality of Sale

The professional salesman should ask himself, “Is this going to be a profitable client?” He must learn to focus on the good ones and let the others go. As most integrators know, some clients claim to be all-knowing or insist on going over the details about every connector, byte and lumen. These may be the ones to let go. Similarly, if the client fixates on price, the arrangement may not be good either. One quality sale can easily equal two low margin sales.

To Do: Always ask yourself, “Is this going to be a profitable client?”

Conclusion

It’s easy. By using inexpensive, time-tested marketing techniques to recruit a referral team, an integration salesman can dramatically increase the number of leads. Then applying professional sales techniques to those all-important early client meetings, he will capture all the high quality business the firm can handle. And technology vendors, such as Colorado vNet, can help by supporting the salesman with professional sales tools and effective products.

Transparent Technology

Colorado vNet — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

With its warm woods and decadent finishes, this upscale residence offers proof that a high-tech home needn't be sterile to get its groove on. The ideal home-automation system is so seamless that it's nearly invisible, and can happily coexist with any style of interior design, including one that harks back to a rich past. In the InSync Home, Cat-5e structured wiring by Honeywell is woven through an open web truss system, serving up broadband access to nearly every room in the house. Strategically stationed wireless access points turn the entire residence into a hot spot.

The ultimate tie that binds is an integrated technology network by manufacturer Colorado vNet—a secret ingredient that makes life's little luxuries taste sweeter and life's many chores more palatable. Wall-mounted touchscreens are strategically interspersed throughout the floor plan and always within reach. These LCD panels can be accessed to control and activate a variety of subsystems, including landscape lighting, home security, HVAC, window coverings, retractable screens, ceiling fans, and outdoor water features. Touchpads also connect to a 10-zone distributed audio system, complete with an integrated music server channeling an AM/FM tuner, multiple iPod docks, and satellite radio. The touchscreen interface is intuitive and puts tech support contact information for both the manufacturer (Colorado vNet) and integrator/ installer (Wilson Technologies) at the homeowner's fingertips, 24/7.

Supreme lighting controls are another fine feature. With labeled dimmer panels in every room, it's easy to toggle just the right mood from a host of recessed and hanging lights, including incandescent, low-voltage, and halogen bulbs. Select lighting systems in walk-in closets and pantries are activated by motion sensors for convenience. (No need to worry about hitting the switch when your arms are full of groceries or dry cleaning.)

All that, and the home-automation system also has diagnostic capabilities to boot. Electrical consumption can be tracked over time, and lighting controls can be calibrated for energy efficiency. “If one of the dimmer modules is set to run a load of lights to maximum brightness, we can reprogram the threshold to max out at 75 percent to 80 percent. The difference will be virtually indiscernible to the eye, but you'll see it on your utility bill,” says Dave Wilson, president of Wilson Technologies, the technology integrator on the project. Special lighting modes can also be programmed and activated for parties, seasonal shifts in natural light, or times when the owners are away on vacation.

The home-automation network is self-regulating and modular, meaning the entire system won't go down if one component goes bad. “There is not one central point of power, so there's never any instance when the homeowner would need to have analog control,” explains Wilson. “The system architecture is similar to what you'd find in a Mercedes. If one keypad goes out, it can be swapped out and replaced, at which point the system intuitively reconfigures it to sync back up with the network. In the interim, the homeowner can control the system via one of the home's other touchscreens. There is no reprogramming required by the end user.” Back-up generators ensure that the system remains operational even in the event of a power failure.

HOME RUN

You would expect a technology-focused house to be loaded with a sophisticated lineup of home-automation features. This is certainly true for the InSync Home, which goes even further with products and features that are a step above your average digital home.

The design team wanted a tech package that makes life easier for builders as well as buyers, so they chose Colorado vNet for a variety of products, including lighting controls, touchscreens, and audio servers and controls.

Many companies offer integrated home-automation products, but Colorado vNet differentiates itself “through ease of use, reduced number of SKUs for the integrator, and reduced installation time for the builder,” says Dave Wilson, president of tech integrator Wilson Technologies. “It's also easy for the builder to integrate.”

Lighting is one area of differentiation. Instead of a main, centrally located panel, the home features 23 small dimming modules that are strategically placed in an upstairs mechanical room and in the garage; each controls an individual lighting scene.

Because the modules are split between two locations in the house, the shorter runs reduce installation costs by cutting down on the amount of copper wiring that would be used in a traditional installation. The modules make installation easier because the integrator has to fish less wire. Additionally, the modules have embedded self-diagnostic script for remote error reporting. “The modules are monitored constantly by Colorado vNet to check if a [key]pad is functioning,” Wilson says.

The house features a variety of other products, too. There are three types of audio and lighting controls: touchpads that adjust backlight and LED intensity to match room levels; five- and eight-button labeled keypads that are easy to understand; and 10 touchscreen amplifiers that control digital audio sources—such as iPods and DVDs. Bezels come in black or white or can be painted. An audio server stores up to 1,250 CDs in uncompressed WAV format and delivers six unique digital audio streams simultaneously over Internet protocol. (It can accept an optional AM/FM tuner as well.)

The Colorado vNet system, says Wilson, allows the builder to provide a system that easily integrates with the design of the home, making the process painless.

By Jenny Sullivan

LET THERE BE LIGHT: Landscape lights are triggered at dusk by an astronomical time clock. Timers can also be set to partially or completely close window blinds during peak sun hours to minimize solar heat gain inside the house.

DIGITAL DJ: Distributed audio by Colorado vNet provides ready access to multiple iPod music libraries, a 1,250 CD audio server, multiple tuners, and satellite radio. The space-saving server functions like a chassis and holds a series of media “blades” as thin as CD cases. (The blades replace traditional stereo and TV components, but they take up much less space and they consolidate controls for all of these different components into a single system interface.) These blades include not just stereo components, but also DVD and cable box blades. Say good-bye to traditional, stacked, heat-generating black boxes.

LIGHT BOXES: The home is outfitted with 23 space-saving dimmer modules, discreetly fitted into wall cavities in an upstairs mechanical/storage room and in the garage.

Colorado vNet Vibe Audio Distribution System

Colorado vNet — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

by John Sciacca

Last year, I reviewed NetStreams' DigiLinX, an advanced IP-based audio system that captured our Editor's Choice Award for multiroom product of the year. So my curiosity was piqued when I heard about the Colorado vNet Vibe audio distribution system. Not only did the company claim to offer similarly cutting-edge IP audio distribution and sound quality, but also an affordable touchpanel interface. Plus, Vibe promised ultrasimple installation and virtually no programming. This I had to see.

SETUP The typical Vibe system starts with a dedicated audio server and IP encoders for legacy audio components. These are ultimately wired to a touchscreen controller/digital amplifier in each zone that drives your speakers. Wiring a Vibe system couldn't be much easier. And, since system components connect using standard Cat-5 data cabling -- at about 25¢ a foot, some of the least expensive wire around -- it couldn't be much cheaper, either.

Components communicate via a network router or switch, and Colorado vNet recommends creating a separate Vibe network (independent from your computer network) to maintain reliability. Depending on the number of Vibe components, Colorado vNet offers three switches: 8-port ($270), 16-port ($200), and 24-port ($860).

Vibe components connect to the network switch via Cat-5, and the speakers attach directly to the Vibe Color Touchscreen Amplifiers (the in-wall CA1-70, $1,300, or the desktop CA1-70D, $1,450) with standard speaker cable. Each touchscreen also includes line-level audio outputs configurable for either fixed or variable output -- perfect for large rooms requiring an external amp to drive multiple speakers or for adding extra bada-boom via a subwoofer.

The touchscreens receive power from AC adapters that can be wired in one of two ways. Ideally, running an additional two-conductor cable along with the Cat-5 ensures that each panel delivers its full 70-watt output. But if only one Cat-5 is available -- say, in a retrofit -- Colorado vNet offers the PC1-1 power coupler ($30) to allow both power and control signals to travel over a single Cat-5.

The rear panel of the Vibe Audio Server (available as the 500-GB, three-stream AS1-800/3, $3,150, or the 800-GB, six-stream AS1-1250/6, $4,750) looks like no audio component you've ever seen before, with nary a single RCA jack to be found! Besides power, the only connections are two Ethernet jacks: one for the Colorado vNet network and the other for broadband Internet through your home network. All audio signals -- as many as 16 of them -- travel over a single Cat-5 wire.

Either server can be outfitted with up to 10 TR1-1B Vibe AM/FM Tuner Blades ($390 each). These cards plug into the chassis in about 10 seconds. (Colorado vNet plans to add Sirius, XM, and HD Radio modules shortly). Vibe also supports the world's favorite portable music player, the iPod, with the ID1-1 Vibe Dock for iPod ($390). Since the dock connects via a single Cat-5, it can be installed anywhere in the home.

Finally, existing audio gear (such as cable boxes or CD players) is supported by the AE1-1 Vibe Audio Encoder ($390). The AE1-1 accepts analog and coaxial or optical digital signals and transforms them into IP for streaming over the network.

Once components are connected to the network switch, it's time for "commissioning." This involves discovering and naming the components. The whole process uses Colorado vNet's Producer software and is ridiculously easy. Commissioning my system took about 5 minutes and didn't require a single look at the instruction manual. Of course, one reason the programming is so fast is that no customization of the panels is allowed. Fortunately, the premade touchscreen templates are well designed and provide all needed control options.

PERFORMANCE Right out of the gate, I was impressed by how much this system offers in such a tiny footprint. A single Vibe server can send out up to 16 independent streams (six from the server and as many as 10 AM/FM). An entire house can be driven from this one box, which installs in 5 minutes and connects with just one wire. To an installer who has spent many a full day in a cramped audio closet connecting gear, this is truly awe-inspiring.

Ultimately, a multiroom system's success lies with its control interface. A system must be easy enough for everyone to use, or it doesn't matter how great it looks or sounds. Here, the Vibe scores an A+. Not only does the 7-inch ultra-widescreen LCD (480 x 234) look great; its buttons are well spaced for easy operation, and its interface is phenomenally intuitive and easy to use. I handed the touchscreen to both my wife and brother with the only instruction, "Here. See if you can make this work." Within seconds, both navigated to the iPod and started browsing for music. The Vibe system might be the reigning ease-of-use champion.

Modern distribution systems must also display metadata -- the album, artist, and track information embedded in digital audio files and some broadcasts. Fortunately, all of the Vibe components provide this, including the Audio Server, the iPod dock, and even the AM/FM blades, which deliver track info from Radio Data System signals (when available). Additionally, the touchscreens display album art from the server. The only time you're on your own is when you're streaming over the audio encoders.

Like many hard disk-based A/V components, the Vibe Audio Server includes a loud fan and should be located away from listening areas. Beyond loading discs via the server's 40X CD drive, music can be transferred from your existing PCs to the server through the vNet network using Colorado vNet's Director software, which is also used to create playlists. The server's broadband network connection lets it look up album information that's not recognized by the onboard AMG database.

Interestingly, the Audio Server supports only uncompressed WAV files. While this may be great for sound quality if you're ripping straight to the server, it's not so great for all of those compressed songs already on your hard drive. Fortunately, the Audio Server converts MP3, WMA, AAC, and AIFF files to WAV upon transfer to make them compatible for playback. Although this takes up more storage space on the server and won't raise sound quality back to that of the uncompressed original, it won't degrade sound quality, either.

Given that this is a system built around network distribution, I was surprised -- and disappointed -- that you can't control any components from Web-enabled devices. Once you've tried controlling a system from a remote room with a laptop, wireless PDA, or cellphone, it's hard to go back.

Audible delay (sound arriving at different rooms at slightly different times) is a hurdle that IP-based systems have had to overcome. If you're playing the same tunes in different zones simultaneously -- during a party, for example -- the ear can detect even small differences. Although there wasn't any noticeable delay between zones when using Vibe components, there was about a half-second delay from "live" programming when using the Vibe Audio Encoder. That was enough to make it unusable when trying to sync my cable box output to the picture in a remote room. This could also be a problem if you're trying to play an audio source -- such as a CD -- on a sound system and running the same source through an Encoder for playback in remote rooms.

Each touchscreen's stereo digital amplifier is rated 35 watts per channel and handles 4-ohm or greater loads, allowing a single touchscreen to drive two pairs of speakers if needed. Though the amps produced moderate to fairly loud listening levels, as I approached the upper range of the volume scale, audio started sounding strained and harsh, forcing me to back down. Additionally, the volume ramps up so slowly that the first third of the scale produces almost no output; the "sweet spot" for listening ended up being in the 50-60% range with my speakers. I did love that each touchscreen features a five-band equalizer to tailor the sound for each room. Each also includes a built-in IR receiver and comes with a handheld remote for operating the system away from the screen.

BOTTOM LINE For less than $1,700 you could pick up a single Vibe Touchscreen Amplifier and iPod dock and enjoy your Pod-tunes like never before. Even better, these components serve as the building blocks of a powerful audio distribution system expandable to 40 touchscreens with 20 simultaneous streams.

Further, the Colorado vNet Vibe audio distribution system easily integrates with Colorado vNet's lighting-control products. So, it not only fills your house with sound via one of the easiest interfaces around, it can also light up your world. As an installer and consumer, that leaves me with a really good vibe!

Street of Dreams

Colorado vNet — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Audioholics Editorial: 2007 Electronic House Expo (EHX) Long Beach

Colorado vNet — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Spotlight: In Control

Colorado vNet — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

DBC Automation Completes Towering Install in New Jersey

Colorado vNet — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Retro Perspective

Colorado vNet — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Colorado vNet Supports CCTV

Colorado vNet — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Colorado vNet expands with CCTV camera integration

Colorado vNet — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Colorado vNet Expands Home Automation with CCTV

Colorado vNet — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Colorado vNet Integrates CCTV with System

Colorado vNet — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Finding and Fixing a Home's Power Hogs

Colorado vNet — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Control with a Personal Touch

Colorado vNet — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Colorado vNet Targets MDUs with AS2-400/3 Audio Server

Colorado vNet — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Colorado vNet Adds ‘Vibe’ to Smaller Homes

Colorado vNet — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Simplifying the Complex

Colorado vNet — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Colorado vNet Has Your Weather Forecast

Colorado vNet — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Colorado vNet's Vibe Video Server System

Colorado vNet — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Colorado vNet Introduces a Powerful New Automation System at CEDIA

Colorado vNet — Thu, 25 Aug 2005 12:00:00 GMT

With a unique user interface and designed to operate without a central computer, the Colorado vNet system is one of the most scalable, flexible and easy-to-install systems ever created.

CEDIA EXPO 2005 Sept. 9-11 Booth #2059

Colorado vNet will unveil its new Home Automation System featuring a powerful touch- sensitive electronic Touchpad (TP1-1D), behind which lies one of the most scalable, flexible and easy-to-install systems ever created.

Colorado vNet's unique home automation system is a distributed intelligence solution designed to operate without a central computer. This reduces the cost for smaller installations and increases the reliability for larger ones by removing the possibility of a single point of failure that would render a traditional system inoperable. The system operates with control, input and communication modules linked by a high performance bus.

The system works on a simple input, control and communication process. The Keypad replaces traditional light switches and issues commands to control the system. The Dimming Module is the workhorse of most automation systems. The Colorado vNet Dimming Module listens for events such as keypad presses, motion sensor triggers or timing events and then respond by setting its lights to pre-defined levels. The Starhub distributes messages and power among the system modules, while monitoring its own operating state to alert the system of any problems.

The Colorado vNet Home Automation System's user interface is radically different from anything else on the market. In addition to standard mechanical keypads, Colorado vNet has designed a new touch sensitive electronic Touchpad. The Colorado vNet TP1-1D Touchpad uses capacitive technology to react and execute commands based on a single touch or the duration of a touch. A single tap can switch lights on and off, control a motor (i.e. drapes, ceiling fans or pool covers) or control a pre-programmed event schedule. A longer touch can dim lights up and down, eliminating the need for multiple buttons to control related functions. The Touchpad has no moving parts, just a removable acrylic membrane which allows the customization of background graphics and button labels in just minutes and configurable in literally hundreds of combinations to respond to the diverse range of customer needs.

The system functions autonomously while modules effectively communicate directly with each other, thereby eliminating the possibility of system failure and allowing for future expansion or upgrades. Other key advantages include the capacity to self-monitor and alter the system behavior via the Internet and the ability to scale from a small home theater to a large commercial building consisting of 8,000 individual modules.

Colorado vNet's highly-evolved vNet Builder™ software provides integrators with step-by-step help in designing and configuring a homeowner's system. The software includes a simulator which makes it easy to demonstrate to customers exactly what individual pre-determined scenes will look like.

Colorado vNet has concentrated on developing a system intelligent enough to solve most of the headaches previously involved in creating a whole-home solution by making this product remarkably easy to install and significantly lowering the number of products needed to implement the system.

Pricing for Colorado vNet's Home Automation System, along with the new TP1-1D Touchpad, will be announced at CEDIA.

Offering exceptional reliability, scalability and flexibility in application, Colorado vNet is committed
to providing premium intelligent solutions for whole-house automation and digital distributed audio solutions. Installation and building professionals will see and hear the difference, as Colorado vNet delivers high-quality, cost-effective products; with an ease-of-use and installation that has taken digital distributed audio and lighting control to a whole new level.

Colorado vNet Press Contact:		Phone:	970.203.3741
		Email:	pr@coloradovnet.com

Colorado vNet Introduces New Touchpad

Colorado vNet — Wed, 07 Sep 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Colorado vNet is the first in the home automation industry to introduce a revolutionary new device that redefines the way homeowners interact with their automation system.

Sleek, stylish and contemporary, the new Colorado vNet touchpad is set to become the industry standard replacement for light switches, dimmers and keypads.

The key feature of the touchpad is that it enables the dealer or integrator to carry just one product with dozens of configurability options, rather than the multiple products they had to carry in the past.

The touchpad is remarkably flexible and can be fitted either vertically or horizontally within any standard Decora plate. In place of rubbery keypad buttons, a fingertip touched to the plastic surface operates the button. The 'feel' of the touchpad is described by users as infinitely more modern and satisfying than previous keypads.

The second major innovation is the ability to customize background graphics and button labels in just minutes. This replaces the laborious process of engraving traditional keypads and makes it a snap to change the labels to suit reprogramming.

The touchpad can also modify its behavior to react to the duration of the touch. A single tap can switch lights on and off, control a motor (for instance, drapes, ceiling fans and pool covers) or control a pre-programmed scene comprising multiple control functions. A longer touch can slew lights up and down, eliminating the need for multiple buttons to control related functions.

The washable plastic cover is designed to last for years, and the unit is extremely durable due to containing no mechanical parts. It also features a backlight which reacts to ambient lighting to provide the appropriate backlighting level for any situation. Discreet LEDs and audible feedback assure the user that their commands have been implemented.

Colorado vNet Press Contact:		Phone:	970.203.3741
		Email:	pr@coloradovnet.com

Colorado vNet Introduces a Powerful New Automation System at EHX

Colorado vNet — Thu, 06 Oct 2005 00:00:00 GMT

With a unique user interface, and designed to operate without a central computer, the Colorado vNet system is one of the most scalable, flexible and easy-to-install systems ever created.

EHX Fall, Anaheim CA 11/9/05 - 11/11/05

Colorado vNet will demonstrate its new Home Automation System featuring a powerful touch-sensitive electronic Touchpad (TP1-1D) at EHX Fall.

Colorado vNet's home automation system is a distributed intelligence solution designed to operate without a central computer. This reduces the cost for smaller installations and increases the reliability for larger ones by removing the possibility of a single point of failure that would render a traditional system inoperable.

The system works on a simple input, control and communication process linked by a high-performance bus. The electronic Touchpad replaces traditional light switches and issues commands to control the system. The Colorado vNet Dimming Module listens for events such as Touchpad finger-contact, motion sensor triggers or timing events, and then responds by setting its lights to pre-defined levels. The Starhub distributes messages and power among the system modules, while monitoring its own operating state to alert the system of any problems.

The Touchpad has no moving parts, just a removable acrylic membrane which allows the customization of background graphics and button labels in minutes. It is configurable in literally hundreds of combinations to respond to the diverse range of customer needs, thereby eliminating the need for dealers and installers to carry a bewildering array of SKUs.

The individual modules effectively communicate directly with each other, thereby eliminating the possibility of system failure and allowing for future expansion or upgrades. Other key advantages include the capacity to self-monitor and alter the system behavior via the Internet and the ability to scale from a small home theater to a large commercial building consisting of 8,000 individual modules.

Colorado vNet Press Contact:		Phone:	970.203.3741
		Email:	pr@coloradovnet.com

Colorado vNet Recognized as Innovations Award Honoree at CES

Colorado vNet — Tue, 15 Nov 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Colorado vNet, provider of premium whole-house automation and audio solutions, has been announced as an Honoree of the 2006 Innovations Design and Engineering Awards. Colorado vNet's Touchpad (TP1-1D) was selected by the Consumer Electronic Association (CEA) in the Integrated Home Systems category.

Honoring outstanding design and engineering in consumer electronics, the Innovations Awards are presented annually and showcased at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the largest trade show in America.

The prestigious award was presented specifically for Colorado vNet's revolutionary Touchpad which re-defines the nature of home automation input controls. Using capacitive technology Colorado vNet has created a touch-sensitive fully-electronic input control device that replaces traditional switches, dimmers and keypads.

"To date, traditional home automation control systems have not incorporated the level of style necessary to blend with high-end homes," says Bill Beierwaltes, CEO of Colorado vNet. "We felt we could improve significantly on the human interface while retaining an elegant behind-the-scenes solution. Now we've managed to combine supremely good looks and ergonomics with a superior system architecture."

One of the key benefits of the Touchpad to the home integrator is that it is configurable in multiple templates to enable anything from one to eight control buttons in a single SKU, thus eliminating the need to carry large amounts of inventory.

Colorado vNet has also done away with the laborious engraving process that most keypads use to specify button legends, enabling the integrator to print custom labels and backgrounds to fit the needs of the homeowner in just minutes.

"We wanted to create a control interface that was as attractive to the integrator as it was to the homeowner," continues Beierwaltes. "It had to do things no other keypad could do, as well as be simple to install and of course, simple to use. We believe that this important award justifies the hard work our team has put in over the last three years and is a testament to our commitment to delivering innovative world-class products."

The Colorado vNet Touchpad TP1-1D will be featured at the Innovations 2006 Design and Engineering Showcase, Booth #72444 at Innovations Plus in the Sands Expo and Convention Center from Wednesday, January 4 until Friday, January 6, 2006.

Colorado vNet Press Contact:		Phone:	970.203.3741
		Email:	pr@coloradovnet.com

Colorado vNet Touchpad Receives Innovative Design Award

Colorado vNet — Thu, 13 Apr 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Loveland, CO - April 12, 2006 - Colorado vNet, provider of premium whole-house automation and distributed audio solutions, has been recognized by the Consumer Electronic Association for the innovative design of its home automation control, the Colorado vNet TP1-1D Touchpad.

Elegantly simple, intuitive in its ease of use, the Colorado vNet Touchpad represents a union of quality appearance, ergonomic design and superior system architecture. Sensitive to fingertip touches, the Colorado vNet Touchpad can be customized to command a wide range of home automation applications. Multiple possibilities with one SKU offer dealer convenience as well.

The Consumer Electronic Association (CEA) has named the Colorado vNet TP1-1D Touchpad a 2006 Mark of Excellence winner. Mark of Excellence Awards single out products and companies poised at the leading edge of innovation in the home automation industry.

Companies and products CEA honors are showcased at the largest trade show in the nation, the annual International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

"We're proud of the fact that the Colorado vNet Touchpad has solved a problem traditionally seen in home automation control systems," says Bill Beierwaltes, CEO of Colorado vNet. "Too often, the visible elements of these systems fail to blend with the style of high-end homes." Not so with the Colorado vNet Touchpad. Its sleek, customizable appearance combined with superior system architecture serves up a complete solution.

"The Colorado vNet Touchpad offers several key benefits," says Craig Ogawa, research and development manager. "It features customizable 'soft buttons', labels and backgrounds. Buttons can be set up in a variety of templates, allowing maximum flexibility. It also features a back light that automatically adjusts to ambient light levels. The Colorado vNet Touchpad can truly be tailored to individual needs."

Dealers, too, will find a variety of benefits go along with the Colorado vNet Touchpad. One product - Colorado vNet Touchpad - with one SKU, configurable in dozens of button arrangements eliminates the need for large amounts of inventory. Colorado vNet Touchpad can serve multiple needs.

Colorado vNet also has done away with the laborious engraving process most keypads require to specify button legends. Custom printed labels and backgrounds, designed to homeowner needs, can be produced in just seconds. The result - a fully customized legend - is simple to create, quick to install and clearly identifies each button's function.

"This CEA honor recognizes more than a product," Beierwaltes notes. "This award honors our team's commitment and years of hard work toward bringing vision to reality. The Colorado vNet Touchpad embodies our company motto: Life simplified."

Colorado vNet Press Contact:		Phone:	970.203.3741
		Email:	pr@coloradovnet.com

Colorado vNet Touchpad wins EH Product of the Year Award

Colorado vNet — Mon, 14 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Loveland, CO, August 14, 2006 - Colorado vNet's TP1-1D Touchpad has been awarded Electronic House Magazine's prestigious Product of the Year award. Selected from among hundreds of entries, the ultra-modern Touchpad was chosen based on technological innovation, overall value and outstanding features.

The TP1-1D Touchpad utilizes a capacitive touch-sensitive surface to electronically interpret the touch location of a finger and map it to the software, permitting unique button sizes, locations and functions (on, off, dim, brighten, volume up, fan speed down, etc.). Control commands, status feedback, and power are all provided via a single CAT-5e connection.

"The vote for Product of the Year is always a challenge, because there are so many excellent and innovative products to choose from," states Cindy Davis, Editor-in-Chief for Electronic House. "It's a democratic process, and although it's fun, it has got to be one of our most difficult jobs."

The TP1-1D Touchpad interfaces with Colorado vNet's CAN (Control Area Network) lighting and control network, the same system architecture designed for use in braking systems of today's automobiles. Integrators can program button layout and function from a wide variety of configuration choices and create customized labeling for the Touchpad to complement any room dÃ©cor.

About Electronic House magazine
Electronic House, an EH Publishing, Inc. magazine is the leading consumer publication that focuses on all aspects of the electronic home. In authoritative articles, Electronic House covers home theater, multiroom entertainment, home control, wireless communications, energy management, home networking, and high-speed wiring. Electronic House readers want to have the best technology in their homes and Electronic House provides easy-to-read information enabling them to make informed buying decisions. www.electronichouse.com.

Colorado vNet Press Contact:		Phone:	970.203.3741
		Email:	pr@coloradovnet.com

Colorado vNet Introduces Vibe Audio Server

Colorado vNet — Wed, 23 Aug 2006 13:08:10 GMT

Loveland, CO - Colorado vNet, the award-winning manufacturer of high-end lighting, control, and distributed audio systems, introduces a pair of digital audio servers, the AS1-800/3 and AS1-1250/6. The two products are components of the company's popular new Vibe IP-based digital distributed audio system.

Vibe AS1-1250/6 Audio Server.

Both 2RU rack mountable audio servers store music files in uncompressed .WAV format, delivering crystal-clear, CD-quality audio to every Vibe Touchscreen Amplifier on the Vibe System. The ultimate music library, Vibe Audio Servers stream digital audio over IP (Internet Protocol) without the downfall of possibly causing a system-wide failure.

The AS1-800/3 can hold 800 CDs in its 500GB harddrive and broadcast 3 unique audio streams simultaneously, while the AS1-1250/6 stores 1,250 CDs in its 800GB of memory and sends out 6 individual streams. Metadata (artist, album, track titles, album art, etc) from AMG's database can be displayed on every Color Touchscreen Amplifier. Rear expansion slots can house up to 10 AM/FM Tuner Blades, giving a system 10 additional unique audio streams.

Colorado vNet Press Contact:		Phone:	970.203.3741
		Email:	pr@coloradovnet.com

Colorado vNet Introduces Vibe Color Touchscreen Amplifier

Colorado vNet — Wed, 23 Aug 2006 14:08:10 GMT

Loveland, CO - Colorado vNet is proud to present the Vibe CA1-70 Color Touchscreen Amplifier, a key component of the new Vibe distributed digital audio system. The flush-mounted 7" active matrix screen delivers stunning graphics, source selection and control, as well as 70 Watts of uncompressed, CD-quality digital audio.

Vibe Color Touchscreen Amplifier with blue background.

The Color Touchscreen Amplifier provides unprecedented access and control over the entire range of input sources that comprise the Vibe system, including the trend-setting Vibe Server, satellite and AM/FM radio, various iPod® models, as well as CD and tape players. Metadata (artist, album, track titles, track times, genre, and even album cover art) is available at any display in the system. A wide range of control functions are also accessible from every Color Touchscreen including volume, mute, on-board 5-band graphic equalizer, speaker balance, sleep timer, LCD contrast, brightness, and other personalized display settings.

The integrated Class D digital amplifier supplies 35 Watts of power to stereo output channels (70W total), eliminating the need for an external amplifier. Systems designers can also take advantage of the selectable Fixed/Variable Line Out connector to incorporate a powered subwoofer. Paintable black and white bezels (included) add an elegant finishing touch.

Colorado vNet Press Contact:		Phone:	970.203.3741
		Email:	pr@coloradovnet.com

Colorado vNet introduces the Vibe Audio System

Colorado vNet — Wed, 23 Aug 2006 15:08:10 GMT

Loveland, CO - Colorado vNet, award-winning creator of visionary lighting, control, and distributed audio systems, has introduced the Vibe System. The highly-anticipated Vibe Audio System is now shipping and has already been acclaimed as the first truly pre-integrated system of its kind, merging award-winning style with power, performance and unprecedented control to create a fully digital IP-based system that delivers reference-quality sound to every room in the house.

The Vibe System is driven by the Vibe Touchscreen Amplifier, an elegant and powerful control center whose flush-mounted 7-inch active wide screen display offers full access and control of the wide range of audio sources on the System. The Vibe Touchscreen Amplifier also displays full Metadata information, including album cover art. The Vibe Touchscreen Amplifier's integrated Class-D amplifier supplies 70 Watts of power, eliminating the need for external amplifiers.

Also integral to the Vibe System is the Vibe Audio Server. Available in two models, the Vibe Audio Server stores up to 1250 CDs in uncompressed .WAV format, delivering up to six independent audio streams of crystal-clear, reference-quality audio to any room in the house. The Vibe Audio Server stores full AMG Metadata, including album cover art, for display at any Vibe Touchscreen Amplifier, and the Server's internal expansion slots can host up to ten AM/FM tuner blades to provide additional unique audio streams.

The Vibe System also provides connectivity and control for a wide range of audio sources, including iPod, satellite and AM/FM radio, CD and tape players and more. Vibe is the product of thousands of hours of research and design by some of the best minds in technology today, offering flexibility and scalability in design, as well as uncompressed digital audio, unequalled control and styling of unprecedented elegance.

Colorado vNet Press Contact:		Phone:	970.203.3741
		Email:	pr@coloradovnet.com

Colorado vNet Makes Waves at CEDIA

Colorado vNet — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 08:08:10 GMT

DENVER, CO…...CEDIA, the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association, has confirmed that this year’s EXPO 2006 in Denver was the largest and most successful in the organization’s 17-year history, with attendance figures estimated at more than eight percent over last year’s record numbers.

And there was nary a dull moment at Colorado vNet’s booth as the company greeted a non-stop flow of visitors interested in checking out the highly-anticipated Vibe Audio System. Merging power, performance and unprecedented control with award-winning stylling, Vibe is a fully digital IP-based system that delivers reference-quality sound to every room in the house.

The company showed their Vibe Touchscreen Amplifier, an elegant and powerful control center with flush-mounted, 7-inch active wide screen display. The Vibe Touchscreen seamlessly integrates with Colorado vNet’s audio and lighting systems, offering full access and control of audio and lighting sources via stylish, easy-to-read touch panel displays.

Also shown at CEDIA was the Vibe Audio Server, which stores up to 1250 CDs in uncompressed .WAV format and delivers up to six independent audio streams of crystal-clear, reference-quality audio to any room in the house. The Vibe Audio Server also stores full AMG Metadata, including album cover art, for display at any Vibe Touchscreen Amplifier.

Colorado vNet’s acclaimed lighting and control system componentry was also on display at the show, highlighted by the multiple-award winning TP2-1D Touchpad and Dimming Module. Introduced last year, the system has received numerous awards and rave reviews to date.

Colorado vNet manufactures an elite range of intelligent solutions for whole-house control of lighting and distributed digital audio. Blending reliability, scalability and flexibility with award-winning contemporary design, Colorado vNet offers the next level in automation, with products that are elegantly crafted, quick to install and easy to use. For additional information about Colorado vNet and our award-winning products, visit www.coloradovnet.com or call 1-800-987-VNET (8638).

Colorado vNet Press Contact:		Phone:	970.203.3741
		Email:	pr@coloradovnet.com

Colorado vNet Expands Service to Dealers and Integrators with Promotion of Rob Pries to Manager of Pre-Sales Technical Support

Colorado vNet — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 13:08:10 GMT

Loveland, CO - Colorado vNet announces the promotion of Rob Pries to Manager of Pre-Sales Technical Support. In this role Pries will be chartered with supervising all technical assistance needed by Colorado vNet dealers and integrators as they develop client proposals utilizing Colorado vNet's lighting, control, and Vibe digital distributed audio systems.

Mike Malone, Colorado vNet's Vice President of Sales, noted, "The number of dealer and integrator relationships we have developed, and the frequency that they are proposing our solutions to their clients, has grown so rapidly that to professionally support them we needed to dedicate some of our very best people. Rob is a perfect fit for this new role".

Craig Rossi, the president of Rossi Electric, Inc. said, "As we have grown our business with Colorado vNet, we have developed a strong relationship with the company. Rob has been key in helping us on some very significant projects. His industry experience and technical skills have really made a difference in expanding our business".

"Rob's understanding of the custom integration business and relationships with the custom integration dealers in the Rocky Mountain region have helped them more profitably apply the Colorado vNet solutions", said Rich Arnett, Regional Sales Manager for Colorado vNet.

Colorado vNet Press Contact:		Phone:	970.203.3741
		Email:	pr@coloradovnet.com

Centennial Marketing is Named as Colorado vNet's Representative for Rocky Mountain Region

Colorado vNet — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 13:08:10 GMT

Loveland, CO - Colorado vNet is pleased to announce the selection of Centennial Marketing, with offices in Denver, CO, and Salt Lake City, UT, as their manufacturer's sales representative for the Rocky Mountain Region. The territory will include Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Wyoming, Montana and portions of Idaho.

Rich Arnett, Colorado vNet's Regional Sales Manager, stated, "Centennial is one of the most experienced and successful rep firms in the region. Their product lines are an ideal compliment to Colorado vNet's products, and they have a great reputation with the custom installation dealers."

Keith Haas, President of Centennial Marketing, says of the announcement, "We are very pleased to be affiliated with Colorado vNet. Their products offer outstanding performance, quality, and value. They fill key categories in the home automation, distributed audio and custom installation marketplaces. We are especially impressed with the company's management team under the leadership of Bill Beierwaltes (CEO, Colorado vNet)".

"Centennial Marketing's quality relationships with the custom integration dealers in the (Rocky Mountain) region are an excellent match for the technology leadership that Colorado vNet brings to home automation and the distributed audio market", said Arnett.

Colorado vNet Press Contact:		Phone:	970.203.3741
		Email:	pr@coloradovnet.com

Colorado vNet Wins Excite Award

Colorado vNet — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 14:08:10 GMT

Loveland, CO - Custom Retailer magazine, produced by the Consumer Technology Publishing Group, has recognized Colorado vNet as a winner of this year’s EXC!TE Award for “most EXC!TING Lighting Control system.” The award was presented in recognition of Colorado vNet’s groundbreaking lighting and control system, featuring the TP2-1D Touchpad and the DM1-8 Dimming Module. Colorado vNet’s lighting control system provides full, customized access and control of lighting scenes, shades, fireplaces, motors, and other furnishings throughout the home.

“We’re very pleased and proud to receive the EXC!TE Award,” stated Paul Kenline, Colorado vNet’s Marketing Manager. “Colorado vNet’s lighting control system has been getting an overwhelming response from both contractors and end users, but it’s an honor to receive this recognition from our industry peers.”

Colorado vNet Press Contact:		Phone:	970.203.3741
		Email:	pr@coloradovnet.com

Colorado vNet Expands Service to Dealers and Integrators in the Northeast and Canada with the Addition of Mark Cassidy as Regional Sales Director

Colorado vNet — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 08:08:10 GMT

Loveland, CO - Colorado vNet announced the addition of Mark Cassidy to the position of Regional Sales Director for the Northeast and Canada. In this role Mark will be chartered with working alongside Colorado vNet representatives in managing sales and technical support to dealers and integrators in the Northeast and Canada.

In making the announcement, Mike Malone, Colorado vNet's Vice President of Sales, noted, "Demand for Colorado vNet’s Vibe distributed audio system and lighting control networks is being driven by our representatives in the field, growing our business at a fantastic rate. It makes all the sense in the world to bring on high quality sales professionals like Mark to take our business to the next level”.

Bill Beierwaltes, the CEO of Colorado vNet said, "We couldn’t be more pleased that Mark has chosen to join us and support our business growth in the Northeast. Mark brings a unique blend of industry experience and technical skills that make him an ideal individual to lead our efforts in the Northeast and Canada".

“Mark’s experience with integrators and dealers along with his impressive technical background will be a welcome addition to our selling efforts with Colorado vNet.” said Sandy Duffy, of New Resource, Inc., Colorado vNet’s representative for New England. “vNet’s investment in regional sales and support validates our decision to bring this product line to our market and is a perfect compliment for the work we’ve done to introduce Colorado vNet and grow the business together.”

Colorado vNet Press Contact:		Phone:	970.203.3741
		Email:	pr@coloradovnet.com

Colorado vNet Appoints New VP of Sales

Colorado vNet — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 09:08:10 GMT

Loveland, CO - Colorado vNet announced the appointment of Michael L. Malone as Vice President of Sales. In his new position, Malone will oversee the company’s rapidly expanding sales force.

Malone joins Colorado vNet from his position as Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at a leading commercial equipment manufacturer. His prior positions include that of Vice President and General Manager of SupplyFORCE.com, as well as several key management positions with Rockwell Automation, Texas Instruments and Eaton Corporation. Malone’s 25 year career includes a wide range of experience in progressive international sales management, e-commerce, marketing, software start-ups and supply chain management.

“Mike’s joining Colorado vNet is well-timed to correspond to the company’s crossing the threshhold to a new level,” remarked Bill Beierwaltes, Colorado vNet’s CEO. “The widespread attention we’ve been receiving for our new generation of products has produced exponential growth for our sales division. Mike’s background and expertise make him the ideal person to head up this rapid development. We’re excited to have him on board.”

“Colorado vNet is truly on the leading edge of whole-house automation and distributed audio,” Malone observed. “It’s great to be working with such a creative and innovative group of people, and I’m looking forward to our continued growth and success.”

Malone will be based at the company’s headquarters in Loveland, Colorado.

Colorado vNet Press Contact:		Phone:	970.203.3741
		Email:	pr@coloradovnet.com

Colorado vNet Teams with AMG

Colorado vNet — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 09:08:10 GMT

Loveland, CO - Colorado vNet has announced that it is partnering with Ann Arbor, MI-based All Media Guide (AMG) and the Allmusic website (www.allmusic.com) to provide metadata for their highly acclaimed Vibe system.

The strategic alliance between AMG and Colorado vNet will provide Vibe owners with the most comprehensive, up-to-date database of metadata on recordings, from popular to rare and obscure, including artist, song, album, genre and related information, as well as cover art and other content. The information will be stored and updated on Colorado vNet’s Vibe Audio Server, and displayed on any connected Vibe Audio Touchscreen.

“AMG is, without a doubt, the industry’s leading technology and content database provider,” remarked Colorado vNet CEO Bill Beierwaltes. “By partnering with AMG, Colorado vNet can offer our Vibe owners the most comprehensive and up-to-date database of metadata available. For a product as revolutionary as Vibe, there’s no better choice of data resource.”

About All Media Guide

All Media Guide, based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is the leading authority on music, movies and games. Since 1991, the company has provided comprehensive content and technologies to support the physical and digital distribution of entertainment media. With thousands of musicologists, film historians, and game specialists contributing over the years, AMG has created the industry's cleanest, most in-depth database of information and original editorial content. AMG content and technologies are licensed by leading consumer electronics manufacturers, retailers, and Internet sites. Visit AMG at www.allmusic.com, www.allmovie.com and www.allgame.com

Colorado vNet Press Contact:		Phone:	970.203.3741
		Email:	pr@coloradovnet.com