Spotlight On Control4

Control4
Salt Lake City, UT

Control4 was the first home automation company to develop a complete product line featuring ZigBee to transmit control information using RF communication between devices in the system.

Control4's ZigBee (IEEE 802.15.4) wireless devices include in-wall switches and dimmers, outlet switches and dimmers, 2-, 3-, & 6 button keypads, LCD keypad, system handheld remotes, thermostat, and I/O extender. All Home Controller models are capable of functioning as the ZigBee Server in the system configuration.

Control4 also makes use of wired and wireless Ethernet communications for an architecture completely based on standard communications protocols. In addition to the Home Controllers, Control4 also provides 4"& 7" Touch Screens in wall-mounted or desktop enclosures, 4 & 8 Zone Multi-Channel Amplifiers, 16 port Audio Matrix Switch, Dock for iPod, Speaker Point, and Multi-Tuner w/XM option, all using Ethernet for for control and digital audio streaming. The 4Sight service allows homeowners to remotely control all non-entertainment devices over the web. The mobile navigator license allows iPhone/iPod/iPad devices to control the system with the same on-screen navigator interface available on TVs and Touch Screens. By July 2010 the new OS 2.0 software release will enable the new 4Store feature, an iTunes-like app store.

The end result is a product line enabling Dealers to configure home entertainment and automation systems starting around $1k installed up $50k depending on the degree of automation desired. The top end of the range would represent a 4000-5000 sq ft complete smart home with component video and stereo audio distribution throughout, a 200-400 Blu-Ray DVD changer, all lights and thermostats automated, some level of automated window coverings and a home digital media server.

Company Information
Company Website In
Business
Since
Product Lines US Installed Base Installed System Price Sales Model
control4.com 2003 Control4
Sony(limited)
>100k $1k-$50k Dealer
Only
Product Characteristics
Windows Media Center # 3rd Party
Subsystems
Supported
# Keypads # Touch Screens PC-based? iPhone App?
Supported >100 >1-4 5-10 No Native
Sub-Systems Sold
Lighting/Climate Servers Intercoms Multiroom
Audio
Video
Switchers
Security
Yes/Yes Yes No Yes Yes No

Product Reviews
Home Controller HC-300
Home Controller HC-200
7" Wall Mount Touch Screen
7" Portable WiFi Touch Screen
Wireless Thermostat
Wireless 3-Button Keypad
Wireless In-Wall Dimmer/Switch

Last Updated: 4/20/2010