Johnson Controls' HomeLink Wireless Control System Boasts New Compatibility With Black & Decker's Home Automation Products
New freewire Wireless Home Control System Brings High-Tech Convenience To Consumers
DETROIT, Jan. 6 -- The HomeLink(R) Wireless Control System from automotive interior supplier Johnson Controls continues to flourish through new business relationships and added value for consumers. The latest development is a new compatible partner relationship with Black & Decker Corporation , and product compatibility between HomeLink and the Maryland-based company's new freewire(TM) wireless home control system.
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Johnson Controls' HomeLink, which is installed in millions of cars, trucks and minivans is compatible with freewire. The HomeLink keypad in these vehicles is programmed to work with the freewire range of home automation products -- indoor and outdoor lighting, entry door locks and other small appliances can be operated from the vehicle.
Black & Decker is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of power tools and accessories, hardware and home improvement products, and technology- based fastening systems. The company began selling its freewire product in December 2003.
freewire is an intelligent system that uses PLC (power line control) technology and radio frequencies to control lights, small electronics, monitoring cameras, and door locks all from one place -- the palm of your hand. The freewire remote control is used to program HomeLink to provide the same functionality from your vehicle.
freewire is affordable, can be set up in minutes and provides a new level of convenience for homeowners.
The freewire system transmits electrical signals through the existing power lines in a home. With freewire, a homeowner can turn downstairs lights on without getting out of bed, light a path prior to taking it, see who is at the front door via a living room television, and even set mood lighting at the touch of a button.
freewire is available in seven different product combination packages -- depending on the level of automation desired -- and ranges in cost from $34.99 to $139.99.
"Johnson Controls is pleased to join with Black & Decker to offer consumers added convenience and security by making its HomeLink product compatible with the new freewire wireless home control system," said Jim Geschke, vice president and general manager of electronics integration for the Automotive Group of Johnson Controls. "This is another product that works in tandem with HomeLink, and provides greater value and functionality for consumers."
Integrated into a vehicle's overhead console, sun visor or rear-view mirror, the HomeLink system continues to grow in popularity with auto dealers and consumers because of its security, efficiency and convenience features. It can be used to remotely operate garage doors, estate gates, locks, home security and lighting systems, and other convenience and safety devices.
HomeLink is available on 187 models from major automakers for model-year 2004. The system debuted in 1995, and is included on 24 million vehicles on the road today throughout the world. In 2003, more than 5 million HomeLink units were sold.
Johnson Controls has established a number of strategic relationships to ensure that HomeLink is compatible with many home safety and convenience products, including Black & Decker's freewire system. The product lines and their manufacturers include:
-- Advanced technology: Microchip.
-- Entry door locks: Kwikset and Weiser Lock;
-- Gate operators: Chamberlain, Link, SentexSystems and Stanley;
-- Home security systems: Linear;
-- Home lighting and automation products: Black & Decker, Leviton,
Lutron, Radio Shack and X-10; and
-- Garage door openers: Allstar, Chamberlain, Genie, Hormann, Lift-
master, Marantec, Overhead Door, Sears Craftsman, Stanley and Wayne
Dalton;
The HomeLink system will be featured in Johnson Controls' product and technology exhibit in room D2-15 of Detroit's Cobo Center during media days at the 2004 North American International Auto Show.
In November 2003, Johnson Controls established an agreement with Black & Decker to supply products for its automotive Railport(TM) Vehicle Personalization System. The first products to be provided under the arrangement will be a dual miniature SnakeLight(R) cordless flashlight and a 75-watt DC to AC power inverter. Integrated into a vehicle's overhead system, the Railport system features flexible docking technology that provides for the attachment of a variety of modular devices, including Johnson Controls' AutoVision(R) DVD family grade entertainment system, video displays, remote- control devices, storage products, small tool kits and first-aid kits.
Johnson Controls is a global market leader in automotive systems and facility management and control. In the automotive market, it is a major supplier of integrated seating and interior systems, and batteries. For non- residential facilities, Johnson Controls provides control systems and services, including comfort, energy and security management. Johnson Controls , founded in 1885, has headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (U.S.A.).
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NOTE TO EDITORS: Photos of Johnson Controls' HomeLink(R) Wireless Control System and Black & Decker's freewire(TM) wireless control system are available from Heidi Parent at (734) 254-6220. For access to other Johnson Controls news releases and additional company information, visit the company's site on the World Wide Web at http://www.johnsoncontrols.com .