SnapAV Unveils Control4 Chime Video Doorbell, More During Snap Pro Live
Along with major product releases, Snap Pro Live is offering training sessions, panel discussions and more during the virtual event, Oct. 13-15.
Integrators can offer the new Chime video doorbell to all customers by offering a model for new construction (PoE) with one-wire installation and retrofit (WiFi) models to existing homes when an Ethernet cable cannot be pulled.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — SnapAV announced a raft of new product releases today during Snap Pro Live, a three-day virtual event that features product and technical training, product showcases, networking events and more.
For starters, the company, based here, introduced the Control4 Chime Video Doorbell, billed as the first video doorbell solution designed to enable unprecedented automation and a higher level of integration with Control4 homes and businesses.
Available in black and satin-nickel, Chime features HD video with a 5-megapixel camera, a 180-degree field view and a built-in night mode for clear visibility at all hours of the day. It also enables two-way communications, allowing users to hear and speak at the same time.
“Video doorbells are incredibly popular, giving families the ability to see who is at the front door. But many are simply smart accessories that don’t leverage the full capabilities of a smart home to protect a family,” states Charlie Kindel, chief product and technology officer for SnapAV. “Chime marries security and automation to a level that has never been done before. Users can determine what actions they want to occur when motion is detected or the doorbell is pressed. It’s entirely customizable, transforming the doorbell’s role in the smart home to deliver the experience homeowners want.”
When integrated with Control4 OS 3, the new doorbell enables integrators to create automated actions customized to the family. Actions can happen automatically based on motion or a doorbell press, or they can be user-initiated. For example, users can see and speak with a visitor, while unlocking the door, turning on the lights inside and outside, and disarming the security system all within the Control4 app.
Advanced motion detection with five adjustable zones keeps homeowners alerted to important movements around the front door, opting to receive important video notifications when movement is detected in a specific video zone, or when the doorbell is pressed.
Integrators can offer the video doorbell to all customers by offering a model for new construction (PoE) with one-wire installation and retrofit (WiFi) models to existing homes when an Ethernet cable cannot be pulled. Chime accessories include a new-construction wall box and two 15-degree wedges (left and right) to help optimize the viewing angle. Chime is also OvrC-enabled, giving pros control to remotely monitor system status, receive notifications, and reboot devices if needed from the OvrC web or mobile app.
Following are quick looks at other product announcements:
Episode MEGA Subwoofers
SnapAV unveiled a new line of Episode MEGA Subwoofers – a family of compact, high-impact in-room subwoofers that deliver powerful bass without disturbing a room’s aesthetic. These theater-grade subs offer a contemporary design, deep, discreet bass, and are loaded with the latest features including wired and wireless line inputs, IP control, and a companion app that gives users and dealers the ability to perfect the EQ and volume settings. Episode MEGA subs include sealed enclosures for controlled, clean bass in single and dual 8”, 10”, 12” and 15” (single only) driver configurations with up to 1000 watts of power.
Episode Response Series Amplifiers
A company first, SnapAV unveiled all-new Episode Response Series DSP Amplifiers – the brand’s first IP-controlled matrix amplifiers with full DSP capabilities and preloaded presets for Signature speakers. The new amplifiers take multiroom audio to the next level, giving pros a matrix switching DSP amp to deliver incredible audio in up to eight rooms, in one convenient package. They are IP-controlled for fast, two-way setup and control with Control4 and other automation systems, and OvrC-compatible for fast remote software updates and troubleshooting. Now dealers can offer their customers a full Episode multiroom audio solution, from audio switching and amplification to speakers and subwoofers.
Control4 T4 Touchscreens
Description automatically generatedDubbed “the best touchscreens they’ve ever built,” SnapAV announced a brand-new family of Control4 T4 In-Wall and Tabletop Touchscreens. Shipping in November, the new family of touchscreens feature brighter, higher resolution screens that automatically adjust to ambient light levels, a faster processor, and upgraded microphone array and speakers. These new touchscreens are the ideal interface for the smart home or business and the perfect companion for the new Chime Video Doorbell. What’s more, dealers can enjoy fast and precise installation with high-strength magnets that snap the screens into place on the base on in the wall. Eight models of the new touchscreens are available in white or black, 10” and 8”, and in-wall or tabletop versions.
Control4 Wireless Lighting Expansion
Earlier this year, SnapAV introduced Control4 Essential Wireless Lighting to enable dealers to incorporate smart lighting into many more projects. Today, SnapAV unveiled new wireless lighting models to expand the experience. The Control4 Wireless Receptacle Outlet Switch provides an elegant, nearly invisible way to include lamps and other plug-in devices into Control4 systems. It includes one always-on outlet, and one switched outlet for on/off control of virtually every 120V lighting load and other plug-in devices. Available in nine stylish colors and finishes, built-in Zigbee allows control through Control4 interfaces, lighting scenes and programmed events.
Also new, the Control4 Wireless Outdoor Plug-In Outlet Switch is a weather-proof, plug-in switch that provides on/off control of 120V loads such as fountains, pumps and outdoor lighting. Because it plugs into a standard 120V outlet, it can be easily installed without an electrician.
Pakedge Now Available on SnapAV.com
Expanding opportunity for dealers, SnapAV has added Pakedge MS Series Ethernet switches to the SnapAV.com eComm site. The move enables SnapAV dealers to utilize the new OvrC-enabled Pakedge switches that are engineered for large, sophisticated jobs. Together, Araknis and Pakedge offer a combined portfolio of switches ranging from 5-port unmanaged options to a 44-port, Layer 3 managed switch with 10Gbps uplink ports. With this full line of switches, dealers can build small residential MoIP systems or multi-switch solutions to support even the largest commercial jobs.
Control4 OS 3 Release 3.2
Building on the success of the introduction of OS 3, SnapAV unveiled software update 3.2 with dozens of enhancements and support for new devices including the Control4 Chime Video Doorbell. New features include a ‘History’ view that allows users to see what happened in their home throughout the day—who came to the door, when were the doors unlocked, when was the security system armed, and more.
PCNA Certification
SnapAV also unveiled the newly rebranded PCNA (Professional Certified Network Administrator) Certification – an engaging, affordable certification in networking that has been expanded to accommodate Araknis. The refreshed program now comes with new hardware and is now available in two tracks: a Pakedge PCNA or Araknis PCNA track. The curriculum has also been updated to include more in-depth training. Available now to all SnapAV and Control4 dealers, pros can take the courses at their own pace in the comfort of their homes, with all networking equipment delivered to them.
To register for Snap Pro Live, go here.
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