New freewire Wireless Home Control System Brings High-Tech Convenience To
Consumers
DETROIT, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- The HomeLink(R) Wireless Control System
from automotive interior supplier Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) 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 (NYSE: BDK), and product compatibility between HomeLink and
the Maryland-based company's new freewire(TM) wireless home control system.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030423/JCILOGO )
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
(NYSE: JCI), founded in 1885, has headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
(U.S.A.).
SOURCE Johnson Controls
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Related links:
http://www.johnsoncontrols.com
http://www.naias.com
Photo Notes:
NewsCom:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030423/JCILOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk, +1-888-776-6555 or +1-212-782-2840
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/473547.html
CONTACT:
Debra Lacey of Johnson Controls,
+1-734-254-5735, or David Olsen of Black & Decker,
+1-410-531-6975
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 .
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