Crestron Introduces airConnect™ at CEDIA EXPO 2012

Sep 06, 2012

Enables customers to activate personal room settings from their smart devices

Crestron is bringing new meaning to the term "personal space" with the introduction of its airConnect™ technology, which will be demonstrated for the first time at CEDIA EXPO 2012.

Based on Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, airConnect enables Crestron customers to trigger personal settings on a room-by-room basis for lighting, temperature, shades, entertainment systems or any other devices connected to the control system when their smart phone is in proximity of the specially programmed NFC tag. The paper-thin tags, approximately one square-inch in size, can easily be embedded in convenient and multiple locations, such as behind wall keypads and faceplates.

Near Field Communication is a form of contactless communication between devices like smartphones or tablets. Contactless communication allows a user to use their smart device in close proximity of a NFC tag to send information without needing to touch the devices together or go through multiple steps setting up a connection.

Crestron airConnect also makes it possible to instantaneously know who a user is, where they are, the device they are interacting with, and take automatic action accordingly, opening up a wide array of options in personalized control that were not previously feasible. Homeowners can trigger personalized control settings, including music presets, lighting levels, room temperature, shade positions, and more, when their smart device is within proximity of the NFC tag.

"With minimal additional programming and simple modifications to current procedures, Crestron integrators will be able to personalize control based on the NFC technology," said Fred Bargetzi, Crestron VP of Technology. "For existing customers, implementing airConnect requires no system reprogramming, just programming of the NFC tags, which can be done in minutes. And homeowners will be able to easily program their own settings on their smart devices."

Many Android™ smart devices are currently NFC-enabled. Crestron will add iPhone® and iPad® support as soon as Apple® enables these devices for NFC.

"airConnect introduces a level of personalization that users could only dream of before," said Sean Goldstein, Crestron VP of Marketing. "It enables the Crestron control system to recognize who you are and instantly activate your preferences, all by simply walking near a NFC tag with your smart device."

To see airConnect technology live, visit CEDIA EXPO, booth #4324 at the Indiana Convention Center, September 6-8.

For live updates at CEDIA EXPO, visit www.crestron.com/cedianews.

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About Crestron

For more than 40 years Crestron has been the world's leading manufacturer of advanced control and automation systems, innovating technology and reinventing the way people live and work. Providing integrated solutions to control audio, video, lighting, computer, IP and environmental systems, Crestron streamlines technology, improving the quality of life for people in corporate conference rooms, hotels, classrooms, auditoriums, and in their homes. Crestron's leadership stems from its dedicated people who are committed to providing the best products, programs and services in the industry. In addition to its World Headquarters in Rockleigh, New Jersey, Crestron has sales and support offices throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia, Latin America and Australia. Discover the world of Crestron by visiting www.crestron.com.

Crestron, the Crestron logo, and airConnect are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Crestron Electronics, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Apple, iPad, and iPhone are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Facebook is either a trademark or registered trademark of Facebook Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Android is either a trademark or registered trademark of Google, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Twitter is either a trademark or registered trademark of Twitter Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Other trademarks, registered trademarks, and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Crestron disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others.

©2012 Crestron Electronics, Inc.

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