Electronic Motorized Locks Backed by SmartKey™ Technology Enhance Customization Options for the "Smart" Homeowner
ORLANDO, Fla., (March 11, 2009) – Black & Decker, the innovation leader in residential security hardware, is today providing Electronic House Expo (EHX) Spring 2009 attendees highly anticipated pre-launch demonstrations of its remote and wireless home access control solutions, slated for launch later this year. These cutting-edge, one-of-a-kind electronic motorized locks – developed for interoperability with home automation and security systems – deliver a wide-range of customizable access control options. Door lock status notifications, automatic security system arming and disarming, and true remote locking and unlocking are just some of the key features that make these solutions an especially significant value-add for homeowners with security or automation systems already in place. Black & Decker's innovative new technologies will be on display at EHX in Orlando, Fla. March 11 - 14 in the Black & Decker booth (#1522F) and in the Control4 booth (#1112).
"As innovation leaders in our industry, we continually strive to make advancements in residential security and access control, especially as it relates to electronic homes," said Jason Williams, senior product manager, Black & Decker Hardware and Home Improvement.
"Over the last few years, it has become clear to us that the home security business is on the cusp of a major shift toward even greater integration between home security and home automation. This new technology from Black & Decker allows us to further develop the 'smart home' and advance the way we live and manage our busy lives."
Lock the Door, Without Ever Touching It
Black & Decker's unique, electronic motorized lock throws the bolt and provides the ability to lock and unlock doors via a remote control, Web-enabled mobile phone, security system touch panel and/or a secure Internet connection. This approach is an advancement over other "electronic" locks that require the user to manually actuate the bolt to lock or unlock the door.
"It never seems to fail; right when I settle into bed each night, my wife asks me if I've locked the doors," said Dave Albert, vice president, Brand Marketing and Business Development, Black & Decker Hardware and Home Improvement. "With these new solutions, I can simply use my radio frequency (RF)-enabled TV remote to check the status of my locks and secure my home without leaving the comfort of my bed. It's not truly remote access unless you can lock or unlock your door without touching the lock – and that's what differentiates our solutions in today's marketplace."
Lock Enables Two-Way Functionality
Black & Decker's highly-anticipated residential access control solutions feature twoway functionality where the door lock can directly control the home security and automation systems, and vice versa. Homeowners use customizable codes that will arm the home security system when the door is locked and disarm the system when the door is unlocked. Likewise, home automation systems can be configured to automatically set home lighting, music and climate controls based on the code used to unlock the door. Further enhancing user-friendliness, these products eliminate the need for hard wiring as they operate on 4 AA batteries and fit all standard door preps. Establishing the door lock as a user interface dramatically increases the security and convenience provided to the homeowner, and the customization possibilities are virtually limitless.
Revolutionary SmartKey Technology Built-In
Wireless and remote access-enabled Black & Decker locks feature SmartKey technology with BumpGuard™ protection as the key back-up. First introduced in 2007, SmartKey is the only widely available lock on the market that allows homeowners to quickly and easily re-key their lock(s) themselves without removal from the door.
Black & Decker’s Market Leading Partnerships
Black & Decker is working with market leaders in the home automation and security industries such as AMX, Control4, Crestron, DSC, Exceptional Innovation, GE Security, HAI, and iControl Networks among others, to ensure the seamless integration of upcoming residential access control solutions with the widest possible range of operating platforms.
Black & Decker is a member of both ZigBee and the Z-Wave Alliance, and will be using these along with other emerging RF protocols to communicate with home security and automation platforms. Building on the company’s rich history and market leadership in well-designed residential security hardware, these products will feature elegant and stylish finishes to match any home décor under its Baldwin® and Kwikset® brands. For more information, visit http://www.bdhhi.com/accesscontrol.
About Black & Decker Hardware and Home Improvement Group
Black & Decker Hardware and Home Improvement (BDHHI) Group is a division of Black & Decker, a leading global manufacturer and marketer of power tools, power tool accessories and security hardware. Today, the BDHHI Group includes some of the most recognizable hardware and home improvement brands in the world including Baldwin, Kwikset, Weiser Lock®, Price Pfister® and K2™ Commercial Hardware by Black & Decker.