New Legrand Intuity Home Automation Platform Targets Production Builders
Legrand’s new home automation platform supports On-Q IP cameras, video door entry, intercom, lighting control and multiroom audio as well as various third-party security, door locks and smart thermostats.
Legrand has introduced Intuity, a new home automation platform targeted at production homebuilders and custom installers with an affordable, modular whole-house control solution that starts as low as $1,389. The system also comes with a support system from Legrand that includes on-site training for builders and integrators, as well as leave-behind support literature for homeowners.
“Homeowners today expect connectivity and control in new homes,” says Fritz Werder, vice president and general manager for the company’s On-Q and NuVo lines. “Most new homebuyers are making home automation a priority. Intuity gives builders a unique, easy-to-install platform that meets buyer expectations without delaying the building process.”
According to Werder, the company’s intention was to provide homebuilders with a modular, easy-to-sell home ecosystem that would support buyers’ most-requested home technologies. Intuity accomplishes this in two ways:
1. By supporting Legrand’s own subsystems, including its On-Q IP cameras, video door entry and intercom, its RFLC lighting systems, and its On-Q multi-room digital audio system that supports networked content and many popular online streaming services.
2. By integrating with third-party, Legrand-approved Z-Wave components, including HVAC thermostats from Honeywell and Trane, digital door locks from Kwikset and Yale, and home security systems from Honeywell and GE/Interlogix.
Intuity is controlled via an app-based user interface control app, downloadable from the Apple Store. The UI allows users to operate all aspects of their Intuity system from an iOS mobile device or from Intuity’s wall-mounted Command Center, which houses an iPad mini, as well as incorporating both an intercom station and a zone of digital audio. The same UI is also available from any laptop or desktop computer, so users have a consistent experience.
Modular, Enclosure-Based System
To simplify both installation and scalability for builders, Intuity includes modular components that are housed inside a structured wiring enclosure. The system’s brain is its HA7000 Automation Controller, which in addition to providing basic Internet connectivity also directly supports Legrand subsystems, such as digital audio, intercom, and IP security cameras. All these subsystem modules mount inside the enclosure and plug directly into the Central Control Module.
The platform also supports both Legrand and third-party wireless subsystems through a pair of wireless bridge modules that connect to the system enclosure via category cable for power, but otherwise communicate with both the Central Control Module and the individual subsystem, such as RFLC lighting control, thermostats, door locks and security, wirelessly.
A basic Intuity foundation package (MSRP of $1,389) would include the Central Control module (HA7000), one in-wall Command Center (HA7110) that includes an intercom and a zone of digital audio, a Power Supply (PW7760), both an RFLC Bridge (HA7020) and a Z-Wave Bridge (HA7040) for controlling wireless components, a Bridge Power Module (PW1013), and an enclosure (EN2800) to house the components.
Intuity is available for orders starting June 23 and will ship in July.
According to Desiree Webster, marketing and communications manager for NuVo and On-Q, the system is designed to be offered by builders as either a standard or an upgrade option. She says the target home is 2,000- to 3,500-square-foot residence.
There are no monthly fees for builders or homeowners with the systems; however, if it is controlling a Honeywell Vista or Interlogix Concord security system with alarm response, there is an opportunity for dealers to earn recurring monthly revenue from Intuity.
As mentioned previously, Legrand is also rolling out a support program for builders with Intuity. That will include a suite of sales and merchandising tools to help simplify the selling process, demonstration products for installation in model homes, videos of Intuity in use, sales training to help builders present the lifestyle advantages of home automation, brochures and other consumer support materials for distribution in the model homes and design centers, and a sleek, consumer demo app which takes potential buyers on a virtual tour of a home outfitted with Intuity.
The “Virtual 360” app allows builders, integrators and homeowers to “test” a mock system and control various home functions, including “blowing up” speakers and other components to get a closeup view.
“The app is the foundation of the support program,” comments Webster. The company is also dedicating regional representatives to work with each builder to assess and implement a program to meet their needs, which will include an extended warranty option that Legrand will roll out later this year.
With all the support in place, Werder hopes Intuity will ease builders into the “new, unchartered waters” of home technology.
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About the Author
Jason Knott
Jason Knott is Chief Content Officer for Emerald Expositions Connected Brands. Jason has covered low-voltage electronics as an editor since 1990, serving as editor and publisher of Security Sales & Integration. He joined CE Pro in 2000 and serves as Editor-in-Chief of that brand. He served as chairman of the Security Industry Association’s Education Committee from 2000-2004 and sat on the board of that association from 1998-2002. He is also a former board member of the Alarm Industry Research and Educational Foundation. He has been a member of the CEDIA Business Working Group since 2010. Jason graduated from the University of Southern California. Have a suggestion or a topic you want to read more about? Email Jason at [email protected]
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