News

5/9/2003

ELAN Announces Debut of New VIA!2 Wireless Touch Panel and Server Station

Next Generation of Award-Winning VIA!, the Affordable VIA!2, Provides Most Requested Features From Original Model in New Compact, Sleek, Unplugged Version

ELAN Home Systems today announced the companyās plans to release its eagerly awaited new VIA!2 Wireless Touch Panel in the first quarter of 2004. Featuring wireless convenience, affordability, and tried and true VIA! features, such as ease of use and setup, the new VIA!2 allows users to roam about the home while controlling what they want from wherever they want. ELAN's VIA!2 Wireless Touch Panel will make its trade debut at CEDIA 2003, and will begin shipping in the first quarter of 2004. The VIA!2 will carry a suggested retail price of $3,500 -- which also includes both the VIA!2 Server and Docking Stations, making it one of the most affordable wireless control solutions available today.

Featuring the latest in innovative design and utilizing 802.11b wireless transmission method, VIA!2 represents the next generation in ELANās VIA! line of control products. Ideal for bedrooms, home theaters, kitchens, entertainment areas, and any areas in the home where freedom of movement while controlling the home system is desired, VIA!2 continues in the tradition of the original VIA!, providing elegant one-touch, intuitive access to home electronics at a very affordable price point.

VIA!2 can control whole house audio, home theater, security, temperature, lighting, drapes, and more, and is plug and play compatible with ELANās VIP industry-leading products. In addition, VIA!2 can interface "out of the box" with all ELAN core A/V systems, such as System12 and many ELAN components, such as the new DTNR Digital Dual Tuner and the VIA!dj Digital Music Server. At less than 2 inches thick with a 7.8 inch screen size, the new VIA!2 Wireless Touch Panel is compact, sports an ultra-sleek look, and features a high-resolution LCD touch screen. In addition, VIA!2's intuitive, user-friendly graphics feature large, easy to read buttons and user interface screens.

In regard to the announcement Bob Farinelli, President and Chief Technical Officer of ELAN Home Systems said, "An untetheredā VIA! control panel has been one of our most requested next generation products since the launch and ensuing success of our original VIA!. VIA!2 benefits from all of the positive feedback we have received from our Dealers and end Customers. Many core VIA! features, such as ease of use and programming, remain intact in VIA!2. Plus, we have pushed the product line a giant leap further through the addition of the latest in wireless networking technology. Delivering feature-rich products that are flexible enough to be configured to fit the specific needs and budgets of all our Customers is our mantra. The VIA!2 is in step with this philosophy."

Thanks to ELANās VIA!TOOLS, the Windows-based programming software that works with the original VIA! and now the VIA!2, setup takes just hours ö rather than days, as many control solutions require. VIA!TOOLS uses very simple point-and-click methods to automatically setup the VIA!2 and the products that it is going to control. Dealers can easily customize the way the screens look from a library of custom looks or "motifs" ELAN has created. The software saves common codes that can be used on other projects, and features reusable templates for panel configurations that the Dealer commonly sells, saving Dealers valuable time and money every time they sell VIA!2 as their control solution. Customers benefit with faster installation, easier-to-use products, and reduced service calls.

As with the original model, multiple VIA!2 touch panels may be used in the same system through the VIA!2 Server Station. Customers who already own a VIA! may also seamlessly incorporate a VIA!2 into the same home system, adding a wireless panel in any location they desire. VIA!2 uses a transmission method of 802.11b, which allows for up to approximately 150 feet between a wireless panel and its access point.

VIA!2 comes complete with the VIA!2 Docking Station for use when the touch panel is "at rest" and for recharging the batteries. Once charged, the system boasts long life with approximately 670 hours in hibernate mode, 24 hours in standby, or 6 hours in full operation. The VIA!2 Server Station, which translates the VIA!2 commands into IR or RS-232 commands for controlling other devices in the home, is also included as part of the package, making this a truly affordable solution. As a complete remote controlā with both IR and RS-232 interfaces the VIA!2 package is the perfect, all encompassing solution for whole-house control, to run a home theater, and/or as a single room application.

"We are excited to offer a product that, hands down, is one of the most requested pieces in the specialty market today," remarked Paul Starkey, ELANās Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "Consumers are demanding electronics that fit into their homes easily, yet they are looking for more easy-to-use features and the best price possible. VIA!2 answers on these fronts. Itās simple-to-use, offers a slim design with excellent control options, and is truly affordable. In addition, we aim to simplify our Dealersā lives and add to their bottom line. Part of the success of our VIA! is that it has been proven to save Dealers time, money and the hassle associated with programming and installing advanced systems. Because VIA!2 uses the same ELAN Dealer perfected VIA!TOOLS setup software, those already trained on VIA!TOOLS, will not have to spend time to master new software to program our new wireless VIA!2 model. Itās truly a win-win for all."

www.elanhomesystems.com.