Leviton And Monster�Cable Ride The Z-Wave Strategic Partnership To Bring Wireless Home Lighting Control Technology To Homes Across America

April 20, 2006

Leviton Manufacturing Company, the leader in electrical and electronic wiring devices and diversified connectivity applications, and Monster� Cable, the world largest manufacturer of connection products and accessories for audio and video products, announced today a strategic alliance to bring wireless lighting control technology to homes across America. Built by Leviton and marketed under the Monster IlluminEssence� brand name, the line of wireless remote control lighting products will be available through select consumer electronic stores nationwide as part of the Monster Cable�s Central Lighting Systems product offering. The new IlluminEssence wireless radio frequency (RF) lighting control products will use Z-Wave technology to provide homeowners with programmable lighting levels that can store multiple lighting scenes and recall them at the touch of a button. The system is the first affordable remote lighting control system specifically targeted for residential applications. "We are pleased to partner with Monster to offer consumers an easy-to-install, set-up and easy-to-operate lighting control system that overcomes the performance issues and high cost of earlier generations of wireless home control systems. Today a homeowner can walk into his electronics store of choice and purchase a sophisticated, easy-to-operate wireless lighting control system he can install, program and set up himself to meet his whole-house lighting control needs," said Christopher Doveala, Vice President and General Manager of Leviton�s OEM Division. IlluminEssence RF-based wireless lighting control devices can be installed as a single, stand-alone lighting control network or as part of a larger "intelligent" network of controls for HVAC, access control, intruder and fire detection, appliance control and other home systems. The devices includes digital switches and dimmers, along with a full-function scene controller, zone-controller, appliance and lamp modules and remote control. System controllers send command signals to the other devices on the lighting control network (i.e., switches, dimmers, lamp or appliance modules.) Should an obstacle block the signal anywhere in the home, the signal is automatically re-rerouted along an alternate path to ensure it reaches the controlled device. Monster�s ControlNet Z-Wave self-adjusting communications topology gives IlluminEssence unparalleled performance and reliability. Up to 232 devices can be used in this flexible, expandable wireless network. "We're very excited to announce this new alliance," said Noel Lee, The Head Monster. "Leviton is a venerable 100 year old company that has been in lighting controls since the dawn of the electrical era. Safety, durability, track record, compliancy with regulatory agencies, high quality standards and proven reliability in the field are the most compelling reasons why Monster is partnering with Leviton. Our customers can rest assured that the high voltage products will perform admirably and that IlluminEssence lighting products are backed with high quality standards and the expertise for which Leviton is known."

Read More: