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The 2024 Innovation Award Winners

Residential Tech Today magazine has named the winners of the fourth annual 2024 ResTech Innovation Awards. Formerly known as the Residential Tech Today Innovation Awards, this year’s ResTech Innovation Awards redefine industry standards, emphasizing the transformative power of product innovation in the residential technology channel.

ML2 Smart Mortise Lock

This innovation is ideal for property managers and homeowners looking to enhance security and convenience while preserving the integrity of existing door setups.

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Alfred ML2 Smart Mortise Lock

The Alfred ML2 Smart Mortise Lock addresses a key challenge in upgrading traditional mortise locks to smart locks, which typically required costly and time-consuming modifications. With its patented retrofit design, the ML2 seamlessly replaces nearly all North American mortise locks without re-keying or major adjustments, making it an ideal solution for property managers and homeowners seeking enhanced security and convenience while maintaining existing door setups.

The ML2 offers advanced security features, including robust encryption and tamper-proof technology, ensuring maximum protection. It supports multiple smart home protocols—Bluetooth, Z-Wave, Zigbee, and Wi-Fi—offering users unparalleled flexibility. Its Wi-Charge Ready feature, a unique wireless power solution, eliminates the need for battery replacements, making the ML2 maintenance-free and setting it apart from other smart locks on the market.

Designed with a sleek and intuitive interface, the ML2 integrates with voice control systems like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, offering a versatile and user-friendly experience. It’s particularly beneficial for multi-unit residential properties, rental markets, and older buildings where traditional mortise locks are still prevalent. The ML2’s combination of easy installation, advanced security, and smart home connectivity positions it as a game-changer in the smart lock industry, catering to a diverse audience of homeowners, property managers, and developers looking for a modern, secure, and easy-to-install solution.

Learn more: https://alfredinc.com/products/ml2

Ace AH700 Golf Sim Projector

At the touch of a button, the projector’s motorized lens, advanced sensors, and other automation tools handle zoom, tilt correction, and focus adjustments to deliver a perfect image.

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BenQ Ace AH700 Golf Sim Projector

The BenQ Ace AH700 Golf Sim Projector is the first to ever to automate the setup and installation adjustments for a projector. Traditional setups require manual adjustments and are especially complicated for anyone using a non-native aspect ratio screen such as a 4:3 or 1:1. The BenQ Ace AH700 Golf Sim Projector changes this by using intelligent technology to recognize the size and shape of the screen and adjust the picture automatically.

At the touch of a button, the projector’s motorized lens, advanced sensors, and other automation tools handle zoom, tilt correction, and focus adjustments to deliver a perfect image. This makes high-quality golf simulation accessible to a wider audience, including those less technically skilled. The BenQ Ace's price point of $1,899 further extends its appeal to both casual and serious golfers, providing an affordable, professional-grade solution.

Learn more: https://www.benq.com

Crestron Home OS

Crestron Home OS 4 reduces cost and time for the dealers by cutting down programming time, allowing them to focus on more projects in a shorter amount of time.

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Crestron Home OS

Crestron Home OS 4 reduces cost and time for the dealers by cutting down programming time, allowing them to focus on more projects in a shorter amount of time. Cutting down the time spent on each individual project opens up the doors to new business opportunities and even more revenue potential. For more awareness, the new in-app branding feature also allows dealers to add their logo to the Crestron Home UX. That means more awareness and visibility for a dealer’s brand as it is visible to any guests or visitors who may interact with a client’s system, opening the door for new business.

New smart home conditional sequences introduce the ability to create “if-then, when” statements to the automation process to further personalize scenarios and create dynamic experiences that perfectly flow to match the lifestyle of those in the home. The addition of powerful conditional logic gives dealers the ability to create complex and nuanced automation scenarios with a defined set of conditions that must be met before an action is triggered.

For the dealers, this means easier and more efficient automation configuration alongside far more customization options for their customers. This streamlines the programming process and minimizes the amount of site calls a dealer may encounter by integrating scheduled automations up front without return visits.

Learn more: https://www.crestron.com

Artafex Line

The True Spectrum technology for all Artafex line modules considers the TM-30 system of measurement, which studies 99 variations of color that aren’t typically represented in CRI to provide industry-leading color rendering and richness.

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DMF Lighting Artafex Line

The True Spectrum technology for all Artafex line modules goes beyond the eight color samples that traditional CRI (Color Rendering Index) takes into account. True Spectrum considers the TM-30 system of measurement which studies 99 variations of color that aren't typically represented in CRI to provide industry-leading color rendering and richness. Now the artwork and finishes that were so carefully selected in the home will be able to reach their full potential beauty.

The 2” Artafex modules feature new cross-beam TIR optics that are designed with two main features: light rays are focused at the trim opening and then diverge to cover the room. The center of the optic is recessed to reduce glare and moving the focal area near the ceiling allows most of the light rays to pass through the small aperture of a pinhole trim. This produces both high efficacy, maximum light output, and minimum clipping of the light.

The new optics provide proper flood or ambient lighting and minimal glare for a comfortable living space, even with traditionally challenging pinhole trims. Artafex premium trims are offered in Micro Flange and Flangeless options. They feature premium materials, finishes, and performance.

The brass trims are machined from solid blocks of brass 360 billet and in addition to providing a beautiful aesthetic, they also reduce glare. Artafex flangeless housing has been designed to simplify the flangeless mudding process dramatically. The dedicated flangeless housings can be installed using conventional drywall taping techniques to achieve a Level 5 finish.

Learn more: https://dmfluxury.com/product/artafex-2/

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QL7000 4K HDR High-Lumen 3LCD Laser Projector

This projector was developed specifically for creating immersive big-screen entertainment experiences with an unprecedented level of picture brightness, color, and detail, producing 4K HDR picture up to 300”.

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Epson QL7000 4K HDR High-Lumen 3LCD Laser Projector

This projector was developed specifically for creating immersive big-screen entertainment experiences with an unprecedented level of picture brightness, color, and detail, producing 4K HDR picture up to 300”. Its color brightness of up to 10,000 lumens and up to 10,000 lumens of white brightness is ideal for today’s active multi-purpose and dedicated entertainment spaces.

The QL7000 combines proprietary 4K Display Technology with HDR10 and 3-chip 3LCD, thermal-controlled and Double Micro-Lens Array technologies to produce a full 8.29 million pixels onscreen, resulting in a picture with stunning clarity and color brightness. Featuring a 20,000-hour solid-state light source with an advanced vapor-cooled thermal transfer heat sink design, the projector runs cool, is virtually maintenance-free — providing instant Power-On with no bulb replacement — and runs quietly.

In addition, to design an optimal projection solution for virtually any application, the QL7000 comes as “Body Only,” giving the option to use the entire family of high-precision Epson lenses, including short, medium, and long throw capable lenses to maximize the installation flexibility for any room size. Available in matte black or pearlescent white color styles, the innovative, unconventional projector form factor is a welcome departure from functional, utilitarian projector designs. Interior designers can integrate the QL7000 to elegantly complement modern contemporary luxury home interiors. Plus, it is also compatible with Control 4, Crestron and other control systems, making it easy to add into new or existing smart home automations.

Learn more: https://epson.com

Aria Soft Blinds with PowerView Automation

Aria Soft Blinds can achieve a range of light filtering and dimming to modify any lighting condition, offering homeowners convenient control over incoming sunlight.

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Hunter Douglas Aria Soft Blinds with PowerView Automation

Aria Soft Blinds can achieve a range of light filtering and dimming to modify any lighting condition, offering homeowners convenient control over incoming sunlight. Embodying the look of the classic Venetian style, Aria Soft Blinds feature ellipse-shaped vanes made of semi-opaque, soft fabric and special films that enable dual-opacity capabilities.

A clear film layer inside the nonwoven vanes helps filter light through, while a darker film layer partially covers one side of each vane to support a dimming effect. Tilting the slats down will face the darker insert toward the window, allowing some light in for gentle dimming; tilting the slats up will face the darker insert toward the room, blocking more light for a dimmer atmosphere.

The soft fabric is lightweight, allowing for broader spacing between each slat that increases view-through when the shades are open. When the shades are closed, the slats lay tighter than wooden or plastic blinds, providing a cleaner look. Control of Aria Soft Blinds can be simplified with PowerView Automation which enables users to schedule the shades to open, close, or tilt in sync with sleep schedules, sunrise and sunset, and unique lifestyles.

Learn more: https://www.hunterdouglas.com/smart-automation

Strato V

The lower cost of entry makes Strato V the perfect option for integrators to introduce customers to Kaleidescape, as it reduces friction in the initial sale.

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Kaleidescape Strato V

The lower cost of entry makes Strato V the perfect option for integrators to introduce customers to Kaleidescape, as it reduces friction in the initial sale. Because of Strato V’s scalability, integrators can easily add additional Terra Prime movie servers and Strato V movie players to scale to the needs and desires of the customer.

As a standalone system, Strato V is a single playback zone and stores approximately 10 reference 4K movies on an internal, solid-state drive. It features a new streamlined interface, optimized for navigating a small movie library. Strato V can download a Kaleidescape 4K movie in as little as 10 minutes over Gigabit Ethernet, during movie playback, without sacrificing performance. Downloads become a candidate for automatic deletion 48 hours after playback, making room for more movies.

Storage may be added to Strato V by grouping it with Terra Prime movie servers. This returns Strato V’s interface to the full Kaleidescape experience. Any number of Strato V movie players can be grouped with one or more new or existing Terra movie servers, scaling to the needs of the installation. Strato V integrates new electronics and grounding topology. The addition of player-side lossless decode for high bitrate audio codecs provides flexibility to maximize sound quality with a range of downstream components.

Learn more: https://www.kaleidescape.com/strato-v-movie-player/

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Lock+ Connect Pro Pack

Through seamless integration directly into the existing door, Level has meticulously crafted a discreet smart lock solution that perfectly combines security and style.

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Level Lock+ Connect Pro Pack

The invisible nature of the Level Lock+ is perhaps its most compelling feature. Through seamless integration directly into the existing door, Level has meticulously crafted a discreet smart lock solution that perfectly combines security and style.

Available in a variety of sophisticated finishes, to the untrained eye the Level Lock+ appears on the door as a standard lock yet, when installed concealed within the door it provides all the expected capabilities of an advanced connected lock, and more. The clean design coupled with the high-end materials of the Level Lock+ Connect and supporting accessories ensure the solution blends with the aesthetics of the home it is installed within, appealing to technology adopters and design-conscious clients alike.

The Level Lock+ Connect Pro Pack includes the Level Lock+, the Level Connect Wi-Fi bridge, two keys, and two key fobs. In addition to the essential hardware pieces, thin door spacers, high-end plastic bezels, extra batteries, an extended three-year warranty and comprehensive installation guide template are all provided to professional installers to support a foolproof installation and clean finish. Lastly, robust connectivity and access options including Bluetooth, Apple Home Key compatibility, and Wi-Fi via the Level Connect to enable remote access, helps professional installers diversify their portfolio with a high-quality offering that embodies simple convenience.

Learn more: https://level.co/trade-professionals/

D2 Recessed Downlight

As the market shifts to designs featuring “quiet ceilings,” Lutron’s new D2 downlight sets the bar for lighting performance with exceptional quality of light in an all-new 2″ aperture.

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Lutron D2 Recessed Downlight

As the market shifts to designs featuring "quiet ceilings," Lutron’s new D2 downlight sets the bar for lighting performance with exceptional quality of light in an all-new 2" aperture. Two D2 models — Ketra D2 and Rania D2 — offer dynamic lighting that harmoniously brings the outdoors in with the smallest and most flexible downlight available.

All D2 fixtures emphasized architectural aesthetics with a variety of trims and colors, complemented by ultra-slim housings to maximize ceiling height. They are controlled wirelessly, reducing installation time and minimizing the need for panel space.

Ketra D2 delivers an elevated level of precision that perfectly replicates natural light across a wide spectrum and a broad range of color temperatures. Its ability to faithfully self-correct allows the light source to maintain that exact light output over its lifetime.

The Ketra fixture offers an intuitive hot aiming system, unparalleled flexibility, and freedom of design. Rania D2 introduces a breakthrough, three-channel emitter that produces exceptional white light — from the familiar warmth of incandescent light to midday sun and moonlight glow — all in a single light engine. Together, these fixtures deliver innovative lighting experiences to homeowners and transform residential spaces with the highest-quality light.

Learn more: https://luxury.lutron.com/us/en/ketra-d2-downlight

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XDR

The XDR Pro Cinema Video Wall is custom designed, engineered and calibrated from the ground up to meet the precise viewing requirements and environmental conditions of diverse luxury home settings.

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Quantum Media XDR

The XDR Pro Cinema Video Wall is custom designed, engineered and calibrated from the ground up to meet the precise viewing requirements and environmental conditions of diverse luxury home settings. Featuring and supporting advanced technologies such as HDMI 2.1, 120Hz refresh rate, 100% of the P3 color space, up to 8K resolution, and multi-image processing, the XDR Pro Cinema Video Wall is a highly versatile large-scale LED display capable of producing exceptionally realistic, bright, and detailed images from any variety of sources. This includes first-run movies from the exclusive Bel Air Circuit, as well as content from other sources and AV components.

The XDR Pro Cinema Video Wall alters the dimension of its viewing surface automatically to the most appropriate format based on the content selected, be it 2.39:1 Cinemascope, 2.0:1, 1.85:1, or 16:9 4K HD.

With a total build-out depth of just four inches, the XDR Pro Cinema Video Wall integrates seamlessly into any space, making it look like a natural extension of the wall rather than a bulky piece of technology. This space-saving design allows for greater flexibility in room layout and seating arrangements, enhancing the overall aesthetics and comfort of the viewing space. For system integrators, the XDR Pro Cinema Video Wall offers many compelling selling points for high-end clientele. Its integration with the Bel Air Circuit, compliance with the latest industry standards, and interoperability with third-party control systems set it apart from other large-format displays on the market, providing installers with a unique offering to meet the demands of discerning customers.

Learn more: https://www.quantummediasystems.com/

The Frame

New this year is energy efficiency and Pantone Art Validated Colors, so that every piece of artwork appears more natural and realistic.

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Samsung – The Frame

In 2024, Samsung introduced several enhancements to The Frame to make it even easier for you to bring the experience of a gallery right into a home. New this year is Pantone Art Validated Colors, so that every piece of artwork appears more natural and. Plus, The Frame is now even more energy efficient with a new dynamic refresh rate. When enabled with Art Mode, the new (55” class and up) models can automatically reduce the refresh rate to 60Hz, so end users can display their favorite artwork for hours, while conserving energy.

The built-in Brightness and Motion Sensors automatically activates the display when someone is nearby and turn it off when motion ceases, optimizing energy use. The Frame also newly offers complimentary Art Store – Streams. It provides free access to 20 or more hand-selected artworks each month, taken directly from the full collection. That provides a sampling of the Art Store’s diverse collection and curations from professionals before subscribing.

Learn more: https://www.samsung.com/us/tvs/the-frame/highlights/

Advanced Full-Motion 4D + SHIFT Mount

This mount allows for easy TV height readjustment, either up or down, which is performed with the simple twist of the handle that can be lowered down from behind the TV.

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SANUS Advanced Full-Motion 4D + SHIFT Mount

SANUS’ SHIFT height-adjustment feature allows for easy TV height readjustment, either up or down, which is performed with the twist of the handle that can be lowered down from behind the TV for easy access, and then raised to be hidden behind the TV. The SHIFT handle can also assist with moving large TVs with ease. As large TVs may be too big to reach both sides, installers can simply grip the SHIFT handle and use it to assist with moving the TV into position.

Beneath the mount’s stylish exterior is SANUS’ ultra-strong, solid-steel frame that provides maximum support and ensures the TV is secure. With a lower profile depth than traditional full-motion mounts, this mount positions TVs closer to the wall creating a more streamlined look. Equipped with FollowThru, installers simply route cables through the arms of the TV mount for a clean, clutter-free look. Expertly engineered with FluidMotion design, it effortlessly extends, tilts, and swivels the TV regardless of its weight or thickness.

Virtual Axis reduces glare and reflections caused by lights or windows with finger-touch tilting. If the TV requires any additional leveling once installed, ProSet allows micro-adjustments while Steady Set™ ensures the TV will stay in place. With its simple and intuitive design, the VLF828-B2 ensures a clear and hassle-free installation in just three easy steps.

Learn more: https://www.sanus.com/en_US/products/tv-mounts/vlf828/

DSM-16 Dante System Manager

The DSM-16 Dante System Manager offers a unique value proposition in the residential audio market by bringing all components of a multiroom audio system onto the network.

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SoundTube Entertainment DSM-16 Dante System Manager

The DSM-16 Dante System Manager offers a unique value proposition in the residential audio market by bringing all components of a multiroom audio system onto the network.

At the heart of the DSM-16's innovation is supporting up to 16 mono or 8 stereo zones with the capability of higher channel counts for multi-channel audio or theaters. This provides unparalleled flexibility in multiroom audio throughout the home. This scalability allows homeowners to easily expand or reconfigure their audio setup without the complexities of traditional systems.

The DSM-16's intuitive browser-based interface, accessible from any web-enabled device, democratizes control over the audio system. Remote monitoring and proactive troubleshooting capabilities enable quick resolution of issues, often before the homeowner notices a problem. The simplified installation process, which doesn't require a dedicated programmer, reduces installation time and costs while ensuring high-quality setup.

When paired with SoundTube's IP-enabled PoE speakers, this integration brings unmatched flexibility with remote access for zoning and rezoning, system monitoring and troubleshooting with visibility of all components in the system. The DSM-16 becomes the centerpiece of a complete Dante-enabled networked multiroom audio system, eliminating the need for multi-zone amplifiers.

Learn more: https://soundtube.mseaudio.com/dsm-16.html

Innovative Properties Worldwide, Inc.

1750 Wewatta Street, #1821, Denver CO,  80202 | 720.476.4920

© Residential Tech Today 2022. All rights reserved.

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