New Speech Recognition Product Demonstrated at CEDIA EXPO Will Enable Hands-free Control for Control4 Systems
VoicePod® ZigBee™ Device from HouseLogix debuts new speech capabilities in Control4.
Indianapolis, IN – September 5, 2012 – 12:00PM EST – (Virtual Press Office) - HouseLogix, a Pennsylvania-based provider of advanced hardware and software solutions for the automation industry, today unveiled VoicePod®, a wireless voice control module for Control4® home automation systems. VoicePod adds totally hands-free voice recognition and speech output capabilities to any Control4 system. Users simply say “Hello VoicePod” from anywhere in a room and then issue speech commands such as “make the lights bright”, “secure the house”, “good morning” and “listen to music” to initiate control functions. VoicePod translates the vocal commands and sends appropriate instructions to Control4 using wireless ZigBee™ technology.

VoicePod incorporates an extensive speaker-independent vocabulary for voice control of AV equipment, thermostats, lighting, shading, security, cameras and more. The product provides many handy voice control features that add speed, convenience and safety to everyday living. For example, users can change TV channels simply by speaking a channel's name. Hands-free control of thermostats is also supported. Users can even ask questions about their homes such as, "what is the house status?” VoicePod automatically queries Control4 and audibly communicates information about the home’s security system, garage doors and environmental systems using built-in speech synthesis technology.

Rather than rely on Internet servers to perform voice recognition and speech synthesis, VoicePod embeds all speech technology inside a small tabletop enclosure. VoicePod utilizes the ZigBee network only for sending and receiving simple control messages. VoicePod’s patent-pending approach will dramatically simplify the installation process and assure reliable and fast responses to every speech command.

"We've built a comprehensive Control4 driver for the VoicePod that will empower installers and end-users to take full advantage of all of the amazing technology inside the VoicePod," said Ted Rosenberger, CEO of HouseLogix. "For example, installers will be able to directly access the built-in text-to-speech engine and configure VoicePod as a wireless speaking announcement station. With Control4® Composer Home Edition, even end-users will be able to set up custom voice commands and wake-up phrases to meet specialized home control needs."

"We have seen the demand for voice control on mobile devices and in automobiles. The next logical step is the home. VoicePod delivers an innovative solution that will provide homeowners with the ability to control their home with their voice, reliably,” says Paul Williams, Vice President of Security and Communications Products for Control4.

"Control4's open architecture and its support of the ZigBee standard was a perfect match for the VoicePod platform," says Rosenberger. "That's why we have chosen to focus on the Control4 market for our launch. Together, Control4 and VoicePod will be able to deliver speech automation for just about any space, including conference rooms, hotel suites and more."

HouseLogix plans to ship VoicePod in Q1 2013. The product will be displayed and demonstrated in the Control4 booth #4949 at CEDIA 2012 and HouseLogix will be providing a CEDIA training session on Friday, September 7th. For more information go to www.voicepod.com

About HouseLogix
HouseLogix is an experienced provider of advanced solutions and services for the automation industry. Founded by entrepreneurs Ted Rosenberger and Chris Allen in 2008, the company develops software and hardware designed to make automation systems more useful and practical for end users. VoicePod, the company’s flagship speech control solution, will launch in early 2013. For more information visit www.voicepod.com .

About Control4
Control4 is a leading provider of automation systems for homes and businesses by offering personalized control of lighting, music, video, energy, and security through more than 2,200 custom integrators, retail outlets, and distributors in over 72 countries. By delivering insightfully simple control solutions that enhance the lives of individuals and families, Control4 is the automation platform of choice for consumers, major consumer electronics companies, hotels, and businesses around the world. For more information visit www.control4.com.