The Annual Innovative Housing Technology Awards pay tribute to the leading providers of technology products for the building trade and technology features within the home.

No matter which housing forecasts you look at, there seems to be no disagreement that these have been the best of times in the building industry. The selling prices of homes are at a record high in every region of the country. And new house construction has enjoyed another record year nationwide. There is no shortage of work for builders, and no shortage of builders competing for new housing projects.

Likewise, the competition for products in the home, and to help build homes, has never been as great as now. This makes it increasingly difficult for builders to distinguish which are the leaders in each category, to help them make the best investments in technology to run their business, or technology features for their customers in the homes they build.

While technology competition is stiff, there are clearly several companies that stand out as ones that are producing innovative products. To identify and honor those companies, the Innovative Housing Technology Awards will again be presented at the tecHOMExpo show at the International Builders Show in Orlando.

To identify and honor those companies, the Innovative Housing Technology Awards will again be presented at the tecHOMExpo show at the International Builders Show in Orlando.

The awards are intended to stimulate the development of innovative new products, materials and systems for residential construction that can improve the livability of our homes and make the process of building and improving homes more efficient and cost effective.

The Innovative Housing Technology Awards are a joint program between the National Association of Home Builders Research Center (NAHBRC) and EH Publishing, the publisher of TecHome Builder, CE Pro and Electronic House magazines. The awards are specifically aimed at recognizing significant advances by product manufacturers in technology development in the housing industry, and are the most prestigious housing technology awards for builders.

Categories in the awards program include IT products and home technology products. The judging panel for this year's awards includes industry editors and analysts, builders and academics. The identities of the judges will be announced at the awards presentation, on Jan. 14, at the Rosen Plaza Hotel. This year's awards entries include the following:

Computer Aided Design & Drafting

Cadsoft Corporation
Envisioneer 2.0
Envisioneer caters specifically to the detailed needs of the professional architect, design/builder, interior designer and landscape architect. This software, through its integration with other key software applications, ties the entire building process together. It allows the user to quickly convey the building exterior, interior and landscape design ideas in fully animated 3D. The goal behind Envisioneer is to simplify this process by allowing builders to use the same information from start to finish. Envisioneer features intelligent drawing objects that behave according to their surroundings. This unique interactivity reduces error in design. The product is designed to recognize that home building is a multi-stage process that varies from builder to builder.

Cadsoft Corporatioin, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, 519-836-3990, www.cadsoft.com, MSRP is $595.

Home Networking

HAI
Home Control for Windows Media Center Edition
The Home Control software for Windows Media Center Edition allows control of all HAI Omni controller features using a single media center remote. Microsoft's Windows Media Center is a home theater product aimed at streamlining use of audio/video products in the home. The software provides an affordable and complete home control system including security, lighting and temperature control, access to all media, family photos, music, video, email, and Internet access from a handheld remote. It also works with Media Center Extenders which networks home control to any TV in the house. The Software comes with a settings wizard to ensure proper connection and operation. It works with a professionally installed HAI Omni controller and the capabilities can be expanded by adding HAI's award winning Web-Link II software for Internet access and control.

HAI, New Orlean, La., 504-736-9810, www.homeauto.com, MSRP is $99.

Leviton Manufacturing Company
Entertainment and Applications Platform
Developed by Leviton and Dedicated Devices, Inc, the Leviton Entertainment and Applications Platform is designed both for everyday digital technologies and media as well as emerging and future technologies. With the platform, one can organize, access, control and enjoy digital music, video and photos from any number of sources in any outfitted room in the home. On the networking side, it functions as an Internet-sharing residential gateway, advanced multi-port switch, and commercial-grade firewall. In the entertainment space, it is an upgradeable media server with 120GB of storage, a digital photography archive and display system, and—when interfaced with a homeowner's audio and video gear with the dedicated digital player—a personal digital video server and high-definition digital audio system.

Leviton Manufacturing Company, Little Neck, N.Y., 800-323-8920, www.leviton-lin.com, MSRP is $2,250 for the Digital Distribution Center and $299 per zone for the Digital Player and Remote Control.

Greyfox Systems
Cat 5 Intercom Systems
Greyfox Home Systems says it has met the needs for the residential home market with the first Cat 5 based Intercom system. The system is designed as a sleek alternative to bulky intercoms. Traditional intercoms require special wire to install, making them costly and less flexible to upgrade. Greyfox's Intercom runs strictly on Cat 5 allowing for an easier, faster and more affordable installation. It supports up to 12 indoor room locations, two outdoor locations and one main location. The main unit fits in a standard 3-gang electrical box and is framed by a decorator faceplate. To provide uniformity in the home, the room units are mounted in a 2-gang electrical box and have a decorator faceplate. All intercom units are home-run back to the Greyfox structured wiring enclosure. And the Cat 5 Intercom Systems can interface with other sub-systems.

Greyfox Systems, Pittsburgh, Pa., 412-920-6100, www.greyfox.com, MSRP for a four-room Intercom System would retail at $760 plus installation.

GE Security
PremisesConnect & Simon
PremisesConnect uses the Internet to integrate security, lighting control, and HVAC management. Through personalized notification services, PremisesConnect gives consumers and business owners control over non-security events of interest, such as store openings/closings, children arriving home from school, and even deliveries. Presenting these features in an intuitive, Web-based application helps people manage their increasingly busy schedules. PremisesConnect is enabled with a Simon 3 V4 panel and an Ethernet Interface module for connection to the Internet through broadband services. The Web pages create an intuitive user interface that allows homeowners to easily control their system from anywhere there is Internet access.

GE Security, Arden Hills, Minn., 651-777-2690, www.gesecurity.com, MSRP is not available.

On-Q Home
Wireless Access Point (WAP)
According to On-Q Home, its Wireless Access Point (WAP) redefines and broadens the convenience and flexibility of a distribution network. The features are said to resolve the issues homeowners encounter when trying to create a hassle-free home network. Using only a single Cat 5E cable, the WAP creates a reliable networking system that provides enough coverage to wirelessly connect everyone in the home. Users can roam up to 328 feet inside the home and up to 1,312 feet outside. The WAP also comes with a custom booster antenna to provide uniform coverage, which minimizes dead spots and shadows. Designed for the move-up to custom home market, the WAP provides wireless access to homeowners who want access to the Internet virtually anywhere inside or outside the home.

On-Q home, Middletown, Pa., 717-702-22532, www.onqhome.com, MSRP is not available.

Integrated IT Solutions

SiteStream
SiteStream Software
Built around a single SQL server database that allows true single data entry and instant reporting throughout the four fully integrated modules, SiteStream is builder software that provides the user with a fully configurable back and front office environment that's rich in functionality. This is supported by both Visual Basic and Web browser interfaces providing tools to manage the key home office, divisional or development based functions required by homebuilders. Using a three-tier design principle utilizing the COM+ object oriented architecture, data integrity and performance are kept to a maximum. The software provides the user with unrestricted access to the Microsoft platform of choice. This means that the SiteStream can be freely distributed throughout the organization, allowing anything from complete central standardization of the business process in all divisions to complete regional autonomy.

SiteStream Software, Lawrenceville, Ga., 800-659-5830, www.SiteStream.biz, MSRP is not available.

HomeSphere, Inc.
AllTrack HomeSphere's AllTrack rebate management system is a comprehensive software application that gives builders complete control over their rebate management efforts. HomeSphere says its AllTrack allows builders to easily maximize rebate payments and to identify opportunities for increases in their current rebate programs. In addition, AllTrack uses builder account codes to correlate rebates with the house cost permitting builders to monitor rebates in affiliated operating entities and to identify new rebate opportunities. Acting as an independent contractor, HomeSphere facilitates a win-win situation between homebuilder and manufacturer via an ASP (account service provider) based portal that provides each party with the various tools needed to benefit from the rebate relationship.

HomeSphere, Inc., Lakewood, Colo., 800-306-0330, www.homesphere.com, MSRP is $15,000 + Subscription Fee.

Options Online
Online Back Office
Online Back Office streamlines the processes of selecting the home and generating contracts. Add-on options can then be added to the contract as addendums. This allows for everyone working with the homebuyer to be in the same data base with user role capabilities for their functions. The homebuyer, salepeople, designers, construction personnel, vendors, lender and escrow, accounting and management all have access to the selections and information regarding the home anywhere they have Internet access. Onlne Back Office also emails all those involved in the process when information is available that affects their part of the process.

Options Online, San Diego, Calif., 858-677-0052, www.optionsonline.ws, MSRP is not available.

Home Automation & Lighting Control Product

HAI
HAI Lighting Control (HLC)
HAI Lighting Control is a family of lighting switches and controllers that provide elegant and convenient lighting control. The key components include a variety of light dimmers and switches with Decora style paddles, a room controller with six buttons for selecting scenes and turning a room “on” or “off,” a house controller that can monitor the status and control of all of the lights in a home, integration with HAI and other UPB compatible controllers (but a controller is not required), and optional configuration tools for fine tuning lighting control system. HLC products can be used as stand alone, with HAI home automation controllers or with other controllers that are Universal Powerline Bus (UPB) compatible. They use standard wiring techniques so it can be retrofit.

HAI, New Orlean, La., 504-736-9810, www.homeauto.com, MSRP is $70–$200, depending on model.

Alarm.com/GE Security
Wireless Gateway Module
Alarm.com is a wireless, Internet-enabled monitoring technology to help builders reduce operating losses due to theft and vandalism on construction sites. It is also a technology that builders can easily offer homebuyers and earn recurring monthly revenue. The Alarm.com Builder Protection Product was launched in conjunction with the GE Security/Alarm.com Builder Program. With Alarm.com, builders can remotely access and monitor systems in trailers, model homes, sales centers and spec/pre-delivery homes via the Internet. Without a phone line and regardless of if the security system is armed, builders can also receive real-time phone and email alerts of alarms and non-alarm activity, such as unauthorized access to a property, a power outage, or a water leak.

GE Security, Arden Hills, Minn., 651-777-2690, www.gesecurity.com, MSRP is not available.

CentraLite Systems, Inc.
LiteJet
CentraLite Systems says its LiteJet is a breakthrough in affordability for architectural dimming systems and that its features add character and personality to every room. The keypad design eliminates wall clutter. LiteJet combines digital dimming, whole home lighting management and sophisticated scene lighting with the reliability and convenience of a hard-wired system. Its RS-232 ports provide inputs to accommodate integration with other home automation systems. Standard features include a Touch Panel Programmer with LCD readout, 24 lighting loads, 512 dimming levels with dimming at every keypad, and more.

CentraLite Systems, Inc., Mobile, Ala.,251-607-9119, www.centralite.com, MSRP is $3,000.

On-Q home
Home Managed Scene Lighting Combo
The On-Q Home Managed Scene Lighting Combo provides lighting management that is customized to the homeowners' lifestyle needs. It consists of the On-Q Home Lighting Controller and the On-Q Home Lighting Manager Module which together can command up to 124 Advanced Lighting Control devices. Uniting these products into a single unit combines the power of each to provide complete automated control of On-Q Home Advanced Lighting Control products, as well as those of other manufacturers. All controls are connected via low-cost Cat 5E wiring to provide reliable operation, giving homeowners top-level lighting control features for a low cost. This combo is geared to homeowners who want a reliable source for scene lighting control and whole-house programmability in move-up and custom homes.

On-Q home, Middletown, Pa., 717-702-22532, www.onqhome.com, MSRP is not available.

Vantage Controls
BriteTouch
BriteTouch is a lighting control keypad with what Vantage calls a stunning combination of customizable features and intuitive design. Each of up to eight buttons on the BriteTouch is backlit by a fully programmable color LED. This provides unlimited color choices to complement the variety of available faceplate colors and styles. The backlight is set up to indicate the status of a light or device by emitting different colors. For example, a button controlling a fan could show light blue to indicate low, forest green for medium, and a rust color for high. The ambient light sensor located on the front of each keypad senses the light in the room and adjusts its backlights accordingly. The homeowner can reprogram the system without the expense of purchasing new faceplates or buttons.

Vantage Controls, Orem, Utah, 800-555-9891, www.vantagecontrols.com, MSRP is $250–$300.

Vantage Controls
C-Box LE
The C-Box LE makes the comfort and convenience of home automation available to more people with limited resources, according to Vantage. This self contained controller sends and receives information wirelessly to and from keypads, touch screens, thermostats, RS-232 station controllers, contact input stations and low voltage relays. As the center of the integrated home system, this device contains all of the programming for lighting scenes and control of third party devices such as blind motors, landscape, pool controls, HVAC and more for up to 60 RF stations. The C-Box LE also contains an astronomical time clock for automatic events based on sunrise and sunset.

Vantage Controls, Orem, Utah, 800-555-9891, www.vantagecontrols.com, MSRP is $995.

Lutron Electronics
RadioRA Quick Start Package
Lutron Electronics' RadioRA Quick Start Package contains factory-activated devices that work together as a system upon installation. The result? System installation time is reduced to two steps: selecting device locations and wiring, saving both time and money. This simplified system is a turnkey solution for Lutron's residential systems providers. It's simple enough to be installed in half the time of the previous package, yet flexible enough to allow customized programming from the clients and future expansion.

Lutron Electronics, Coopersburg, Pa., 877-258-8766, www.lutron.com, MSRP is $1,900.

Back Office Automation

Construction Management Software (CMS)
ProEst Estimating
In the construction market, the success of a company often depends on the ability to generate quick, accurate estimate information. The ProEst Estimating software by CMS tries to offer a new standard of integration, speed and efficiency to construction estimating with ease-of-use. CMS says its estimating solution increases both productivity and accuracy. The logical layout of ProEst make it easy to learn and use without sacrificing the power and reliability needed to quickly turn raw data into accurate, competitive bids. Through its user-definable centralized database, estimators can share vital information for preparing estimates. The database contains material, labor, equipment, sub-contractor and associated costs and the contractor has 100 percent control over the database structure and all of the information it contains. This allows the database to be edited or modified to suite any type of construction.

Construction Management Software, San Diego, Calif., 800-255-7407, www.proest.com, MSRP is $995.

PeopleSoft
EnterpriseOne Homebuilder Management
PeopleSoft says its EnterpriseOne Homebuilder Management application was developed with influence by PeopleSoft homebuilder customers, who played an active role in shaping and validating the product strategy. The result is a tool that promises to help builders better manage critical business processes for sales, purchasing, construction, and community setup. This functionality is delivered through a combination of homebuilder-specific applications and PeopleSoft EnterpriseOne products for project costing, procurement, and customer relationship management (CRM). PeopleSoft EnterpriseOne Homebuilder Management covers four major business areas. The Foundation provides a repository to establish and maintain communities, lots, plans, and options. Its scalability enables builders to run on a single database whether they start a hundred or thirty thousand homes per year. Extensive copy functions and import-export capabilities eliminate redundant data entry as new communities are established. Sales management functionality helps manage buyer relationships from contract to closing.

PeopleSoft, Pleasanton, Calif., 925-225-3000, www.peoplesoft.com, MSRP is not available.

Sales Marketing & Customer Service Automation

BeHomeWise
Online Sales Counselor Edition
Research shows that leads generated through the Web are twice as likely to turn into purchases when compared with leads that come from other channels. BeHomeWise offers a first line of prospect management software applications for effectively converting Web leads into sales. With a unique rating and ranking feature, BeHomeWise tries to help homebuilders prioritize and manage both Internet leads and those from other channels. The Online Sales Counselor (OSC) Edition is the first software tool designed especially for builders with dedicated online sales counselors who respond to sales leads across communities. OSC Edition gathers accurate, comprehensive shopper information using a one-time registration process, removing a shopper's burden to fill out multiple forms. It responds to shopper inquiries and then directing leads to appropriate agents based on available inventory and communities selected, and much more.

BeHomeWise, Vienna, Va., 703-734-2224, www.behomewise.com, MSRP is $5,500/year and up depending on number of OSCs and communities.

Pivotal
Homebuilder Front Office
Pivotal Homebuilder Front Office provides lead management, sales automation and customer care features based on the requirements of industry leading homebuilders. The company says it is built on a flexible, enterprise-level CRM technology platform that enables a fit for any business. Homebuilders need a solution to handle their disparate divisional processes across sales, marketing and service using adaptable software that provides key industry functionality, with flexibility to accommodate changing business requirements. To answer this need, Pivotal HomeBuilder Front Office was developed to extend customer relationship management capabilities to Homebuilder organizations via the Web, mobile systems and wireless devices.

Pivotal Corporation, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, 604-699-8000, www.pivotal.com, MSRP is not available.

AVAD LLC
Dealer to Builder Program (D2B)
With the Dealer to Builder (D2B) Program AVAD is attempting to channel the expertise of its electronic service contractors (ESCs) toward builders seeking differentiation, by offering new homeowners convenience and entertainment technologies. The D2B is an initiative that links builders with certified ESCs, so that they can better serve the increasing demand from new homeowners for the latest technology in modern living. Most builders don't have access to the qualified, reliable dealers and subcontractors who can properly design and install high tech systems in the new homes, according to AVAD. To fill this void, the D2B Program matches qualified homebuilders nationwide with AVAD's trained and certified ESCs. The program also provides training programs to keep builders, dealers and ESCs in step with the latest technologies and the best designed systems.

AVAD LLC, Hollywood, Fla., 954-922-AVAD, www.avad.com, MSRP is $2,500 for enrollment fee (up to three).

Home Theater

Sony
CAV-M1000ES
Sony's CAV-M1000ES multi-zone control system is said to bring audio and video to every room in the home with the touch of a button. The system is a single box solution that works as a control system and entertainment distribution center, accommodating the most elaborate home theater entertainment set-up. With abundant inputs and outputs, it connects to and controls a variety of audio and video components, including CD and DVD players, cable or satellite set top boxes, receivers and multiple televisions. The CAV-M1000ES control system features a wireless 5.1-inch LCD touch-screen main controller with full two-way RF communication for total control of home entertainment devices. Eight sources of audio and video can be connected, with pass through capabilities for connection to the home theater.

Sony, San Diego, Calif., 858-942-4460, www.sony.com, MSRP is $4,600.

Energy Efficiency

JELD-WEN
Premium Vinyl Window
In addition to the improved aesthetics, JELD-WEN says the Premium Vinyl Window offers superior performance when it comes to energy efficiency and durability. With Low-E glass the Premium Vinyl Window is ENERGY STAR qualified and designed to meet up to commercial grade requirements, making it ideal for residential, light commercial and commercial applications. It's designed to showcase equal sight lines and a continuous head and sill. With permanent grilles on the interior and exterior of the window, optional simulated divided lites offer an authentic look and are specially designed to coordinate with other JELD-WEN window products.

JELD-WEN, Klamath Falls, Ore., 888-JELD-WEN, www.jeld-wen.com, MSRP is $120–$300.

Honeywell
VisionPRO 8000
Honeywell says its VisionPRO 8000 touch screen programmable thermostat reduces customer service calls, is easy to install and easy for customers to use. The company says it set out to create the VisionPRO because research showed consumers weren't using their programmable thermostats. The Reason: they were too difficult to program. Homeowners therefore weren't reaping the benefits of energy savings. VisionPRO guides homeowners through the programming process with a user-friendly, on-screen menu and flashing touchscreen, reducing the need for an owner's manual.

Honeywell, Golden Valley, Minn., 763-954-4971, www.customer.honeywell.com, MSRP is $120.

Sales/Design Center & Options Presentation Automation

Options Online
Online Design Studio
Online Design Studio begins with Community Options Catalogs, which consist of every option offered to the homebuyer by the builder or design center. The catalog is home-site, floor plan and cut-off date specific. It is also interactive and dynamic, as it communicates by email with the homebuyer regarding their upcoming cut-off dates and drops the selections from the catalog at the cut-off date. This allows the homebuyer to view and select from their available options, online, anytime, anywhere they have Internet access. They view a picture, enhanced descriptions, community room scene pictures from their community's model homes and educational information. The Community Catalog is created as the design tool to enhance the experience and help deliver a finish home that meets the homebuyers expectations.

Options Online, San Diego, Calif., 858-677-0052, www.optiononline.ws, MSRP is not available.

Field Communication & Automation

Evoco Inc
Evoco Professional
A fully Web-based application, Evoco Professional is available to anyone with an Internet connection and a Web browser. This means no investment is needed for trades and suppliers to access the application. The intuitive design ensures that users see only what they need to see and require virtually no training in order to get up and running. Evoco lets customers view very large files, including CAD drawings without needing to install the software, making it simple to share and manage project documents from virtually any computer. Evoco lets customers: 1.) Create an online work center where drawings and plans are accessible from anywhere 2.) Mark-up and share revisions between their build team 3.) Control version histories and record who did what and when 4.) Connect all suppliers, trades and contractors to up-to-date information 5.) Email change notifications 6.) Personalize the work center to reflect their company's business processes and corporate image.

Evoco Inc., Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 403-262-6633, www.evoco.com, MSRP is $2,500.

Distributed Audio

On-Q Home
Home Entertainment Connection Center
The On-Q Home Entertainment Connection Center (HECC) serves as a single access point for integrating multiple entertainment system components. In fact, On-Q Home goes so far as to say its HECC provides the most professional, aesthetically pleasing connection point for residential entertainment needs, featuring connections for CATV, digital satellite, auxiliary video input, telecom connections for data and telephone, and speaker connections for 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 home theater systems. Three versions of the HECC handle A-BUS, six-room audio and basic applications.

On-Q home, Middletown, Pa., 717-702-22532, www.onqhome.com, MSRP is not available.

Front Office Automation Implementation

Royce Builders
Sales Link
Sales link is said to allow homebuilders to spend less time doing paper work and more time selling homes. Royce Builders utilizes an internal development team to create Web-based technology solutions, custom-made to fit a homebuilder's needs. All of these solutions are built on one back-end database, providing consistent, efficient, real-time data to all stakeholders. The package of applications includes a company intranet, Web site, customer service application, and Sales Link, a unique, custom-made sales office application.

Royce Builders, Houston, Texas, 281-440-5091, www.roycebuilders.com, MSRP is not applicable.