Nortek Security & Control unveils new hybrid panel

CARLSBAD, Calif.—Nortek Security & Control unveiled its new 2GIG Vario Hybrid Security System at CES 2017 in January. The complete Vario system consists of a security control panel with on-board hardwire inputs and outputs, which can add wireless capabilities to take advantage of 2GIG's existing wireless solutions.

“We have had a lot of demand from dealers, and they love 2GIG,” Steve Connor, product marketing director for Nortek Security & Control, told Security Systems News. “To service the full spectrum of installations that we were looking to help our dealers provide, it became necessary to add this line, and we are excited about the opportunities that it will afford both residentially as well as significantly expand our ability to address intrusion in the commercial space.”

Connor said the system meets the growing need for a more flexible security system in the residential, commercial and builder markets, and was engineered to provide customers with the access they need to integrate with existing systems and freedom to add-on the sensors and accessories.

Vario has multiple keypad styles, a variety of zone and output expanders, two options for power supply expansion, two-way voice compatibility, two distinct receiver options, and a wide variety of tamper-protected enclosures. Each device within the Vario line can be combined to create a personalized security system that provides the ideal coverage, size, and price for any project, according to Nortek. The Vario system supports the entire 2GIG wireless sensor line, and end users can access their security system and all of their connected devices from their smartphone via the Alarm.com app.

Nortek Security & Control also announced at CES the addition of six new Z-Wave 500 series lighting devices to the expanding portfolio of GoControl smart home control devices. Dealers and do-it-yourself consumers installing the new lighting and electrical devices will have access to new features including energy monitoring, extended range, and standardized over-the-air upgradability.

“We were proud to hit our one millionth Z-Wave node shipment, and we are well over three million 2GIG panels in the industry, so we believe we are the No. 1 user of Z-Wave chip sets in the world and it continues to be a great platform for us,” said Connor.

Nortek Security & Control is also getting ready to release a new cell radio solution in response to dealers' needs.

“With so many homeowners cutting cord with no telephone service, we are coming out with a cell radio module in March, and it is in beta right now, and that is a radio that we are purchasing from Alarm.com, so Alarm.com will be our first partner with Vario,” said Connor. “It is great because it is an LTE radio, as many of our dealers are anxious to get off of 3G. With the sunset date being released for 3G, it is important that they install systems with the longest lifespan.”

The multi-faceted cell radio will cover two-way voice and data allowing for over-the-air updates. “It is also a broadband connectivity device, so this truly could make the panel an IP panel,” Connor explained. “The Alarm.com radio carries onboard the Z-Wave Plus control chip, so it makes the Vario panel a hub for Z-Wave devices, to continue our strategy to try and offer more than just security, and add features that help the alarm dealer maintain an account, make it more of an everyday interaction with the system.”

Overall, Connor said that all of the hard work the company did in 2016 has “set the stage for new products and continued growth in 2017.”