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High Tech Access
Unlock Your Doors Without a Key
By Dawn Gordon Luks
Entering our homes via the front door hasn't changed for hundreds of years. Pull out a key, insert it into a lock, and open the door. Oh sure, we've added a few extras such as high-security keys, alarm keypads and motion sensors, but unlocking the door is pretty much the same now, as it was in the 1700s. A few companies are looking to change this, as sophisticated new hardware does away with the key for good.
Schlage Camelot Deadbolt Keypad ($238) http://consumer.schlage.com/electronics/default.asp
No more fumbling for that key with an armful of groceries, this electronic touchpad deadbolt provides the convenience of keyless access plus the familiarity of a regular key. The Camelot is ready to install right out of the box using one tool. The included 9-volt battery has a three-year battery life and a low battery visual and audible warning. It's easy to add and delete codes, and you can enter up to 19 different 4-digit codes right at the keypad. The keypad is lit, making it easy to see at night. It’s available in several finishes.
Kwikset SmartScan Deadbolt ($399) http://www.kwikset.com/smartseries/SmartScan.aspx
If you don't want to remember a code, why not have your lock remember it for you? The SmartScan Biometric deadbolt is the first residential biometric deadbolt designed to match your home decor. Using sub-dermal sensors that are more precise than a fingerprint scan, SmartScan scans the sub-dermal part of your finger to unlock your deadbolt. You can re-key your lock in 3 easy steps and there is no need to worry about lost or loaned keys. The lock has an ANSI Grade 1 residential security rating and includes Bump Guard protection. If you still want to use the lock the old-fashioned way, this lock also allows keyed entry. The SmartScan stores up to 50 fingerprints, has an LED Indicator, and uses 4 AA batteries that last for 1 year.
Black and Decker Residential Access Control ($ TBD)
Scheduled for availability late summer/early fall of this year, Black and Decker is teaming up with home control systems such as Control4 to bring home access control into the 21st century. The company's electronic motorized lock throws the bolt and provides the ability to lock and unlock doors via a remote control, web-enabled mobile phone, security system touch panel, and a secure Internet connection. This approach is an advancement over other electronic door-locks that require the user to manually actuate the bolt to lock or unlock the door.
This system features two-way functionality where the door lock can directly control home security and automation systems, and vice versa. Homeowners use customizable codes that can arm the home security system when the door is locked and disarm the system when the door is unlocked. In addition, home automation systems can be configured to automatically set home lighting, music and climate controls based on the code used to unlock the door. Because this product uses the Zigbee wireless standard, hard wiring isn't needed, and power is provided by 4 AA batteries.
Dawn Gordon Luks is a veteran consumer electronics journalist. In addition to her writing schedule, Dawn also designs home audio, home theater, and home automation installations in South Florida. Send an email to Dawn Gordon Luks.
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