As I walked the floor of the 2009 CEDIA Expo this week in Atlanta, Ga., it became apparent to me that home automation and remote access capabilities are now a necessity for vendors who want to stay competitive in the residential security market.

Though the market by all accounts has taken a pounding during the recession, it remains a viable one, especially for those dealers who work in the high-end segment.

Schlage, known traditionally for its residential locks and other access control products, unveiled its new LiNK home automation solution at the show. The solution works as a bridge that plugs into a wireless router, which gives end users control over their door locks, thermostat, lights, as well as CCTV cameras via a Web base.

“We got into (home automation) from a necessity standpoint. Home automation is part of the future for (residential security),” said Darrell Bartlett, southeast regional sales manager for Schlage.

LiNK works on the Z-Wave RF frequency and up to 232 Z-Wave enabled devices can be hooked into a single LiNK system, according to Bartlett. For those unfamiliar with wireless home networking technology, Z-Wave is one of two main RF frequencies that are battling for supremacy in the space, along with ZigBee. The key difference between the two is that Z-Wave is a proprietary RF wireless communications technology, while ZigBee is a wireless global standard.

The LiNK startup kit, which comes with the LiNK bridge, a lockset and light module, is currently available at select Lowe’s stores for $299. Bartlett said that they are trying to get the word out to dealers and integrators about the solution, who can then subsequently offer the solution to their customers.

Another residential security vendor, Kwikset, a subsidiary of Black & Decker, was also on hand at CEDIA to show off its new line of wireless door locks.

Though they made their debut at ISC West earlier this year, the new Kwikset SmartCode with HomeConnect technology locks are now shipping. The model currently shipping works on the ZigBee RF protocol. The same model, which works on the Z-Wave protocol, will ship next month. In addition, the company’s high-end Baldwin line of wireless locks will begin shipping in quarter one of next year.

According to Dave Albert, vice president of brand marketing and business development for Black & Decker, the company is working on integrating its wireless deadbolts directly with security systems. The locks can currently be interfaced with either a GE or DSC alarm system using a hub from such companies as iControl or Xanboo.