LAKE FOREST, Calif. –August 15, 2013  - Electronic and security dealers and integrators can be forgiven if their attention is not completely focused on their business at the end of September. In fact, their attention might be thousands of miles away. 

That's because a truly unique home automation demonstration will take place on the top of Cho Oyu, the sixth-highest mountain in the world, located in the Himalayan range on the Tibet-Nepal border. There, an amateur mountain climber named Mariusz Malkowski will demonstrate the home automation capabilities of Z-Wave using a variety of devices, including Kwikset locks, powered by Z-Wave technology. (Kwikset, the leader in residential security, was named the lead sponsor of the event.) 

By virtue of the remote location, rugged environmental conditions, and lack of technical support capabilities, the event, officially titled, "The Z-Wave Himalayan Expedition by Kwikset®," is being called the most remote home automation demonstration ever recorded.

Dealers and integrators in the electronics and security industries will have the opportunity to view this show-stopping exhibition at the CEDIA Expo in Denver, CO, as Malkowski plans to broadcast a live video remote from the mountain summit to the Z-Wave booth (#512) at the show location, weather permitting. The demonstration is expected to take place on or around September 28; the exact date and time of the demonstration are to be determined, depending on the pace of Malkowski's ascent. 

A featured performer among these devices will be the Kwikset SmartCode™ 914 Deadbolt with Home Connect™ technology. Locking and unlocking these devices from the peak of Cho Oyu using only a smartphone will be a powerful testament to the security and convenience that these locks offer when hooked up to virtually any brand of home control system. 

For dealers and integrators, the demonstration will provide a strong testament to the power of home automation, allaying any concerns about reliability, particularly with Z-Wave-based systems. 

"Any professional at CEDIA involved in the home electronics or security field should see this demonstration," said Keith Brandon, Kwikset's Director of Residential Access Solutions. "While home automation has exploded in popularity over the last few years, dealers, integrators and installers are always looking for new ways to help them sell the benefits to their customers. This demonstration will certainly be a powerful tool in achieving that objective." 

Consumers will also be able to see the demonstration for themselves, as the video is expected to be posted on Facebook and YouTube; media coverage will also afford an opportunity to view the presentation. 

"Homeowners who see this amazing display will gain a far greater appreciation for the reliability of home automation and the devices that make up these systems," said Brandon. "We expect that to have a positive spillover effect for dealers and integrators, as consumers proactively seek out and demand these systems."

Following the expedition, Z-Wave also intends to make video available for dealers and integrators, who can then post it to their Facebook pages and web sites, as well as using it for in-store displays. 

Malkowski is a 40-year-old technical services manager at Sigma Designs, a member of the 200-member Z-Wave Alliance. Malkowski has climbed world-class mountains on four continents, many of them by himself. He will use no supplemental oxygen during this climb. 

Additional sponsors include: Vivint (Platinum); Z-Wave Alliance (Platinum); Alarm.com (Gold); Remotec (Silver); and Z-Wave Products (Silver).

Interested observers can follow all the details of the expedition on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ZWaveHimalayanExpeditionByKwikset or at http://www.facebook.com/kwiksetlocks. 

About Kwikset
Kwikset (www.kwikset.com), the leader in residential security, manufactures and markets a complete line of door locks and door hardware, including door knobs, door levers, deadbolts, handlesets, pocket door hardware and electronic keyless entry locks for residential and light commercial applications. Kwikset’s SmartCode™ locks with Home Connect™ technology are the industry’s leading wireless, access control lock solution for the digital home. 

About HHI
Kwikset is part of Hardware and Home Improvement (HHI), a major manufacturer and supplier of residential locksets, residential builders’ hardware and faucets with a portfolio of renowned brands, including Kwikset®, Weiser®, Baldwin®, National Hardware®, Stanley®, FANAL®, Pfister™ and EZSET®. HHI is a leader in its key markets with #1 positions in U.S. residential locksets (Kwikset), Canada residential locksets (Weiser), U.S. luxury locksets (Baldwin), and U.S. builders’ hardware (Stanley-National Hardware), #2 in Mexico residential hardware (Fanal), and #3 in U.S. retail plumbing (Pfister). Headquartered in Orange County, California, HHI has a global sales force and operates manufacturing and distribution facilities in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Asia. HHI is a division of Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SPB). 

About Spectrum Brands
Spectrum Brands is a global, diversified consumer products company and a leading supplier of consumer batteries, residential locksets, residential builders’ hardware and faucets, shaving and grooming products, personal care products, small household appliances, specialty pet supplies, lawn and garden and home pest control products, and personal insect repellents. Spectrum Brands employs over 12,500 employees worldwide and sells to the top 25 global retailers with products in more than one million stores.