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2004-12-28

ORBIT IRRIGATION PRODUCTS & CONTROL4 CREATE UNIQUE PRODUCT FEATURING HOME CONTROL OF IRRIGATION SYSTEMS

Collaborative Effort Based on Conservation, Technology and Innovation

North Salt Lake, UT. December 28, 2004. Orbit Irrigation Products, Inc., a leading worldwide manufacturer and supplier of irrigation and misting products for the commercial and residential markets, is joining forces with Control4, the leader in IP-based home control and entertainment systems. This collaboration - to connect Orbit irrigation controllers and other products with Control4 home-automated networks - marks the first time Orbit products will have the capacity to interface with a home network. The interface capability will enable consumers to operate their irrigation program on the Web, by phone and even on their television set.

Orbit is currently developing a controller with the hardware necessary to make the connection to the Control4. This technology is unique and, according to Chad Wilson, Product Development Engineer leading the project at Orbit, there is nothing on the market today that is as integrated for providing home automation inside and out. Users will be able to check an irrigation system's current status and settings, the last irrigation cycle, a history of irrigation cycles and settings, and watering instructions, as well as access climate-related adjustments and other indicators.

"Being able to access a system"s data and remotely control exactly how much and when to water offers significant conservation potential,” noted Wilson. “The combination of technology and innovation has, once again, provided a new way to conserve time, energy and natural resources while affording both immediate and long-term savings for our customers.”

“This partnership illustrates new ways in which homes can be automated,” said Jim Gist, Control4 Director of Business Development. “The Control4 platform enables nearly endless possibilities for homes to become more efficient, convenient as well as adaptable to any lifestyle.”

“We are pleased with our working relationship with Orbit and the collaborative effort that has resulted in the development of this new solution,” continued Gist. “One of the real advantages of this partnership between our two Utah companies is our proximity to one another - it has facilitated easy communication and allowed us to move forward. And, too, we share the same kind of customer-driven focus that has made Orbit so successful.”

The joint project is scheduled for marketing in test markets July 2005, with Orbit’s product joining the Control4 line in the 2006 season. Wilson anticipates cost will be comparable to controller options now available. This product is an addition to Orbit’s Signature Control Series, a line of high-end specialized timers.

ABOUT CONTROL4

Control4 makes home automation a practical option for any home by combining innovative technology with today's wired and wireless networking standards. Led by a team of experienced industry professionals, the Company focuses its expertise on providing a new breed of home automation solutions that are affordable, non-invasive, easy to install and designed to adapt to any lifestyle.

ABOUT ORBIT IRRIGATION PRODUCTS, INC.

With locations in the Far East and United States, Orbit manufactures and distributes more than 1,500 quality lawn and garden irrigation and misting products to customers in 33 countries worldwide under the sub-brand names Orbit Professional®, WaterMaster®, DripMaster®, SunMate® and Arizona Mist®. With manufacturing locations in the Far East and United States, Orbit was awarded ISO 9001:2000 certification for its Quality Management System at company headquarters where it employs 650 worldwide in its peak season. In addition Orbit EME Manufacturing Limited employs 350 at its facility in China. Orbit products can be purchased both domestically and internationally at most home improvement stores and lawn and garden centers.

Orbit’s company slogan, "Conservation through Innovation," signifies company passion and commitment to the development of innovative products that manage water wisely.  The experienced research and development teams at Orbit push the envelope of irrigation technology in creating new ideas designed to revolutionize the irrigation market. By combining technology with customer-friendly functionality, Orbit Irrigation serves as a pioneer in innovation for the residential and commercial irrigation industries. For more information, please visit www.orbitonline.com or call 1-800-488-6156.