Lighting company Checkolite and powerline chip geeks Arkados are coming together to make the Reese’s peanut butter cup of home technology. The two are planning to develop a whole line of multiroom audio and lighting control products under the name iHome.

You know iHome—the company that cranks out iPod clock radios and speaker systems.

What makes the new products different is that not only will they combine lighting with audio, but the new products will be controllable, via a remote or computer. The duo says consumers won’t have to worry about calling in a pro or adding special wiring. One thing we do know is that the unit will use HomePlug to deliver the goods.

Other features include a touchpad remote and the ability to tap into AM/FM and satellite radio, as well as CDs and iPod content.

“The solutions from Arkados allowed Checkolite to create a new ecosystem of easy-to-install and easy-to-use products for existing homes,” says said Lawrence Bibi, Checkolite’s president. “The system offers features previously available in only high-end professionally installed systems.”

The company is planning a floor lamp, a flush mount fixture, a recessed can, a track lighting system, outdoor floodlights, and wall sconces—all with integrated speakers. We know each one will work with a Mac or PC for computer-based control.

There are no other specifics on the line, including a name, prices, or planned release dates. Still, if you are wandering the floor at CES 2009, you could get a gander at some of the products they have in the pipeline.

About the Author:
Rachel Cericola - Contributing Writer

Over the past 15 years, Rachel Cericola has covered entertainment, web and technology trends. Check her out at www.rachelcericola.com.