Home Control and Automation Systems
What is Home Control & Automation?
Home automation connects all aspects of a system
together through one central control panel, keypad or remote. Users can
activate or deactivate an alarm system via the same control that activates a
home theater, and temperature control. Used in what is called a “smart home”
where virtually all home functions can be linked together and controlled via
one central remote or keypad.
For some it may be something as simple as
remote or automatic control of a few lights. For others, security may be the
central application. Still others may choose to install advanced controllers
or use voice recognition. As a very basic definition, we tend to refer to
home automation as anything that gives you remote or automatic control of
things around the home.
- Lighting and Appliance
Control - Lights can be turned on or off from multiple locations or
programmed to turn on or off along with other events.
- Security Systems & Access Control- Your
alarm system can be used as a part of the control system. Lights can be
turned on and off automatically as you turn you alarm on and off. Your
system can call you and/or loved ones if there is an alert status.
Additionally, you can unlock the front door to let friends in or close the
garage door from your office via the web.
- Entertainment Systems - You can replacing
that pile of remotes with just one controller. An you can press one button
to dim your lights, close the drapes, turn on the TV, start the DVD Player
and setup your audio system for your favorite movie. Speakers can be
built-in throughout the home to provide quality sound wherever you desire.
- Communication Systems - Telephone, intercom
and internet. Phone systems which are usually used for small business
applications are surprisingly convenient in the home. With caller ID and a
home automation controller you can even screen your calls for only those
you wish to cause your phone to ring. Voice control software can turn
every phone in your home into a way to control your system.
- Thermostats- Remote control thermostats
allow you to adjust the temperature from bed at night or even from a cell
phone while on your way home (or to your 2nd home!). They can even trigger
a notice to you if the temperature gets too low (freezing pipes) or too
high (pets, plants, etc.).
- Irrigation- Have your sprinklers turn on
only when it's dry. Some of our customers even turn the sprinklers on when
there's motion in the yard at unwanted times - imagine someone trying to
explain the wet clothes to the police!
- Data Systems - Multiple PC's and other data
devices can be interconnected to each other and to your automation
system.
- and Almost Anything Else You Can think of-
What's great is that many of
today's home automation products need no new wires - so they are perfect to
retrofit into an existing home. If you are building new, or doing a major
remodel, please consider adding networking, audio, video and control wiring
while it is easy and relatively inexpensive, later on you'll be happy you
did. Adding home automation to an existing
home is surprisingly affordable and simple.
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What are the
Benefits of Home Automation?
Home automation can maximize your quality of life,
allow you to experience the best that technology has to offer and to allow
you to enjoy some much needed energy savings.
Home automation makes
life more convenient, safe and fun!
- Convenience- Home automation is about the
convenience of saving time and effort by having the home automatically do
routine functions for you.
- Adjust the temperature from your bed
- Control the volume of your audio system from any
room
- Warm your bathroom automatically 5 minutes
before your alarm clock goes off so that it is warm when you enter.
- Fully enjoy home theater time by having the
lights dim, curtains close, TV and DVD player turn on, phone mute and
popcorn popper start… all with the touch of just one button.
- Energy Savings- Home automation is about
the energy savings you will enjoy by regulating the operation of lights,
water heater, HVAC system, entertainment components, appliances and
irrigation system so these devices are on only when needed.
- Safety -Home automation is about the
security you have knowing that you can look in on your home remotely from
anywhere in the world, or that your home will phone or e-mail you if
anything is amiss, or that your water supply will automatically shut off
in the event a leak threatens to flood your home. It is the security of
knowing that a fire will alert your system to wake you, shut down the gas
and ventilation system, turn on a lighted path for your escape, and
automatically phone the fire department. Home automation means the feeling
of safety you get by turning on lights with your key fob to come home to a
well lit home or knowing that your whole house will light up when there is
motion detected at any corner of your house.
- Fun- High tech products for the home are
fun to use and show to others. Whether viewing visitors at your front door
on your TV or tuning your favorite radio or TV station with a voice
command, you'll find it surprisingly enjoyable. And, when it comes to
impressing the friends, you'll be happy to show off your sophisticated
system.
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How Are All These
Devices Connected?
The concept of Home Automation and Networking is to
connect all of these systems and devices together on a network so that they
can be controlled with a common interface and react to each other. For
example if you start a movie on the VCR, the lights dim and the telephone
directs calls to the answering machine.
In order for these devices to communicate with each
other there must be a connection either via a wire of some sort or a radio
signal (wireless). Because each system has different requirements as to
speed of communication and volume of information to be communicated ...
different media (wire etc.) is necessary depending on the application.
Currently these media are:
- Powerline - The home's traditional
electrical system already connects lights and appliances together and has
outlets throughout the home. It's limitations as a network medium relate
to the capacity of the wire (low speed and low volume). Currently it is
used for Lighting and appliance networks as well as some security
applications. New developments in technology are introducing communication
and data to the powerline network.
- Phone Lines - Most homes have several
telephone outlets already in place. This wire is suitable for voice
communications, data and even entertainment networking with new
technologies and applications developing swiftly.
- Radio Signals (Wireless) - New standards
and technologies are evolving wireless solutions from the traditional
lighting, appliance and security networks to communication, data and some
entertainment systems.
- Structured Wiring - New or renovated homes
should install modern wiring systems to provide the capacity for current
and future networks. A typical wiring system will include RG-6 (coaxial)
wire for multi room entertainment systems, CAT 5 wire for data and
communications as well as special wiring for speakers, home controls etc.
Fiber optic cable is also being installed in some homes for future
capacity.
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How Do I Control the System?
A combination of devices can be used to communicate
with and control the network. Touch pads and/or remote control devices, your
telephone (for both manual and voice control) and or PC keyboard and mouse
are all ways that you can control your home automation system.
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How do I Find a Qualified Installer?
Finding a quality systems integrator who is qualified
to design, sell and install these systems is not an easy task.
LIAA members are here for you to answer your
questions and respond to your needs. Remember, it is important to be a smart
consumer, but you do not need to be a security expert that is what we are
here for! To find a LIAA
company in your area click here.
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