The term ‘home automation’ no longer conjures up images of a robotic butler doing the chores. Now, it means remote and instant technology-driven control of audio-visual, CCTV and appliances via smartphones and iPads.
The modern 'smart home' is still learning. In the rush to make everything Internet-connected, the home seems to be the area with the most potential for change and lasting effect.
There are certainly no shortage of startups and companies trying to make it work. For example, here is a list of the ten best devices to turn your home into a smart home, as selected by
Tech Insider.
But despite what the IT and property worlds want you to believe, not everybody wants to live in a technology rich environment. Is it really progress to reach for the iPad to turn on your lighting or heating, rather than the wall switch?
However, if home automation
is on your radar, consult a home technology expert before taking the plunge. For example,
CEDIA is an international trade association of companies that specialise in designing and installing electronic systems for the home.
Being able to adjust temperature and lighting, check cameras, and unlock your front door from your smartphone is a wonderful convenience, but it's only the tip of the iceberg. There are many off-the-shelf systems targeting DIY’ers and home automation ‘solutions’ offered by cable and phone companies. These tend to be basic and limited in scope. Here are some guidelines for avoiding some basic pitfalls.
GET INTEGRATED
One of the most compelling aspects of custom home automation is something you can't achieve off-the-shelf: integration. It's nice that you can adjust your thermostat from your iPhone, but wouldn't it be better if you could ‘see’ and control other devices from the same app? Ideally, you would be able to arm and disarm your security system from the same app that lets you unlock the front door.
In a custom system, all electronic ‘subsystems’ – heating, security, lighting, audio/video etc., are linked together and controlled by a central processor that knows the status of everything. This is the essence of a ‘connected home.’
GET PERSONAL
Ensure your system has a custom control interface that is intuitive and easy to use, and tailored to your specific needs. For example, you could have a series of one-button presets that adjust lighting and turn on suitable music to create specific moods or automatically turn everything in the house off at a specific time.
CONSTANT CONTROL
The best systems offer multiple control options. Select from wall-mounted keypads, stand-alone touch panels, and handheld remote controls etc., instead of having to access everything via a smartphone that may not be accessible.
Find a CEDIA professional.
GET INTEGRATED
One of the most compelling aspects of custom home automation is something you can't achieve off-the-shelf: integration. It's nice that you can adjust your thermostat from your iPhone, but wouldn't it be better if you could ‘see’ and control other devices from the same app? Ideally, you would be able to arm and disarm your security system from the same app that lets you unlock the front door.
In a custom system, all electronic ‘subsystems’ – heating, security, lighting, audio/video etc., are linked together and controlled by a central processor that knows the status of everything. This is the essence of a ‘connected home.’
GET PERSONAL
Ensure your system has a custom control interface that is intuitive and easy to use, and tailored to your specific needs. For example, you could have a series of one-button presets that adjust lighting and turn on suitable music to create specific moods or automatically turn everything in the house off at a specific time.
CONSTANT CONTROL
The best systems offer multiple control options. Select from wall-mounted keypads, stand-alone touch panels, and handheld remote controls etc., instead of having to access everything via a smartphone that may not be accessible.
Find a CEDIA professional.
