Home and Garden(HIT) - Home automation and home networking through the latest technologies is on the rise, as extra consumers desire greater security, convenience, ease of use and comfort designed around their home’s current and future needs, according to recent articles in Electrical Contractor magazine, published by the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA),
With family members adding multiple computers, TVs, phone lines, networking PCs and automation systems that control everything from heating and cooling to appliances, theatre, lighting and security systems, electricity is automating the home in ways never before possible.
“Video in the home is a growing trend, as homeowners look for ways to increase their security and communicate within the house,” writes Deborah O’Mara, editor of Security+Life Safety Systems magazine, also published by NECA.
According to O’Mara, several manufacturers recently introduced new video door entry systems consisting of three, main components: exterior stations, interior stations and the system backbone. Visitors use the exterior station to call the insider. The interior station shows who is at the door, and allows the inhabitant to determine whether or not to respond. The system backbone connects the exterior and interior components and powers the system. With a straightforward installation, these units have now become stand-alone, dedicated viewing stations that are smaller, smarter and extra aesthetic.
With wireless technology also a leading trend in automation, O’Mara notes that homeowners’ latest interests comprise remote access to systems through the telephone; Web-based virtual viewing (video); integrated solutions such as an alarm triggering a camera and monitor; portable panic buttons and medical alerts and wireless for remote control capabilities. Trends also comprise gaming and entertainment, such as plugging an Apple iPod® into a home stereo system.
The story finds that homeowners also want lighting systems that are simple to understand and easy to operate—without trying to figure out which lights to turn on among banks of switches. And that’s where automation comes into play. While there is a large market for sophisticated lighting control systems, most consumers want their systems to be as affordable and simple as possible. Today’s dimmers range from single-light dimmers to radio-frequency-based lighting control systems, to automated shades and draperies.
Another noted boom comprises electric radiant floor heating. Operating costs are lower than homeowners actually expect, and they can be used for small renovations such as bathrooms. Radiant heating actually consumes no extra electricity than several light bulbs.
According to Jim Hayes, a writer and cabling trainer, new homebuilders are starting to add the necessary cabling to take advantage of the latest technology including very high-speed Internet connections and HDTV. In homes where broadband access exists or will soon be available, downloading music and video becomes even extra practical and accessible. If multiple users are downloading these large audio and video files, Hayes says the users requires both a connection and a bandwith high enough to accommodate them. Most of the video and audio downloads will soon be saved on a media server that can distribute content to any location in the home.
