What can be controlled with Home-Automation?
Fantasy or reality? What is actually possible?
Once a device or sub-system is connected into the main home-automation system, commands can be programmed so that a series of actions can occur, clearly the more devices and sub-systems are integrated the more sophisticated the system is and the more functions it can perform, for example, as your car pulls into the drive way, the home automation system can automatically turn off the sprinklers, open the garage door then close it once you’re parked, unlock the front door and disable the alarm, light the downstairs, and turn on the TV. Add that to a welcome-home hug from your favourite person and what more could you want. This scenario may or may not appeal to you, especially if you have ‘personal space’ issues, but it serves the purpose of illustrating the possibilities that can be achieved. Here is a more comprehensive overview of what can be automated:
Home Theater & Entertainment
Replace the pile of remotes, which invades your coffee table and sofa, with just one controller. Instead of turning on various boxes and finding the right channels and adjusting volume and brightness imagine just pressing the ‘Watch Movie’ icon on your touch-screen remote and your home-automation system does the rest. In-ceiling or in-wall speakers are especially popular with homeowners as they provide beautiful sound without using any extra space and can be easily integrated into the interior design of a space. For those who are very concealment conscious a whole host of mechanised lifts are available to hide your flatscreen TV or projector when not in use.
Security Systems & Access Control
Have a sophisticated home security system to detect intruders or deter them by creating a realistic impression of occupancy. Have your home call you if there is an alert status. Automate and control doors, windows, blinds, curtains, garage doors from multiple locations including over the internet.
Lighting
Whether lights in a circuit or stand-alone table and floor lamps, most lighting can be incorporated into an automated system to control whether its on or off and the intensity of light that it is giving. Lighting has such a dramatic impact on the aesthetics and mood of a space, having absolute control of it is instrumental to maximising its potential.
Phone and Communication Systems
Share internet access and files across a network. Use phones and televisions as intercoms for the front door. Have the music or TV volume automatically quieten when the phone rings. 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 turns every phone in your home into a remote controller.
Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning
Remote control thermostats allow you to adjust the temperature from bed at night or even from a mobile phone while on your way home. They can even prompt a message to you if the temperature gets too low (freezing pipes) or too high (pets, plants, food).
Outdoor
Have your sprinklers turn on at set times or only when it's dry, then have them automatically turn off before the plants get flooded. Enjoy the ease of the gates and garage doors opening automatically when your car approaches the property.
