Technology should be an enabler. It should not be there for itself, but to make the lives of its users easier and more convenient. In the home, the ongoing and rapid advances in home automation are expanding the possibilities.
If I want to listen to music, within a few seconds I can choose a well worn playlist or choose the tracks for a new one. I can access online subscription services or radio stations.
Most mornings I listen to the news while eating breakfast. A single dedicated button press gets this up and running without having to think about it. When I leave for work another single dedicated button press turns all of the lights off, all of the media off, the alarm on and beeps for confirmation as I slam the door. I know that if some incident should occur while I am out of the house I will get a text message alerting me to the fact.
I don’t have to worry about regular tasks such as the above, the electronic systems do it all for me. And this is not science fiction. All of this home automation technology exists now. It only requires your lighting, alarm and media to be connected and configured to your needs.
Home Automation Can Include
- Home Theatre / Home Cinema Systems
- While House advanced lighting control
- Energy management systems for heating and cooling
- Security systems and alarms
- Multi Room Audio, Video and AV Distribution
However, as these advanced home automation systems increase in power and flexibility and ease of use, they can actually become more complex to specify, design and install. This is where a professional home automation installer can help. By working with you and focussing on your needs, your home can be made to suit your lifestyle, not the other way round.
While the individual items of home technology equipment can be fairly straightforward to set up and use, getting equipment from multiple vendors to operate together can be tricky. On top of that, for any form of home automation to be effective, it has to be easy to control, either using traditional remote controls, web-based systems, smartphone apps or wall mounted control panels. Careful programming can mean a single button click can control multiple systems, altering lighting, music, displays and curtains. They can also be set to act based on activity or time based rules – for example turning on the hot water heating system only when they detect a presence in the house.
With the ubiquity of web connectivity, you can now monitor and manage your home systems from anywhere – ideal for holiday homes or even remote outbuildings.
If you are considering home automation make sure you select a system that will allow you to have the home of the future – today!
More on Home Automation by The Solent Electronic Home
