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| Home Automation |
| The ultimate in 21st century living. |
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According to the experts, it won't be that long until all of us are living in homes that are automated to some extent. Our House takes a look inside a smart house to see what the system can do. Home automation though, is not exactly a new concept as it has been around for about 20 years in various forms.
James Billington, from Smart Home Solutions, feels that the term "home automation" implies people are living like robots. He prefers to use the terms "systems integration" or "smart homes”. The main changes that have happened with home automation over the last five years are:
1
Prices for smart home devices have dropped.
2
There is now a greater number of options. This is because more items from different companies can now be connected to the same integrated system. In the past, products from different companies could not be connected, whereas now they are more likely to be compatible with one another.
3
The technology is now easier to use. Macro commands are now widely used in home automation. This means that all you need to do is press one button for a multitude of functions to take effect.
4
Systems are becoming greatly simplified so that the same equipment can be used for many different uses. For instance, a television screen can be used not just to watch television but also for internet access and to check security around the home. Also, a standard telephone can now be used also as an intercom for the house.
How Automation Works
The set up works through wall mounted keypads and touch panel remote controls. The one touch panel remote control can now replace all the individual remote controls (eg. for the TV, CD player, video, alarm monitoring) that used to be required.
Both the keypads and the touch panel remote are linked to cables built into the walls which all connect to the "hub". The hub acts like the central nervous system. It is out of sight but is easily accessible if you want to connect additional items to the system in the future. The hub is the most important element of the smart home.
Examples of macro commands
Press “Hello”:
Alarm is deactivated.
A/C is set to preferred temperature.
Favourite CD playing for arrival in bedroom and living area.
Blinds in living room opened.
Favourite TV program on.
Cappuccino machine ready.
Spa turned on.
Lights turned on.
Press “Party”:
Lift for TV pedestal activates.
Speakers drop down.
Lights dim to party mood.
Amplifier goes to DVD setting.
Stone speakers outside are turned on.
The same CD is linked to all speakers throughout house.
Press “Good bye”:
Motorised curtains close.
Lights go out.
A/C is turned off.
Watering system turned on for gardens (if doesn't rain).
Alarm is turned on.
Inside the smart home
1
Entrance: There is a security camera set up at the front gate which
can be viewed from any TV screen in the house.
2
Upstairs: There is a home theatre system (consisting of an amplifier,
110 CD stacker, tuner, VCR, Pay TV, and DVD with wall mounted plasma TV).
3
Downstairs: There is a home theatre system (consisting of an amplifier, tuner, VCR, DVD - Digital Versatile Disc - and 25 CD stacker) with remote controlled drop down speakers and TV lift, together with beach side outdoor stereo stone speakers. Two individual sound systems (tuner and 25 CD stacker) are located downstairs. There is one in each bedroom which are controlled remotely.
4
Music System: One six zone stereo system (living room, wine cellar, outer terrace, pool and spa area, master bedroom, ensuite). The system is controlled by built in wall panel for each room. Both systems can also be controlled via a touch screen remote control.
What the future holds
James believes that home automation will change in the following ways in the
next five years:
1
Products will continue to become more affordable so that more people will be able to afford to build their electronic castles.
2
More items will be designed so that they can be home automated. The technology is already here - it's up to the individual to decide what they want. You may feel that it's all going a bit far. For example, you can program your house to cook a meal for you by the time you get home but is it really practical?
3
All new homes will be wired up so that they are compatible with
these new technologies.
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Cost
The convenience of home automation in this house costs approximately $15,000.
NB: This is not including the actual cost of TV, Video, sound system and other individual items - just the necessary cabling, keypads and touch panel remote controls.
Smart Home Solutions, estimates that the cost of home automation in an average house could cost between $5,000 - $15,000 - not including individual
items.
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More Info
Contact:
Smart Home Solutions,
East Sydney Design Resource Centre,
278 Palmer St, East Sydney NSW 2010.
Ph: (02) 9332 4700 Mob: 0418 966 497 Fax: (02) 9380 6057.
Email: james@smarthomes.com.au
CEDIA
Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association
PO Box 2101, Dee Why NSW 2099
Ph: 02 9913 1223, Fax: 02 9913 1212
Email: cedia@compuserve.com
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Disclaimer
All Fact Sheets and other material on the Our House website are provided as a general information service only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the advice of a properly qualified tradesman. Neither ninemsn nor its licensors (including the Nine Network) assume or accept any responsibility for, and will not be liable for the accuracy or appropriate application of any information whatsoever in any Fact Sheet or other material on the Our House web site. Your use of the Our House web site is governed by this disclaimer and the ninemsn's Terms of Use.
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