Once A Space-Age Fantasy,
Today, An Array Of Options For Every Homeowner
The phrase “home automation” may bring to mind scenes from the cartoon life of George Jetson, or you may think of complex systems that control lighting or home security. Today’s computer-driven home automation systems actually can provide options that rival the capabilities of the imaginary Jetson home.
Homeowners can opt to incorporate automation services anywhere on the spectrum ranging from very basic functions—such as adjusting the thermostat or viewing the Nanny cam—to completely integrating every aspect of a home’s audio/visual, security, lighting, and heating/cooling systems.
Recent innovations include the introduction of Macintosh® computer-based home automation systems. These systems, available from HCS Technology Group, are:
• substantially less expensive to install and upgrade/re-configure than proprietary systems.
• easily accessed/controlled—both in-home and remotely—via the Web, using any computer or an iPhone® or iPod® touch mobile digital device. Additional touch screen devices are available for in-home use; no programming or complicated codes required.
• available for existing homes and for those under construction. To eliminate the need for cables and hardwiring, existing homes are most often retrofitted with systems controlled by wireless radio or infrared signals. And even the most complex home automation system can easily be incorporated into the construction phase of a house, before interior walls are in place and while there is easy access to all electrical wiring and outlets.
Advantages of Home Automation
• Environmentally friendly—Simple changes to heating/cooling patterns—everything from automatic temperature adjustments when you’re not home, to opening/closing window coverings to take advantage of natural light—can have a significant impact on the amount of resources consumed. Setting the sprinkler system to water the lawn on a regular schedule, but to skip a cycle when it rains or is below a certain temperature, means that you don’t have to remember to override the system. The more control you have over your home’s use of electricity, heat and water, the “greener” your home potentially can be.
• Cost control—Increasing the overall efficiency of your home maximizes your opportunity to save money.
• Security—Encompassing far more than alarms and gates and lighting, “security” also includes the peace of mind that will come from the ability to access your system from anywhere in the world via the Internet, or being able to turn on all the lights “with the touch of an icon” as you pull into the driveway.
• Home entertainment at its best—With a multi-zone audio-visual setup, you’ll be able to stream a movie to any television, and music to any room, in the house (different movies/music can play anywhere simultaneously). And now there’s no fooling with multiple remotes. The iPhone and iPod touch easily control all these functions. You don’t even have to remember all the steps for activating your home theater system—just press the icon, and your home automation system does the rest. If you like, you can even have a setting that will dim the lights to whatever you deem the perfect level for watching movies!