That’s because smart homes and smart wiring are becoming cheaper and more readily available. It’s said that Bill Gates once spent $100 Million dollars to build a smart home. This was many years ago. These days, the practice is finally available to the average residential home builder.

When it comes to automation and smart wiring, nearly every device in the home can be linked. This not only allows a person to control everything in the house from a single control box or remote control, but images from cameras or displays from other appliances can even be viewed on a cell phone or computer with an internet connection.

This allows a person to potentially control the HVAC units in the home, lighting, turn off the coffee maker or oven if the person forgot to turn it off before leaving the house and the person can even view a home security system.

In fact, the fact that a person can view a home security system remotely is one of the best aspects of automation and smart wiring. Let’s imagine an alarm system consisting of window sensors, door sensors, a fire alarm, a carbon monoxide alarm, as well as a series of video cameras strategically placed throughout the house. That home would be extremely secure with all of that home security equipment. But then, when you consider the fact that smart wiring allows a person to monitor that system remotely the system becomes that much more powerful.

By securing a connection on a cell phone or laptop, for instance, the homeowner can monitor the sensors on the doors and windows to ensure the house is secure and can even view the images captured by the video cameras. Automation and smart wiring bring a completely new aspect to the concept of home security.

As more homes become smart, and automated, we’re going to see more and more people using this smart wiring to connect their home security systems. That means homes are going to become safer than they ever were before.

Automation is the process of controlling that equipment based on certain events or times of day. Automation and Integration go hand-in-hand to control your audio and video systems, security system, lighting, heating and air, pool controls, and much more.

So why Integrate your home? Imagine turning off all the lights in your home at night without walking to every room – you can do so right from the Master Bedroom keypad or touchpanel. Better yet, set a night “scene” that turns all the lights off except the hallway light, which gets set to 25%. Or, maybe you want to change the thermostats in your home to 67° when you leave the house for the day. With Integration you can do so, automatically. Imagine the energy savings.

With remote access to your home, you can also control these devices from any internet-connected PC. Log in to the house to view cameras remotely, or adjust the heating and air systems, or make sure the security system was armed before you left for the day.

In today’s world, with technology changing every day, keeping these systems connected and accessible is becoming more and more important, and less expensive.

Visit our site to learn about the products and services we offer to automate your life.

Creating a start of the art home can mean many different things to many people. However, The Joseph Rowntree Foundation did a study of the market potential for Smart Homes (state of the art homes) and came up with this helpful definition:-

“Smart Homes use electronic networking technology to integrate the various devices and appliances found in almost all homes, plus building environment systems more common in factories and offices, so that an entire home can be controlled centrally or remotely as a single machine. This technology offers the prospect of significant improvements in the living standards of older, sick and disabled people who, without automated domestic activities, might otherwise be totally reliant on home care.”

Their study shows that most people wanted a smart home to help with security and safety, access their home and items in it remotely and because it should save people time and money:-
 
Reference: Joseph Rowntree Foundation
Following this study, we cover these three elements within this section, as well as explaining one of the biggest topics for State of the Art Homes ‘multi room visual and audio entertainment’. We have also trawled the magazines, shows and the internet to try and find some tantalising ‘state of the art’ home products which for most will just be a dream, but are still great fun to investigate!

Networking Your Home
This is one of the main features of any state of the art or smart home. Basically it involves a system which integrates all the utilities and technology in your home. There are many companies who now offer to network your home, but be careful that you choose a company that is happy to give you case studies and work to ensure that they minimise the damage to your home through installing network cables/features.

The basic idea of networking is that your (or a) PC runs everything in your home and you have an easy to use ‘interface’ to turn on, off, adjust, or change your heating, entertainment, security, lighting, appliances and any other super gadgets you have in your home. It is worth reading up as much as possible if you are considering doing this as it is complex and you need to make sure you get a system which has a company that can provide the best customer service in case anything goes wrong.

Research
To start, checkout these articles and websites to help understand exactly what networking is and what you need to think about for your home:-

Although a site for businesses, the information by Next Wave Technology  summarises what networking is and how it works.

Whole Home Systems explains well what this technology can do for your home.
Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association which have a members’ directory to search for companies to work with. The ‘Beginners Guide to Home Automation’ is a book you might like to read.

What you need to think about when considering networking your home
The most important thing to think about is what do you want the system to do? Is it for security reasons that you want the system, or do you want to control everything from lights, to the individual temperature of a radiator at a button?

Once you have a list of what you would like the system to do and why, then you should think about how much you want to disrupt your home. Are you happy for it to be completely rewired and redecorate after, or would you prefer to look at wireless options?

After that, it’s a matter of budget. Perhaps you would like to do it a bit at a time, so you may need a system that can be added to, or you might want to do it in one go, it all depends on how much you want to spend and what are the main features that you want to concentrate on.

For more information about what to consider, look at the Joseph Rowntree Foundations’ checklist.
 
For more help on networking your home, go to the CEDIA website and find companies in your area, look in our Additional Resources Section and go through the ‘smart home examples’ to learn more about homes that have already been created with ‘intelligent systems’.

Security and Safety
We already have access to quite sophisticated security and safety features, some of them incredibly simple and cheap to install. For example, one of the easiest ways to make your home that bit more secure – particularly when you are out – is to use timer plug ins. These allow you switch on your lights or any other appliance such as a radio or TV remotely at specific times during the day and night.

Other features that are easy to purchase and install and are considered ‘standard’ these days are CCTV equipment to protect your home. So what technology is required to move your home to ‘smart home’ status and improve security and status?

There are several new features that have been developed for state of the art or smart homes, but it might be useful to checkout what security features you need for you home, by going to Home Security Action  for their Security Review and Checklist and A Guide to Home Security by Crime Reduction UK.

State of the Art Locks
If you frequently lose your keys, then this is ideal, Finger Print Door Locks! Basically they do what they say on the tin – instead of keys, you get into your home by using your fingerprint, something you are unlikely to ever leave behind! There are several companies that do this, but the main one to look at in the UK appears to be UK Biometrics. Checkout prices for these products, but expect to pay from £200 per lock. Do get independent advice as to the safety of these products – ideally find someone who already uses them or ask the company for some case studies or referrals.
 
State of the Art CCTV
It’s OK having CCTV at home or somewhere where you can access the internet, but what if you are not there to watch it? What if you are half way around the world? Don’t despair, our mobiles are now being put to good use through a CCTV system that sends a text to your mobile if something sparks movement for a camera. As long as you are not in the country with lots of wildlife around triggering the system every few minutes, it means you can keep tabs on what’s happening in your home.

State of the Art Integrated Central Locking
This is an incredibly neat system. Rather than having to worry about locking every window or door, or worrying whether you locked anything or not, then this home version of car central locking is definitely worth a look!

Additional Information
Budgets vary for State of the Art Home Security, varying from £500 to £5,000 – I guess it depends how much stuff you have in your home!

Smart Products
There are many products that you can have in your home these days, from the now well written about fridge with a screen, and internet connection to a wireless system allowing you to access the net from anywhere around the home. However, if you know where to look, there are even more ‘wow’ smart home products that you can purchase. Some are surprisingly affordable, while others run into the hundreds of thousands.

Kitchen
Anyone living in a sophisticated smart home would want to have the best wines. Once you do have the best wine, the next most important thing to do is to have the very best place to keep them. Try the Spiral Cellars wine cellar. It claims that you can install it anywhere under floor, but I’m not sure we all have space for 1,600 bottles of wine under our floor!

Bathroom
For the best bathing experience in the world, try this bath out. It’s fully illuminated and even incorporates a waterfall! Feel free to invite your friends around, seems to fit. Visit Teuco.

If showers are more your thing, try the Tray Bien a new up-market, sleek shower tray. It fits flush with the floor and the waste is nicely covered over, so no horrible hairs in the morning. Visit Kaldewei or try the ‘rain shower’ it’s amazing!

For the ultimate experience in ‘bathroom entertainment’ think about tiling your bathroom with a TileVision – yes it’s all built in and if installed properly should be extremely safe.

Bedroom
Fancy having a plasma screen that appears or disappears as you instruct at the bottom of your bed? Visit Mayflower Designs.

Accessories
The digital picture player, a bit gimmicky, but great if you are a fan of photos. Basically they play your digital photos through a TFT LCD screen and you can programme the ‘photo frames’ to play the pictures you want at the frequency you want.

Inspirational Heating from Aestus
Making radiators a design feature in your home. Visit Aestus.

Innovative Features
Memory clocks, overflow alerts, voice prompts, all via a housing association!

Smart Home Examples
As smart home technology begins to influence our lives more and more, new homes developers are starting to implement technology into the home from the start of construction. Here are some examples of how technology is being implemented into homes around the country:-

The Orange at Home House
A home adapted to test out all the latest in smart technology by the mobile operator Orange. There is also a good write up and further information from the Homebuilding and Renovating Show.

The Life House
This house by David Wilson Homes has been test driven by a family to see the advantages and use of smart technology in a home.

There are also two companies that are worth checking out who create smart homes for individuals, these are Green Amber and Whole Home Systems.

Not only that every home owners, developers, investors requires home automation in compliance to the green global awareness for saving energy yet the vital subject of a company that will provide the right solution.

Since that automation is in its vast demand, it has grown under a big umbrella in the market emerging from many different companies.

Company’s schemes vary from their products to its pricing to the volume of requirements and needs.

Smarthome™ and HDL joined with their ingeniousity and as encouraged by the compassion to their client and experience with different products in related to the so called “ Smart Home “ over the years has evolved from a Supplier/Installer, then Integrators and now as Manufacturers of 2009 Mark of Excellence CEA Awardee for Best Green Product.

As a provider it is an obligation to furnish the best offer based not on competition but the objective of supporting needs of every consumer.

Uplifted, as of today Smart-HDL providing simple yet high end management monitoring and control of every household functions asserting the term “Home Automation “.

Facet of Smart Home such as Lighting and Dimming Control, Air Conditioning, Security, Drape Control, Door Entry Access and Home Entertainment does not only aims at each inhabitants but as well essential for those that offers the solution in which S-Bus and Z-Audio outstands from all.

Some of the key advantages of these aspects are:

1- Lighting Control: Din Rail and Mountable Dimmers and Relays works in both 110 V and 220 V, 50 and 60 HZ. Green product operated by 24V DC.

2- Air Condition Control: control all type of AC. The AC module can control Single Multi stage unit, 2 fan speed and VAV 0 -10 Volt control, 4-20 ma with external temp sensor terminal.

3- Curtain and Shade Control: does not the need to run electrical wiring and thus controls all types of shade motors like blinds, vertical and horizontal curtain.

4- Security: supports more than 250 000 security zones and can be divided to 8 different areas.
Considering these advantages the constraints with budgeting will now ease up everyone to easily afford having their homes integrated in full monitoring and control.

Automation by Smart-HDL “a lifestyle in simple execution of command“

Visit and read more on www.smart-hdl.com

Smarthome™ of Digitcom Technology LLC, venerates Mr. Jimmy Chin founder of DIGITCOM USA and our own Mr. Firas K. Mazloum, Owner (Digitcom Technology LLC) and Mr. Liang, Owner of HDL (High Definition Living – China).

Smart homes technologies are and will remain a new idea for quite some time. Research is taking place to understand the potential advantages that smart homes can achieve, however So far most of the research has centered around graphical interface control, with very little thought going into alternate user interfaces, the most notable being the use of voice, which would prove to be a very convenient method of automating your home appliances.

When using a GUI the homeowner can usually only controls appliances from a display screen and is unable to automate the smart home technology elsewhere in the household. For a voice application Bluetooth is a good wireless standard to use because it can connect easily to a PC and as long as the user stays within 10-100 metres of the computer the smart home application can be controlled.

Voice control would be particularly advantageous to those with disabilities, for example, a visually impaired user would find it difficult to use a GUI and somebody with motor impairments would have a tough time using a keyboard and mouse, however deaf users would clearly struggle to use a speech-enabled system, so I would recommend including a GUI and voice control functionality.

There are a number of voice applications out there in industry, for instance, when you top up your mobile phone or telephone the bank you are taken through a series of steps and can select from a number of options that were programmed into an automated voice application. Typically these applications are designed using VoiceXML on a standard PC, which can then be accessed from any telephone via a pre-determined number.

Maybe there is potential here to control your appliances simply by picking up a phone and selecting from a series of options. I hope this gives you something to think about at least.

Please visit http://smarthomeguru.blogspot.com for more on smart homes

Home automation was a fun fantasy long before it became a reality for the average American home. When The Jetsons premiered in 1962, audiences relished the push-of-a-button ease with which Rosie the Robot did the housework with the help of a seeing-eye vacuum cleaner, a voice operated washing machine and a nuclear powered knitting machine. And they marveled at how Judy Jetson spoke to her husband at work via a widescreen TV.

More and more the Jetsons lifestyle is becoming a reality in the US, with voice activated appliances, videophones and moving sidewalks. The latest fridges and ovens boast Web appliances and Internet connections and cars come complete with satellite positioning systems.

While Americans still aren’t installing nuclear powered knitting machines into their dream homes, many do have systems that automatically control the thermostat, security system, home theatre and lighting functions via remote control, keypads, voice commands or over the Internet. Installing a home control system allows home owners to have access to their home’s electronic system from anywhere on the planet.

Rather than switching off the lights, setting the security system or fiddling with the thermostat, owners can rest easy, knowing their connected home will take care of all those tasks automatically with sensors that detect whether anyone is at home or not. And at one press of a button, you can pipe music from a digital satellite system through to the in-wall speakers, dim the lights, light the fire and turn on the Jacuzzi. Or when working late, you can use your office Web connection to check that the kids are at home safely or even see if they’re tucked up in bed.

Robots that do the laundry and solar powered stamp lickers like the Jetsons had may not be available yet, but with technologies like state-of-the-art wiring, lighting control, multi room music and total home control, connected Americans will be ready when they are. And just wait until they introduce that car that folds up into a briefcase.

Once upon a time the smart home was only something of science fiction movies and space age cartoons. Today, the digital home is well on its way to becoming the new standard, especially for the discerning buyer.

So what exactly is a digital home? Also known as building automation, the smart home has a number of systems networked for interoperation, with a computer at the hub. This view of the future spins out of a concept known as ubiquitous or pervasive computing, in which the model of computer interaction changes from a single user and a desktop computer to a multi-computational system, integrated into everyday activities, with ongoing engagement by several users. Basically, these systems are designed to work smarter and save you time and energy. They are connected through cables, wireless ports or a combination of both and can be controlled from a distance, using a phone or Internet connection.

You may already have the beginnings of home automation working in your house already: programmable thermostats and dryers with sensors are examples. Imagine a heating system linked to intelligent sensors, programmed to heat or cool based on occupancy instead of scheduled hours; or pushing just one button before bed to turn off the lights, arm the security system, reduce the temperature and turn off the radiant floor heating.

These smart systems can also alert you by email should your children not arrive home at a certain time or light the entire house upon unauthorized access. Additionally you can program your system to flash the external lights to get attention or set it to illuminate escape routes in case of a fire while simultaneously notifying the fire department.

Audio visual devices can also be networked to become multi-zone systems. This allows you to enjoy music from a single source throughout the house. Or settle in to watch a DVD, pushing a single button to turn down the lights, draw the curtains and turn on the DVD player, television and amplifier. If your televisions are networked, any screen in the house can tune into the DVD playing on the main set.

In theory, any electronic device could one day be included in the smart home network. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags allow inventory monitoring and are being used by several large companies. In the future these may be used in the home network, allowing your fridge to track of your grocery stock and send a shopping list to your cell phone or order online when supplies get low.

So, whether you are buying a new residence or refitting an older property, consider wiring your home for the future because the days of automation are already upon us. Digital homes will be the standard and these systems are already being featured in many upscale projects. With constantly improving technology, the options for your smart home are only increasing.

Gone are the days when you were bothered for the security of your home and the commodities. Now you don’t need to look into the magic-eye to look for the entrant. No need to run after the children from parks to the playground. Here are the smart and intelligent homes to solve all your problems.

The digital revolution has morphed our’s lifestyle and the latest in a hightech world, promising ultimate luxury, is home automation. No one would have ever imagined the conveniences offered by a home, even a decade ago. It is the integration of all the home appliances into a single system controlled through a remote control. This system collects data from various appliances. All the appliances work as a sensor that process and send their data to a central processing unit. In such a way, the standard home gadgets like the toaster, television, home theatre and geyser are able to respond to individual commands.

Securing the entry
The visitors to your home can enroll their fingerprints and gain access to the home. On pressing the doorbell, a personalised message of welcome will be heard on the door and the door will automatically open if there is an authorised visitor. The cameras at the society gate will take a picture of your guest and let you know of your visitor’s arrival over the phone connected to the digital home gateway. As the visitor approaches your home, the door camera will detect his motion and show live video, with beeps calling your attention. Then it is up to you to open the door or not.

Out of home: No probs!
When you are out of home, and someone visits, the images at your apartment door or at the society gate will be available for you to view from wherever you are. So you know who visited and can call him later. In case an intruder tries to enter your home, an alarm will make the watchmen at the security gate alert, and you will het an SMS or a voice call on your mobile.

Control appliances from anywhere
You will be able to control various appliances, like the gas, lights, water from your mobile or over the Net. Just pressing a key will put the home in locked mode, with lights, gas and water switched off and other configurable actions performed. You are on the way back home and want the appliances to be ready, you can get them ready even before reaching home through your mobile phone. You can switch on the oven for 10 minutes, switch on the airconditioning and get hot water ready for the shower. If an emergency like a water leak or power failure occurs at home then the telephone system would automatically connect to your cell phone number.

How much to pay?
The cost of such customized comfort will depend on an individual’s personal needs, which can led to price variations. The simplest version of total automation could cost between Rs 3 lakh and for the premium ones you might have to pay around Rs 15 lakh and more.

A MOVIE NIGHT TO REMEMBER
Picture the scene. You and your guests are led into a comfortable room with plush seating. As you begin to smell the popcorn wafting from the kitchen you reach for the Flat Panel control4 touch screen. You hit one button and the entire room dims, the curtains are drawn back, the correct video loads and the movie begins to play. All with one button. The newest automation and home theater system give you his unbelievable type of control. Home Theater installations in South Florida and Home Automation systems are made possible by the experts in installations by AudioVisions. The can program and install this exact scenario for you in your home. They pride themselves in catering to your exact personal specifications and will work until the system is exactly the way you would lie to be. AudioVisions is based in Palm Beaches and South Florida and Florida’s premier home theater audio and video, automation services. So sit back and relax, have some popcorn and movie treats, the movie is starting!

SOME HOME THEATERS ARE BETTER THAN SOME MOVIE HOUSES!
Home theater installation is more than just playing movies in your living room. It is now your complete media hub, with access to thousands of songs in your personal music library, access to PS3, XBOX or Wii video games, cable or satellite TV entertainment and of course just sitting down with a bucket of fresh popped popcorn for an evening of fun with the family or friends for movie night. For a long time I have been thinking of installing a home theater for my living room. I turned to the pros at AudioVisions to learn as much as I could about what is the state of the art for home theater and home automation.

Well, after speaking to one of the knowledgeable service experts at AudioVisions I was not only educated, but armed with good information to help me make an informed decision about the best way to go for my personal needs. According to AudioVisions project manager Danny Albertson, “No two installations are the same. When it comes to home theater, every application is different.” He says “…room size, carpeting, furniture, almost everything comes into play when designing a home theater.” After recently completing installation of a famous golfer (who will remain anonymous) residence in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida the AudioVIsions team of experts decided to use the most advanced, cutting edge systems on the market today.

THE NEW SMART HOME
Beyond Home Theater, AudioVisions can also install complete Home Automation systems to control virtually every aspect of your home. Using the Control4 interface system and remote control boxes, AudioVisions makes it possible to turn on every light  in your home inside or out. Access security remotely while you are away, nanny cams can be viewed on your iPhone, even select music from your library or home movies you recorded at the little league game last weekend to play for the grandparents. I spoke with Mr. Fernando Canedo, AudioVisions senior systems installation engineer and he explains home automation installation as the following; “Today, the term “smart home” is becoming commonplace. At its simplest level it refers to a home that has been automated in some way.  This type of home automation can consist of lights on automated schedules, electronics and appliances hooked up to remotes, sprinkler systems on daily automated schedules, hot tubs and pools with robotic cleaners, or any combination of the above. Even kitchen appliances such as ovens are becoming networked and automated today. A home security system is also part of a smart home. Today’s burglar alarms all have automated elements such as control panels and remotes hooked up to the entire house’s sensors and sirens. Many systems are also hooked up to the Internet or to a phone line so they can alert their owners or a hired security company in the event of a break in.” As Mr. Canedo discusses the convenience of home automation I can’t help but think of the Jetson’s or some futuristic movie where the home owner simply presses a button and the robots come out of the walls. He also added “Today, many new homes are being built with smart home technology from the very beginning. It is also possible to remodel old homes to include these features, though it can be more labor intensive.

“If you are building a new home and are interested in adding cutting edge home automation give AudioVisions a call early in the game.” – Fernando Canedo Senior Systems Designer

Mr Canedo says that “…older homes were not equipped for the myriad of wiring and fiber optics that are installed in the old walls. And, the labor to cut into walls is intensive. Because of this, many home automation manufacturers are coming up with wireless solutions that is great and reliable technology.” We all love wireless as it frees us from having cumbersome wiring laying about. So even if you have an older home you can take part in this incredible Home Automation Palm Beach residents call “Amazing!”.

WHAT KIND OF EQUIPMENT WILL YOU NEED?
Mr. Albertson makes the following suggestions to get the fundamentals right for a Home Entertainment System (a.k.a. Home Theater Florida). “A home theater consists of a display which could be a screen or flat panel TV, a receiver which does all the video and audio switching and speakers for the sound. When it comes to speakers you have a choice of 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound, in most applications a 5.1 is sufficient.” Even George Lucas said that sound is 51% of a movie experience. SO you should really get all of the sound system your budget can handle. Mr. Albertson also says that “video sources can be a a cable box, a satellite receiver or a blu-ray player” for High Definition quality.

HI DEF WILL BLOW YOUR MIND
If you have been thinking about making the jump to high definition TV believe me when I tell you it will take your breath away. The colors are vibrant and rich, the detail is so intense you can see things you never thought possible with a clarity that is downright frightening (especially if you like the horror genre!). Sporting events take on a life so realistic you feel like you are on the field. When the sweat drips from the basketball players faces you will swear it’s dripping on your carpet. The realism in Blu Ray movies with the surround sound is so fantastic your neighbors could start to either complain or beg to come over. Video games now can be played on Home Theater Florida systems for an ultra dose of simulation seen only by NASA astronauts and air force pitots. Flight Sims look GREAT in High Def on a Home Theater surround system.
AUDIOVISIONS THE BEST HOME THEATER SOUTH FLORIDA HAS TO OFFER!
So if you are looking for a Home Theater South Florida or Home Automation Palm Beach or both AudioVisions team of experts is standing by to answer any of your questions. They offer a free consultation and will come out to your home to inspect and make a proper recommendation. They also background check, train and insure every one of their employees to make you feel at ease with allowing them in your home. Over the top customer service is a hallmark of AudioVisions friendly and knowledgeable staff and Owner Kevin Justice would not have it any other way.
So contact AudioVisions today to learn more by calling Fernando Canedo (754) 366-6704 or Danny Albertson (561) 252-1434 to learn about all the amazing systems they offer. Or visit www.audiovisionsfl.com to learn more. Email can be sent to info@audiovisionsfl.com and a confidential and simple survey will allow them to qualify your request for home theater palm beach and home automation installers florida.

Henry Heden owns a popular and comprehensive Home Theater web site. AudioVisions is the hottest new company to launch audio and visual home installation services in South Florida.They offer the highest quality customer service and installations for your Home Theater jupiter, Home Theater install and overall Home Theater Florida needs.They are the best Home Theater company in the Palm Beaches.