Home Automation and Technology

Home Automation and Technology

Scenario: You are hosting a party and running late from work. Your out of time. But , no worries. Everything is taken care of by a simple call from your cellular phone with which you start heating the hot tub, turn on the pool and walkway lights, adjust the air conditioner and check on the kids. The security system is activated and everyone is doing fine.

As you drive up to the house, the security gate opens, the sensor lights turn on and the garage door opens. Once you get inside, a simple push of a button draws the draperies, sets the mood lighting and activates the sound system. The food warms up in the microwave just in the nick of time.

You see your friends walking up to the front door from the video camera showing on your kitchen TV screen. Everyone arrives and then it's time for the "BIG" show on a plasma screen. Everyone has a great time and you feel relieved. By the time you fall into bed you're so tired you forget to turn out all the lights. Not a problem. They are set to shut off automatically, 11:00 pm during the week, 1:00 pm on the weekends, if you don't get to them first..

It is the day after the party. Your favorite melody softly wakes you up to the smell the coffee brewing downstairs. It's ready and waiting when you make it down the stairs. The temperature throughout the house raises a few notches to take the chill out of the air. Your blinds open slightly to let just a few rays of light in and when you finally manage to open your eyes, your favorite television program pops on. Slowly but surely, you are recovering from a long week at work and a great party the night before.

The dog gets fed and let into the backyard. The front lawn gets watered and the phone gets answered with a bright and cheery greeting, even though you haven't moved a muscle. You're ready for a nice, long, hot shower and, lo and behold, it's ready for YOU. Steaming away.

This is "Home Automation and Networking" at its finest, a non-obtrusive, fully integrated system for the home. Technology has finally become reliable, adaptable and affordable for millions of homeowners. This makes it truly feasible to implement and orchestrate a wide range of services to handle everyday activities. The beauty of many of the systems available is they are operated remotely or from a personal computer. It's truly amazing when you realize how many activities are now automated and can be integrated into our homes.

Security Systems. Automated Security Gates, Sensor Flood Lights, Vehicle Alert Sensors, Smoke Detectors, Electronic Door Locks, Electronic and Remote Deadbolt Locks, Motion Detectors, Security Cameras, Mailbox Sensors, Door Sensors, Window Sensors, Smoke Detectors, Automatic Dial Alarms, Automated Animal Deterrents.

Mechanical Systems. HVAC Systems and Energy Management including Thermostats, Heat Pumps, Surge Suppressors, Automated Lighting and Fan Controls, Automated Appliances, Cordless Telephones, Telephone Answering Machines, Wireless Intercoms, Air Cleaners, Electronic Water Softeners, Automatic Humidifiers, Motorized Window Openers, Remote Drapery and Blind Systems, Garage Door Openers, Automated Dog Doors and Pet Feeders, Watering Systems and Rain Sensor Sprinklers, Automated Pool Filter and Heater Controls, Automated Pond Feeders, Automated Fountains.

Entertainment Systems. Audio/Visual Home Theater Systems, Centralized and Remotely Operated Music Systems, Wireless Stereo Headphones, Cordless Sound Systems, Handheld TVs.

This technology has been under development for decades. Throughout the years we have been introduced to it via science fiction movies, cartoons and amusement parks. Still, we have yet to utilize all the systems available within the market place. However, feasible and affordable applications are now available for the home. You can utilize existing wiring, and in many cases, functions are remotely controlled.

From sunrise to sunset you can manage your home with flexible, programmable configurations to provide convenience, comfort, security and reduced energy costs. These systems integrate daily or calendar-based routines and handle tasks with the push of a button or a voice command. Most importantly these systems can simplify our hectic lives. Now this is progress! But, be sure to leave the house every now and then or you'll turn into a coach potato.