Currently there is a huge move towards complete integration of all the technologies of the home and the backbone of all of this is a TCP/IP computer network- with one network in the home linked to your lights, security, music, TV, etc. Because the trend is towards one network, the costs are reduced and the amount of time spent developing interfaces between systems is also reduced.
We discussed this latest trend with HomeMation...
Why should home owners automate their homes in your opinion?
We believe that home owners should automate their homes in order to simplify their lives and improve their living environments. A well thought out home automation solution allows you to live your live spending less time worrying about the frustrating details that are otherwise a chore, or even worse, a security risk.
For example, if you are having people around for dinner you
can select your favourite music for the evening from an easy
to use touch screen, you can set the lights and temperature
for the evening with a simple press of a button and when
you go to sleep you press one button and all the lights turn
off, the heating or cooling is set back and the alarm is
armed by-passing the bedrooms.
You can very easily create more elegant atmospheres and
moods with lighting, music and climate control settings than
ever before. And a good home automation solution should in
fact reduce your number of interactions with the technology than increase them as the system should be doing most of the work for you.
Home automation is to the home as was the remote control to the TV. It will change our expectations in the near future and we believe that in 5 years time prospective buyers will expect to have the infrastructure in place for the technologies that will be around. It is important therefore to make your home future friendly and a little planning now can increase the value of your home for years to come.
What should home owners look for when beginning to automate or upgrade their home automation systems?
Home owners should have a clear idea of what their priorities or needs (whey would you like?) are, i.e. music, video, lighting security etc. They should then look for a consultant who not only can sell them a product, but can also offer a complete solution and deliver the solution.
Putting together a final solution is a process that the consultant will take the homeowner through to establish the best solution for the client in terms of cost, performance and reliability. The consultant should be able to give a clear idea to the client of exactly what they can expect from the solution they are buying into.
Also, if the client cannot afford the entire solution it is always advisable to put in the infrastructure that will allow for future expansion as well as future technologies .
What should home owners have and what shouldn't they have when it comes to home automation?
Home owners should remember that Home Automation is there to simplify their lives not to make it more complicated. They should look for a solution that fits in with their lifestyle.
In south Africa some of the more important elements of control are Lighting, Security, Music, Video Surveillance, Irrigation and then of course remote control.
Do Homemation see this industry growing in the future?
Absolutely, the system we sell are being installed more and more through-out the country. This especially as we more more into a digital environment - Digital Home.
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