Sleek Residential Home Designs With Integrated Home Automation

Elgrande International Completes Custom-Home Projects Using Microsoft Media Center Technology:
"The client was supplied with a single USB memory stick that allows him to insert the tiny device to any computer and automatically bring up every aspect of his home [automation] and allow him to control just as he were in front of any of the touch screen controls." Source: Yahoo News

Home Automation Without Lifting A Finger

Imagine coming home after work and saying "lights on to evening setting" and having all the necessary lights turn on automatically, without even lifting a finger. Jayde InterActive Technologies has created voice recognition solutions that do precisely that.

However, that is not all they can do – the software solutions can control entertainment systems with inbuilt infrared, arm and disarm security systems as well as integrate with your PC so you can control your mouse and keyboard entirely by voice.

The home automation system works directly with end-hardware and claims to integrate fully into existing security or home automation systems, thus allowing you to pre-program lights to com on at pre-specified times. The system comes with an inbuilt command set but can also incorporate voice control for any other appliances such as air conditioners or entertainment systems.

The included command set offers lighting controls: Lights on, Lights off, Dim lights, Dim lights to fifty percent, Set lights to fifty percent, Make brighter, Increase brightness, Change lights, Toggle lights. There are also temperature options and alarm options: Alarm on, Alarm system, Arm system, Emergency alarm, Security breach, Securtiy alert, Alarm off, Disarm system, Welcome visitor, Good night, Evening alarm, Night alarm, Good morning and?Morning alarm.

Optional commands may include: Turn on/off dvd/radio/tv, Set tv/radio to channel (x), Turn up/down volume, Open/close front/back/side door, Open/close (all) window(s) and?Open/close (all) blinds.

As you can probably guess, this kind of functionality can be highly beneficial as well to sufferers of RSI, dyslexia, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, loss of limbs as well as the partial and non sighted (DNS Pro integrates with third party software such as JAWS).

Three options are available – basic voice to text conversion software for use on a computer, advanced voice to text conversion which includes voice control over your mouse and the complete computer control, voice to text conversion and home automation package. The latter will integrate with existing home automation and security systems and can be retro-fitted as well.

Cost: This can vary depending on the package you choose.
A very basic PC only software and headset package could star from $99.
The more advanced software options range from $500 - $800.
Professional software and headset package (which offers home control but without the cost of wiring etc) is approximately $2500 whilst full home automation control starts from approximately $5000.

See: www.interactivetechnologies.org

Article Source: Manisha Kanetkar at SmartHouse.com

Home Security Automation Essentials

Home automation involves automation of many tasks. One of these is the security of your dwelling. Home automation security is an important feature for your safety and well being. Home automation security provides security and peace of mind for many homes and businesses. Basically, home automation systems make it look as though vacant homes and businesses are in fact occupied. This is achieved through the timed used of televisions, lights and other methods. Home automation systems can be the difference between your home being hit by a burglar and your home being passed over by one.

One can either use wireless technology or hardwired security systems. Wireless is gaining popularity in an attempt to do away with complicated and confusing wiring operations. Wireless transmitters, receivers, and controllers can add the convenience of wireless sensors. Using wireless transmitters and receivers you can easily place sensors in out of the way or hard-to-access areas, without having to run new wiring. Wireless security cameras are also extremely useful.

Hardwired security costs lesser but its installation is time consuming. It requires the ability to hide wires in walls for a neat installation. Wireless alarm systems, on the other hand, are more easily installed and can be added to or moved to a new location with ease. Typically, hardwired systems are installed during a new construction and are more reliable than their wireless counterparts.

Many types of security devices exist. Door alarms and emergency exit alarms are vital. Even though burglars may break in through windows, doors must be secured. Door alarms work on one of two types of systems: a closed circuit or an open circuit system. This same idea is also used in window alarms. In either if the circuit breaks or in the latter when the circuit completes upon the opening of a door, an alarm is sounded.

Security cams are also good. First you must decide whether you need an indoor or an outdoor system and whether or not to use closed-circuit or wireless cameras. Day or night use will also affect the type of camera you by, some have built in infra-red that allow them to 'see' in the dark.

One can also install instant calling to specified numbers in case of a break in which will contact such numbers for help. Also other devices such as taped dog barking upon approach by an intruder can be installed. Adequate lighting is also important. One can put motion sensors lighting up the path if someone approaches your gateway. Keep burglars at bay with heat-sensitive motion sensors, door/window sensors, ear-piercing sirens, etc.

Essentially a home automation security system must be reliable, cost effective and deterrent. It must be able to give you a good night’s rest and assure your safety.

We all know how important home security is however let's face it if you don't automate tasks you forget.

Article Source: Allan Wilson is an expert author for EzineArticles.com on home automation.

Enhance Your Existing Security System With Reliable Wireless, Batteryless Sensors

From ThomasNet, "EnOcean, Inc., global pioneer in energy-harvesting wireless technologies, has partnered with Ad Hoc Electronics to enable its award-winning self-powered magnetic proximity sensor for retro-fit security installations. The combination of Ad Hoc's new LVRX-4 low-voltage relay receiver and the STM250 system enables home and building owners to enhance their existing entry/exit security equipment using reliable wireless, battery-free sensors."

Lagotek Announces Software-Based Whole-House Control System

Whereas past approaches to home automation have been primarily hardware based and hard wired, Lagotek’s approach is to use software running on an open hardware platform based upon wireless technology. From Bios, "The software-based platform includes basic features for whole home control of lighting (incandescent, LED and fibre optic), heating and air conditioning (HVAC), distributed audio, multi-location camera surveillance, irrigation controls (sprinklers and drip systems) and security systems."

Today's Featured Story:

Homeowner says thief caught on digital surveillance system video View Story Here >

Related Article:
WSJ Setting Up Your Own Security Camera at Home

Bringing Home Automation to your PC

The widespread acceptance of broadband networking into the home and the increase in consumer use and distribution of digital entertainment content have increased the need for software-driven control solutions to maximize performance for whole-home automation and entertainment functions. A company called Exceptional Innovation is capitalizing on this trend with a unique twist. As reported by Audio Video Revolution, "By taking an open, standards-based approach to home automation, Exceptional Innovation [has] not only created a system that is affordable and scale-able, but also a system that can be expanded as new vendor partners are added. Users can adapt EI’s home control solution to meet their specific needs, whether it is a single media room or a fully-automated 12,000 square foot luxury home." Read full article here.

Central Vacuum System Breaks Home Automation Barrier

Sick of portable vacs? AirForce is a unique central vacuum system with some very interesting home automation integration features (i.e. if the door bell or phone rings the vacuum system turns off). According to CentralVacuum.com, a central vacuum system can cost less than a high-end moveable vacuum and can add around $2,000 to your home's resale value.

Read: How Central Vacuum Systems work.

Multiroom A/V Sytems

There are basically two types of whole-house audio/video systems from which to choose: a system that distributes the same content to every component, or a more intelligent system that lets each family member select the content source (such as a CD player and tuner) simultaneously from different rooms.

Check out this article on how to design and install your choice.

Today's Digital Home Special Reports

If you're dying to get started in home automation, PC Magazine suggests you should take a look at X10 or Z-Wave starter kits. They make the task of automating home lighting and appliances simple, and they're modular allowing to expand your control over different components of your home.

Read about two special reports that explore these technologies in depth:
X10 Home Automation Systems
Z-Wave Home

Digital Deck Unveils Home Entertainment System

Digital Deck™, a leading provider of technology for management of entertainment content for the home, recently announced the release of its breakthrough technology that runs on Windows XP PCs and brings music, live and recorded TV, and photos into each networked room of a home. The new Media Connector software and hardware platform provides many features and integrates easily with with a broad range of popular electronic entertainment devices and services, including integration with TiVo® Series2 DVR, Apple® iTunes®, flickr™, and Windows Media™ .

The Digital Deck solution includes the Media Connector Software, the Media Connector & Remote Control, and access to the Digital Deck Service (including program guide information and IR codes). The product is available from the Company website now, priced at just $499 retail. To create multi-room solutions, additional Digital Deck Media Connectors (with Remote Control) can be purchased for $299 retail. The system provides a single common interface that allows users to access all of their entertainment devices from any connected room. Wired broadband network in your home (cable, or DSL) is required.

Wireless Home Security Made Simple

Hi-Tech home security systems can be a cost effective (under a $1000.00 with no added monthly fees) alternative to central station monitored systems. These wireless systems can be tailored fit to each owner's needs and can be expanded over traditional hardwired systems to include video survellaince cameras, digital recording and home monitoring through a web browser. Most of these systems can be easily installed and configured by any do-it-yourselfer. Check out the Homesight™ Wireless Easy Start Kit from Motorola’s Home Monitoring and Control System product line.

Continue reading Wireless Home Security Alternatives

Bringing home automation to the masses

From Remodeling Online, "SmartLabs President Rajeev Kapur says he's hoping to bring home automation "to the masses." The company develops and sells a growing range of automation products through its online store, Smarthome.com. The Web site offers about 7,000 products and continues to add about 30 new products a week to the inventory -- everything from remote-control light dimmers to in-wall touch screens. SmartLabs isn't alone. Industry leaders such as Home Depot (HD) also are bulking up on their home-automation lines."

Whole House Stethoscope?

Imagine getting a call on your cell phone telling you that you've sprung a leak in your basement. From Gizmodo, "With the Home Heartbeat from Eaton, various sensors attached to important items throughout your home can alert your cellphone to its status." This complete home awareness system requires no technicians, no codes configuration, or third party monitoring. How It Works?


Related To This Story:
Is your iron still on? Check your cell phone

Smart Living Cruise Control

Clipsal Integrated Systems showed off the C-Bus Wireless home automation system which can be programmed to control everything from watering your plants to answering your mobile phone at the Sydney Home Show.

Related Links:
Infolink.com

How2.0 Surf the Web from Your Own BackYard

Popular Science has a DIY article on how to extent your WI-FI network beyond the confines of the interior of your home. I've been researching on how to make better use of my laptop while lounging on my deck and this article tells you exactly how for about $300.00. Mike Outmesguine writes, "It uses a Linksys Wi-Fi range expander ($100; linksys.com) modified with an omnidirectional 9dBi antenna ($58; pacwireless.com). To avoid unsightly extension cords in the flower bed, I added a lead-acid battery ($22; radioshack.com) and a 10-watt solar panel ($119; sundancesolar.com) to charge it." Read full article now. I'd appreciate your feedback on this setup.