| Have you ever imagined walking into your home | | | | any house owner and an automated security |
| to be greeted by soothing music, cool wafts of | | | | system provides far more protective and safer |
| air-conditioner and the soft intensity lights to help | | | | experience than traditional methods. While with |
| you relax?. That's the new intelligent homes for | | | | cameras you can view your house through |
| you! | | | | internet, the motion sensors can send you an e |
| In fact the concept of intelligent homes started in | | | | -mail or text message if they sense movement |
| the 1980s in the United States and since then has | | | | or breaking of glass. Furthermore wireless alarm |
| undergone several changes around the world. | | | | systems can also detect gas leakage or fire |
| The technology uses touch-screens and | | | | accidents. Apart from these there are automated |
| user-friendly software that impacts four key | | | | systems that inform owner of energy, water and |
| areas in any building --energy efficiency, life safety | | | | gas consumption as well as wireless electronic |
| systems, telecommunications systems and | | | | meters that display the cost of electricity used |
| workplace automation. | | | | and send Alarm alerts for excessive loads. |
| The two main methods of home automation are: | | | | The home automation has both practical as well |
| Plug in System, the popular one, wherein modular | | | | as environmental benefits. Managing your home |
| systems are simply plugged in walls and | | | | appliances and gadgets is at your fingertips now. |
| communicate through power or radio lines. | | | | Programmable washing machines, refrigerators, |
| The other is the Hardwired system where the | | | | ultrasound steered vacuum cleaners, automated |
| solution is planned and installed in the walls of the | | | | lights, air-conditioning and ventilation as also |
| building during construction stage. | | | | Internet-connected video camera to check on |
| Lighting has, by far, been the most popular use of | | | | baby sitter can make life that much easier for |
| home automation. One can switch on/off or dim | | | | working couples. Conveniences like an alarm to |
| the lights from a remote control moreover can | | | | have the lights gradually increase intensity or |
| also create mood lighting or play preset function | | | | ensuring the coffee is brewing and the television |
| for the room such as dinner lighting, party lighting | | | | switches on to the favorite news channel can be |
| etc. The motion sensor lights get automatically on | | | | a boon to a weary soul after a hard day. Equally |
| when detect a movement and turn off after a | | | | advantageous are the advanced systems that |
| period of time. Similarly air-conditioners with self | | | | lock up all the doors and windows as one's leaving |
| adjusting settings can adjust the cooling pattern | | | | or video door phones with alarm systems that |
| depending upon the number of people present in | | | | can provide security to elderly couples. Additionally |
| the room, can be preset to preferred | | | | automated lights and appliances can save up to |
| temperature setting and also can be controlled | | | | 75% of electricity whereas automated window |
| through computer, PDA or cell phone. | | | | covering can minimize solar heat gain. Besides |
| Of course, other than light fittings, there's natural | | | | intelligent air- conditioning systems can significantly |
| light to consider too. Motorized curtains, blinds and | | | | reduce energy consumptions thereby offering |
| shades can be raised or lowered by a remote | | | | monetary savings plus conserving energy |
| from the comfort of your couch, and can be | | | | resources. |
| programmed to open or close at a predetermined | | | | Automation makes life simpler however intelligent |
| time even when you are away. Additionally light | | | | home systems are still considered lifestyle |
| sensor blinds automatically extend and retract | | | | products as they are perceived to be expensive |
| according to the position of the sun. Then there | | | | but one can go for individual products as per their |
| are entertainment systems where all the audio | | | | need from security systems to internet enabled |
| visual equipment are controlled by a single remote | | | | refrigerators. The biggest challenge though is that |
| with programmed settings which will select the | | | | the complex products may baffle not so tech |
| speakers through which to play audio, button to | | | | savvy people. We still have a very long way to |
| start the DVD, raise the motorized projection | | | | go where intelligent homes are concerned, but the |
| screen and dim the lights to give a complete | | | | concept is catching on particularly with the new |
| home theater experience. | | | | generation. |
| Sure enough security is an important aspect for | | | | |