What is all this automation stuff?

Home Automation systems are NOT new! We have been creating integrated systems from available parts and technology since the 70's. When we design an automated control system we look at all the systems in your home, Lighting, Climate, Security, Entertainment, Motorized systems, and Convenience (whatever doesn't fit into one of the others). We link these systems together so that one action by you can cause many actions across several subsystems.

For example: You enter the theater and push one button labeled start show. Our controller will start the video projector, start up the laser disc player, turn on the surround sound system to the proper level and source selection, lower the screen, lower the projector, close the window treatments, dim the lights, lower the Climate control setting, then select play. All you did, was push one button.

This is a VERY important point. Many "integrators" will simply provide control of all your systems from one location. They will, for example, give you a Touchpanel or multiremote with one page for each system or device being controlled. This essentially combines all the controls into one unit but it doesn't simplify anything! You still need to select each piece of equipment, and select the proper settings for each piece. Our systems are intelligent, we provide true one button control of complex systems. Our systems talk to all the pieces and select all settings automatically. This requires more time and complex programming, but the end result is that all you do is press one button.

Your time is valuable; you want to enjoy the time you spend at home, not waste it learning how to control the TV and Digital Video Disc player. A control system can provide the comfort and ease of use promised, but not delivered, by today's electronic systems. More and more people today want to come home to relax and enjoy the biggest investment they will make in their lives, their home. They want high end audio video systems, the convenience of lighting control systems, the security of seeing and talking to the person at the door or gate before opening it, and the energy savings of a Climate control system that knows when you are home and adjusts itself accordingly.

When you have all of these systems installed individually, you have to learn to use myriad types of controls and interfaces for each one. You are never truly comfortable in your own home, the one place where you should be. An integrated control system can give you that level of comfort and even automate several features so they happen without you even thinking about it. Your home could turn on outside lights at dusk, dim them when you go to bed for energy savings and safety, then turn them off in the morning. If someone approached at night your home could brighten the outside lights and announce to you that someone was at the door or gate. When you get out of bed at night the house could slowly bring up dimmed pathway lighting in your bedroom and bath so you wouldn't be blinded and your spouse wouldn't be awakened. In case of an emergency your home could flash lights at exits and make loud announcements to wake you and inform you of the emergency.

The list is endless and only limited by your imagination and budget. The following pages will give you some examples, please feel free to read through this book and contact me with any questions you may have. Please remember that all the touch screen designs shown are samples and can be changed in any way to suit your particular needs.

"Our systems are intelligent, we provide true one button control of complex systems."