Functions and Features

Home automation is a very wide subject. Finding the right combination of features which would fit our lifestyle and budget is not an easy task.

We can start with selecting the main elements: Lights, air conditioning, alarm, video surveillance, telephone and intercom, multi zone audio and so on.

Next, we could consider integrating the individual components into one system. That woudl allow us to get the most out of each. This is the real advantage of home automation.

One event or condition can trigger another event, or a series of events.

If the alarm system goes off in the house, it can turn on the emergency lights. If a window opens in a room where the air conditioning is on, it can either turn off the air conditioning or send a message to the touch screen or to the music system's speakers to notify the owner about the open window.

Some functions may work the opposite way. They can prevent an event from happening. The garden sprinklers are programmed to turn on at 11 PM. If there is a party in the garden, the area sends an "occupied" signal to the control system, that can prevent the sprinklers from providing a surprise cold shower to our precious guests.

Less is more

Another advantage of integration, is to have fewer controllers and switches than in a regular home.