Articles and whitepapers

Hidden Technology (2/1/2004)

By Jane Scotland

Since the early 1950s there has been much talk of the house of the future in which everything would be automated. Many people imagined that their grandchildren would have a staff of robots to do all the household chores.

So what happened to the concept? Why don't we have robots catering to our every whim? Like most predictions about the future, the concept was right, but the way it has turned out has been very different from the sci-fi movies. How many of you have home computers, broadband Internet access, DVD players, Playstations, MP3 players or even a plasma screen? It is hard to recollect that just ten years ago, none of these sophisticated devices were commonly available.

Hidden racks of sophisticated equipment

Although getting everything to work can be a challenge, technology is getting easier to use, and is making a real difference to how we work and play.

Home working is becoming increasingly popular as we look to adjust our work/life balance. Your home office computer can become part of the office network allowing you to access all your files as if you were there. Web cameras can also be used, so you can see people and talk across the Internet without having to travel. The quality isn't quite as good as a video conference, but the equipment required is a fraction of the cost, and the calls across the Internet are free.

Many homes have more than one computer to cope with the competing demands of work, games and homework. Installing a home data network allows you share broadband Internet access and printers, but also allows you to distribute music and satellite TV throughout the house and even control heating and lighting.

When you are planning a renovation or buying a new property it is essential that it is wired for data communications. If the property is being rewired the additional cost is not significant and it opens up a world of possibilities.

A whole-house music system allows you access to your entire CD collection in every room. Your music is stored on a central device, and displays in other rooms allow you to intelligently search and select the music you want, ending the frustrating search for a particular CD. Speakers can be hidden in the ceiling, or made to look like paintings on the wall and can be fitted into bathrooms.

Discreet sound and vision

Satellite TV signals can be sent around the house so you can watch Sky on any TV. Rather than struggle with multiple remote controls, everything you want to do can be controlled from a hand-held touchscreen. You can even use the same device to control your home.

Home control is a practical way of controlling all sorts of things in your house. From setting up lighting scenes in order to match your mood, to intelligently controlling your heating and cooling - even watering the garden - the possibilities are endless. For example, if you wanted to watch a DVD, you can simply press a button on your remote control and the DVD will turn on, your surround sound system will be optimised for movies, the lights will dim, and in daylight, the curtains or blinds will close.

If you are lucky enough to have a second property, then having control and being able to monitor it via the Internet can provide both convenience and security. You can view live pictures from the property and conveniently switch on the heating before you arrive. Alarms can be sent to your mobile by SMS, so you know of any problems immediately.

Systems like these have been installed in the homes of the super-rich for some time. Now, with the advent of less expensive components and broadband, they are available to everyone. The only limit is your imagination.

This article appears courtesy of Time & Leisure magazine.

Jane Scotland is Director of Beyond the Invisible, provider of high-quality and innovative home entertainment, lighting control and security systems to forward-thinking home owners and developers.

www.beyondtheinvisible.com