Articles and whitepapers

The Increasing Popularity of Home Automation (4/1/2005)

By Rashid Skaf, AMX

Home automation is often regarded by the general public as 'toys for boys' - especially rich boys - and not for the mainstream. But that perception is set to change. The main drivers behind the market are increasing affordability, the growth of wireless applications (allowing systems to be installed retrospectively), the integration of home automation with security and communications, and the need to keep control of the growing number of electrical devices in the home.

The UK is well ahead of the rest of Europe in the adoption of home automation systems, particularly in multi-dwelling buildings such as apartment blocks. Affordability is certainly a factor. As systems develop, the cost versus functionality of home automation systems is expected follow a similar path to the computer market - although probably not as marked. For example, a system that would have cost GB£600,000 two years ago, today costs around half as much for the same level of functionality.

Currently, a typical single-room or small system for controlling a home cinema room for example, would cost around GB£5k - £6k for the hardware, and a 'whole house' system may cost upwards of GB£75k - £100k, excluding programming and installation costs.

Home automation control from the kitchen

Practical necessity

While the perception that home automation systems are boys' toys may have been accurate a few years ago, they are now being seen as a practical solution to the growing complexity of running a modern home - handling heating, air-conditioning, alarm systems, multiple televisions, DVDs, videos, hi-fis, accessing the Internet and sending emails. The convenience of being able to programme when lights and heating systems switch on in the dark, winter evenings, or being able to close electric curtains and blinds when you are away from home, are added benefits that we did not know we needed until we could have them - a bit like the mobile phone.

System capabilities

A sophisticated home automation system can be used to control any electrically-powered device, from a humble light bulb to a multisource home cinema/entertainment room. The functionality of each device can be controlled from a single control panel, although multiple panels are normally installed in homes for greater convenience.

A typical system will comprise one or more black box controllers that act as the central nervous system, the wiring to the devices - normally category 5 Ethernet, and user control panels. With leading systems, these panels use touchscreens and can be hard-wired or operate wirelessly, giving total freedom of movement around the house or garden.

Asset management software further enables the system to not only control devices, but monitor them for malfunctions. For example, if your video or DVD recorder fails to start recording a programme, if a light bulb blows or if the freezer fails while you are at work, the system can be programmed to let you know by text message, pager, email or a message on your system control panel.

Intuitive Control

The most effective systems feature touchscreen panels that are intuitive to use, which means anybody can use the system without having to refer to a manual or be shown how to navigate around the menus. Simple graphical icons indicate which device is being controlled, and soft buttons for on, off, up, down, play, rewind, or whatever is required, are used to provide total control of that device.

Wireless control panel in lounge

On the more sophisticated systems, the screen can also be used to watch television pictures or DVDs or act as the monitor for a CCTV or door-entry system. In addition, the screen can double up as a computer screen, tapping into your home's computer and the Internet.

Access Security

Taking this one step further, systems can be accessed over the Internet using a standard PC from work for example, or even abroad. In this case, a suitable level of security is included to prevent unauthorised access. Indeed any intelligent system will feature a number of security levels to allow access to different aspects of the system, from total access 'administrator' level, to limited access for children and guests, who will be allowed to control all of the everyday devices such as lights and TVs/DVDs, but, for example, will be unable to reprogramme the heating system or alter security settings.

Programming

The programming of systems is one of the things people tend to overlook, believing that all systems are the same and that they just plug in, ready to go. Programming is, arguably, the most important stage of the process once the hardware has been specified. To get the best out of a system, it is vital to really think through exactly what you want it to do, including any future functionality that may be required, as retrospective changes can be expensive. Software updates for systems are normally provided by the manufacturer and uploaded by the installer.

Looking Ahead

The biggest change over the next few years is going to be the increased availability of wireless control. This will see more retrofit applications that do not rely on hard wiring to connect individual devices. Also, while current wireless panels can do everything that a hard-wired panel can do, apart from display full-motion video, the ability to stream wireless video images will offer more freedom. AMX for example, has produced wireless panels with the capability to accept streaming video.

Choosing a system

The principal differences between systems are reliability, the level of functionality, the power of the software, and the design and layout of control panels. In selecting a system, it is important to think through exactly what you want the system to do now and in the foreseeable future.

Think of every device you have in the home, what you are planning to add, what level of control you want, if monitoring of devices is important, how much freedom of movement you would like, who will use the system, what security access is required, and whether remote access over the Internet is important.

It is essential to work closely with your supplier and involve them in the specification from the outset. Take advantage of their experience - do not assume a system will do something just because another one does, and ask plenty of questions.

Controlling more than just the TV

Conclusion

Home automation makes life easier and more convenient, especially as our lives seem to be getting ever busier and more pressed for time. However, as we continue to add more and more technology to the home, home automation systems are going to become essential if we are to benefit from that technology, rather than it overtaking us and becoming a burden. In the next ten or twenty years, all new homes will have such systems built in as standard.

Rashid Skaf is the vice president of AMX, designer and manufacturer of advanced residential and commercial automated control systems.

www.amx.com