Multimedia is already part of home-automation systems.
Take, for instance, Control4’s range of products from lighting
and climate control to
switched audio. Wallmount
LCD panels provide
a convenient portal
to an array of controllable
options within the home
(see the figure).
Home-automation
system installers typically
handle this class
of product. In the past,
these systems were wired
point-to-point solutions.
The movement to networked
and wireless solutions
will make installation
easier in addition to opening it up to do-it-yourselfers.
Emerging standards will facilitate this process. For example, a
range of ZigBee Pro profiles from the ZigBee Alliance targets the
home, including the Lighting Profile and Home Automation Profile.
These will allow third-party products to work together. Currently,
most home-automation products are designed to work with a specific
system.
Home-automation systems already have a video source—security
and surveillance cameras—that can be integrated into home media
systems.
Of course, integrators and installers will be able to take advantage
of standards-based products as well, because they will enlarge
the number of options. It will also simplify the job of integrating a
customer’s existing network with a home-automation system.
CONTROL4 • www.control4.com
ZIGBEE ALLIANCE • www.zigbee.org