SUMMARY:

I consider the "last 5 centimetres" of control in an automated house to be the most crucial. Simplicity and ease of access for everyone in the home so they can do things in a logical and seamless way, is the ultimate test of whether you have a really automated environment or a series of apparent unrelated inputs that may or may not achieve a known result.

• Cost of ownership measures the long term impact of future service charges, which values the difference between a system that allows you to make changes against continually having to hire specialists to do the job.

• Ongoing development is a qualitative assessment of product/s and systems made by an OEM with a commitment to the future in respect to continual improvement and expansion capabilities to the system/s they produce.

• Operating environment means creating an optimum infrastructure platform that offers reasonable future expansion options over a realistic timeframe that supports and maximises the initial investment.

• Integrated architecture capability is a way you can add selected protocols that seamlessly interface with your present system technology to ensure it offers a far wider choice for prospective retrofit options.

If we take a rational look into the future, there is almost no doubt present products marketed as home automation will likely disappear and be replaced by a unitary multi-layer structure that acts as a whole house communication platform, probably with an LCD touch screen providing control for all electro-magnetic hardware in the home, a direct Internet connection, Intercom, CCTV monitoring plus interfacing with Extranet and Ethernet distribution channels. A central processor (hopefully not running microsoft software) will probably be a dedicated mini server with composite 'open ended' O/S software, monitoring network gateways to distinguish data flows and input/output instructions. Additional control will be enabled through iPod's, PDA's, Mobile telephones, remote control GUI devices (Pronto etc.) and keypads. Systems will eventually deploy AI that uses self diagnosis processes to check and report on system integrity and the integrity and status or inconsistencies evinced by anything and everything attached to the network.

INFORMATION CONTROL IS THE KEY:

Merging technologies across what used to be separate communication distribution channels means that not only will homeowners need to adopt more sophisticated ways to manage information, 'intersections' will need to be created to prioritise data in respect to destination points, location, importance at the time and notification. Migration paths across corporate and domestic infrastructure platforms will increasingly couple as individuals opt to re-direct and locate material so multi-point retrieval is possible. All this will, of course, require highly effective transportable security encryption matrixes well beyond those currently available.

Home networks and to a lesser extent, home automation are growing not only in demand from those who understand what impact it will have on their lives, but increasingly as a means by which the value of a home is substantially increased. In other words, network structures are an investment in the future.

LINKS TO OTHER SITES:

Frank Mc Alinden infrared components for zoning systems, video probes and many other home automation devices and management capabilities mainly for the DIY.

Eric Sagmeister is the person to contact if you live in sunny Queensland. His company has many years experience in network, residential management platforms, automation and data cabling covering NZ and now Queensland.

Josef Ben (Canada) has a website offering extensive home automation products for that part of the world.

Pronto , Philips GUI "learning" remote is a very useful addition to any networked/automated home. Download the latest firmware, software updates or take a look at the FAQ's if you're just shopping around and want more research information.

Remote Central the place to look for elusive discrete codes.

Shed an ideal place for MAC owner with plans to develop a home automated environment.

Hometoys a useful place to re-visit if you are contemplating expanding your home automation or networked home operating platform. It's dedicated to home automation and Bob Hetherington puts together some ideas, suggestions, installation recommendations and a whole host of information about everything to do with the industry in a simple, easy to read format.

HAHeadquarters set up by Jason and his site lists many of the most popular automation and network industry operators throughout the world. It might make seeking out that ideal supplier just a little easier.

DISCLAIMER - I have endeavoured to verify all information supplied for inclusion in this website but accept no responsibility for the accuracy of what is stated, presented or provided by third parties. I suggest you obtain your own independent evaluations or expert opinions before proceeding with anything contained herein.

Digihouse (Aust) Pty Ltd is the copyright owner of this site, material and information. All product brand names used herein are the registered trademarks of their respective owners. Any unauthorised copying, transfer or downloading for any other purpose than to review the information as part of the research conducted by a potential user in deciding what to purchase is strictly prohibited and any person so doing may be open to legal proceedings as a result.