CHOOSING A SYSTEM:

In a new home, renovation or retrofit where cabling has been done based on Digihouse documentation, the generic layout allows a client to easily install or utilise contractor supplied hardware that interfaces to most controller/logic engines, especially if they are able to handle multiple digital, analogue, A10/X10, IR and serial command I/O's. A retrofit often doesn't offer quite the same flexibility but it is possible, as I have proven with my 100 year old home that now contains automated lighting, full security, surround sound in the entertainment room, LAN, distributed IR and much more. A depiction of Node 0, just one of many similar type projects undertaken over the years, is shown at right.

The smart security unit (Comfort) complements the HomeVision controller, which handles the more complex programming commands and is the ideal platform for most applications. Both can receive and initiate responses dependent on "events", establish status of the internal or external environment by reading input conditions, like room or zone temperatures. Garden sprinklers for example rely on moisture detectors to determine if watering is necessary. Additional management demands like a pool filter pump, Spa heater, filtration unit, gate/garage door motor, roof sprinklers, electric strikes etc. etc. can all be connected to the central system and seamlessly activated via local, remote and telephone inputs or the Internet. Keyless entry is another feature that operates from local inputs and outputs in HomeVision.

The Home Theatre at left is a recent project where all equipment was located in the cupboards each side of the screen. The work included interfacing with distributed audio, cable TV, zoned air conditioner, external temperature sensor, additional A10 modules for powerline technology and much more. Direct control was enabled using opto isolated infrared inputs and outputs to HomeVision, which provides central management of HVAC, alarm, CE equipment and monitors C-Bus lighting status. The LAN, telephone and intersect patch panels allow any outlet point to be swapped between IR, telephone and data with hubs, routers and residential gateways affording options that nearly every homeowner will eventually need to implement.

Being in a bushfire prone area, the homeowner had a roof sprinkler that can be triggered using the Internet, local input or mobile call to activate. Specifications for this and other recent projects mirror my conjecture that even if identical central control equipment is used, you can can still configure it to do whatever you want.

CONTROLLING THE ENVIRONMENT:

Although it may appear obvious, a house that contains a fully structured wiring matrix is a networked home but, unless it has a central management operating platform, it does not constitute what is considered an automated environment. Infrastructure network platforms can include an intelligent alarm system that may ring a mobile when security "events" occur, turn on outside lights when the front door opens or switch on a TV and display an image of a visitor when the doorbell is pressed. However, client projects are now far more expansive and demanding, requiring functional capabilities that meet specific lifestyle options. Until a few years ago, to supply and build a system platform able to deliver the level of functionality Digihouse clients now expect would have been not only expensive, but nowhere near as seamless as possible today. A list of functions and capabilities offered by HomeVision are fully described on the options page.

Probably, the most sought after interface is a touchscreen and they come in various sizes, shapes and power. The better ones offer an array of features, including simple, easy to read icons that provide users with instant recognition of command options, multiple pages for every management function you need in your home (HVAC, Home Theatre, Lighting, security etc.), with brands like Multi-Media Dynamics providing a very powerful programmable back-end that can drive C-Bus and interact with HomeVision. Wireless touch screen devices are also beginning to emerge as an interface of choice, like CorAccess (pictured left).

Pronto touch screen remotes (European RU970-980) are also available with an RF extension, but I believe that due to broadcast bandwidth conflicts, the wireless module cannot be used in Australia. Nevertheless, as a very flexible and extensively programmable infrared output device, it is very hard to find anything comparable in terms of value for money, transportability and simplicity of use. Although mastering the configuration may be a little daunting at first, (one client called it the instrument of the devil) once the idiosyncrasies have been mastered, alternatives start to look way over priced for what you actually receive.

However, even today the most ubiquitous device used for manual access and control over security systems including some with limited intelligent control features, is a keypad. The LED display offers a reasonable degree of functionality, but it is still extremely limited in terms of feedback capability. As realistically priced touchscreens and GUI learning remotes become commonplace, in conjunction with rapidly emerging voice activated middleware products, these options offer a much simpler interface option for the networked home. Even serial ports and manufacturer support for sophisticated integration techniques will soon make interfacing just basic plug'n play.

MANAGEMENT OPTIONS:

Infrared is the most common method of controlling CE equipment, many air-conditioners and blinds. Generally, manufacturers use "toggle" type input signals for power that simply change state from on to off. Using a HomeVision, we connect power and/or video probes to give feedback on current state. Our installation also involve strategic placement of IR receivers around the home to provide control on virtually an "anywhere" basis. However, careful placement of receivers is necessary with Plasma screens, which can produce so much radiated "noise", nearby infrared devices cease to work.

All the cabling documentation done for Digihouse clients involves a stand alone infrared network as part of the design layout. HomeVision offers "zoning", a feature becoming more necessary and to enable it means installing discrete IR cabling network. Codes are programmed into HomeVision's library and when a button is pressed, HomeVision's program knows what is required and sends out a signal to action that command through the selected zone.

LIGHTING:

There are a range of options available using commodity or proprietary hard wired products. The choice you make may well depend on the type of building you are doing (new construction/renovation or retrofit). Selecting C-Bus now offers solutions to both since the release of their wireless enabled lighting products, in addition to the hard wired alternative. To the best of my knowledge, other hard wired bus based systems available in Australia are Vantage, Dynalite, Conson and iControl. Nevertheless, whatever is selected must have interface connectivity (usually an RS232 port) to enable reporting of status and input/output command structures that can integrate with an operating platform. It is pointless having intelligent lighting if it cannot respond to programmed events such as "All lights OFF" when the alarm is armed, or when the Intercom is accessed CCTV cameras show the image or PIR's detecting movement in traffic areas at night switch on lights etc.

Powerline technology is another option if retrofit applications are needed for either post building installations or external requirements too hard to cable . HomeVision units have a powerline (A10/X10) send and receive capability that allows the homeowner to extend functionality beyond the limits of a hard wired solution.

It has proved to be a major benefit in projects where garden lighting or gates have been added well after the main building has been completed.

SECURITY:

HomeVision 'std' and HomeVision Pro controllers can connect seamlessly to security systems like the GE manufactured Networx alarm supplied by Direct Alarm Supplies (Hills Industries subsidiary) using CADDX interface software. Integrating security with the operating platform is a benefit that cannot be over-emphasised. Activating external and internal lights when disarming the alarm at night, having regular traffic areas light up when movement is detected or doors opened and HVAC devices automatically turned off when the system is armed are just a few of the extensive advantages offered by such inter-operability.

HOME THEATRE:

A Home Theatre, to provide the ultimate entertainment experience, is far more than a "cash & carry" purchase from your friendly electrical goods retailer. Cabling for audio up to 7.2 is common, with in-ceiling lifts carrying digital projectors and concealed screens needing specific wiring for control inputs. Consideration must also be given to projector connections for a variety of operational factors, deciding on RGB, composite or component cabling, distances to travel and much more. The importance of quality image and sound reproduction is critical if you decide to invest in this high value option.

DISTRIBUTED AUDIO:

Multi-zone, multi-source audio is another area of growth. The home theatre shown on this page has a Windows Media Centre, distributed audio and 7.2 in the theatre room with 5.1 in the Family room using a Knoll system. The client has mp3 soundtrack collections on a PC and this creates extensive demand for this capability by all the household.

KEYLESS ENTRY:

Almost all Digihouse projects include a small remote to disarm/arm the alarm, open garage main doors and/or pedestrian entry doors (electric strike and lights come on automatically). A recent rural installation required the RF remote to work at a distance of over 500 Metres from the house. The capability allowed the client to disarm the alarm, open a solar powered gate and turn on driveway lights at night.

CCTV:

The ability to see who is at the door or wandering around the property is a natural extension to personal security. Digihouse systems integrate cameras into the home network. When a visitor presses the Intercom (if alarm not armed) selected TV's turn on and display the relevant camera image. If the alarm is armed, it can start recording the image on a DVR or VCR dedicated to that purpose. At night, appropriate lights go on so the image is clear. In addition, if the Intercom is pressed, every telephone in the house rings using a distinctive tone and anyone can pick it up, talk to the visitor and if it's someone known or expected, they can use the handset to unlock gates or doors. If no one is home and/or the alarm is armed, the Intercom prompts the visitor to leave a message or will transfer the caller to any selected mobile.

SPRINKLERS:

Garden maintenance usually includes sprinklers and the value of them being zoned and connected to a central control device are self evident. The additional functionality is the ability to have watering done not only on a scheduled basis, but as a result of inputs from a rain gauge or moisture detectors.

POOL & SPA:

Automated pool cleaning, turning on a Spa heater using local or remote control is a feature that can be enabled if the right equipment is selected. In the initial documentation, allowance is always made for cabling provision

LAN:

Ethernets, Intranets, Extranets etc. have made PC connectivity a way of life, even at the domestic level. Apart from basic connect points throughout a house for laptops and additional PC connectivity to the Internet, remote printers and touchscreens, Foxtel and Media Centres will require data connections through a centralised gateway. To make this a reality, networking will be an essential addition to every home that wants to gain the most out of upstream and downstream communication.

Right now Internet banking, home shopping etc. are ways to increase lifestyle leisure activities by simplifying various tasks, another reason why a LAN is becoming essential.

Current technology has enabled a whole new way of managing and connecting the common CE and PC based devices in an average home. How you manage it greatly depends on the system platform you select.

To the best of my knowledge, everything appearing on this page and throughout this website is accurate, unless configuration changes or the passage of time have determined otherwise. If my observations or research on various subjects is incorrect, if it is brought to my attention and proven right, I will make the changes immediately.

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