Home automation systems allow residents to save money, energy, and time while reaping greater convenience. These systems allow for control of everything from lamps to stereos to air conditioners to ovens --- all with little to no manual labor. Automation systems merge audio-visual, HVAC, and security systems for a streamlined control center. Universal remote controls combined with Internet access can manipulate amenities in any room of the house often by using an interface displayed on a TV or computer screen. Other systems use touchscreen control consoles.

Security

Advances in automated security for homes allow people to control their security systems through personal technology, including smart phones like the iPhone. These monitoring systems typically rely on broadband Internet connections. Such access enables wireless control of surveillance cameras, motion detectors, security lights, and sirens. The opening, closing, locking and unlocking of doors can also be remotely managed.

• Controlling Home Security – This CNET article discusses the development of security automaton that uses personal technology.
• Monitoring Who Accesses Your Property – This SmartHome web page summarizes technology that can monitor driveways and parking areas.
• Typical features of an Automated Security Program – Using the image of a control panel, this Home Logic website shows the different facets of programmable, wireless, and remote home security.
• Automated Security Tutorial – This website offers an interactive tutorial on the components of an automated home security system.

Lighting

Lighting automation can save energy by turning off lights in rooms when no one is there. Automatic dimming can also save electricity while creating a mellow mood in the house. Many families use programmable lights to illuminate walkways and driveways at precise times ��� such as when the family is returning home from a trip at night. These lights often work as part of a security system as well.

• Automated Lighting Options for Home – Centralite website explains the automated hardware and wireless features of an automated lighting system.
• Programmable Lighting – Site lists and explains a range of automating lighting products.
• Lighting Control Keypads – Website shows various keypads that can be used to manage lighting in several rooms at once.
• Home Remote Controls – Catalog lists a variety of lighting remote controls for homes.
• Interactive Tutorial on Benefits – This clickable tutorial explains why lighting control is desirable.

Entertainment

Automation can enhance how residents enjoy their entertainment libraries. Movies, music, podcasts, can other forms of entertainment can be shared in multiple rooms as a result of automated networks. Even iTunes libraries, which tend to be isolated and personal, can be integrated into a whole house audio system at the touch of a button or panel. Movies can also be scheduled for multiple rooms at the same time.

• Automated Home Theater – This website highlights how touchscreens and special software can automate audio and video components.
• Automated Music – This website discusses how music in a computer library can be played in any room of the house and managed with automation.
• Multi-Room Automation – This web page shows how entertainment systems in multiple rooms can be integrated and controlled together.
• Whole House Entertainment – This web page discusses how the entire house can be linked to a comprehensive music and video library. iTunes can also be integrated.

Daily Living

Many families gravitate toward automated home controls to save time while making life more convenient and luxurious. Daily living can become more fulfilling as everything from climate in the home or pool to music adjusts automatically to fit the mood of the hour. Families can arrange for lights to be on when they enter after work or school. They can also arrange for a favorite movie to be playing at a programmed time.

• Interactive Home Tour – This Lifeware demo features an animated tour of an automated home, including kitchen and living room. Operating system, hardware, and features are explained.
• Control Your Daily Climate – Site shows how families can use automation to create a comfortable daily temperature conveniently.
• A Glimpse at What Living with Home Automation is Like – This article conjures a day in the life of someone with home automation.

Additional Resources

• Complete Video Library on Automation for Homes – This site maintains scores of videos on home automation, explaining everything from benefits to how to select camera and data panels.
• Saving Energy – This site explains how home automation can cut energy use and costs.
• Using Your Smartphone as a Control Center – This "Popular Mechanics" magazine looks at the basics of linking security networks to smart phones.
• Linking Apple Products to Home Automation – This website shows how automation can be managed with Apple products such as the iPhone, iPad, and Imac computers.
• Using Mesh Networks – Website shows how wireless signals can be propagated and used to control an entire home automation network. Includes animation.