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| EMagazine Volume 4 Issue 4 August 1999 |
Features
Interviews
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| Home Toys
Interview - August99 - [HTI Home Page] |
Information Services Order Free Catalogs and Product Info [Click Message To Learn More] |
WHOLE HOUSE SYSTEMS INTERVIEW Every home built in America will have some sort of automation functionality within the next ten years. It may be communications oriented, entertainment oriented, focused on safety or energy management, but every new home will be equipped with some sort of automation. As a result costs will come down at a rate similar to the PC world today. |
QUESTION 1 - New House Construction. What is the process for including your home automation system in my design and construction process? Who should I talk to first ... when should I start ... what do I need to know ahead of time etc.
Step One is to speak with the builder. There is a high degree of likelihood he will have a relationship with a sub-contractor (electrical, security, A/V, phone, etc.) who has home systems experience. If the builder is not 'connected' go to the HAI Web site - www.homeauto.com - and select your state and you will find an HAI listing of trained installation companies. Never hesitate to contact HAI directly for more information or additional assistance.
QUESTION 2 - Old House Renovation. What is
the process for adding your home automation system to my old house? Do I need to tear out
walls etc.? Who should I talk to first ... what do I need to know ahead of time etc.
QUESTION 3 - What systems can I automate using your equipment? (i.e. Lighting / Entertainment / Security / Other) What is the most popular system to automate in the home ? What is the most cost effective system to automate? What is the most fun to automate?
You can automate ANYTHING given adequate time and budgets. Really, there are virtually no exceptions. The most popular is lighting control which can be very economical using Powerline Carrier Technology which uses existing wiring to communicate and control lights and appliances. The most cost effective is climate control of the HVAC system as the energy management functions provide comfort while saving energy costs. The most fun depends on personal habits and interests of the homeowner. For some it is audio distribution, others it is the ability to control anything from the Internet, and for others it is just showing the cool stuff to visitors.
QUESTION 4 - How will I interface and control the system once it's installed? Do I need to call the dealer to make changes to schedules and modes etc.? How are software changes made (PC / Controller / Other)?
Interfaces are many and depend on the desires of the homeowner. Most prefer some sort of console or keypad strategically located by the front door, or masterbedroom, or a portable wireless version. Others want more interaction with the PC being most common for greater ease and control for schedule and programming modifications. The magic of any Home Automation system is the 'set and forget' automation which fits the lifestyle of the homeowner and family. Whether keypad, PC, wireless remote, telephone or dedicated switch interface all provide interaction with the automation system.
QUESTION 5 - What features set your system apart from the others? How can I compare the features and prices of the various systems offered?
The differences between systems are so broad that this question is difficult to answer in it's current form, however there are two basic paths to follow. The first is a proprietary system where all components (integrated or modular) must be provided by the same manufacturer . The second is a system which operates under an open protocol and therefor can interact with many other components or subsystems. Whether integrated or modular the second is the logical choice from a cost and flexibility standpoint.
QUESTION 6 - Is your system expandable and upgradable? How do I go about expanding? How do I go about upgrading?
Expandable, yes. Upgradable, yes. As HAI clearly builds systems under the 'open protocol' model most new technology, whether HAI manufactured or not can be added at will. If the upgrade is an HAI Connectivity Partner the interface has been executed by HAI, if not HAI's ProLink protocol allows virtually any serial device to be utilized.QUESTION 7 - Is your system compatible with other equipment and systems available? Which systems and how do they interface?
Answered above.QUESTION 8 - Home Networking of systems and appliances is the buzz these days. How will your system integrate with the future home network which includes data, communication, information etc. as well as automation, security and entertainment?
Networking the HAI system and virtually any other system, in most cases, is handled serially.QUESTION 9 - For a new house of 3000 sq. ft. / 3 brms what would an "Entry Level" automation system cost (ballpark range)? Assume we want to automate the lighting, 2 room entertainment system (Adults and Kids) and security system.
Entry level automation providing security, fire protection, lighting control, climate control, appliance direction and communication with entertainment systems as low as $2.00 per square foot.QUESTION 10 - Look into your crystal ball and tell us about the future of home automation. The technologies ... the marketplace ... the cost ... the availability and just the plain old fun we can look forward to.
Every home built in America will have some sort of automation functionality within the next ten years. It may be communications oriented, entertainment oriented, focused on safety or energy management, but every new home will be equipped with some sort of automation. As a result costs will come down at a rate similar to the PC world today.QUESTION 11 - Where can I learn more about your system and how do I find a dealer in my area? (include links, addresses, tel, fax, contact names etc.).
Our web site www.homeauto.com