HTINews Interview

Interview with Jeff Stein
President, JDS Technologies

QUESTION 1 - In his State of the Union Address, President Clinton gave the nation 1000 days to have a PC in every house and internet access for every child. How does this vision affect the Home Automation industry and where will we be in 1000 days (Year 2000)?

ANSWER 1- With a PC in every house with internet access, home automation will certainly become more standardized. Computers themselves will be taking on a different look and feel as they integrate more with other house systems (tvs, sound systems, security, etc.). By 2000 I suspect there will be more cenralized control and wireless technology will be booming with a myriad of advanced products.

QUESTION 2 - Keeping with the 1000 day theme ... will the Protocol Wars be resolved by the year 2000 and who will win (X10, CEBUS, LONWORKS, OTHER)?

ANSWER 2- By the year 2000 X10 technology will be still be around provided that the necessary improvements are implemented (improved transmission reliability, two-way communications, etc.). CeBUS and LonWorks products will finally make it to the real market however it will still be years until prices come down to an affordable level for the masses. Several protocols will probably co-exist for many years before any one in particular wins out. Perhaps a completely different approach such as communicating via neutrinos (sub-atomic particles that penetrate through anything - including the Earth) will eventually take the stage as technology advances.

QUESTION 3 - Do you think the average consumer will accept Home Automation as a way of life and if so who do you see as leading the way to this acceptance and awareness?

ANSWER 3- Just like garage door openers, tv remotes, microwaves, and computers, home automation will eventually make its way to the mainstream. The biggest obstacle is education. Having taught several seminars on the subject, it is obvious that the concept of whole house automation is still somewhat vague to many professionals and consumers alike. With large companies getting involved (such as IBM, MicroSoft, utilities, etc.), home automation will be recognized and accepted by a much larger audience.

QUESTION 4 - OK, I'm ready to get on the HA bandwagon now but am concerned about investing in equipment which may be redundant tomorrow. How can I protect myself from the upgrade squeeze (perfected by the PC industry)?

ANSWER 4- Some of the more capable systems can be upgraded by simply loading files that can be emailed or downloaded from the internet, web, etc. Expansion ports are also typically available on these systems for future hardware products and interfaces so they won't become obsolete as technology advances.

QUESTION 5 - In your opinion, what is the ultimate HA Interface and when do you think it will be available to the marketplace?

ANSWER 5- Personally I'm partial to the telephone as a main interface since it is portable (cordless, cellular, etc.) and provides two-way communications in addition to a keypad for control. Voice recognition will always be a favorite but there are many practical applications where it does not serve well. TVs are a great interface for HA but not as convenient as a wireless phone. There is a new breed of wireless telephones on the horizon that will include audio, video, and data capabilities. If packaged properly, it would be the ultimate interface since it would provide audio and video feedback along with two-way communications and control. I would expect these phones to begin appearing around the year 2000 or sooner.

QUESTION 6 - Do you see the internet playing a role in the future of Home Automation? How will JDS use the internet to provide services and information to it's customers?

ANSWER 6 - The internet is already playing a vital role for the future of Home Automation. It is educating people as to the what, where, why, when and how of home automation and will continue to do so. JDS uses web pages and internet services to advertize products, announce new features, upload/download software & firmware upgrades, and receive feedback from consumers and professionals. Our new web site (www.jdstechnologies.com) will be more interactive and will have more resources available.

BIOGRAPHY - Jeff Stein, President and founder of JDS Technologies, has a 25-year professional background in telecommunications, an outgrowth of his childhood hobby in electronics. Prior to forming JDS Technologies, he owned and operated a telecommunications consulting business in Southern California which specialized in custom telephone system design, installation and service. In 1979, Mr. Stein formed JDS Technologies to design, develop and manufacture consumer and commercial telecommunications products. He holds several patents for telephone products which have been manufactured for AT&T, Tandy (Radio Shack), and other large corporations.

Mr. Stein is a member of the Home Automation Association and serves as contributing editor and resource for several trade publications including Electronic House, HA Pro, Popular Home Automation, Home Automator Newsletter, Electrical Contractor, Cabling Business, and Audio Magazine. He instructs seminars and workshops on home automation integration at ISC, HAA and other industry functions.

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