Building Blocks of Home Automation Systems
Universal Powerline Bus (UPB)
Universal Powerline Bus (UPB) technology is more reliable and superior in performance to legacy X10 technology. Created as a lighting control solution, the technologies high degree of reliability has attracted manufacturers with additional product offerings.
What Are Plug-In Modules?
Plug-in modules can control virtually anything you can plug into an electrical outlet; no wiring or special installation is required to add these modules to a home automation network.
What Is A Wiring Closet?
Dedicated home automation enthusiasts sometimes create wiring closets to centrally house the brains of their systems. Advanced home automation systems may include computer networking, security systems, home theater, and whole house sound.
What Is A Home Automation Gateway?
The real power of home automation comes from controlling your devices from anywhere in the world. Gateways provide you that capability.
Remote Control Units for Home Automation
No home automation system is complete without at least one remote control. Remote control units come in all shapes and sizes and are available for each home automation technology.
Common Terms in Home Automation
Having a basic understanding of some common home automation terms can make starting in home automation much easier.
What Is an Atomic Clock?
When you purchase a clock that labels itself as an atomic clock, you are actually buying a device that synchronizes itself to the US government’s official Atomic Clock outside Boulder, Colorado.
Touch Screens For Home Automation
Of all the user interfaces for home automation, touch screens are probably the most intuitive and easiest to use. Touch screens may be used as part of another device, like a thermostat or security panel, or may work as a standalone controller that operates other home automation devices like lights and drape controllers.
Car Parking Sensors
A home automation parking sensor can let you know when you’ve pulled forward (or backed in) far enough and can make this sometimes daunting task, easy and painless. Home automation parking sensors are easy to use, reliable, and are a high tech replacement for the old tennis ball hanging from the ceiling.
Does Using Home Automation Require a Computer?
It's a common question asked by many people considering purchasing their first home automation system: Does home automation require a computer? Computers may not be required, but once you’ve added computer software and an interface to your system, you’ll wonder how you ever got along without it.
What is the Best Home Automation Technology?
Choosing the right home automation technology at the start can save you money and heartache down the road. With so many choices to choose from, which is the best one to start with?
Voice Activation in Home Automation Systems
Adding voice activation to your home automation system can be as easy as adding a microphone and installing a software program on your computer.
Worldwide Electrical Standards and Home Automation
When purchasing home automation equipment, it is important to choose a technology with wide support for the country you live in. While most support 60 Hz/120 volts that is standard in many countries, some home automation products have limited or no support for 50 Hz/230 volts and others.