Home Automation – The Clever Bit

Amongst a wide variety of choices and options as regards what is controlled and where, Smart Homes have one thing in common – the control technology that links and commands the operation of electronics and systems.

By seeking advice on which control system suits you best – popular solutions currently available in today’s market come from manufacturers including Crestron, Lutron, Control 4 and AMX – the sea of complications and complexities invariably diminish to a far more manageable puddle. Indeed, what remains essential in this decision is the selection of an easy-to-operate interface where logic prevails and clarity is king.

Many Smart Home residents find it easier to focus on what’s good about these technological advances rather than trying to resolve the great mystery of how such systems actually work.

However, to those that do have more than a passing interest, home automation is largely under the control of hardwired, Infrared and RF (Radio Frequency) technology. According to the signal being submitted by any number of control devices – ie touch-screen remote, wall-mounted panel, or Apple iPhone – messages containing operating instructions are communicated to the appropriate device (for example, a Lutron Homeworks system is programmed to accept Infrared control codes from Bang & Olufsen’s Beo5 remote to operate light switches and dimmers).

One important point to note is that Smart Homes can do as much or as little as required – consult with a specialist such as Wills Brothers to identify needs, dislikes and system limitations before commissioning a solution.