By Justine Olivier
According to a 2011 poll, man’s best friend, the dog, is in danger of being bumped off as number one on the list, only to be replaced with the PC. It’s not surprising as technology has become so integrated into every aspect of our daily lives that it’s almost impossible to imagine a world without it.
From PCs and audio/visual to entertainment and home automation systems, the home of today has undergone a dramatic transformation from its humble beginnings.
“If you are interested in automating your home, it is best to get hold of a professional service provider as early as possible,” says Oren Prato, of IntelloHOME, “so that it becomes part of the architect’s plan, and the architect can then make provisions for the home automation.
Budget quotes for a home automation system can be generated from the architect’s plans. These plans will then give the custom installer a good idea of the scope of the project and in return give you a budget price for your requirements”.
Today, many home automation systems allow for the integration of various functions such as lighting, security, music, entertainment and so on into one controlled system, which you can access through other portable devices such as your iPhone or iPad.
“The integration with such devices is great,” explains Jason Dos Santos, of Control4 South Africa, “as it allows the client the same user interface as conventional methods but at a fraction of the price, and with the added option of controlling these systems from anywhere in the world”.
With access so freely available, you may be concerned whether it is indeed possible for outside criminal sources to tap into your automation system and take advantage of it. Ryno Goosen, of HFX Systems, says that it is very relevant to ensure that your home is protected via a firewall with non-publicised IP addresses in order to ensure a higher level of security.
However, Rupert Denoon, of Electrosonic SA says that “with the right integrator setting up your system all the necessary encryption and security would have been put in place allowing no access to the system, besides the people it was intended for”.
If in doubt about the security requirements of your system, speak to your home automation expert or system integrator, who will be more than willing to give you a better understanding of what your system involves.
The benefits of installing a fully-integrated home automation system are immense and we’re not just talking about the home entertainment benefits. Ian le Grange, of Elan Systems South Africa, says that the reality is that home automation will add value to any home by allowing the client to have their security and other functions of the home fully automated based on very specific requirements, and will add dimensions of luxury by having a home that operates the way you want it to, and seamlessly.
The exciting thing about home automation is that it adds a contemporary dynamic element to any home – newly built and/or existing. In terms of an already existing home, it becomes a tad more complicated but automation can be done nonetheless, provided you enlist the services of a qualified professional.
Wendy Griffiths, of Cedia, mentions that there are three key benefits of installing a home automation system – particularly one that can be controlled by one centralised unit – and these are aesthetics, efficiency and simplicity. She further explains that certain systems allow you to reduce clutter in the home such as wires, controls and so on, thereby eliminating unnecessary mess. Integration leads to energy saving and maximises ease of access. With so many systems available to enhance almost every aspect of your home, it would be advisable to get expert advice immediately before jumping in without any direction.
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