Our homes today contain many items that perform a specific function and are dedicated to that function or location within the home. These items may be stand-alone or operate on a dedicated network. Some examples would be security systems, lighting, doorbells, intercom, home theatre, TV's, Internet connections and appliances. Although this will provide a solution to particular needs, it does not allow for cost saving benefits or increased flexibility of use. In order to overcome this problem, and at the same time Future-Proof our homes to take advantage of new technologies and product features, it is necessary to integrate these systems. They should communicate together, share common information and provide an avenue to allow the home to better manage itself and provide automation features to monitor, control and inform, resulting in a safer, more comfortable, enjoyable and more efficient environment for the occupants. Imagine controlling your entire home with a hand-held remote while watching TV. View a complete system interface on your TV screen, or from a web browser anywhere in your home (or in the world). Change the temperature of the AC system, or even reprogram the thermostat schedule. Have the name and phone number of callers appear instantly on your TV. Arm your security system while viewing the status of each zone. Or, close the garage door you left open. Imagine changing your lighting schedule without leaving your chair. It is no longer necessary to only imagine. The Integrated Home or Smart Home is the concept of a connected home environment where a central automation controller, programmed or otherwise directed by the homeowner, manages and distributes incoming and outgoing internet and audio/visual digital data, and control to the network, appliances, security and utilities of the home. An automated home can provide you with the following enhanced features for security and convenience:
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