Without doubt one of the most exciting aspects of home technology is being able to control all its various functions at the touch of a few buttons. And we're not just talking changing channels on the plasma screen and adjusting the volume up and down on the multiroom audio system here. Many modern homes feature automated control for the heating, lighting and home security systems as standard, while some can even enable you to run your bath water, water the garden or close the garage doors from anywhere you happen to be in the house.
Nor is home automation restricted to those who are in the house at the time. Thanks to the latest mobile phone and Internet Protocol (IP) technologies, its now possible to take control of your home from virtually anywhere in the world. For example, using your mobile phone you could be lying on a beach in St Tropez when you decide that you want to switch your heating in your British home on in time for when you get back to the UK. Or alternatively you could choose to check on your home's security cameras to make sure all doors and windows are secure from your New York hotel room using your laptop computer. Whatever you want to control in your home, chances are there's a technology to do it remotely.
Spare remote controls mean that you'll always have one handy. Universal remote controls allow you to control all of your equipment with one remote (thereby reducing coffee table clutter)
Remote control extenders allow you to use your existing remote controls to control equipment that is behind a closed cupboard door or even in a different room.
X10 has been the mainstay of DIY home automation projects for over two decades and provides ease-of-use when you want it but can be expanded and developed to create very sophisticated home automation & control solutions.
Bye Bye Standby provides an easy-to-use entry-level home control solution based on a simple plug-and-play system which uses wireless controls and does not require any rewiring.
