Although I am not usually one to be impressed or dazzled by a phone system, I will readily admit that this phone system impresses and dazzles me. “Intramail” is the nifty name for a feature that provides everyone in the house with the option to have their own voicemail greeting and mailbox. This is really handy because I certainly wouldn’t want anyone to listen to my messages, which are usually wrong numbers or angry neighbors. The DSX system also has recording capability that can be useful for later conversation review. Perhaps a discussion was particularly insightful, or maybe information was provided that could not be written down at the time because someone was busy lifting weights. It may be worth mentioning that this phone boasts some additional cutting edge features, I believe it is pronounced “Caller ID” and “Call Waiting.” If a person does not yet have a phone with Caller ID or Call Waiting then they are most likely 99 years old. No offense to any 99 year olds, I find you to be adorable and yes, I want to hear all of your stories.

This phone has so many features that I cannot even devote the proper word space needed to describe them all. Here are some additional aspects to get pretty excited about:

Not only does this system possess every phone-related feature that can be imagined, it can also be integrated with numerous other automated household systems such as security, intercom, lighting, climate, scenes, audio, and access control.

Lighting - The user can control the lighting from any DSX telephone in any room of the house. Lights can be turned on, off or dimmed. The phone display shows which lights are on, off and the brightness of each.

Security - By using the phone display, a user can control and view the alarm status. This eliminates the need to install an alarm panel on the wall, resulting in more room for tribal artwork and decorative candles.

Access Control - The keys on the phone can monitor and control access to your home’s doors and gates. The status of every entrance can also be viewed through the telephone display.

Climate - The climate of the home can be regulated so that the user is comfortable and relaxed while effectively managing their energy expenses.

Scenes – You can preset automated features that can be accessed by pressing a key on the telephone. Scenes can be arranged that will close the blinds and dim the lights if it is movie time, or a bedtime scene can be created that will turn off all the lights.

Audio - An HAI-compatible audio system can also be controlled through the phone. A user can turn the system on or off, adjust the sources and volume, or mute the audio automatically when the phone is ringing or a call is taking place. This is very convenient for when an angry neighbor calls to request that the music be turned down. You can now claim that you have no idea what they are referring to -- you aren’t even listening to any music.

The DSX system is compatible with HAI systems such as Omni IIe, OmniPro II, Lumina, and Lumina Pro. For more information, click here.

Most people arrive home from work and walk into a dark and empty house. They may even end up stumbling around, looking for a switch and then tripping over something, and before they know it they are in the hospital with a kidney stone. A great way to avoid all of this misfortune is by utilizing the latest in home automation technology. Today it is possible for a person to walk into their home and with only the touch of a button, the alarm turns off and the lights turn on. Maybe the bathtub fills with hot bubbly water. Or a person activates the automated therapist for a long chat about their shortcomings. Home automation has not yet reached the level of computerized psychoanalysis but one never can predict the capabilities of today’s greatest minds. Technology has taken great pains to create numerous life-changing products (see Litter Robots) and it is becoming increasingly evident that all ideas are on the table as far as modern technology is concerned.

There are multitudes of ways in which the utilization of home automation can make life easier. The OmniPro II by HAI is an example of such a system. By using a touchscreen, a person can control their security, lighting, energy, entertainment and even the interface itself.

Security systems such as fire, smoke, carbon monoxide, and water can be monitored and any intrusions can be detected. In an emergency, the device can communicate with a central monitoring station that will contact the homeowner to verify that there is a problem in the house. In the event of a fire, the air conditioning is turned off to deter the spread of smoke and fire. You can also set the system to turn on all of the lights in the house to aid in your family's safe exit.

Lighting can also be controlled by a schedule or by motion detection, door opening/closing, sunrise, sunset, alarm activation/deactivation and more. Perhaps in the future your house will detect your movements even more than this, and will adjust the temperature of the house based on your own body temperature and perhaps even walk your dog (or your cat if your cat is like that).

Energy can also be managed and monitored through this system. Temperature and lighting can be controlled based on the time of day or occupancy of the home. It has been estimated that dimming a light by just 10% can save 10% of electricity and double the life of the bulb. The only downside is that there will be significantly fewer opportunities for “how many certain types of people does it take to screw in a light bulb” jokes. An energy management system can also be helpful to monitor products like water or energy usage -- just in case grandma forgot that she already watered the lawn three times that day. At least everyone knows who to thank for the lush quality of the yard.

Entertainment can also be controlled with the OmniPro II. The systems can be integrated with a variety of multi-room audio systems, including Hi-Fi by HAI and others made by NuVo, Proficient Audio Systems, and Russound. By using a multi-room audio system, each room is able to play their own music choice. Great for parents who are attempting to stay relevant by listening to their kid’s music. Yes Dad, you are very cool.

A great new feature of home automation systems is that they can be controlled remotely from a mobile device. The OmniPro II can be accessed and controlled over the telephone from either within or away from home and also over the internet. Check and adjust lights, temperature, and security from your phone and/or computer. This is a useful feature and can even be used in creative ways. Perhaps there is a houseguest who has not taken the hint. Not a problem, because when the house temperature goes down to 30 degrees you will have effectively iced them out of your home.

Technology progresses and improves so quickly that one can only speculate the products and features that may eventually be available. Home automation does not always have to be solely practical. Perhaps one day you will be able to use home automation for sheer enjoyment as well us utilitarian purposes. Maybe you can invite a virtual friend over for a game of checkers or activate an automated laugh track for those lonely nights when you may just want some lively conversation with yourself. Whatever the future holds, Mezuri Systems can be relied on as the best option for home automation installation. Call Mezuri Systems today for a consultation. www.mezurisystems.com

You may be asking yourself “What is an ADI Skills Competition?” or “Why doesn’t the corner store sell my favorite tortilla chips?” which are two very important and relevant questions. First of all, the ADI Skills Competition is targeted to the men and women that install low voltage home systems. The first challenge presented to Zushie was to snake a wire through a wall. Not as easy as it may sound, considering that most people are unable to see through walls. Am I right or am I right? Fortunately for Mezuri Systems, Zushie is the best of the best. Later, watching Zushie terminate a Cat5 felt equivalent to observing a butterfly emerge from the cocoon -- so inspiring that you felt like you could almost cry a little bit. Not contorted-face crying though, more like single-tear crying, which is much more attractive. Second of all, it seems that when you consistently buy your favorite tortilla chips and the store runs out, they don’t bother replacing them even though they are selling well. Who is stocking the goods around here?

Another challenge was wire labeling and I will admit, I was nervous for Zushie. Right in front of where he was standing was one of those digital clocks with large bright red numbers, taunting Zushie, the numbers quickly increasing, reminding him of his uncertain fate. Well it turns out that Zushie smoked the competition in that one too. Count it!

As the winner of the ADI Skills Challenge, Zushie gained the respect and admiration of the people, which is a thrill in and of itself. However nobody cares about that. Winners want prizes or better yet some cold hard cash. Zushie, who at this point is the coolest person to ever set foot in the EHX CE Pro Home Automation Event in Orlando, walked away with some extraordinary merchandise that would certainly befuddle most other people. The prizes included a Dymo labeler for all your label needs, a Platinum Tools termination kit, a Dymo business card scanner and a Magnet snake kit. Not to mention the delight of seeing his name in big black Sharpie on the whiteboard of winners. Score!

An insignificant and easily overlooked point that is not even worth mentioning is that the MC of the skills competition was one of those dudes with a microphone that does not really know how to use it, i.e. shoving it into unsuspecting people’s faces. Come on man, don’t do that.

Way to go Zushie!

There is electricity in the air. Palm trees bend in the warm breeze. No, it is not a dream: it is the 2011 EHX CE Pro Event in Orlando, Florida.

Last week, Mezuri Systems schlepped themselves to Orlando in order to attend the annual EHX CE Pro Event and also to spend some time practicing their GPS management skills. The show was an opportunity for manufacturers to display their latest products and meet the people who supply their technology to the general public. HAI, Honeywell, Control4 and Legrand were only a few of the vendors present and all of them were very eager to share their new and existing technology with inquiring minds. The CE Pro Event differentiates itself from most tradeshows through its targeted educational curriculum, Demo Alley exhibits, co-located sessions, Retrofit Technology Station and ADI Skills Challenge.

In past years, the EHX event has attracted the glitterati from the exclusive world of electronic house expos. Unfortunately for the attendees at this year’s show, not all of the best and brightest were able to make it. Apparently there is a WAY COOLER event happening in September: The CEDIA Home Automation show. CEDIA is the number one home automation show and let’s face it; anybody who is anybody goes to CEDIA. Installers can be certified through CEDIA because they offer training and courses on the newest products. Although EHX had good intentions, it seemed that people were not so quick to forget the embarrassment of last year’s EHX show when the chardonnay was not served at the optimal 48 degrees. It was justifiably humiliating and a huge blow to the legitimacy of the expo.

Perhaps it was not only CEDIA and the chardonnay mishap that decreased attendance. The home automation market has suffered some contractions in the past few years as many businesses have been forced to close their doors. In spite of these regrettable circumstances, businesses like Mezuri are given the chance to increase their areas of expertise and offer more services to their clients. Mezuri Systems has been blessed with continued success and opportunities for growth even in the face of an unfavorable economic climate. And Mezuri Systems can lift 25 pounds, no problem.

The show was also a marvelous networking opportunity. Mezuri Systems, who is irresistibly charming, schmoozed with some of the top brass and may even have acquired some hastily scribbled phone numbers. It is not every day that an installer gets to share their opinions and suggestions with the people who build and design the products that they install. This occasion to share information and convey constructive feedback has the potential to result in improvements that are beneficial to the manufacturer, the installer, and the customer. At one point in the evening, Mezuri Systems found themselves in the enviable position of “life of the party” – an entirely relative designation— although for the purposes of this blog it is a spot-on assessment.

Based on the information gathered at the show, it was determined that Mezuri Systems is indeed one of the top installers in their field and one could even go as far as to say that they are kind of a big deal.

Nobody won an iPad.

If you want to read more about the CE Pro event, click here to expand your mind