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