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

The Crown Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn is on the rise. New restaurants, apartment buildings and other small businesses are gradually moving into the community. People from Manhattan are discovering the charm of this once overlooked area that also happens to have great access to the subway system. An older neighborhood, once defined by crime and ethnic division, emerges with new life when residents suddenly decide that their neighborhood has something special to preserve and potential that is worth discovering.

Mezuri Systems, a local small business, is doing its part to revitalize the neighborhood. Mezuri specializes in the sale and installation of electronic integration products such as security systems, access control, lighting systems and data networks. Mezuri often serves the local community by improving residential and commercial spaces. In 2011, construction will be completed on a new apartment building located on 958 Nostrand Avenue. The construction of a modern apartment building will invigorate the neighborhood and supply new residents to patron local businesses. The new building houses 98 units and is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, designed and installed by Mezuri Systems.

This new development is a chance for Mezuri to do what it does best -- provide a residence with the latest technologies available on the market. The building will be equipped with access control technology, providing safety and security for the residents. Each apartment will have a video intercom system that allows tenants to view who is requesting entrance. The building will also feature a concierge for additional security. Not only does the video intercom display who is ringing the bell, but it will also view the gym and the laundry room. This helps a tenant to avoid carrying their laundry downstairs only to find that there are no machines available. Music and movies can be enjoyed through built-in surround sound speakers that are placed in the ceiling. Another great feature of this building will be the dedicated home theater screening room. Tenants will be able to rent the room and invite friends to a private film screening. Normally this is an unheard of feature in an apartment building, especially in New York where space is a precious commodity. The common areas will have a pool table, poker table, bar for entertaining, Wi-Fi, roof access and also a private outdoor rec space. This apartment building is ideal for entertaining guests and as a refuge from the congested city.

In order to revitalize a neighborhood, local small businesses are usually required to take charge and lead the way by turning their own community into a more livable place. Not only is this particular apartment building contributing some new life to the neighborhood, but the surrounding areas have also started to develop and flourish. New bars, restaurants and small business have opened and are attracting more people to the neighborhood. Some people consider Crown Heights to be a welt-kept secret, however such secrets tend to not last very long. Many neighborhoods in Brooklyn have taken this path of rejuvenation within the last decade, and small businesses like Mezuri Systems are working to make sure that their neighborhood is on the path to a productive transformation.

958 Nostrand Ave

Recently there has been a flurry of activity in the home automation market from mobile and cable service providers. AT&T, Verizon and Motorola have each purchased or invested in home automation companies such as Xanboo and 4Home. Apple and Microsoft have also displayed interest in this emerging technology.

What does this mean for home automation?

Right now, there are a few key players that dominate the industry. Crestron, Vantage, Control4, AMX, and HAI create some of the most widely used technologies for automated systems. Will these companies be able to keep up with the powerful brands of AT&T and Verizon? It depends.

Microsoft and IBM have attempted the transition into home automation before but with little success. Normally an automated home system only appeals to and is acquired by more affluent clientele. Is it possible to create home automation technology that is not only affordable but also compatible with more modest lifestyles? Another factor to consider is that most automation systems require custom installation and a knowledgeable technician to implement. Will this new technology be streamlined enough for an efficient and inexpensive installation?

There are a few ways in which it seems that these established communication companies may be onto something. As energy prices continue to be unpredictable and inevitably rise, people may soon find it advantageous to more closely monitor their energy usage. A system such as this could operate in conjunction with energy providers for more efficient resource distribution. It could also be useful in regard to home security by allowing a customer to monitor the home through a smart phone with access to in-home camera systems. These are possible directions that home automation systems may take in order to be useful for the average individual.

Home automation is an extremely specialized industry. It is not as simple as connecting a wire to provide cable television or installing a phone jack. The technological advances that the industry will have to make to become a common feature in most homes are huge. On the other hand, it is impossible to know the route that automated home systems will take in the hands of companies that dominate industries such as smart phone and computer technology. Their challenge will not only be how to make it easy to use and affordable for the average customer, but also to create a product that people decide is necessary for their everyday lives.

At Mezuri Systems, we already have the knowledge and expertise to handle such projects. Our core belief is that home automation systems belong in every home and should be affordable enough to provide real benefits to the customer.

For more on this topic follow the following links:

Home automation heats up--will energy services follow?

AT&T to Acquire Smart Home Startup Xanboo

The Kinect is a gaming device for the Xbox that enables video game users to control the game without the use of a hand-held device. It can detect movements, perceive depth and even use facial recognition software to identify the user. Using infrared lights, which are invisible to the human eye, the device can track the human body in real time. The Kinect is also equipped with multi-array microphone software and is therefore capable of voice recognition and response to commands.

What does this mean for the home automation industry? It means that that a new era of home automation is just beginning and the possibilities are subject to interpretation.

As of today, HAI Automation Systems and Lutron Controlled Lighting Systems are operated via touchscreens or buttons. It is possible that in the future, all of the automated systems we use in the home could respond to a homeowner’s needs based on sensory to motion, temperature, voice or even facial expressions. Most security systems are operated with codes that only the homeowner knows. Facial recognition software could eliminate the need for entering a password or preventing an unauthorized person who may know the code to enter the home.

The Kinect also has a chat feature which allows Xbox Live users to communicate with each other without the use of headsets or any additional hardware. This could make it possible to talk on a telephone anywhere in the home, eliminating the need for devices such as phones or intercoms.

Technology continues to advance rapidly and new uses are being realized every day. Right now, video gamers are enjoying this recent development but soon anyone who owns a home may be able to benefit from these innovations.