Integration An Introduction:


All of the home’s integrated subsystems may be centrally controlled by a simple easy to use control system. Home audio, video, lighting, temperature, CD management, security, gate control, sprinkler systems, and much more may all be controlled via touch panels or computers throughout the home and / or remotely via the Internet.

The number of subsystems available to become part of an integrated home is quite extensive. The following lists break down several of these systems into 3 categories; Entertainment; Internet and Content; and Communications, Environment, Comfort, and Safety. By no means are these complete. They are presented to provide you with information that may provoke ideas or questions to better determine the needs of the project.

          Entertainment:

• Multi-room audio distribution
  
• Media room control and integration
  
• Home theater
  
• Radio tuner showing preset stations and channel frequency
  
• Digital audio jukebox – hard drive CD music management. Graphical interface that displays selected album cover with information about the artist and song with near instantaneous playback of your selection
  
• XM or satellite radio including both commercial free and commercial stations by genre
  
• Direct TV
  
• HDTV
  
• Digital cable television
  
• DVD Database
  
• TiVO systems
  
  
  Internet and Content:
  
• Remote monitoring of CCTV cameras via Internet
  
• Off-site home control via Internet
  
• Shared Internet Access for the family
  
• Central file server systems
  
• Wireless access throughout the residence
  
• Automated e-mail notification of service issues or concerns directly to vendors
  
• Networking of home computers and shared printers
  
  
  Communications, Environmental, Comfort and Safety:
   
• HVAC Control – control all zones “globally” or zones individually
  
• Humidity control and monitoring
  
• Carbon monoxide monitoring
  
• Lighting Control – shut off all of your lights throughout the home or control each zone individually, preset scenes and pathways
  
• Pool, Jacuzzi / Spa Control – set temperature, schedules, and filtration with remote diagnostics.
  
• Security Control – arm, disarm, shunt zones, monitor cameras from home or anywhere with dial-up or Internet access
  
• Motorized gate entry control with remote access
  
• Motorized curtains, draperies, and shade control
  
• Telephone / Intercom systems
  
• Structured Wiring for local area networks, Telco, and expansion for future networking. Technologies that may be developed.
• High speed fiber optic networking
  
  
  There are many other systems typically included in integration plans. These include:
   
• Landscaping irrigation
  
• Window treatment
  
• Pool or spa
  
• Fountains
• Fireplaces
• Heating and air conditioning
• Capture and control temperatures in each room of the house
• Monitoring of radon or water levels
• Garage door openers

It is important to point out that scheduling software may be incorporated to allow devices to be automated on a time schedule.

There are many options available to control and monitor the subsystems throughout the home: wireless remotes, in-wall touch screens, wireless touch screens, large or small touch screens, small in-wall key pads etc… Based upon these systems and integration needs of the project we will provide our control recommendations for each room to optimize the enjoyment of the systems.