History
The early days of home automation have emerged in the mid-1980s. It all starts with the miniaturization of electronic and computer systems. Second, the development of electronic components in household products has significantly improved performance, streamlined and reduced the costs of energy consumption equipment. The appearance on the market of communication services such as high-performance digital networks is not foreign to the emergence of innovative systems-oriented communication and exchange in the building and out of it . It is in order to provide more comfort, security and ease of use in building management that automation has had its premises.
The observation of various work done since 1985 shows a development of automation in three areas:
• The specification of the PLC: the products are diversifying in order to be a strong fit with customer needs;
• Interfaces support: a growing effort is provided to make the man / machine interface more efficient and enjoyable;
• Communication tools in the home: cable, internet and telephony are factors that are changing every day interactions between people and between them and the machines.
There are just over 20 years of SECURISCAN THOMSON was the first home automation system installed in a house. But current technology did not exist and the installation was not a pioneer success.
Since then, considerable advances have occurred to help the man in the life of every day. A multitude of products have been created by a large number of multinationals and a standard has emerged: the standard Konnex, more commonly known as KNX. Its advantage is simple: scalable and accessible by all. This dictates the communications between all devices in the home that are linked together via a common language known to all experts in the art.
Like the USB cable years ago by the KNX standard is growing and needed day by day around him.
Now, who wants a car still without power steering, remote without opening, without power windows and no air conditioning? Not many people. 
 The same goes for the house: The future and well-being are in the move towards integrated home automation!
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Security
Control and integration of security systems and also the potential for central locking of all perimeter doors and windows.[15]
With Home Automation, the consumer can select and watch cameras live from an Internet source to their home or business. Security cameras can be controlled, allowing the user to observe activity around a house or business right from a Monitor or touch panel. Security systems can include motion sensors that will detect any kind of unauthorized movement and notify the user through the security system or via cell phone. This category also includes control and distribution of security cameras (see surveillance).
• Intrusion Detection o Motion sensors o Magnetic contact sensors for doors / windows o Glass break detectors o Pressure sensors
• Presence Simulation
• Detection of fire, gas leaks and water leaks (see fire alarm and gas alarm)
• Medical alert / teleassistance.
• Precise and safe blind control

The Basics of Smart Home Automation
May 21st, 2012 | Author: Roos
What is home automation? Smart home technology is used to automate a household. Home automation allows for most if not all household activity to be controlled remotely. Home automation is centralized control of HVAC, lighting, security, appliances and a limitless amount of other systems. Home automation is a great way to conveniently control the energy consumption, personal comfort, entertainment and security of your home. A home automation system links household electronics together with each other. Electronics within a household may be tied together by a computer network allowing remote access and control.
What can be controlled?
Lighting
The easiest and most popular category to begin your home automation adventure with would be lighting. There are plug and play starter kits available for less then $60. These kits allow basic control of standard lighting fixtures such as power and dimming. Depending on the type of system which is desired; there are many functions and benefits of an automated light system. Using an automated system it is possible to have all of the lights in a house on a predetermined schedule. Motion sensors are able to be put in place to automatically power lights on and off as occupants move from place to place. Lights can be turned on, off or dimmed using a wireless device such as a smart phone, computer, remote or voice command. The brightness of lights can be controlled based on the level of outside light in the room. It is also possible to control the lighting in a home using automated window shades, awnings and draperies.
Security Systems Having an home automated security system offers many benefits and advantages. If there is ever an emergency within your home then you will be called by your home and alerted of the situation. Motion sensors and night vision cameras are able to be put in place to alert of any unauthorized movement within the household. With home automation it is possible to watch and control household cameras remotely. Doors and windows can be locked remotely as well using any type of computer device connected to the Internet. Magnetic contacts are able to be placed on all doors and windows to alert of and opening or closing activity. Pressure sensors are also able to be put in place to keep an eye on entranced to the home. There is potential to save significant amounts of money on other security services. It is even possible to monitor the home for events such as flooding, smoke or oxygen levels. Another great benefit of home automated security systems is that they can be programmed to simulate the presence of a family even while gone for an extended period of time or just the night.
Home Theater and Entertainment Automated home theaters help keep the living room clean and organized. Turn that pile of remotes into one ipad or android device. Multiple devices such as xbox, dvd player, radio, or computer can all be controlled using one remote device. Speakers are able to be placed throughout a home to brig the entertainment to each and every room. Each speaker or section of speakers is able to be completely customized. Customization includes volume, time of day to be played, play list to be played, mute for doorbell, intercom and more. Multiple audio and video sources are able to be plugged into this system. It is possible to have a different media playing on each speaker or set of speakers.
Phone Systems With home automation it is possible to screen phone calls accurately and effortlessly. Phone call settings are limitless. Certain numbers can be kept from making your phone ring while others will show up on and screen connected to your automation system. There is voice control software available that can turn each and every phone in your home into a voice controlled remote. Sensors can be put in place to alert of temperatures harmful to pets, pipes, instruments and more. Windows are able to be programmed to open and close depending on the temperature differences between inside and outside. This use of natural heating and cooling contributes to increased energy efficiency within the household.
Irrigation
Sprinklers are able to be programmed for certain times of day or days of the week. It is even possible to have the sprinklers activate when there is unwanted motion detected in the yard.
Posted in Shack Home Blog | 2 Comments »
Remote Smart Home Automation
June 15th, 2012 | Author: James There are many different systems available which allow a home to be controlled remotely. Smartlinc is one of the main players in remote smart home automation control. With Smartlinc it is possible to watch live camera feed of your home from a remote location. This is a handy feature especially during extended stays away from home. A great concern of many families is the well being of their pets while away. Remote home automation is a great way to keep your pets in your home safely and out of the pet hotels or babysitter house. Keeping an eye on the the kids when they are home alone is made easier than ever with remote smart home technology. Any feature which can be activated while in the home can also be activated from a remote location using a wifi enabled device. Smartlinc provides current status of a feature and gives confirmation that it has been activated or deactivated. Groups can be created and controlled remotely as well. These groups can be organized by user or room to make controlling them extremely easy. Groups can be created to optimize energy consumption. In order to keep an eye on your energy usage; most remote systems have the ability to view energy consumption at the touch of a button. A feature that will come in handy for sure are the remote locks. With this great technology it is possible to check to see if the doors of your home are locked even after leaving the property. If the doors were not locked then it is possible to activate them remotely. This will save many unnecessary trips back home to check the doors and will also grant peace of mind to the home owner. Another scenario which this feature would come in handy would be if the kids get home early from school. Schools these days are constantly cancelling, delaying or getting out early and it is such a hassle for family members to keep up with this. Before remote smart home automation was available the kids would just be locked out of the house until their parents got off work to let them in. Now that this technology is available it is possible for parents or other family members to simply unlock the doors to the house using any wifi enabled device. Setting your house up with a smart home automation system is a great way to eliminate worry and increase efficiency.