Automation

Why consider Home automation? What is Home Automation? It sounds complicated.

Home automation is a broad term that can apply to many home systems. We think of it as easy, all-purpose control that makes life simpler, safer, more fun, and saves energy-all at the same time!

A typical home has many systems in it. These can include whole house music, intercom, distributed video, networking, security, lighting control, heating and cooling systems, cameras, pool and spa control, gate control, etc. A home automation system ties all of these systems together so you can interface with them from one point of contact. With custom programming, you can automate all kinds of things to make your life simpler and make your home a safer place. For example, custom programming can allow events to happen base upon other events. A fire code from the alarm system can cause the home automation system to tell the lighting system to flash your exterior lights so your home is easy for emergency personnel to find. The fun of custom programming comes when you are ready to relax or entertain and pressing one button starts a whole sequence of events. For instance with that simple push, the system can select a lighting mood, start playing music in the appropriate rooms, and control the landscape lights to stay on late since you're having a party.

A complete home automation system includes and communicates with all of the subsystems mentioned above. Any single subsystem can operate independently in a well-designed automation system. By using wireless touch panels, wall mounted touch panels or keypads, and even iPhone or iTouch, you tell your home automation system how to control all of your subsystems.

For a simple example, consider a Home Theater system; take a look at a remote control that came with your television. It has lot's buttons. You also have a remote control for your Blu-Ray player, one for your cable box, and another one for your receiver. These devices must all be on the right setting for it to work. If anyone accidentally pressed a wrong button on any of these remotes, you might need to spend frustrating minutes checking all the settings. Or call your technically oriented spouse or kid for help. A simple, one room home automation is a very easy solution - forever eliminating this embarrassing situation.

Designing an automation system that meets your needs is a process of discovering how you will use your home and what is important to you. Paradyme was one of the very first companies to venture into home automation. We have over 30 years of experience working with systems from the early primitive ones to today's most sophisticated designs to help you find what is right for you.

Paradyme has two primary control system suppliers: Crestron and Control 4. Crestron has been in the automation business for many years and offers options for any sized home. Control 4 is a relative newcomer and has many options for retrofitting systems into existing homes at very reasonable prices. Learn more in our home automation section.