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Continuing Education Workshop

What Is Home Automation
...and why the window coverings industry needs to pay attention!

Believe it or not, home automation is not new. It’s not new in concept and it’s not new in practice. In fact, some forms of integrated homes have been around for more than 20 years. So why is it only recently that home automation has created such a buzz? Is it due to the proliferation of digital TV and home theaters? Is it the publicity received by the Consumer Electronics Show or Microsoft’s next deal? Is it because of the wide acceptance of the Internet? Or is it simply a variety of technological innovations and economic developments that are defining home integration for the mainstream residential market to take control of their interior surroundings?

In the Unites States alone, “smart home” technology is expected to generate revenues of $4 billion by 2008, while revenues are expected to reach about $900 million this year. And these figures are based on the controls alone, not the cost of the appliance! Let’s face it, the smart home is no longer a vision for the future; it is a reality. . . and a very profitable one at that! And you don’t think you need to be paying attention to this growing market segment?!

In this three-part series, join Techniku, a leader in the design of automation solutions for window coverings, as we explore home automation, the new RF control paradigm that allows for simple smart home integration, and how we plan to support the window coverings industry as it crosses into this uncharted territory.

HOME AUTOMATION DEFINED
Home automation is the intelligent integration of a variety of home technologies including HVAC, security, lighting, audio/video and a multitude of consumer electronics working together to enable everyday devices to be controlled and monitored wirelessly. This integration provides consumers the ability to control their houses from a keypad, computer, PDA or even voice-activated software.

The marriage of these systems working seamlessly together adds another dimension of comfort and quality of life. And while this all sounds complicated, it’s actually simple when you know the basics. Home automation combines style, innovation and imagination to create the ultimate interior to enhance lifestyle. Sounds like the definition of a designer if you ask us!

TYPES OF HOME AUTOMATION
During the past 20 years, a variety of home automation technologies, most stemming from central controls, have dominated the market. In a typical home automation application, many appliances and electronics are integrated into a central control system or through a mesh network of “nodes” to communicate and send RF signals.

As we venture into the next phase of smart home technology, the high-tech community is replacing the longstanding assumption that applications must go through a central control platform. They are recognizing new opportunities to develop open protocols, which are changing the face of smart home controls.

There are primarily two types of protocols currently used: (1) closed/central controls and (2) open/mesh networks. Closed protocols use a proprietary set of interfaces (i.e., a specific manufacturer-designed control system) that frequently differ from one home appliance to the next. These systems require translations of the data so all of the systems speak the same language. They typically are difficult to integrate and cost prohibitive. Apple computers are a good example of a closed system. While these are good computers, they are limited in usage as they do not communicate well with other computers.

On the other hand, an open network is based on using products from multiple vendors that conform to uniform industry standards, enabling full interoperability across a network. A PC operating Windows is a good open example as the universally accepted Windows controls 90 percent of the world’s computers. Open systems are based on cross-platform integration allowing home appliances (such as lighting, window coverings, A/V, etc.) to simply use a repeater node and plug into a standard wall outlet. These nodes receive and send RF signals (acting as routers) creating an open communication platform, similar to the Internet! Should a connection or node fail, they dynamically create new routes. With a scalable approach, consumers can add nodes and leverage control and cost over many appliances.

Unlike closed systems that add complexity, limit choices and perpetuate high costs, open systems are simpler to integrate, deliver lower lifecycle costs, allow for easier upgrades and are more user-friendly.

TO INFINITY AND BEYOND . . .
So what is driving the explosion of home automation? Simple—it’s what drives all products that reach the mainstream market: robust, solid solutions with enhanced features that achieve an economy of scale for cost reduction.

Through the years, technology has continued to improve the usability and cost benefits. In the past, smart homes were only for the top one percent of the population. However, as technology increases, prices drop and new capabilities and capacities emerge to reach the mainstream market. By achieving a more efficient, scalable wireless network, low-cost home automation is becoming a standard feature in many home products and even as a bundled option in most new home construction.

One of the most significant inhibitors to the growth of home automation has been the lack of integration between multiple systems (getting the products to talk to each other). The compatibility of many systems significantly improves the simplicity in installation. Now, there is a growing consortium of product manufacturers to create open platforms with a synergy that will ultimately benefit the controls and consumer electronics industry.

Want proof? Think of the hybrid car. Years ago, it was the concept car at the Detroit Auto Show. And now, you see them just about everywhere. So what brought on this mainstreaming? First of all, they have become more reliable with the major car companies engineering better designs. Second, they are no longer viewed as a novelty car. And last, think about rising gas prices . . . now, do you see a benefit in them? Sure, and so have lots of other people. Home automation is no different. From a concept, to a novelty, to mainstream. It is a matter of time before the features increase, the costs decrease, the multiple benefits become evident and the infrastructure develops. Remember, people purchase on perceived need!

WINDOW COVERINGS IN HOME AUTOMATION
When researching this article, something very curious kept cropping up. In many of the articles discussing home automation, technologies such as HVAC, security, lighting, and A/V equipment are mentioned again and again, but you know what was missing? Window coverings automation. This was strange; after all, don’t window coverings contribute to climate control, lighting and security? Whether a simple media room or a fully automated home, automated window coverings play a significant role in integrating into the ideal controlled ambiance. Too seldom, we limit our view of the window coverings as a design feature in the room. With automated window coverings, not only are the treatments a functional tool to control light, but they become a home appliance, similar to the thermostat or sprinkler system. Window coverings become a useful tool for the consumer.

If you are not at least offering automated window coverings to your clients, you are doing them a disservice. After all, when they begin to integrate their homes to enhance their lifestyles with new A/V equipment, security and lighting systems, and multiple home appliances don’t you think the window coverings should be included in this ultimate interior control?

WHERE TO START
Overwhelmed? We understand! Techniku is committed to the success of every window coverings professional who wants to join the revolution in these changing times of home automation. Let’s face it, every time we try a new technology, there is a level of apprehension. In the next two articles, we will explore the new paradigm to open, simple home automation supported through Techniku’s line of controls and how we can work together to create a better future for you and your clients.

Don’t your consumers deserve the most advanced and fully integrated solution to their window coverings needs? We think so, and believe you will agree. If, as an industry, we do not address this growing market segment with innovative automation options for a variety of open protocol controls, we risk being left out of a big share of the market, which means lots of lost revenue!