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Netropolus Smart Home Learning Center -- What is Smart Home Automation?:
A Basic Definition
  

For some, home automation may be something as simple as remote or automatic control of a few lights. For others, security may be the central application. Still others may choose to install advanced controllers. As a very basic definition, we tend to refer to smart home automation as anything that gives you remote or automatic control of things around the home.

Adding home automation to an existing home ranges from simple to sophisticated. Our home automation products are mostly wireless! Thus the most tedious part of installing a lighting, appliance or a security system is greatly mitigated.

We at Netropolus Smart Home think that home automation should be what you want it to be. Whatever your "MVP" automation project might be, we're confident that using it will make life around the home more convenient, safe and fun!

For smart lighting and appliance control, Netropolus Smart Home features INSTEON powerline technology -- these devices communicate over your existing electrical wiring as well as RF wireless. For smart Security, we feature Visonic's SecureLinc2 (a.k.a. PowerMax Pro) wireless security system. It matches any ADT (R) system in features and sophistication. Trigger notification/remote control can be via landline phones, cell phones, and the Internet. SecureLinc 2 can also control up to four (4) wireless Surveillance cameras.

What Can I Control? -- Some Examples:  

Lighting
Probably the most popular control category and a great way to get involved with home automation. Dim light fixtures you could never dim before, and control them from anywhere in the house (or world via the Internet).



Security/Surveillance Systems & Access Control
Have your home call you and/or loved ones (via landline or cell phone) if there is an alert situation. You can save money on security monitoring services or even monitor for non-traditional security events like water in the laundry room or basement. Additionally, you can monitor up to four (4) surveillance cameras via the Internet.


Thermostats
Remote-control thermostats allow you to adjust the temperature from bed at night or even from a cell phone while on your way home (or to your second home!). They can even trigger a notice to you if the temperature gets too low (to prevent pipes from freezing) or too high (to protect your pets, plants, etc.).



Cable & Structured Wiring
Home automation can be accomplished using various types of connectivity. What's great is that many (e.g., INSTEON) of today's home automation products need NO NEW WIRES - so they are perfect to retrofit into an existing home. However, if you are building new or doing a major remodel, please consider adding networking, audio, video and control wiring while it is easy and relatively inexpensive. Later on you'll be happy you did.

How Can I Control Them?  
Remote Control
Remote control gives you the convenience of controlling lighting, appliances, security/surveillance systems and consumer electronics from wherever you happen to be at the time, like your couch, car, or, in fact, anywhere away-from-home. There are several different "methods" of controlling devices remotely. The least expensive is remote control/notification over a landline phone. You can also control/receive notifications with some of the systems from a cell phone and, over the Internet, from any web browser-capable computing device.
What are the Benefits of Home Automation?  
Convenience
We've all gotten used to controlling our TV from the couch; just wait until you are able to dim the lights as well. Imagine adjusting the temperature from your bed or controlling the volume of your whole-house audio system from any room. Or imagine the wall/ceiling heater in your bathroom coming on automatically on chilly mornings 5 minutes before your alarm clock goes off so that it is warm when you enter. Many of our products products also save energy -- we'll all agree that's a nice convenience.

Safety
We're all used to opening the garage door from the car, but you'll be surprised how much safer you'll feel coming home to a lit home and even turning on more lights from your keyfob remote upon your arrival. With a couple of basic products you can have your whole house light up like Fort Knox when there is motion detected at any corner of your house. Imagine your house sending you an email if there is motion where there shouldn't be any. Or you can have your security system call you if there is an alarm, which might include your typical security alarm or even a low or high temperature or water in the laundry room or basement.

Fun
High-tech products for the home are fun to use and share with others. Whether viewing visitors at your front door on your TV or tuning your stereo by using voice recognition, you'll find home automation surprisingly enjoyable. And when it comes to impressing the friends, you'll be happy to show off your newfound applications.

With the broad selection of home automation products offered by Netropolus Smart Home, you can control just about anything you wish in your home.