Lights, security cameras & home entertainment systems should all speak the same language
Homeowners motivated by safety, convenience and fun when choosing home automation systems can also add voice-enabled capabilities in their home components, according to Dave Pedigo, vice president, emerging technologies for CEDIA, the global trade organization that represents those that manufacture and install technology in the home.
This is particularly popular for kitchens and master bedrooms where users utter such commands as "turn on the lights (please)" or "raise the heat (thanks)." Some operate without a command when temperatures escalate too high or permit users to multitask—maybe, wash dishes while having a TV channel changed, says Pedigo. And they’re more affordable in many cases than having a room hard wired.
But a professional should be consulted and install the technology when several are used, advises Pedigo. For example:
- Systems selected need to speak the same language to operate seamlessly, what’s called "interoperability" since the language could be ZigBee or Z-Wave, the equivalent of French versus English;
- Professionally installed networks should be implemented so data remains secure and less of a risk to hackers;
- Homeowners remain current about what’s new, improved or more affordable, from motors that retrofit shades to open automatically to TVs with better color and contrast ratios, and augmented reality (AR) systems that alter views of a real-world setting through computer generated sound, video or graphics.
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