[ Spotlight: Smart homes ]
have been working together to develop understanding of requirements for the smart house and have completed work on a SmartHouse Code of Practice.’ This code of practice is intended to provide a valuable
reference for anyone involved in creating a smart home. In order to cope with the very broad scope of the code of practice and the many stakeholders that were involved, the document is subdivided into sections, of which AV is one. In addition to the SmartHouse Code of Practice, in 2010
the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and CEDIA announced the publication of the CEA/CEDIA-2030-A: Multi-Room Audio Cabling Standard. This guide provides a standardised approach to AV
installation and performance objectives outlined with recommendations for the design of high performance system. ‘This standard update addresses the future of multi- room AV systems, keeping clients happy by providing the infrastructure to accommodate cutting-edge systems,’ states David Pedigo, senior director of technology at CEDIA.
Thin end of the wedge While AV may be the main reason for having a smart home, there are a number of other technologies that can run on the same network to make it even smarter. ‘Entertainment certainly used to be the primary factor,
but now energy, comfort, convenience and security are every bit as important,’ says Legrand’s Hayward. ‘These changes have been prompted by a combination of environmental and government directives and the industry’s ability to provide solutions that deliver across- the-board benefi ts. For example, those who used to simply supply multi-room audio systems can now offer integrated systems that incorporate lighting and heating as well.’ It is estimated that the average household spends more
Rooms with a view
When David Edwards decided to commission a multimillion pound property that would become his new family home, he was keen to use the most advanced technology to create a house that would not only have the wow factor but would also offer exceptional comfort, convenience and energy effi ciency. The result is Bankhall House – an extremely functional home that
uses technology to complement the way in which David and his family use their space. More importantly, the KNX system that has been installed allows the family members to set scenes and re-programme the controls to adapt the way the house functions for different times of the day, different times of the year or simply differing moods, social occasions and family activities. David comments: ‘It was important to think about how different
services would work together and about how to ensure ease of operation and monitoring. Using the Jung Facility Pilot has created a user friendly and adaptable control system that gives centralised, real time information and allows us to alter settings using an easy-to- operate, wall-mounted touch-screen panel.’ Thanks to the integration of lighting, heating, cooling, AV and security systems, the Jung Facility Pilot can trigger linked events and automatically switch controls on or off under specifi c, pre-programmed conditions. For example, if the lighting control sensors in the home
cinema detect that there is no longer anyone in the room, the system will automatically power down the AV equipment and turn down the heating, preventing any power from being wasted. The system also provides useful security functionality by linking
the lighting and AV controls to the security system. This means that the KNX controls can be set so that all lights are switched on when the security alarms are triggered, making it much more diffi cult for an intruder to escape undetected.
than £300 per year on energy that they don’t actually need. A green smart home system enables the homeowner to reduce their impact on the environment by providing energy usage information, control strategies and automated operation of products. Gordon Fry of the Wandsworth Group, comments: ‘As the cost of utilities continues to rise and efforts to fulfi l our low carbon commitments advance, we’re likely to see the energy saving benefi ts of home automation rise up the agenda.’
Safe and secure Enhanced home security has also become an integral feature of a smart home, and the security market offers another way for electrical contractors to develop a smart home offering. There are security systems available that can link into a smart home system, such as audio and video entrance control systems. Commenting on the popularity and potential of home
automation, Legrand’s Hayward, says: ‘The fact the same technology can benefi t a young person who loves gadgets, a family that wants to save energy and money, and enable people to live independently for longer in their own homes, is ideal for developers and means the market now has an opportunity to truly mature.’
The next step Electrical contractors are in an excellent position to take advantage of the growth in AV installations. However, it is important to carry out some research into this sector and to become familiar with the key manufacturers and distributors, alongside the technologies they offer. Also, the need to train cannot be emphasised enough and there are some excellent courses available that will smooth the transition into this exciting and potentially profi table sector.
The skills developed through installing AV within homes can also be used to install larger scale systems in hotels and commercial buildings
About the author
Rob Shepherd Rob Shepherd is a freelance journalist and regular contributor to ECA Today, who has worked in the electrical contracting industry for more than 10 years.
January 2012 ECA Today 29
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