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[ Spotlight: Smart homes ]


wherever they are needed. The use of just one Category 5e cable to connect a variety of devices also makes it possible to reduce the number of different cables – all of which saves time, money and effort. ‘HDBase-T represents the next significant step


in the evolution of the home theatre system,’ comments Chris Walker, director of AV product planning and marketing for the Home Electronics Division of Pioneer Electronics. ‘Integrating the technology into our products will make set up and control of even the most complex home theatre systems faster and easier.’


Opportunity knocks Smart home technology may well be easily accessible – which means more people than ever before know about it and want to buy into it – but specialist assistance is usually required when it comes to installation and programming. There are few growth areas for electrical


contractors to become involved with at present, so smart homes represent a rare potential new revenue stream. The ECA’s David Stefanowicz says: ‘The key to success in this area is to be multi- disciplined and willing to learn new skills and the ECA has increased the amount of guidance to its members on how to get involved.’ Marc Gaunt of Schneider Electric advises those


who are serious about diversifying to undertake some specialist training. He states: ‘Products need to be as simple as possible to specify and install, but training is still key. Arguably, more of our training


Smart home solutions can also deliver energy savings


Controlling energy consumption remains a key priority for consumers


Home entertainment remains a fast- growing market


today is about educating contractors around what business development opportunities there are in new technology and how to sell solutions, as well as the products themselves.’ We can safely assume that we are only at the


very beginnings of what is possible in the smart home, and perhaps the only limiting factor is our imagination. Whether to enhance a homeowner’s lifestyle or to maximise their dwelling’s energy efficiency, the smart home is fast becoming the norm.


36 ECA Today March 2013


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