Free download covering smart lighting products, motorized window shade systems and tips on how to use them in your home.
Get the Guidecomplete home automation system
Helping Smart Devices Play Well Together in an Automated Home
If you have a router in your house, you’re familiar with Wi-Fi, the communications protocol that enables your smartphone to stream music from the backyard and your laptop to access email from the living room couch—or wherever you happen to be in your house. This wireless networking standard has untethered us from cabling for our communications needs, and has become so pervasive in American homes that manufacturers have implemented the technology into all kinds of devices. With a Wi-Fi chip embedded in it, a light switch can be controlled from an app on your smartphone, for example. But as most people have likely experienced, Wi-Fi can be finicky. Connections can drop unexpectedly, products located far away from the router might lose signal, and as more and more devices join a Wi-Fi network, the communications highway becomes increasingly congested and slow.
Get the GuideWhere to Buy an Automation System
Now that home automation has hit the mainstream, you can find systems at your local big box electronics store, online at popular sites like Amazon.com, and from a variety of professional installation firms. Given the range of automation providers and the assortment of products available, you’ll have no problem finding a place to purchase a system. The question is, from whom or where you should buy? The answer will depend largely on your budget and your expectations. Here are the pros and cons of each shopping option.
Get the GuideLeviton Preps 29 Products for Omni-Bus Lighting Control Lineup
The new modules and interfaces can control lights, shades, fans, shutters, pumps, motors and more.
The new modules and interfaces can control lights, shades, fans, shutters, pumps, motors and more.
Get the GuideWireless Home Networks
Wi-Fi and other forms of wireless communication are changing the home automation landscape.
Get the GuideThe iPad and Apps
Controlling your house has never been easier, when you can do it from your smartphone or tablet.
Get the Guide17-Year-Old Automates Hamptons House with Control4 Home Automation
Matthew Lieberman used his passion for technology to plan out his family's automation system -- and his summer.
Matthew Lieberman used his passion for technology to plan out his family’s home automation system — and his summer.
Get the GuideSurround Crown
One cool and entertaining condo that merges A/V, Apple devices and clever controls.
One cool and entertaining condo that merges A/V, Apple devices and clever controls.
Get the Guide10 Hot Home Automation Trends
The latest buzz when it comes to managing and controlling your home.
The latest buzz when it comes to managing and controlling your home.
Get the GuideReview: Mi Casa Verde Vera, Z-Wave Automation System
Low-cost Vera system lets you automate Z-Wave wireless lighting controls, door locks and more, and control it all through a Web gateway that does not require an always-on PC.
Low-cost Vera system lets you automate Z-Wave wireless lighting controls, door locks and more, and control it all through a Web gateway that does not require an always-on PC.
Get the Guide