NO MATTER HOW YOU SLICE IT, a professionally installed home automation system rarely comes cheaply. But that’s all about to change, thanks to new scaled down systems introduced by companies including Savant, Elan, Clare Controls, and Crestron. And if they’re not paring down the capabilities of their systems to the basics, they’ve refined their programming software to make it faster for integrators to get automation systems up and running. All of this results in technology that’s priced attractively for mainstream consumers. But don’t worry: These entry-level systems offer plenty of practical features that’ll add greater convenience, comfort, and value to your home; plus, they can be easily expanded to incorporate additional functionality.
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