We recently attended the 2006 International Builders Show in Orlando, Fla., where more than 1,600 exhibitors, dealing in more than 300 product categories, displayed their wares to an estimated 100,000 curious attendees.
The “smart home” is not a new concept. And although we’ve observed the technology steadily emerge at the builders show for several years now, in our opinion, the ultimate smart home that all of us really seem to be looking for is still in its infancy.
Mostly this seems to stem from the fact that the corporate world hasn’t been able to come up with a model that is capable of managing all of the systems in the home in a simple, inexpensive and easy-to-install package. What we need is a catalyst, someone who will bring all of these great new ideas together into one package someone to make a smart home package that is simple to use and affordable.
The good news is that a bunch of big companies have joined forces to make smart home technology work. An alliance has been formed, involving more than 125 home and computer industry companies, including many old and established firms such as Intermatic, Leviton, Logitech and Wayne Dalton, to name a few. The companies have teamed up to expand on an existing wireless technology known as “Z-wave technology,” a not-so-old two-way wireless solution developed by a company called Zensys. The new venture is known as the Z-Wave Alliance.
We like the idea of a computerized home being wireless because it means less installation cost and makes all of the conveniences available to more people.
Hard-wiring a smart home system has a definite advantage over a wireless system. Hard-wired systems are faster than wireless, and with computers that’s important. But, with most household applications, radio waves have it all. For example, when was it that your remote garage door opener didn’t work fast enough for you?
The downside to hard-wiring also is the upside to wireless installations. That is, as technology advances walls, ceilings and floors don’t have to be ripped out to make the wiring changes. As electronic technologies change, so do the wires and cables that carry the signal.
With wireless all you will need to do is mount the newest, latest and greatest and keep right on trucking without tearing the house down. In the ’90s, most folks interested in computers spent most of their time trying to keep up with the cost of a mushrooming technology. We feel that the same thing will happen with smart homes once the “Model T” finally comes off the line. And from the looks of things it won’t be long before that happens.
As more companies get involved with smart home technologies, smart home products will become available in a standardized format. Eventually you will be able to outfit your smart home in the same way that you currently can build a computer from scratch.
So, as you delve into the realm of smart home options and features, be sure to peruse, test and consider Z-wave-based products.
Actually, Z-wave technology is already in wide use. If you have a garage door opener or a radio-controlled toy car, chances are there is a Z-wave in your life.
Find out more about Z-wave technology at www.z-wavealliance.com.
For more home improvement tips and information from James and Morris Carey, visit their Web site at www.onthehouse.com or call 800-737-2474 Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. The Careys are also on KRKO (1380-AM) from 6 to 8 a.m. every Saturday.
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