Our latest technology is advancing in leaps and bounds!
So you think remote viewing from your new DVR is cool? Try an entire network for your home that allows you to completely control your home remotely! With your cell phone you can now view your security camera's current video, adjust the temperature on your thermostat, turn on or off almost anything in your house, or even preheat your oven for dinner!
These new home control networking systems are the next step up in convenience. In fact, new home constructions are adding the necessary elements to new buildings to accommodate this exciting development.
Basically, there are three major companies that are coming out with this new technology: Z-Wave Alliance, ZigBee and Insteon. What they've done is take the everyday item such as a thermostat, keyed entry, garage door, etc. and put their mark on it. What this mark means is that no matter who manufactures it (and at present there are over 150 different manufacturers involved), every product bearing it will be compatible with each other.
In computer terms, it would make Windows and Linux compatible.
So, say you have a washing machine made by LG, a thermostat made by Honeywell, a garage door by Raynor, a Schlage keyless entry, and a security camera with dvr, these products will all work together on the same home network accessed by your cell phone! You won't even have to program it!
These networks work on low-power, low speed digital radio waves and can even be routed through your home's existing AC power wires!
The great part of it is, it will save you money in the long run. Think about it.
When you leave the house in the morning, you turn the AC up to 80. Half and hour before you get home, you get on your cell phone and tell your thermostat to turn on and get the house temperature down to 75 by the time you get home!
Not to mention, if you're watching your security cameras at the office and see something suspicious, you can start turning on lights, which in most cases will scare off a burglar. You can even alert a neighbor and have them check your house. Worst case scenario...you can call the police immediately and possibly nab the intruder in the act. It may mean a window broken, but they won't run off with your great-grandmother's antique pearl ring or the big screen TV.
Andrea Markham is the president of Three M Solutions and writes about some of the issues we face in our quest for keeping our homes safe. Her website is
This is an interesting article, although I have to say, I'm not surprised that things like this are in the works. Sometimes I think the creator of the Jetsons was psychic. ;-)
Hi Andrea, welcome to searchwarp. Thank you for an enthusiastic article! You made this informative piece a fun read :-) Keep sharing with all of us. Blessings to you! Teresa
I used to be a computer trainer on the high level administration and programming in the 1990s. The technology keeps advancing so fast, I got burned out. It was too hard to stay ahead of the curve. However, it is fascinating to see what is going on. Thanks for the article.
Oh for the good old days with less technology. I see it happening; I know it is happening; and a lot of it I enjoy. (Take my computer away and I'm a goner!)but there's a sadness in all of the latest and greatest advances. Too much tech time and not enough people time.
Sorry, your article is quite interesting but a bit depressing at the same time. By the way, what happens if the system goes haywire?
Great article, I love the advances that we have in technology. What an exciting time we live in, can't wait to see some of these houses on the market. Thanks
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