A Digital Home network allows the integration of everyday products to be integrated seemlessly into the home without the need for numerous switchplates and dimmer switches or remotes to control all the features that a modern home of today possesses - An obvious benefit to the end user as we can see in other more advanced areas of the world, this type of installation is fast becoming obligatory in all reform and new build projects.
A Digital Home installation allows the end user to operate all elements of the home built into one system: multi-room audio / video playback and surround sound installations, satellite systems, security systems, heating, lighting and blinds.
The added value of a home network that a digital home provides far outweighs the actual cost to the client or developer by pre-installing one during the build stage. Many end user clients do not appreciate until afterwards the added benefit this represents and even if they are not planning to utilise the network to its full potential from the beginning, in 5 to 10 years time when they come to sell their property it will still be up to date and ready for all modern day installations which may well end up being the difference between a quick and a drawn out sale.
The importance of a Home Network - (see also our 'Connected Home' article)
A Data Network with a Cat5e/Cat6 backbone enables stable communication throughout the home for integration of fundamental elements in today's living:
- Fast stable internet service
- High Definition Video distribution to every screen location – streaming of video on demand programs, online film rental and other internet services to all TV’s
- Home office file sharing and networked equipment like faxes and printers
- Linking games consoles and allowing online gaming in multi-rooms
- Numerous phone points with intercom system – with VoIP options
- Speaker points in all rooms for ambient sound throughout
- Touchpanels and In wall keypads installation for control with 2-way communication
- CCTV security
Everyday products can now be integrated so all the different sub-systems in the home work together.
There are 4 key elements a digital home incorporates....
Comfort, Security, Energy Efficiency and Communication.
Various user interfaces range from in-wall touchpanels, handheld remotes control units controlling a graphic interface on TV screens, wireless touchscreens and iPad tablets as well as smart phones like the iPhone.
Many controlpanels enable the user to see the files they are scrolling making source and song selection easy as the data will show up on each interface for navigating the system.
In Wall Keypads
A basic in-wall keypad normally consists of hard buttons to perform common tasks such as triggering play, stop, and pause. The benefit of keypads is that they’re usually discreet, reliable, multi-purpose and incapable of getting lost in the sofa cushions.
Handheld Controls - Wifi/Zigbee Protocol
Some still say the trusty handheld remote control is what bests suits them but these days these can multiply into a confusing mass leaving most ordinary people bemused and frustrated. Help is at hand with ‘all in one’ remote controls.
The more developed handheld controls now work on WiFi (wireless) and can operate components anywhere in the house - hidden away and out of sight.
Multi-room audio
A whole-house audio solution adds both value and enjoyment to a home by preventing the clutter normally associated with placing audio equipment throughout the house - Gone are the days when you have a large ‘music centre’ in the corner of each room.
All audio sources can be playable throughout the home with each room controllable independently from the other for source and volume selection which can be adjusted to a constant level throughout or variable.
With MP3's, entire music collections can be stored in small pocket size players or even on your phone as part of the system and shared through all areas with full control and information at your fingertips.
For larger storage capacity, servers can offer full information data including 'cover art' for album and artist or title navigation. This way all zones of the house can access the libraries of audio or video for your favourite music and film folders.
Speakers can be discreet in design and even set in ceilings to blend into the decor of any room. They provide a warm, full bodied sound.
Outdoor speakers no longer have to be brought in each night after use as they are all-weather, no do they have to be boring or stick out like a sore thumb either.
TV Video Distribution
In the past, video distribution has been most commonly achieved by way of coaxial networks for connection of all manner of satellite receivers in any number of rooms. But this is now being superseded by the more technologically advanced networks.
By installing a Cat5e (with Cat6) backbone network the integration of technologies for video distribution can be achieved and incorporate high definition Audiovideo signalling for installation of satellite HDTV channels, Blu-Ray DVD and file formatted media, to any TV location.
In the future, this same network can be used for any IPTV upgrade as the bandwidth widens and online TV services become more readily available - namely ‘video on demand’.
Most modern televisions now have excellent network capabilities with Ethernet LAN for use with the internet, DLNA compatibility for use with other components wirelessly for file sharing, storage and media streaming, as well as built in USB connections for viewing photos and widgets for browsing weather reports and watching video clips online like You Tube.
And now with the release of services such as Google TV and online film rental, video on demand is vastly expanding as quickly as the bandwidth will allow, so the flatscreen will soon become your monitor of choice for viewing all your video content.
With good planning televisions need not take over as the focal point of a room if fitted discreetly into the wall. This means flush finish and clean lines showing forethought and care in the design.
Security
CCTV
One optional extra is a CCTV system. These days not only can they be viewed from inside the property on every TV screen, but from anywhere in the world via the internet and tied in with alarm systems. It could also be useful to have the camera images displayed on the touchscreens or iPad interfaces when selected as well.
Door SensorsBy having contact sensors on each of the main doors or windows of a house acts as peace of mind and a reminder. This will ensure that they are closed and locked as they should be. Receive alerts if something gets left open or they can trigger the security system if opened.
Automated Lighting Control
Lighting control provides the ability to change the way a room or home looks and feels. Make your home more beautiful, make your home more secure, make your home more energy efficient, and make your home simpler to operate just by adding lighting control instead of a standard lighting installation.
The use of LED lighting in place of conventional halogen light bulbs are coming more common place reducing the consumption of electricity even more. LED strips and colour changing lighting can highlight an area like the garden or emphasise a feature within the house. All of which can be controlled by the touch of a button or on a timed program.
Some features and benefits to lighting control:
- The linking of lighting zones for fading and dimming down lights simply as well as change an areas appearance instantly with one touch presets.
- Sensors can pick up movement and a light path activated for key areas of the property. Ideal when arriving home with shopping or getting up in the night.
- Other features of lighting sensors is they only trigger lights to come on upon entering an area for a predetermined time period unless it is overridden.
- An ‘Exit’ macro would turn off all lights in the house upon leaving (leaving outdoor and selected interior lights on if required) with the touch of one button.
- In the event of a disturbance during the night an ‘All on’ button can be created to illuminate the whole house at the touch of a button to allow the homeowner to check on the property.
- Installations can also be programmed to react to natural light levels and only come on once the sun has set or an area gets dark or programmed for daylight saving.
- There is no need to have lights working at their full capacity as in standard switch installations. By reducing a bulb’s output by a fraction from its normal load, the bulbs lifespan doubles and electricity bills are greatly reduced.
- The system can be placed into ‘record mode’ meaning the system will record patterns of lighting usage, which will give a realistic illusion of a presence in the property when played back upon leaving to go away.
Automated Climate Control
Under-floor heating and air conditioning - HVAC
Home is all about comfort - now your home can be made even more comfortable with automated climate control. Whether it is simply controlling the house temperature from a single thermostat or using a more complex combination of multiple thermostats, motorised blinds, and remote temperature sensors, with automation control products it’s much easier to find a climate control solution that fits perfectly. We can offer various climate control solutions using the control interfaces available.This same system can incorporate air conditioning units and be managed and controlled in a similar way to the under-floor heating system.
Other Sub-systems
Video door entry systems allow the monitoring and screening of visitors to the properties. They enhance the value of a property, provide security for the family, and provide convenience especially for those with limited mobility. Entry systems can override while TV watching so the image appears on screen when someone is at the door so you are made aware even if you are submersed in the cinema room watching a film at high levels.
Curtain and blind control can be added to form part of the automated system. Command a single shade or drape to open or close or numerous ones in a number of areas to open or close. You can view the status of each shade and drape on the touchscreen interface and even schedule any or all to open or close at particular times or for certain events like sitting down to watch a film.
Pool and garden sprinklersPrograms can be put in place for the swimming pool and sprinkler systems too so they only heat or use water during energy-efficient and / or cost efficient times of day.
Telephony
As previously mentioned the home network can communicate voice as well as data and an internal intercom system, PBX phone system and VoIP solutions.
Understanding
The Pre-installation of automated digital technology should be a top priority when planning for new projects. Homeowners have much to consider when referring to architects, project management and construction companies and it should be the responsibility of these professionals to offer such networks to their clients in readiness for what our industry now has to offer.
To allow for such technologies during the construction phase is the best way of securing a customers satisfaction whether they understand it now or not. It will be them that thank you later when they realise you have saved them the great outlay of rewiring further down the line.
The Process
To integrate the services of such a system a home network is required. It is important to follow the process of planning for the development at all stages of construction from the design stage as set out by the architect.
The architect and / or the technical engineer should insist that the procedures for a network installation be carried out using their own designs (in AutoCad or similar). This way all those involved in the project can plan properly the way in which their services can be implemented without encroaching on that of others.
For more information on the design packages available from Future Lifestyle, please contact us on +34 902 107 227
End-users want networks that talk to each other and networks they can access remotely and control from a web-based or phone-based graphical user interface (GUI). Being able to monitor their home, regulate it and ensure it’s energy efficiency is of prime importance. 
Customers’ expectations are influenced by their experiences outside and understand the networks and the providers behind them offer what is now everyday living to them. Therefore we need commitment in delivering a quality infrastructure within the fabric of the home design which will set us apart from all the other system engineers who are talking to our customers.
