ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, February 13, 1996 TAG: 9602150009
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: At Home With Technology
SOURCE: DAVID BUTLER
Q: I always go for the latest technology. Yet I sometimes find myself overwhelmed trying to remember how everything works. The concept of a single easy-to-use control panel is very appealing, but I'm not sure what to look for - or even what to call it. Where should I start?
A: Over the past decade, the products that surround us have become more and more complex. Most homes contain more microprocessors than light bulbs! Telephones have them, as do TVs and VCRs. Alarm clocks, breadmakers, microwave ovens and dishwashers ... where would we be without those little silicon brains?
Digital electronics offers many wonderful benefits that would otherwise be impossible. Yet who hasn't winced at the sight of an unfamiliar keypad? (Well, maybe not the kids!) If micro-technology is so great, then how come it receives so much scorn?
More often than not, the problem lies with the user interface - the part of a product that we interact with. Product designers constantly deal in constraints and trade-offs - in particular, product size and target price. The digital wristwatch is a classic example: Each tiny button may have more than one function, depending on the current "mode." Confusing? Yes. Poorly designed? Not necessarily.
This analogy extends to thermostats, answering machines, security keypads visual display with well-designed menus, colorful icons and softkeys or a touchscreen. Not in my house! There's already too much digital clutter ... too many buttons to push ... too many clocks to set ... and most of all, too little money to spend.
There's actually a better solution - and much more practical. The latest buzz-phrase in home automation circles is "integrated home systems." Let the truth be known, most industry participants (including yours truly) do not like the term home automation. It's a bit nebulous. Home control is better, but outdated.
"Home systems" says it all, and the best part is that it's nothing new. Homes already have systems: heating and cooling, security, audio/video, telephone, lighting, personal computers and so on. What's new is the integration of various products and systems throughout the home.
First-generation home control systems achieve integration by acting as the thermostat, the security system, the lighting controller and, more recently, the audio/video control center. A single system that does it all has a certain appeal: Suddenly, the expense of a well-designed visual user interface (e.g., touchscreen, PC terminal, multi-function wall station, screen phone, etc.) is less intimidating.
The latest home system controllers are much more focused on the user interface than product function. A growing number of home systems manufacturers are adding communication ports to their products. This makes it much easier for a controller made by others to access a product's built-in features.
If you're building a new home, it's best to select a home systems dealer before finalizing your blueprints. And if you're on a limited budget (who isn't!), you can future-proof your home by installing the appropriate wiring now. It's simply a matter of setting priorities.
As more household products incorporate control ports, you can expect int1Gegrated home systems to shift into the mainstream. Until then, the best approach is to do your homework. Manufacturers are more than happy to send out product literature and provide the names of nearby dealers.
To receive a list of companies that manufacture home systems controllers, please send $1.50 and a self-addressed envelope to David Butler F-551, Department TWN, 14713 Pleasant Hill Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28278-7927. The list includes toll-free phone numbers and a summary of each company's products. You'll also receive tips and sources to get home systems dealer referrals.
Q: Except for the pocket remote that operates my security system, every hand-held remote I own uses infrared signals. Since infrared is limited to the immediate room, why don't more products come with radio frequency remotes?
A: Most remotes control audio/video gear, where line of sight is usually quite acceptable. On the other hand, a radio frequency (RF) remote, because it can reach throughout the house, may unintentionally turn on the wrong TV or VCR. Although this issue is solvable, RF components are inherently more costly (than infrared), and require more power - a big deal for any portable device.
LENGTH: Medium: 83 lines ILLUSTRATION: GRAPHIC: Today's user-interface options are much more likely toby CNBinclude visual feedback.