Well, if you are looking for nothing but the best, Sony’s flagship 4K Ultra HD TV with four times the clarity of HD is ready for you.

When it comes to Display devices, DVD-Blu-Ray players, HiFi Audio Systems, Projectors, Professional Camera, Camcorder, Memory Cards, DSLR or Smartphone, there is one name that stands above the rest. That name is Sony. OneTouch Automation is proud to announce that they have been appointed as a dealer for this premium product.

Sony Product & Technology Milestones

In the home automation industry, you often hear the word “convergence.” It’s a very important concept. It’s that place where many different technologies come together and interact with each other. Sometimes it can change our entire lifestyle. Television did that in the 1950’s. It wasn’t just radio with pictures. It changed the entertainment industry, the way our houses were built, the schedule that people operated on and our world view. Sometimes, it got the whole world watching something like a moon landing at the same time.

Now, television is about to take on a whole new function. We are especially aware of this in industry, as it will mean managing many different types of signals and making them accessible to everyone, including people who have no technical skills. But to understand what TV will be,, you have to understand what it was. We used to think that TV was something that showed a broadcast signal, and groups of people watched it from a distance of more than three feet. That was not the same as a computer. It showed on-board software or internet signals, and was viewed from closer than three feet. All that has changed. The television is now merging with many technologies that will make it a very different experience. Here are some of the many things your TV is about to do:

TV as the telephone

The emergence of Skype has been a game-changer in communication. In the future, you will answer the phone with your touch pad and, if you allow it, it will not be a voice call, it will be an internet video call. Psychologists tell us that video images cause almost as powerful a connection as seeing someone face to face. Seniors are among the fastest growing group using this technology as they realize they can see far off children and grandchildren face to face.

TV as the shopping centre

At a time when retail stores are lucky to grow 1% a year, on-line purchasing is growing at a rate of 8.6% a year. The pace of this may increase as gas prices rise, big box stores go under and delivery systems become more sophisticated.

TV as your classroom

Your television is the lecture hall of the future. On line education is growing at the rate of 12.9% a year, far faster than classrooms. Even the oldest colleges and universities are now offering degree courses on line. Some are offering the chance to do courses on line for free that would cost thousands of dollars if taken in a classroom

TV as your cinema

Home theatre was once a toy for the wealthy few. Now, home theatre is affordable for virtually anyone. The movie industry may be making more money than ever, but it is because of up-charges for things like 3D, not because they are selling more tickets. The new place to watch movies is in your own home. Four-K TV will rival the cinema experience, and the new models will be in wide distribution by this Christmas. Add in Netflix, and your home is your movie house.

TV as your doorbell

Why jump up to answer the front door? Just switch the TV to the video door phone, see who’s there, talk to them and then, if you choose, unlock the door.

TV as your arcade

This one is already here, but it’s changing. Cloud gaming could soon make the console obsolete, but will require huge bandwidth. Gesture control will mean you’ll have to design your room to make space for golf, baseball and martial arts in front of the screen.
Games with look-around 360 degree technology (think full motion Google maps) will mean surround video – a screen on every wall.

TV as your computer

As people time shift by watching streaming video, watch new programming on YouTube and follow player tweets during the big game, the line between TV and Computer has become increasingly blurred. With wireless keyboards now an inexpensive option, why move to a desk to surf the internet?

All these functions are either here now or just around the corner. So how to you control a device that does this many things, plus regular cable TV and satellite? Simple. You call the professionals at OneTouch Automation. We are the masters at making remote controls disappear and replacing them with touch screens that are easy for anyone to use – from kids to seniors and all ages in between. Replace all the buttons and hassles with a touch pad that has simple buttons like “shopping,” “Cable TV,” “Games” and “YouTube.” We give you the power to take this incredible technology and do what you really want to do with it – enjoy it. Talk to your OneTouch representative today. We’ll make TV, and your whole home, into a place where technology makes your life safer, simpler and better.

Far too often in our industry, we encounter people who have had bad experiences with home automation. They swear they will “never touch that stuff again.” We understand their feelings. They usually feel this way because they picked the wrong contractor and ended up with a lot of promises and no performance. This is an industry where it is possible for almost anyone to claim to be home automation specialist. There is currently no licensing and almost no government standards for this technology.
What do you do? The good news is, you have the chance right at the start of the process to make sure you are getting involved with the right company.
On this blog, we have looked as some of the ways you pick a contractor. We want to make this as simple as possible. When you sit down with a potential home automation provider, have a sheet ready with the following questions:

1. What is your company profile?
One of the questions people will often ask is “How long have you been in business.” That may or may not help you in this case. Home automation specialty companies are a fairly new concept. Just because a company is fairly new, it doesn’t mean they don’t have experience. That’s when you go the question about experience and certification. Another question that is often asked is “How big is your company?” as if size was the same as quality. In fact, many people are finding that bigger isn’t necessarily better. A really large company can have high overheads that increase prices, use sales reps under strict quotas that encourage them to load you up with gear you don’t really need. It can also lead to a less personal approach that can sometimes leave you being passed from department to department when you just want to talk to someone about your home. It is now common for companies to deliberately remain smaller and more agile and use a regular stable of outside suppliers to help them. There’s nothing wrong with that. It provides a personal touch  that may otherwise be missing.

2. Are you certified, licensed and insured?
These are questions that should be easily answered. While there are no government standards for home automation, there are legal standards any contractor, including an automation company, should meet. They should be certified by one of the major manufacturers like Crestron or AMX as installers and programmers. If they are doing audio visual as well, they should have certification from Infocomm. In most jurisdictions, they should be registered as a business with the government. For insurance purposes, they should have some kind of liability insurance, though they may only need to insure that specific project.

3. Can you actually show me what my user interface will look and work like?
A reputable company will have sample product on hand,  and/or good support from the manufacturer so that they can show you exactly how the interface you will use every day will look and feel. The type of touch screen and buttons you want to use is a huge choice. You need someone who can really help with this part of the job.

4. What does your paperwork look like?
You don’t want to deal with a company that sketches out systems on the back of a napkin. They should have examples of previous projects that show the quality of their documentation, including wiring diagrams, rack elevation and functional drawings. There can be no excuse for using poor paperwork.

5. Who owns my program?
This is often overlooked. Home automation systems are programmed using a special code that your friend who is good with computers knows nothing about. You can be held hostage in a service contract if the supplier won’t give you the code and passwords. Make sure early on that these will be turned over to you the day the system is completed.

6. What happens after the job is installed?
What do you get in the way of a warranty? If a potential integrator tells you that the manufacturer’s warranty protects you, a red flag should go up. The manufacturer takes no responsibility for the programming, for removing and re-installing equipment or for problems caused by simple mistakes like accidentally shutting off the power. You need to know what the supplier will do for free and for how long, and what happens after that for both programming and equipment issues. You need to know how many times they’ll come to your house before they start billing you.  A good supplier will offer you the option of an affordable long-term contract that will give you peace of mind knowing your system will be supported now and in the future.

7. Can I please have your references?
You don’t want to be any company’s first customer, so they should have references. When you contact the references, there is a different set of questions you should ask. Keep this list handy and take notes about the answers.

ï‚· What work did the contractor perform for you?
ï‚· Did the contractor meet or exceed your expectations?
ï‚· How did the contractor treat your home while they were there?
ï‚· Was the contractor punctual?
ï‚· How well did the contractor communicate?
ï‚· Have you had any issue with your system, post installation and, if so, how did the contractor address the issue?
ï‚· If you could change one thing about your experience with the contractor, what would it be?
Taking the time to find the right technology partner is an essential part of doing your homework. It’s the way to make sure you’ve made the right choice of integrator. At OneTouch, an educated client is our best friend. We believe we have the right answers to all your questions and the skills and experience to fulfill all your automation needs. Get in touch when your ready to make life in your home a better, safer and greener experience.

This is the week we get out our crystal ball and have a look at what homes will be like in the future. We’re not talking about the world of the Jetsons. We’re talking about how home will change in the next five to ten years. Your home is the largest investment you will ever make, and you need to be prepared for coming trends. There are a lot of factors at work that will create huge changes in our homes, and home automation will be a big part of it.
We will be building smaller more compact living environments, but they will be packed with punch. It is no surprise that fast-changing technology is the leading factor driving home design and home automation. With IPhones and touch pads now common place, intuitive user interfaces and touch controls will be used to control HVAC systems, lighting, sound, video and security in our home environments. Enhanced safety features and controls for its occupants will be an important consideration as the internet and social media outlets continue to connect us more and more.

So, what will the home of the near-future be like? The following are some of the ideas the industry is considering.

First and foremost is quality of life. There was a time when home size was a status symbol and people tried to buy the biggest place with the largest yard. Now, with more and more buyers wanting a short commute and a city lifestyle and with less and less serviced land, it isn’t about size. It’s about your day to day experience in the home. The new homes may be smaller, but they will be higher quality in all aspects. Home automation is a big part of that. The enhanced electronic lifestyle, convenience features and improved security are all major parts of a smaller but better home. High quality automated appliances will also be a part of this. The products that we choose will be more intuitive and use advanced technologies as well. Kohler’s Numi™ toilet, DTV Prompt™ digital showering system, and Crevasse® prep sink with Cynchronus™ rinsing technology are just a few of the newest products to offer more convenience for the user and enhanced functionality.

The monster homes we see now will go because of the many drawbacks to owning them. One problem with the old-fashioned “McMansion” is that they tended to be fuel and energy guzzlers. Utility prices continue to climb fast than the rate of inflation. The future home will have to be energy efficient. Home automation can help in many ways, with intelligent window coverings, thermostat control and better and more efficient ways to use and control lighting. A green home is an automated home. There will also be people who will want to leave the power grid and produce their own energy. A basic 230 watt solar panel is now very affordable. However, managing the output from that kind of system efficiently will still be something best left to a home automation system. The touch screen of the future will tell you how many watts your home is generating, what you’re using and how much you have stored, and will be able to switch the entire house to “eco” mode when required.

As real estate hits peak values, the “resale for a profit” mentality will go. Instead, people will look to “buy and hold” in a home that is tailored to their lifestyle. That means more and more “design/build” where the buyer, the designer, the builder and technology provider are all part of the same team from day one. Automating the home exactly the way you want it is a key part of personalizing your living space.
Some designers are now thinking beyond the single family home and looking at the multi-generation “family compound.” This used to be something only the rich could do, but the single family home may soon be a luxury we can’t afford. The compound home is like a mini-resort, with common areas like kitchens, pools, saunas and dining rooms. Home automation will manage the different areas so they are easily reserved by family members. The use of automated moving partitions will allow spaces to be combined or divided to make them more versatile. Automated walls will also allow us to open the home to the outside, bringing in more fresh air and improving our health. An automated modular home is ready to become a living space, a work space or a space to entertain.

Finally, there is the effect of our ageing population. One of the biggest changes that we will see residentially in the next 5-10 years is the permanent implementation of accessible design. As the Baby Boomers age, we will experience a “Senior Tsunami”, and the way we have designed homes in the past will not work for this ageing generation. The independent Boomer generation wants and expects to “age in place”, and the only way they will be able to do that is with new construction or extensive remodelling to make their homes accessible. Home automation will be a huge part of allowing seniors to stay in their homes. Part of this will be the emergence of Universal Design. This is a new set of standards that benefit all users, but especially those with disabilities. If you live long enough, you will develop a disability. With life spans getting longer, designs that assists a variety of disabilities will become standard construction. The changes that we will see will include wider hallways and doors, entrances on grade or ramps incorporated into the landscaping and facade, faucets and door handles controlled by push buttons or touch screens. Stairs will be minimized in new construction, and automated chair lifts, stair lifts, and elevators will be retrofitted in existing homes. Home theatre systems will be equipped with wireless hearing-assist systems for older family members.
Home automation will help make the house more accessible for those confined to wheelchairs. Walk in showers with the water controlled from a touch pad will grow in popularity, and roll in tubs with automated doors will become more commonplace. Kitchen cabinets can be motorized with automated mechanisms that allow them to be lowered to the correct height. Furniture and appliances will continue focusing on ergonomics i.e. washers and dryers will be front loading, and oven doors will hinge from the side, and easy to use touch-screens will become standard in almost every home.  A flashing light will be installed throughout the house to help alert a resident with a hearing impairment to the phone or doorbell ringing. Lighting and lighting control will change as eyes age and require more light.

You may think of these ideas as being something we will see far down the road, but it is amazing how fast things change. Where we are (in the Greater Toronto area), the size of the average condo is dropping at the rate of 1% a year. As construction of old fashioned suburban homes declines in Toronto, a hundred new tall condominiums are under construction. Many of these changes we have been looking at are already here.
At OneTouch Automation, we believe you need to anticipate these trends. Don’t invest your money in a home automation system that isn’t ready for what’s about to happen. Talk to us about the versatile, adaptable future friendly systems we supply. OneTouch is there to make your life style better, now and in the future.

One of the most important parts of your home automation system is one that you may almost never see. We’re talking about the cable. Yes, systems are using more and more wireless components, but that doesn’t mean that cable is gone, and the ones that are still left in the system are vital to the performance of your technology.
The three main cables still found in most systems are speakers cable, Cat5e or Cat6 data cable and fibre optic cable. We’re going to take a look at what these cables do, why you need them and then some general tips on chosing the right kind for your home.
Speaker cable has been with us for almost a century, but it’s still the way sound is usually distributed around a house. A lot of people think that running speaker cable is an easy job, and they often do it themselves. Unfortunately, they often make mistakes that harm the performance of their system.
Here are some things you need to understand.
The first is that speaker cable comes in different thicknesses, which they call “gauges.” You may see the letters AWG and a number. That stands for American Wire Gauge, which means it meets industry standards. Most speakers on the market use somewhere between 12 and 16 gauge. You need to know the longer the cable, the greater the chance you will lose signal and quality. That’s why over long runs, you have to use the best cable. On a run under 50 feet, you might get away with 16 gauge, but over 50 you should use at least 14 gauge or even thicker. Using the best cable can also lighten the load on components like your amplifier, a good thing in the long term.
There are other things you can look for in wire. Some manufacturers use metal that is of a higher quality, or have better shielding to keep out interference. Cable that seems to cheap to be true usually is. It doesn’t cost much more to use the best, and that is always your best bet.
If you haven’t done cabling before, you may be surprised at how much cable it takes. If you need to do an estimate, do it first by running string to the place the speakers go and using it for your guide.
Matching the length of the cable run is also critical. If possible, the wires running to something like the front three speakers in a home theatre system should all be the same length. That way, the signal level to the speakers will match.
If you are running the wire yourself, you may not want to try going though walls. Your local hardware store can supply paintable wire covers that will make it look tidier. Finally, get some good wire strippers. They are easy to use and do a much better job than pliers or scissors. And get familiar with spade connectors. You can get them at the hardware store. They will make the ends of your cables neater and avoid short circuit.
A lot of the signals in your home will also be carried by Cat5e or Cat6 cable. The names refer to a standard that describes how much information the cable can carry. At one time, Cat5 would carry all the data people needed, but it has been replaced by Cat5e and Cat 6.
Wiring Cat5 and Cat6 data cable is not something we recommend for the home handyman. The delicate wires on the inside are tricky to terminate and should be handled by a professional with the right tools and experience. All it takes is one small mistake in crimping to make a whole system stop working. Leave this one to the pros.
As the demand for data in the home increases, even the best copper cables my not be enough. Many homeowners are choosing to add fibre optic cable. In these cables, information is sent over an optical fibre that is protected by a plastic jacket. Fibre optic cable can have up a thousand strands, and can transmit massive terabytes of information, but that isn’t needed in the home. In the coming years, things like 4k television will drive the need for this type of cable. Using this cable in houses is a process called FTTH (fibre to the home) in the industry. There are counties like Korea that are far ahead of us in this area, but we are showing signs of catching up. Once again, we do not recommend this for the home handyman. Specialized tools, training and experience are needed make sure this delicate cable is run properly and terminated correctly.

Finally, some general hints. If you are trying to run your own cable, become familiar with the fire code. Cable marked FT4 can’t be used in areas called “plenum spaces” (a special part of the heating and cooling system) and you can put your house in violation of the building code by using the wrong cable in the wrong place. It can also create fire hazards. When in doubt, consult a professional.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask your home automator what kind of cable they use. They should be able to proudly tell you the brand and the rating of any cable they install. There is some very cheap and shoddy cable on the market, and you don’t want it in your home.
If you want to know more about this  or any other home automation technology, talk to the pros at OneTouch. We have the expertise and experience to answer all your questions.

A few weeks ago, we had a look at what AMX has been up to lately. This week, we want to have a look at some interesting new initiatives from the other top automation company, Crestron. Always wanting to stay ahead of the curve, Creston is now introducing exciting new products in lighting and sound.
In lighting, it began a few months ago when they introduced their own brand of LED drives, but at the ISE show in Amsterdam in February, they unveiled a line of complete Crestron lighting fixtures intended for the European market.
The Crestron Illutube, Illucube and recessed LED fixtures feature smooth dimming to 0 percent, “meaning you can dim it all the way down without powering the light off,” David Silberstein of Crestroin says. “This allows for the ‘smooth’ part of the dimming – there’s no flickering.”

This is a huge change. Up until now, automating lighting, especially LED, has been risky at best. Often, when the fixtures are chosen by the interior designer there is no concern about how they will work when they are actually installed. This has led to poor dimming, short lamp life and inconsistent colour.
That won’t be a problem with the Crestron lights. These fixtures produce a warm colour of light similar to the incandescent lights we are used to. They are even offering a light with red green and blue bulbs that will be tunable to any colour you want. Crestron guarantees that the colour will remain consistent from one fixture to the other, a real sore spot in previous LED’s.
A further advantage is the fact that as long as you are using Crestron gateways and controllers, they can assure you that these lights will function exactly as promised.
Now the bad news. At this point, the products have been introduced in Europe, but Crestron still hasn’t announced a date to introduce them in North America. That would require a voltage change, but it would also require a change in thinking on the part of the design community. They would have to start with the complete fixtures and design around then, instead of the current system of the designer choosing the fixture and integrator choosing the drive. Still, it’s a good start towards having truly seamless integration of perfectly controlled lighting.

Never a company to stand still, Crestron is also taking their game up a notch in the speaker business. In the past, Creston has been known for supplying reliable affordable speakers that were a popular choice for home automation, especially for background music. Now, Crestron is offering the audiophile new choices with the Essence and Aspire speakers.
The Aspire has woven poly-glass composite woofers and 1-inch synthetic polymer dome tweeters. Offset post-mounted tweeters are also there to reduce midrange frequency response anomalies. The Essense, on the other hand, adds in woven Kevlar woofers and 1.1-inch advanced synthetic polymer dome tweeters. It also has cast aluminum woofer baskets to crank out the bass.
Depending on the model, you can expect these speakers to handle between 100 and 175 watts of power, with a wide frequency response. Both of the new 2-way speakers also have paintable, zero-bezel grilles, making either one perfect for ceiling and wall installs. The easy installation of these speakers is a big advantage to the home owner, as it makes for decreased labour costs and less mess when they’re installed. It’s one more option for people who want the added sound quality of premium speaker, but want to stay completely within the Crestron line.

OneTouch Automation is proud to partner with Crestron and other industry leading manufacturers. We are constantly straying on top of advances in the industry, and continually upgrading our skills so that we can offer you the latest innovations and solutions. You don’t have to be an expert in home automation. Let us take care of finding you the right design, product and programming to make your home automation dreams a reality. Call us today to arrange a consultation.

Like many other aspects of Home Automation, there are a lot people who want to sell you a security camera system these days. It could be one of the large monthly contract providers, your cable TV company, an electrician or furnace installer who dabbles in home security or maybe just someone who put a flyer in your mailbox. If you are going to make the right choice of technology and provider, we believe you should be using a company that has made a real commitment to the product and who can integrate security into the whole home system. We also believe it’s important to learn a bit about the technology before you make a decision.

For starters, not all security cameras are created equal. There are two main types:

Analog cameras: Analog cameras are among the most affordable video surveillance solutions there are. They are still available on the market, and for good reason; analog cameras are a cheap solution for those in need of basic video surveillance. They are available in low-light level, high resolution color and other specialty options. The video is recorded and played back with DVR technology. In some cases, it is possible for analog camera owners to set up remote viewing with a smartphone.

IP cameras:Internet-based, also known as IP, cameras are recorded on network video recorders (NVR) or servers. The NVR or server is equipped with video capture cards and special software that power the viewing capability. IP cameras offer the highest resolution quality available. Now more than ever, there are many affordable IP camera solutions available for the average home owner.

Why would you choose one over the other? Here’s some of the reasons:

Many have speculated that the era of analog CCTV (closed-circuit television) cameras is coming to an end. IP cameras have played a major role in phasing out CCTV cameras, as they offer many of the same benefits, yet provide much more. What’s the difference? Plenty! Let’s delve into some of the details and find out how IP cameras tower over their analog CCTV counterparts.

Remote Viewing

The major benefit of IP cameras is the luxury to view live video via the internet from any location in the world. While CCTV cameras can enable viewing over the internet, they require additional software and hardware components to function properly. An IP camera is integrated with all the necessary tools and doesn’t require any additional installations. Some models are even able to view live video on a cell phone or other mobile device over a cell phone network.

Remote Recording

The primary function of a surveillance camera is to monitor a certain area when you are unable to do so. While it serves its purpose for the most part, CCTV cameras are susceptible to security breaches, IP cameras enable recording to remote locations, which virtually eliminates such a scenario. Even if security is breached, the intruder will not be able to steal the tape or recording device because it is physically stationed at a remote location.

Wireless Capability

Because IP cameras leverage standard IP (Internet Protocol) networks, many of them are available in wireless variations to provide the ultimate in portability. All the device requires is a single cable for a power supply, which results in less work when installing the camera in the recording location.

Video Analytics

More IP cameras are being implemented with video analytics to provide advanced tracking and motion detection capability. This technology is so sophisticated that it has the ability to distinguish between the movement of a person, a car driving down the road, or a tree merely swaying in the wind.

More Advancements to Come

CCTV cameras aren’t completely obsolete, but are light-years behind in comparison to IP cameras. IP technology allows individuals and businesses to effectively monitor their home or office premises with little to no security risks. Evolving rapidly, it’s almost certain that you will be able to do much more with an IP camera in the very near future.

Let’s look more closely at why you might want to choose a wireless sytem.

There are many benefits to investing in a wireless security camera system, along with very few risks. Most significant is the capability of deploying wireless security cameras in areas previously inaccessible due to the requirement for outlet access. Wireless components allow for placement anywhere, permitting more comprehensive surveillance indoors or outdoors. Additionally, without the need for installment of electrical wires, wireless security cameras can be repositioned at any time.

Another advantage of going wireless is the cost-effectiveness of installation. Without the need to run and conceal wires, installation is fast and less expensive.

Besides just understanding the benefits of wireless security camera systems, there are also various factors to consider before making a purchase. It is important to first consider your specific needs, the budget available, the size of the home or business, and desired functionality.

Digital security camera systems range in price from around $200 to $1,000 per unit depending on overall quality, number of cameras, and viewing access. Obviously, with a larger home, it would be important to purchase a system with more cameras.

If night security is a concern, investigate that options. With the advances in technology, many wireless security cameras are now capable of revealing amazingly clear images in the dark.

Some wireless security camera systems come with a communication system that allows verbal communication between two people via the receiver and the camera.

There is still a choice of black & white or colour. Although this is basically a personal preference, clarity comes into play here. You can find wireless cameras with either, and budget may be the determining factor.

You also need to decide if it is important to be able to customize the wireless units in the future by choosing a system that allows for the capability to add additional cameras, monitors and storage.

Other options to consider include:

• Online storage systems
• Visual quality
• Viewing range
• Battery power or power cord
• signal strength
• Date-stamp recordings
• Analog or digital

After understanding the options available when purchasing a wireless security camera system, remember to never buy sight unseen. With something as crucial as security, it’s imperative to work with an experienced supplier like the certified experts at OneTouch Automation.

We have heard from some people that “I don’t want anything to do with that home automation stuff. I had a system. It never worked and it was harder to figure out than the old system.” Unfortunately, this is a common complaint. Home owners have invested good money in automation technology, only to find that it is hard to operate, glitchy, unattractive or unreliable. How does this happen? There are several possible reasons, and they all have solutions. OneTouch Automation not only installs new systems, we also rescue homeowners who have systems that don’t do the job. Here are some of the problems:

They started the process wrong: Many homeowners think it is fairly simple to get a quote on a home system. In fact, in the real world every home system is to some degree a custom job. The process has to begin with a site inspection, meetings with all affected parties including the owner, designer and any other contractors. It requires choosing a contractor who will really understand the owners needs both now and in the future, who will respect their budget and come back to explain the proposal so there is never any miscommunication about exactly what the technology will do. The quote can only come after this process is complete.

They underestimated the cost: While integrated home technology is more affordable than ever, there is still a financial commitment to be made to a good system. On-line retailers will try to sell “home automation packages” for a few hundred dollars that are no better than toys. Unscrupulous contractors may try to sell less than you actually need in order to get the job. A smart home owner deals with a company that will be realistic about the cost of a quality system, uses the finest hardware, cable and finishes, and is completely up front about the investment involved. Even if a system costs a bit more, the homeowner will enjoy the quality and reliability long after they have forgotten the price.

They tried to use old equipment that was not suited to new technology: Every piece of equipment has a life expectancy. With technology changing at a faster and faster pace, an LCD screen that is six years old may not be as sophisticated as a new one. In some cases, using old parts is like building a weak link into the system. It can actually be less expensive in the long run to replace ageing gear rather than to try and save a small amount by reusing it. You need a contractor who can do a detailed evaluation of what you have and give you an honest answer about what stays and what goes. Even worse, some home owners may try to salvage old dimmers or old thermostats. That can be unreliable and also dangerous. The right contractor has access to licensed electricians who look after the safety of any installation.

They used an inexperienced contractor: Installing a whole home automation system is not simple or easy. No-one wants their money used to train someone on the job. When people are working inside your home, you need to know that they have the training, certification and references that will give you confidence. System programming is key, and you want to know that you have someone who can not only do the basics, but also do the really difficult de-bugging that can make all the difference to your experience. Ask the right questions: What industry recognized training and certification do they have? Is this the only thing they do, or is this a side line? How many jobs like yours have they worked on? And make sure you call their references. If they have done a good job in the past, their clients will be happy to talk to you about it.

They didn’t get the support they need: How the integrator treats you after the system is in can be one of the most important parts of the job. Get the warranty in writing. Get the contractors commitment on how they will deal with any deficiencies, equipment upgrades or changes. Find out if they are leaving diagrams that another contractor can understand. Find out if you actually own the software, program and passwords in case you need to have someone else service the system. Ask how much training you will get. A good contractor won’t leave the house until everything is done and the client is completely happy.

If you’ve had a bad experience with home automation, don’t give up. At OneTouch, we have found that some bad systems can be corrected with fairly small changes in wiring and programming, If more than that is needed, we’ll tell you honestly and make the changes required to produce the system you dreamed of having in the first place. If you are new to home automation, we ask you to make sure that any contractor you use doesn’t make the mistakes above. Start off right, invest the right amount, get the right contractor and the support you need, and you will have years of trouble free enjoyment of your automated home technology.