 This very cool category, otherwise commonly known as 'home control', has relevance once you have deployed multiple low voltage solutions (surround, distr. audio and/or video, security, energy management, lighting control, etc.) in your home.
Think of integration like the universal remote for your surround system. The universal remote eliminates multiple individual remotes because it can control each component in your system. This is the essence of integration...bringing various systems under a single user interface, whether it be a wall mount or wireless touchscreen, or even your smart phone.
Automation takes the concept a step further. Automation is premised upon event based programming capability. Simple examples might include:
1. turning on pathway lights in the house, if it is after dark outside, when the garage door is opened.
2. motorized blinds lowering during periods when the sun directly enters the room.
3. outdoor landscape lighting turning on 30 minutes after sunset.
4. thermostats set back when the security system is armed in away mode.
5. a "wake" mode on your distributed audio system that plays your favorite song or station on weekday mornings.
You get the idea. The point is to simplify your systems to enhance your enjoyment from them. These products can even be "layered" on top of alot of existing gear so if you already have systems in your home and are afraid you can't take advantage of the next step, please give us a call. We might just surprise you.
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