| On first hearing the term "home automation", | | | | inexpensive home automation products and |
| most log home owners will say something | | | | offers a product called ActiveHome |
| like... I didn't build a rustic log home to | | | | Professional (learn more here). After |
| turn it into a high-tech, silicon powered | | | | programming by your computer, an interface |
| "smart building". | | | | box communicates with your appliances through |
| | | | your home's electrical wires. You can program |
| I couldn't agree more, the ever-changing | | | | the system to do amazing things using the |
| technology of our fast-paced, hyper get-ahead | | | | ActiveHome Pro software. It is possible to |
| world is one of the things most of us were | | | | lower your energy bills by developing |
| trying to leave behind. But don't let | | | | schedules for lights and appliances. |
| misinformation (or misunderstanding) keep you | | | | |
| from achieving your original goal of | | | | You can download a plug-in from X10 that |
| simplifying your life. | | | | permits modules to operate on an "if-then" |
| | | | basis. For instance... if a room is dark and |
| Most of us can recall the first time we felt | | | | motion is detected, lights can be turned on |
| the excitement of making a light turn on with | | | | in sequence, or music can play (or an alarm |
| a timer, or changed channels on our TV with a | | | | can activate). You are limited only by your |
| remote control. A home automation system is | | | | imagination. In fact, X10 also offers a free |
| about automating everyday tasks like those | | | | software development kit that can interface |
| while getting the most from our energy | | | | with your e-mail. The point is, you can use |
| dollars and protecting our home. Further good | | | | the command modules to perform basic |
| news is that we don't have to call in the | | | | functions or get as creative as you want. |
| professionals to make it all happen. | | | | |
| | | | ABC Television's Popular Show Extreme |
| Today's home automation products are | | | | Makeover Home Edition has a reputation for |
| effortless to set up, even for non-geeks, and | | | | finding and showcasing the latest technology |
| the cost is amazingly inexpensive. A typical | | | | into the homes they remodel and build. The |
| starter kit, which includes home automation | | | | X10 ActiveHome Pro products have been |
| software several modules, remote controls and | | | | featured on the show. |
| sensors is less than $100. Also, one of the | | | | |
| best features of these systems is that you | | | | So, you may have chosen to escape the city by |
| don't have to leave your computer turned on | | | | building a log home in the country, but |
| for everything to work (additional modules | | | | inserting a little technology in the mix will |
| for lamps and appliances cost as little as | | | | help you achieve your dream of simplifying |
| $15). | | | | your life. Its never been easier or more |
| | | | affordable to put home automation to work. |
| A company called X10 is the leader in | | | | |