HIGH-DEF DISC NEWS TAGGED "HOME AUTOMATION"

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Smart Homes Gain Popularity Thanks to iPhones and iPads

Consumers are more eager to control their homes from one device thanks to Apples touchscreen devices.

It's been just over four years since the launch of the original iPhone and much has changed since then. The cell phone industry has been transformed of course, but there have been some big developments in home theater as well.

In the last year or two, we've seen an increase in the amount of devices that can use smartphones for control, starting with the iPhone and then moving to Android and other platforms. Now it's not uncommon for a Blu-ray player or receiver to have iPhone compatibility.

The iPhone and iPad have also had significant effects on the automated home market - one that's tied in closely with home theater. Folks are getting used to the idea of controlling things with a touchscreen and one analyst expects four percent of mainstream homes to have some sort of automation by 2015. Compare that to now, where only a tenth of a percent feature automation.

Source: CE Pro

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Home Automation is the Next Big Thing According to Parks Associates

The research firm says market penetration could be as high as 20 percent by 2014.

Most folks don't have a remote control to manage their curtains or a tablet that lets them turn on their music while dimming the lights. That sort of luxury has historically been within the realm of the super rich. According to Parks Associates, it's going to be taking off in a big way over the next few years.

Home controls are incredibly cool, and they're actually not as expensive as one might expect. Parks says that one of the biggest issues is consumer awareness, but thanks to an upcoming push from companies like Best Buy, Radio Shack and Schlage, that issue will be a thing of the past.

The main focus, of course, will be entertainment controls like music and movie servers and the devices to manage them. These can be expanded to do lighting, windows and security, which should inspire more folks to jump on the bandwagon.

As Parks director Bill Ablondi puts it, "Consumers see the value in these areas, which, once established, can serve as the base for expanded control systems in the home."

Source: Home Toys

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