SmartHomeConnection

21st Century Energy Right at Home

admin — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

With all of the new products and ideas that seem to come out almost daily, it might seem too difficult for the everyday person to update their home with new technology, especially when it comes to energy, but happily there are simple ways you can bring 21st century energy into your home with no muss and no fuss!

The first, and easiest way to update your home with the latest energy ideas is to start using compact fluorescent bulbs in all of your light fixtures. These come in all shapes and sizes for any application.
Still looking to modernize? Solar lighting for your home and yard has become much more affordable and easier to install. Most home improvement stores have inexpensive solar landscape lighting that will complement any yard or you can pick up a small solar panel for your roof. If you want to be a leader in 21st century energy, consider investing in a home wind turbine. These are generally used in more rural settings, but can provide some or all of your home’s energy needs.

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to update your home with 21st century energy solutions, so start considering the possibilities!

His Boy Elroy at Home Today

admin — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

George Jetson was forever explaining to Elroy how adults get things done. Elroy would hear of how the day at the office went, and how George’s boss would place unreasonable demands upon him. What’s old is new isn’t it? It certainly seems as much when thinking nostalgically about the wonderful prognostications that filled the 1960′s.

Cities of the future, highways in the sky, robots, and so much more cool stuff beckoned us towards the unlimited horizon of a life complimented by technology. That dream in many ways and more, has finally reached our door-step, and is knocking loudly.

Yes, George may have had the ultimate in vehicle transport, as it was efficient and space saving, not to mention stylish as well. However, George was often to complain about the lack of good TV, or gripe about the lame brain of the average robot maid, it seems something’s never change!

What Elroy and his young family enjoy today is a host of technologies that would have made dear old dad a much happier camper. Total connectivity to the kids, as well as to the world was something not possible in George’s era. Media and data of all type, flowing unrestricted and at ever increasing speeds just might have allowed George to tell his boss to “take a hike”. Elroy knows no such restrictions, he can access information and work from home or anywhere he chooses to.

Meet George,Jane, Judy and Elroy Jetson at Home Today

admin — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The hit television cartoon series “The Jetsons” held great appeal to most viewers not only for George Jetson’s witty remarks, Jane Jetson’s placating voice and that adorable dog Astro but also because of the seemingly inconceivable technology in their house. Watching the cartoon, most people marveled at the smart technology that made life for the Jetson’s easy and flamboyant. However, most of what seemed almost fantastic back then has today become a reality.

New and emerging technologies are making homes today smarter, more intuitive and more convenient for those living in them. One of the smart technologies that are helping homeowners to live more ‘futuristic’ lives is the voice command technology. With this technology you can completely turn your home into a voice command smart home. These commands may control the lights, entertainment units, and so on.

Another interesting ‘Jetson technology’ is the automation of most of the functions of the home. These include instances where the lights come on automatically as the sun sets; the fridge sends an email to you notifying you that you are running low on milk, and so on. Finally, there is the every fantastic Rosie, the Jetson’s robotic helper. Today, there may be no robots wheeling around with a sharp tongue, but Artificial Intelligence has smart homes conversing with their owners. The Jetsons may have been just a cartoon but it surely provided some interesting insights into the possibilities that technology offers.

Meet George, Jane, Judy and Elroy Jetson at home today.

admin — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Bringing your home into the 21st century with new technology is always a challenge.
If we could walk through The Jetsons home today, we would see a few things that we, in the 21st century, can say we have accomplished. People being blown through vacuum tubes have not yet been accomplished, but we do use vacuum tubes at our banks, and pharmacies for our monetary and drug needs. While George had conveyor belt floors to use in his life, we have tread mills in our homes. Flying cars are not yet seen in our skies, but modern day jets are flown regularly. While George had a wrist tv/radio for his personal use, we can strap our Blackberry to our wrist and do all the things that Georges can do.
So, if we were able to see the Jetson’s at home today, some of the things in their home would be very familiar, while others would still be quite futuristic to us. I live in atlanta, and I make sure that I set my atlanta home security system just like the jetsons would. While The Jetson’s home was built ahead of our time, we are making leaps and bounds to catch up, but we do have much more work to do before we are on equal grounds with the Jetson’s home advancements.

Using technology to make your home more secure

admin — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 18:46:22 +0000

There are a variety of home security options for technologically-astute home owners. Then again, you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to get these devices installed. Most of them can be put up in no time, and some companies, like ADT, will even do the bulk of the work for you. With that being said, here’s what you can look into if you want to beef up your home.

Magnetic Door Alarms: You can buy models for just a few dollars. The device works simplyit alerts you when a door or window is opened. This is useful both for burglary prevention, and to make sure your children aren’t trying to sneak out on a big adventure without you.
Breakage alarms: The next step up from a door alarm, these likewise cheap devices will go off when a window vibratesas in an attempted break-in. These devices also give you the proof to tell your kids to turn the music down when you can show them that they’re literally shaking the house apart.
Heat-detecting fire alarms: If you’re tired of your smoke alarm going off whenever the kitchen gets a little cloudy, look into one of these modern devices. You can connect them wirelessly to a home security system, so the alarm not only alerts your family, but alerts the fire department as well.
Surveillance: There are a couple of ways you can play this. First, since criminals are a cowardly and superstitious lot, you can dummy up some fake cameras with cables and flashing lights to scare intruders away. Otherwise, real cameras are a good long-term investment, and can be set to film based on detecting motion. Cameras also give you the chance to watch anybody that’s watching your house, so you don’t have to wait for an actual break-in to alert the authorities.
ADT Safewatch Quick Connect Package: This package deal includes one motion detector, 2 door or window sensors, a control panel, a wireless keychain, a power supply and battery, and a decal to show that your home is secured. It’s a great investment for anybody just starting out in their first new home.

What to do with your outdated technology?

admin — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 13:39:27 +0000

It’s inevitable that you will soon have to replace your old computers and other technologies with their more recent and updated counterparts. When this time comes, if it hasn’t already, you’ll want to get the most out of the items you’re replacing. Instead of throwing old computers away or storing them in the garage where they take up valuable space, you can benefit from selling, recycling, or donating your old technology. In fact, there’s even an entire organization dedicated to handling technological products that are no longer wanted. The WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directive is helping fight the challenge of discarded electrical waste throughout the US and the UK.One way to rid yourself of your old technology is by selling it on eBay or Amazon. This way, you can make money off your old junk and help someone out who’s looking to buy it. Be sure to be as descriptive as possible when detailing the information on either of these sitesbuyers want the product promised and not anything less. If you have no luck selling online or don’t want to bother with online sites, you can sell individual parts or whole items at junk sales, yard sales, Gumtree, or car boot sales. If you’d rather avoid the hassle of selling all together, give back to the environment by recycling your old stuff. Find a local recycling company online or look them up in the phone book to learn about the recycling policies near you. Some companies, like Dell and Fonebak, will do the recycling for you. A less literal form of recycling would be to giving away unwanted outdated technology to someone else who wants or needs it. Try checking out www.Freecycle.org to advertise anything you want to donate to someone in your area. You can also donate to homeless shelters, children’s shelters, or other charitable groups that serve the less fortunate in your areaeven overseas.

What are your Internet options at home?

admin — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 13:33:19 +0000

If you’re looking for an internet connection at home, you have four basic options: cable, DSL, satellite, or wireless. Each of these categories has their own advantages, as well as their own disadvantages. Before choosing an internet service, it’s important to consider the location of your home, how many people you need to provide internet access to, the main purpose of your internet (pleasure, business, downloading, uploading, etc), and how much you want to pay for your internet. Once you’ve determined the previous factors, you can start looking into the internet option that’s best for you.Cable internet is a form of broadband internet access. Advantages of such technology are no dial-up fees and a ready connection, a fast speed connection capable of data transfer and online gaming in addition to your typical internet needs, and lower costs than other internet technologies. Disadvantages are that cable speeds depend on how many people in your area are connected at the same time, not all areas can access cable, and it is not a good option for those who don’t use the internet regularly.DSL, or Digital Subscriber Line, provides digital data transmission through telephone network wires. It is very popular among residential and commercial consumers because of its fast internet connection and reliability. Additionally, DSL installation requires no new infrastructure since it runs through your phone lines, simply a modem so you can use the phone and internet at the same time. Furthermore, the security provided by DSL is optimal because the lines are not shared by other internet subscribers. The cons of DSL are the limited availability (only available in populated areas, not rural areas), and the connection weakens the further from the base transmission you are.Satellite internet is the best option for rural areas. While the installation and latency (slow connectivity due to signal transfer from your home to the satellite in outer space) are typical disadvantages of satellite internet, the pros are many. Latency issues aside, satellites still provide high speed internet connection. Companies such as DISH Network and Wildblue provide great deals for satellite installation and maintenance. Though satellites may be less than reliable in storms and for online gamers, they provide a great internet option for remote areas.Wireless Internet is the most up and coming internet technology today. Already, there have been vast improvements in the wireless spectrum. The main benefit of wireless internet is in its namethere are no wires to deal with. A single modem sends wireless internet signals to a designated area providing any computer in the vicinity with high speed internet access. The disadvantage is that it tends to be a tad bit slower than other networks and the protection issues are greater because the wireless transmission is shared. The newest wireless technology is used by Clear’s 4G network and other WiMax or WiFi providers.

The Top 3 Gadgets for your Home

admin — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 13:28:04 +0000

The past few years have seen the creation of a whole new generation of home technology. From flat screen TVs to universal remotes, there are thousands of trinkets out there that can turn your house into a fun tech savvy home. With so many options available, it’s important you pick the right brands and products so you get your money’s worth. These three technological gadgets are our top picks for home entertainment:

LG Infinia 47LE8500: This flat panel TV produces the blackest of blacks to create a picture quality unlike any other LCD screen. The sleek styling single pane design and 1.4 inch deep panel looks great on a stand or mounted on a wall. Better yet, it is rated a power saver in terms of energy efficiency. While the LG is a bit on the expensive side, the LED backlight and full array of streaming and interactive features, this visionary TV is worth every penny. If you really want to make a statement, look into the LG’s 9500 modelsthey come with 3D viewing options.
Logitech Harmony One: This universal Infrared remote can control anything and everything. Dubbed ‘the best consumer remote control currently available’ by CNET, it offers an LCD touch screen, an excellent button layout and design, plus a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Whether you want to control the TV, DVD, Music, volume, lights, or anything programmable, the Harmony One is the only remote you’ll ever need. Ranging from 174.89-261.70, this remote has gotten raving reviews from hundreds of customers and earned 4 out of 5 stars by CNET editors.
Apple iPad: You’ve no doubt heard the commotion about Apple’s new iPadbut what’s so great about it? While it won’t replace your laptop, it’s a fun and funky alternative to traditional laptop setups. The iPad is fully touch screen and can do everything the iTouch can do and more. Download thousands of apps, play games with the whole family, take it with you to work and use it as a notebook, whatever you want out of the iPad, it delivers.

The Latest in Voice Activated Technology

admin — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 13:19:50 +0000

Voice activated technology used to be thought of as a tool of the future. Well, get your space boots ready because it appears the future is here. Today, voice activated command systems are available on electronics of all shapes and sizes. You can push a button on almost any recent cell phone and politely voice the name of who you wish to call, and your phone obeys your spoken command. The best use of voice activated technology is in modern day cars. Standard GPS systems that come in cars ranging from a Toyota Prius to an Audi Q7 come equipped with voice command so you can tell your car where you want to go without compromising your driving by fiddling with buttons on the dash. Additionally, most cars now how integrated phone systems installed. You can sync your cell phone’s directory with the system on your brand new Honda CR-V EX-L then make or answer a call with the push of a button on your steering wheel. The voice command feature in cars is not only fun and easy, it’s provides a safe hands free option for talking on the phone while driving.Voice activated technology is available on more than just your phone, GPS, and car. There are computers with voice to text abilities and command options available as well as music systems that will play a song after you vocally request it. The Apple App store offers numerous applications for the iPhone, iPod, and iPad that can transfer your voice command into a real life action. With technology advancing as fast as it is, the extinction of traditional buttons may be approaching faster than you’d think.

Embellish your home with a Home Intercom System

www.smarthomeconnection.com — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 23:01:49 +0000

If you’re looking to add some technological flair to your home, you should look into a home intercom system. There are a wide variety of options available today that can do way more than provide two way communications. Music, video, wireless internethome intercom systems can now do it all. Music intercom kits such as the M&S DMC1 Combo Kit Intercom & 6 Disk CD Changer Kit, allow you to communicate between rooms and play music from any area of the house. The kit comes with 1 master unit and 3 room stations but is capable of expanding to 15 stations. GE offers a SmartCom Integrated Intercom and Multi-Room Audio system that has built-in selective call intercom, 4 LCD keypads, one doorbell intercom, and can expand to 16 rooms. Kids will love using the high tech panels and parents will appreciate not having to yell up and down the stairs every time dinner’s ready. The music system is perfect for hosting parties or simply lounging around the house. A more impressive up to date technology is the Samsung line of Video Door Intercom Systems. These color video systems come with a master unit, a doorbell camera/speaker, and can be expanded to up to 4 monitors and 3 door cameras. This means you can communicate with your visitors visually before letting them in your house. The security benefits from this system are vastno more opening the door for strangers or wondering who it could be at the door. With the Samsung SHT-3005, you KNOW who you’re letting in your home. Whether you get a home intercom system for entertainment, security, or communication purposes, it will certainly prove to be a fun addition to your household.