9 Cool Home Technology Trends

Looking to spice up your home with technology? Then check out these top nine tech trends from Matt Carter, a South Carolina-based consultant and electronic systems contractor who does outreach for trade organization Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA).

What is an electronic systems contractor, or ESC, you ask? An ESC is an individual or company specially trained to provide design, integration, installation and field maintenance of low-voltage electronic systems for the home.

These technicians can help you do a variety of things, from setting up a house-wide wi-fi network, to installing a home theater, to creating a comprehensive system that allows a homeowner to monitor energy consumption, control lighting, heating, cooling, security and other systems from a single integrated touchscreen.

To find a certified electronic systems contractor in your area, go to CEDIA's database

Integration offers many conveniences, but it can also create a whole new experience. Today, complex house systems are being integrated, allowing a homeowner to access lights, heating, security and other systems with a single touchscreen. In this project the 10 subsystems, including each room's audio, video, security, lighting, HVAC, cameras and gate access, have been integrated. This allows the client to control them from 21 different user interfaces throughout the home. From any touchscreen, the client can control nearly anything, whether they want to start a movie in the theater, view the gate camera, activate the gate to open for guests or warm up the hot tub. Image Source: Architectural Electronics, Winter Park, Fla.

Advancements in laptops and smart phones help us to increase productivity while maintaining flexible schedules. We can access email from the kids' soccer games or work on a presentation at home after the kids have gone to bed. With the help of an electronic systems technician, homeowners can take that productivity to the next level. For example, an ESC can set up an integrated home system with integrated networking and video conferencing to remote offices, not to mention the ability to access home automation features such as temperature control remotely via the Internet. Other controls, such as security systems and cameras, can be made available both remotely and internally through touchscreen panels.

Remember when having a big-screen TV meant having it dominate the room whether it was on or not? Today, even large televisions can be installed so they can go unnoticed when not in use. In this project, the client wanted to be able to watch the late-night news or a movie in bed, but didn't want to see the plasma screen all day, every day. NTX used a pop-up ceiling lift that stows the 42-inch plasma display into the ceiling when not in use. Speakers were installed in the wall, and they're barely noticeable. Audio and video equipment, housed in an electronics closet, can be controlled through a touchscreen. Image Source: NTX SA de CV, Naucalpan, Estado de Mexico, Mexico