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Growing Business: Trends for Home Electronics in 2012 (5/1/2012)

By Dave Pedigo, CEDIA

The Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) is the leading authority on home electronic solutions. It is an international association comprised of members that specialise in the design and installation of residential electronic systems, and transform homes into smart, integrated units, allowing homeowners to be more efficient. At CEDIA EXPO 2011, held in Indianapolis last September, electronic systems experts from around the world gathered to discuss home technology trends for 2012 and the years to come.

CEDIA EXPO provides a platform for industry experts from around the world.

Home Automation

Home automation will be a major part of our members' work in 2012 and will continue to grow in the years to come. This is a significant shift, as home theatres dominated our industry for the last 20 years.

Entertainment is still an integral part of homes, but now homeowners are less interested in having one dedicated room for the ultimate movie experience and more interested in whole-home technologies that make their lives easier. In 2012, we will see many more systems built around the concept of automation - including integrated lights, audio and temperature controls, allowing homeowners to manage virtually every system in the home with one touch.

Thanks in part to growing demand, home automation technologies are now more affordable than ever. Plus, trend-spotters see an increasing focus on integrating technology and interior design to offer convenience and simplicity without compromising style.

There is an increasing focus on integrating technology and interior design.

High-Performance Home Networking

The amount of data in the home has increased exponentially in recent years. With the number of connected devices in the home - both hard-wired and wireless - networking performance and reliability is becoming mission-critical in the CEDIA-member-designed home. Network needs for many homes now require commercial-grade hardware. This puts a strain on network bandwidth, demands constant network security and requires quality service that in most cases exceeds what off-the-shelf products will be able to offer in 2012.

Delegates on the home networking course during CEDIA EXPO.

Mobile Devices and the Cloud

There is no denying the success of the tablet industry. In less than 20 months, more than 64 million tablets have been sold, and Gartner Research estimates 320 million units will be sold by 2015. As the mobile revolution continues to spread, so do the cloud-based applications. With the availability of the internet, access to audio, video and gaming content will continue to thrive for the foreseeable future.

Integrated Audio

Integrated audio offers the ability to control the audio of each individual room through a mobile device, often accessing content via the cloud. Through wireless control, consumers will be able to access content on their phone or tablet and easily play that music through the speakers and amplifiers installed by CEDIA members. Options in this category will grow significantly in the years ahead, while installation costs are expected to simultaneously decrease thanks to wireless technologies and cloud-based content, since everything can be communicated without any wires.

In-ceiling speaker being installed by a CEDIA member.

Whole-Home Control

It's not just audio that will be integrated. In 2012, it will be easier for homeowners to have integrated home automation systems via new-to-the-world whole-home controls on various mobile and tablet devices. Automation systems can control thermostats, entertainment, security systems and other connected systems from virtually anywhere, anytime.

Wireless Power Transmission

Wireless technology is already popular on phones and some home control systems, but as it matures, it is expected to be available on larger electronics and appliances. New research from Professional Remodeler indicates that homeowners seek quality design when it comes to remodelling their homes, and wireless technologies help keep the aesthetic intact. CEDIA EXPO demonstrated wireless inductive power designed to charge low-powered devices, such as smart phones, without wires. Also expected to arrive on the market towards the end of 2012 are power sources that can operate a blender without plugging in any cords.

Wireless inductive power demonstration.

Digital Home Health

For years, we have had crisis management devices in the home that could alert authorities in the case of a medical emergency. The next generation of technology in the home is built to support prevention and wellness, not just assist in times of crisis. These systems can track long-term issues such as glucose levels and weight, monitor stress levels and help individuals identify what habits or daily practices they can change to help lead a healthier lifestyle. A few tools of this nature that are currently available or will soon hit the market include:

* Automated pill dispensers that provide scheduled alerts for medications. * Wireless motion sensors that detect when one is up and moving around, and track schedules. * Networked diagnostic equipment, such as heart rate and blood pressure monitors, that can share readings with a designated group of recipients or alert caregivers when results exceed custom parameters. * Biometric sensors that gather data over significant periods of time to help better identify individuals' activity levels, general health and stress levels.

Remote Maintenance Monitoring

For a monthly fee, homeowners can engage electronic systems contractors to monitor system performance remotely, enabling contractors to check system status and, when there is a need, update software, adjust programming or fix any glitches virtually.

Energy Measurement and Management

Homeowners have been trying to limit their energy consumption for some time. However, if it is not measured, it cannot be properly managed. Energy management systems report energy usage in real-time to a central dashboard, providing up-to-date data about consumption and signalling the homeowner if large applications or appliances are running for too long.

Conclusion

It used to be that we looked to the future with hopes of a technological utopia - not unlike scenes from the popular 'The Jetsons' cartoon - filled with machines that carried out household chores, and flying cars. As demonstrated at last year's EXPO, we are on the verge of that utopia now. After years of innovation and technological advancement, we live in an age where homes can virtually think for themselves - all we need to do as professionals is to inform ourselves of what is possible and apply it in a way that meets or even exceeds our customers' expectations.

Dave Pedigo is the Senior Director of Technology for CEDIA, an international trade association of companies that specialise in designing and installing electronic systems for the home. The association was founded in September 1989 and has more than 3,500 member companies worldwide. CEDIA Members are established and insured businesses with bona fide qualifications and experience in this specialised field.

www.cedia.org