Automation

James T. Kirk walks into his quarters on the Starship Enterprise and the lights automatically come on.

Science fiction?

Not at all, We install similar systems quite regularly.

Here’s how they work.

You probably have a number of simple (or sophisticated) systems in your home. These might include telephone, entry-phone, TV distribution, multi-room audio and surround sound, security, lighting and comfort control (HVAC). We regularly design and install these systems for a number of clients. But we don’t stop there. WE LINK THEM TOGETHER. The magic comes from integration. We don’t destroy the integrity of the individual systems but by helping them talk to each other we can really make them work. And make them EASY to work.

This is what really makes it funky.
Instead of fumbling through a profusion of remote controls we install a large touch-screen remote panel similar to the one above. This is a lot easier, than finding and pressing buttons on a lot of different remote controls is. How many times have you changed your TV channel, only to end up closing the blinds? And because it is easy to use you don’t need to hire a twelve-year old child to teach you how to use the system. Granny can just press the big "Discovery Channel" button- instead of turning the TV on, switching to satellite and stepping through the channels until she finds her favorite program.

So much is possible with a fully integrated system. For example, I’m sure, like me, you will leave a light on in a hallway or landing when you go away for a few days. A cunning ruse, but does it fool the burglar? Of course it doesn’t - it just confirms you are out. If we instead link your motorized blinds and lighting system to a central controller we can make it look like you are really at home. And if we make the final magic link between the stereo system and the burglar alarm sensors we can ensure a warm welcome for any foolhardy criminal. How about a good blast of Take That at 70% volume when he walks into the hallway? I think we can safely assume that even the most deaf of neighborhood burglars would beat a hasty retreat.

LIGHTING CONTROL

We deal with a number of manufacturers, who sell systems to operate lighting in single rooms or throughout a building. These have a number of advantages over traditional dimmers:

	It is much neater - one switch plate at each location instead of four
	It allows you to set combinations of different lighting circuits (ceiling lights, table lamps etc.) to create scenes or "moods"
	It may be cheaper to install than multiple dimmer switches
	Lights can be controlled from one position if required (all lights could be turned off on exit, for example)
	Lighting can be controlled by a remote control
	As the power is turned on gently, and the lamps are dimmed, less electricity will be used and the bulbs will last longer.

Appliance CONTROL

We offer automation for regulating major appliances. This gives you the ability to maximize efficiency and can also indicate potential problems in the appliance operation, before they become critical. Some of the appliances that can be controlled are:

	HVAC (Heat, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)
	Refrigerator
	Water Heater (electric only)

Security Systems

Security systems can be installed and integrated into your home automation network. Larry Wood Builders has options ranging from the cost efficient to the most elaborate security systems.

Audio

We offer a number of multi-room audio systems, which allow our clients to listen to music throughout their homes or businesses. At the simplest level these can extend the sound from a main system to other rooms, with simple rotary volume controls. The next level up allows the user to operate the system (change CD or radio station, for example)from the remote room using a keypad or handset. The best multi-room systems let our clients and their families listen to different music in different rooms, irrespective of where the equipment is - they could listen to a jazz CD from a central 100-disc CD changer or the news from the TV or radio in their bedroom.

DATA

Larry Wood Builders can install all that you need to set up a computer network in your home or office. We can install the network wiring, jacks and even your computers. This type of systems can then be integrated into the overall home automation system.

Larry Wood Builders has an exclusive arrangement with a local computer company to provide quality computers for home automation control. This partnership extends through the installation and configuration of the computer and controls.... All the way through training you to operate your system.

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