SmartHomes were in the news tonight. On a local new broadcast this evening, there was a syndicated report on the benefits of “smart home” devices available from an online retailer. Benefits included such things as remote HVAC control, CCTV, lighting control and more. I could only describe the report as “‘OMG’ Look What We Found.”
What many folks don’t know, these devices have been available for many years through reputable electronic system contractors and custom electronic design and installation practitioners (of which we are proud to be a member). These groups of folks provide custom electronic solutions to “early adopters,” market innovators, or “right sizers.” For example, iPhone/Touch users have had the ability to control everyday household electronic functions, view cameras, and more for the past couple of years. The benefits are now catching on. It goes back to our earlier question for those who purchased structured wiring from ‘trunk slammers’, “What’s so smart about (your smart home)?”
We are often asked, “Who are your competitors?” We hold multiple licenses, including general contracting and electrical contracting. Do we build homes or offices? No. But we are a resource for the team who is involved in delivering a quality product to the owner. To answer the question, our competitors are those who actively participate in their industry by service to it and by the continuing education of their staff and the general public. Online retailers provided none of these.
So don’t view these “smart devices” in an ‘OMG’ context. Visit one of your local CEA, CEDIA, Infocomm, NAHB, and/or NBFAA companies. And by all means, caveat emptor when buying things on the Internet.
Tags: certification, iPhone, Technology Ahead
Well, it amazes me that a local TV staion would ever find the need to showcase an internet company, with no real ties to the Charleston area, over a local company! I guess it must have been easier for them to just run a syndicated feed about technology instead of actually doing the leg work to create there own story by visiting your technology center on Meeting Street. They must be owned by an “out-of-town” conglomerate not really caring about our local economy! Jeers to that local news group.
Just because you buy a plane doesn’t make you a pilot. Having the proper equipment, installed correctly, and being trained on it’s use will mean the difference in a smooth landing or crash and burn. Your choice.