Home Automation and Security Going Mainstream - Printable Version +- Comfort Automation/ Security System Forums (https://www.comfortforums.com) +-- Forum: General HA Information (https://www.comfortforums.com/forum-7.html) +--- Forum: HA in the News (https://www.comfortforums.com/forum-44.html) +--- Thread: Home Automation and Security Going Mainstream (/thread-988.html)

- slychiu - 03-15-2008 [size=\"2\"]Home automation products have long existed in small numbers, but a new study from ABI Research says that a technology shift now under way is opening up a new mainstream consumer market and creating a new opportunity for broadband and telephone service providers, according to ABI Research.[/size]For 30 years, home automation equipment to control lights, blinds, access and heating/air-conditioning fell into two broad categories: custom-installed systems for luxury homes from companies such as AMX and Crestron that cost an average of $60-70,000; and low-end DIY products using technologies such as X10, aimed at tech-savvy enthusiasts. The expense of the former and the limitations and unreliability of the latter acted to constrain the size of the market. Recently, however, a new breed of standards-based wireless technologies such as ZigBee and Z-Wave promise a middle ground. According to senior analyst Sam Lucero, “The introduction of ZigBee, Z-Wave and similar standards-based technologies has led to new systems for mainstream consumers. There are two main categories: comprehensive but more economical systems for the consumer to own; and home automation and monitoring as a managed service offered by broadband and telco service providers.” ---------------------------------------------------------- See press release at http://security.tekrati.com/research/10191/ Story on ABI Reserach website at  http://www.abiresearch.com/products/market_research/HAS