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I would like to say thanks for the terrific job that you and your people have done on our cottage. Both the entertainment systems and the security systems are first rate. I would also like to compliment you on your execution of the project - very customer friendly and efficient.
Thanks,
William R. Fatt
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It was a very pleasant experience working with you and your guys. Everything works well and the project met our expectations on quality, exceeded them on service. Feel free to use me as a reference for any future projects.
Peter Schwartz
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The Apple iPad, introduced earlier this year to much hoopla around the world, is poised to change the face of home automation. You may have heard that it has already sold millions of units, and promises to be one of the all-time best selling consumer electronics devices. With its functionality, slick design, extraordinarily long battery life and "magical qualities", the iPad will cause the computing industry to drastically change.
Some of the biggest commotion caused by the introduction of the iPad is in the home automation industry. It's a sign of things to come that almost every major manufacturer has created, or is planning to create, an application that will turn the iPad into a touch panel for their systems.
Manufacturers may have little choice but adopt the iPad as one of their solutions in order to compete in the market.
How does the iPad stack up against the industry standards?
Much like a Swiss army knife, the iPad can perform a multitude of tasks... streaming video, email, surf the internet, check the weather, etc. This comes at a cost. While there is a screwdriver on the Swiss army knife, along with almost every other tool known to man, it is for light duty work. It does many things reasonably well, but when you have to drive a 2 inch screw into a piece of wood, it won't be up to the task. It's great to have one tool do many jobs, but it does have limitations.
The iPad, while being able to control a home system may take a bit longer to switch from one screen to another than a dedicated screen. The communication between itself and the automation processor may be a bit slower.
Unlike an iPhone, which essentially stays attached to a single user, or a wall mounted touch panel, which stays in one place, the iPad may have a tendency to be left on a table, a desk, in a car, or somewhere that is inconvenient, unless it's permanently mounted to a wall (maybe even one of the kids would tear a wall apart so that he or she can send text messages to friends).
Users may find that there is a lower level of support for third party products by the manufacturers, although the installation company generally provides most of the support. Even though companies, such as Crestron, may provide support for software issues.
Conclusions
The iPad is currently very early in its life cycle. There will be multiple software, operating system and firmware updates. In fact, multi-tasking is one upgrade that will almost certainly be added in the near future. In other words, it can only get better.
While it may be a great secondary unit, especially with its ability to remotely control and monitor your systems from anywhere in the world, should it be your main touch panel? You might want to consider using a mix of dedicated touch panels and keypads with iPads and iPhones.
It's the opinion of many in the industry that, more than just an option in itself, the iPad will be a game changer for home automation. It provides a high level of convenience, and brings a new flair to the industry. Most likely, though, it will be used as a secondary control point, for when you want to make quick environmental changes and change music, or when you want to control your systems remotely.
While the iPad will certainly steal the show, in terms of the flash and hype that surrounds its introduction into the electronic universe, ultimately, it will likely play a supporting role in home automation... a very cool one, nonetheless. |
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What is Home Automation? 
Home automation is the automated control of the electronic systems in your home... security, lighting control, automated window coverings, audio and video systems. A well designed system allows you to put all of the different systems on to one control platform, so that you can adjust and monitor them from touch panels, keypads, computers, the iPad and iPhone, either in the home or from remote locations, via the internet.
Your systems can also control devices automatically, based on pre-determined factors, such as time of day, exterior temperature and amount of sunlight. You can even have the systems turn on and off lights while you're on vacation in a pattern that remembers your usage a week or two prior to leaving. |
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Crestron & The iPad 
Crestron, the leader in home automation, has recognized the importance of Apple's
iPad in the future of user interfaces. They are one of the first manufacturers to create an app that ties the iPad directly into their home automation. End users can control lights, window coverings, entertainment systems and security, either while in the home, over the Wi-Fi network, or from anywhere in the world, through the internet.
With Crestron Mobile Pro, one of the most popular apps on iTunes, you can customize the graphic user interface (GUI), to match the look and feel of an existing panel layout, or to create a unique new look.
There are even wall mounting plates for the iPad that will not only provide a clean finish, but will make it difficult for someone to walk off with the unit, or end up sitting at the office when you need it at home.
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"A magical and revolutionary device"