What will be one of the hottest trends at this year’s massive Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas? According to industry insiders it’s “Device Connectivity in the Home.” While key products such as Tablets, Smartphones, Web-enabled TV’s, e-readers, and video game consoles will make an impressive showing, a lot of buzz will be centered around technologies that connect all these gadgets and appliances to the Internet, to home networks, and to each other. Although many high profile companies will be rolling out device connectivity products for the first time, a company called Vivint essentially beat them to the punch in 2009. A review of Vivint’s current product line---focusing on home security, energy management, and home automation --- clearly shows why Vivint is a leader in leveraging device connectivity technology.
Go! Control Panel: It’s been said that home is where the heart is, and the heart of the Vivint automated home is the wireless web-enabled Go! Control Panel. Featuring an LCD touch screen, remote control capabilities, and Z-Wave technology, the Go! Control Panel is the common denominator for each of Vivint’s unique product packages.
- Home Automation: True home automation should effectively connect all the technologies and devices that run your home. That’s what many companies at the Consumer Electronics Show will be shooting for this year---and that’s what Vivint already delivers. Starting with the Go! Control Panel Vivint links and augments its Home Security and Energy Management systems while adding new features such as non-emergency alerts, automatic door locks, and automated video surveillance. Through smart technology homeowners are notified---via messages sent to cellphones and computers---of non-emergency events such as medicine cabinet doors being opened or “off-limit” areas being accessed in their absence. Automated video surveillance using web-enabled cameras allows homeowners to visually monitor their homes via live video feeds which may be accessed by computers and smartphones. In addition to live feeds, motion detectors can trigger cameras to record video clips of possible intrusions, alerting homeowners who can then watch the clips on their smartphones. Video surveillance can also be used to monitor the activities of pets while you’re away. The ability to lock or unlock your doors remotely can also come in quite handy. Aside from automatically locking your doors when you arm the security system, and unlocking them when the system is disarmed, this feature also permits you to lock or unlock doors to allow those who are authorized to enter your home---such as other family members, or neighbors whom you’ve asked to water plants or feed pets in your absence. Should someone be staying in your home while you are away you can monitor the thermostat remotely to ensure greater comfort for your guest, plus a more efficient use of energy.
- Energy Management: We all want to do our part to save energy, and Vivint’s Energy Management package utilizes smart technology to help homeowners protect the planet and save money in the process. Featuring the Go! Control Panel partnered with a Smart Thermostat---a controller for Z-Wave compatible lamps and appliances---along with an assortment of energy efficient light bulbs, Vivint gives you the power to manage and monitor energy usage from your smart phone or computer. Say goodbye to high energy bills due to heating, cooling, and lighting your home when you’re not even there. With Vivint’s Energy Management Package (which can save you an average of $24.00 per month on utility bills alone), you’ll save money by using energy only when and where you need it.
- Home Automation: True home automation should effectively connect all the technologies and devices that run your home. That’s what many companies at the Consumer Electronics Show will be shooting for this year---and that’s what Vivint already delivers. Starting with the Go! Control Panel Vivint links and augments its Home Security and Energy Management systems while adding new features such as non-emergency alerts, automatic door locks, and automated video surveillance. Through smart technology homeowners are notified---via messages sent to cellphones and computers---of non-emergency events such as medicine cabinet doors being opened or “off-limit” areas being accessed in their absence. Automated video surveillance using web-enabled cameras allows homeowners to visually monitor their homes via live video feeds which may be accessed by computers and smartphones. In addition to live feeds, motion detectors can trigger cameras to record video clips of possible intrusions, alerting homeowners who can then watch the clips on their smartphones. Video surveillance can also be used to monitor the activities of pets while you’re away. The ability to lock or unlock your doors remotely can also come in quite handy. Aside from automatically locking your doors when you arm the security system, and unlocking them when the system is disarmed, this feature also permits you to lock or unlock doors to allow those who are authorized to enter your home---such as other family members, or neighbors whom you’ve asked to water plants or feed pets in your absence. Should someone be staying in your home while you are away you can monitor the thermostat remotely to ensure greater comfort for your guest, plus a more efficient use of energy.
Kyle Hall is a freelance writer who specializes in gadgets.
