So What is a 'Smart Home' Anyway?

A Smart Home is centrally wired so that remote controls for security, lighting, window treatments and electronics can be controlled at access points throughout the home, via remote control or the internet while you are away. Homes are becoming smarter and smarter with new technology. At Renaissance Pointe, in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, you can a build home with a historical feel AND have all of the modern conveniences!

Home Security

The Home Security system includes remote monitoring for potential break-ins. That's a pretty standard feature in Home Security. Home Security takes a leap forward with the cameras mounted on the exterior of the home! These cameras can be controlled and accessed via the Control Panel or the Internet. Want to know who's knocking on your door? Just turn on the camera!

Lighting

Many of the lighting fixtures in your home will be wired to the Smart Home Control Panel. You can control the Exterior & Interior Lighting by programming for daily on/off times. This feature is great in the Winter! Have the lights on when you leave and return home in the evening for safety and security. They can be programmed to turn of automatically to have you money on your electricity bill.

Window Treatments

You can control the amount of natural light that enters your home. In the summer, window treatments can be programmed to open and close based on the time of day when the sun hits that window. Timing on Window Treatment positioning can be synchronized to an astronomical clock. This insures accuracy throughout the year. Black out shades will cover all windows except the Kitchen, Laundry Room and Sunroom where a neutral-colored, heat reflecting window treatment will be used.

Audio

Audio sources are varied. You can use AM/FM tuner, XM Tuner, iPod Docking Stations and Cable, Satellite or FiOS. Your Audio will be divided into four (4) Zones: Living Room, Dining/Kitchen Area, Master Bedroom and Den.

Video

Video sources include: Cable, Satellite or FiOS, DVD, PC and local jack input. Video will have a minimum of two (2) zones located in the Living Room and the PC Station. An intercom with video will be located at the front door.

Controllers

Centrally located sources will provide full feedback to the touch panels. Touch panels with zone control for audio, video, security, cameras, and lighting will be located in the Kitchen, Living Room and Master Bedroom. The controls in the Kitchen and Living Room must have video and intercom communications with the front door intercom station.

Touch Panels will be enabled with secure Ethernet and a built in web server to allow for secure communication over the Ethernet LAN, WAN or Internet. Touch panesl will be VoIP (Voice Over IP) enabled to allow for wireless communication.

Structured Wiring

All source and control equipment will be located in a central equipment rack. The structured wiring will run to a structured wiring 'closet'. All cabling to the structured wiring panel will be clearly distinguishable.