David Adams over at OSNews has mapped out his new custom Wired Home. Some of the things he's looking at are: Structured wiring (Cat5, RG6, and a patch panel), Wired networking (ethernet), Wireless networking (802.11g), Remote lighting control, Remote heating and air conditioning control, Intrusion alarm, Fire alarm, Surveillance cameras, and more.
Want to add some value to your home? One of the best ways is to retrofit your home with structured wiring, which incorporates RG6 and Category 5 cabling. Structured wiring, which incorporates RG6 cabling and Category 5 wire, is the most effective electronic foundation to support high-speed voice, video and data connections. For homeowners desiring a comprehensive home automation system, with a single PC coordinating HVAC, lighting, communications, entertainment, and security systems, structured wiring may be a necessity.
Because structured wiring can increase a house's value, it's an upgrade a growing number of homeowners will consider. Remodelers who can educate homeowners about structured wiring and the functionality it offers stand to increase current sales and plant the idea for additional projects down the road. And it's not just for customers planning a whole-house remodel, either.
DoItYourself has a great article on wiring your home for the 21st Century. The article mentions: If you're just beginning to plan your new house, you may not even know that you need the gray box and the structured wiring network, though you may be well aware that the gizmos you have now computers, phones, televisions, and VCR's or DVD's can be a cause of information gridlock and familial discord. For example, in the evening family members are frequently nagging the person on the computer to get off so they can check their e-mail. Or, both phone and e-mail are tied up because your teenager is Instant Messaging six or seven friends, while yakking to an eighth on the phone.
Confused about all the differences in lighting? Don't know your lightbulb from your LED? Check out this excellent FAQ to indoor lighting, brought to you by the good folks at CNET. This helpful article discusses the differences between Incandescent lightbulbs, Compact fluorescent lightbulbs, LEDs, and even daylighting, very helpful for the lighting neophyte.
If you're going to have a wired home, you better have the right lighting so you can see all the goodness that comes with your fine home. After all, do you think it's easy playing your PS2 with nothing but one little bulb of light? Heck no!
http://www.articlesbase.com/electronics-articles/getting-your-home-wired-186957.html
