Home systems overview

`Home systems´, sometimes `home automation´, are the terms used to describe the new applications and opportunities arising from the use of intelligence and communications in consumer products. At the simple level a VCR might talk to a TV to ensure that when the user presses `record´ (to record the current programme) then the VCR will switch to the same channel as the TV. Home systems technology will also allow more user-friendly control of other household functions such as heating, lighting, security and household management. In addition, access to external services such as teleshopping and telebanking will be easier to implement (and easier to use) with a communication infrastructure in the home. Remote access to systems in the home will be possible, perhaps to reprogramme heating or the VCR