Security Driving Move Toward Home Automation

Sixty-two percent of consumers interested in learning more about home automation said security was their primary motivation, with 67 percent preferring professional installation, according to new research by the Consumer Electronics Association.

The report found that 49 percent of consumers are familiar with systems that allow them to remotely monitor or control one or more technology features in their homes.  The research also showed that safety and security should be the building blocks of automation packages offered by the industry.

More than half of the consumers surveyed said they were interested in the following security features:  receiving alerts if smoke detectors go off (59%), receiving alerts if someone enters or exits the home (55%), remotely viewing someone at the front door (58%), and being able to adjust the lights while away (52%).