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I was hoping it would cover more about automating lighting and compare different methods/systems.Anyway, it also lacks much of the humor I normally find in "dummies" books - so it was pretty dry reading.Bottom line - not very impressed. .but I didn't get much out of this book. Much of what was in it - I already do (for example, I have a home network with a central "server computer").
The book does contain some interesting and useful information, but it could probably all be squeezed into about 30 pages.The reader is directed to an an accompanying web site for up-to-date information, but the web site was last updated three years before the latest edition of the book was published. I assumed this book would be about home automation, but it only briefly touches on that. It is mostly about wiring of distributed audio and video, which I didn't find very interesting.
A good introductory book for understanding the options but not enough examples of how to use the technology in real life.
Audio and video may be a given, but the authors also address phone systems, home security, computer network (wireless and cabled), voice control systems, video cameras, lighting, and more.The principal weakness is that the book doesn't really tell you how to create a smart home plan. If you're sitting down with a set of blueprints and this book, there are a lot of missing pieces to the puzzle (placement and types of outlets and switchplates, dedicated circuitry for the media room, in-wall or in-ceiling speaker placement for audio or surround sound setups, conduit layout, drawing and notating plans for the electrician, and so on).It's very well written, with a personal and humorous touch from the authors and you can easily sit down and read it cover to cover in one day. This book was very useful in providing an organized and cross-referenced overview of all the systems and sub-systems and technologies that can be utilized in constructing a smart home. It is weak on examples. But it's rich in information, so I'd suggest reading it with a highlighter handy for the things that grab your attention. The best thing about it is that the authors manage to maintain good objectivity - it's not a glorified sales pitch for any particular manufacturer. The book is very useful for making decisions about what technologies to incorporate in your home.
I did wish they were a bit more clear in regards to whole house audio, but the section on impedance was adequate. Lots of info for x10 systems but not leaning to any particular vendor. Very much like that they wrote from personal experience.
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