I'm starting to build my new house, so my present home has been a test bed for the various home automation technologies. With this in mind I brought the first HomeVision into the UK in July 1997. What an amazing piece of equipment it is. However, trying to source other UK-compatible HA gear like security systems, thermostats, CCTV cameras etc. is proving very difficult. I think it has been a blessing for hi-fi shops as it's meant we all have to rush out and buy new gear.
Home automation integrates well in the home theatre environment.
Pretty standard HA stuff but practically unheard of in these parts. I don't know how home automation is perceived amongst Americans, but this side of the pond it's still very much seen as a hobbyist interest. In order for it to become really big over here, I believe we need to explain the benefits of the technology to people as well as the technology itself. I find myself waxing lyrical to friends and family about the way my system works. You can see their eyes glaze over as I rant on.