Modern integrated lighting systems allow users to set moods for specific activities, incorporating many different appliances into the scene. For example, you can configure your home theater system to dim the lights when people want to watch a movie. External lights can also be coordinated to create a scene. By incorporating timers or daylight sensors you can set patio, walkway and flood lights to come up gradually as the sky darkens, and fade out at dawn. For added safety, the driveway, walkway and front door lights can be programmed to come on around the time you get home, or can be triggered by driveway sensors when you drive up.
Security is another benefit of integrating a lighting system.
A fire alarm can light a path to the exits and flash exterior lights to help firefighters find your home. Arming the security system can turn on exterior lights, turn off the interior lights and dimly light a path to the bathroom. Repeated exposure to the sun can fade rugs, furniture and paintings, as well as elevate the temperature of the home. Protecting furnishings from the sun's rays, and the privacy of a room's occupants are tasks well suited to motorized window treatments. Larger or more elaborate window treatments can be handled by installing a motorized track above the window.