Gadgets - Future proofing our house

One of the questions I’ll need to answer is the cabling of the house. I’m a believer that you should plan as far ahead as possible but not take too much of a technological leap so as to make all your existing gizmos behind.

So it’s a difficult decision. It’s obvious that the way we will store and use our music, videos and communications will change from the shelves of dusty cd/dvd cases to a discrete media server tucked away in a cupboard some where. So this will require cabling that will allow high-definition (HD) video to be transferred quickly as well networking the laptops, printers and storage servers. I realise that if I’m to do this correctly, I’m probably going to have to call in an expert. I’ve been told of the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association which can be found on 01480 213 744 or www.cedia.co.uk.

More investigation into the subject has shown that Cat6 network cabling, even though 25% more expensive is to ‘nerds’ choice over the old Cat5E cabling. This will allow the audio/ video transfer that will be required as mentioned before.

Wireless is also an option, but my wife does worry about the health implications with 2 young children are running around. If she had it all her way, she’d have them wearing tin foil hats all day to protect them from the ‘harmful’ rays. Even though I mock, I can’t help but be concerned that there could be a risk and until it’s proven to be nonsense, I’ll bow to her whims. There’s also the problem that we are going to insulate our renovated house as much as our budget will allow. This will, in turn hinder the idea of having everything wireless as having dropped packets of data when watching our favourite film won’t be acceptable.

Optical fibre products could be an option but until the cost has come down considerably, I won’t be looking to install this.

So with the plans fixed and an idea of what I will like to have, it’s time to get the experts in, if only to help me budget and prioritise for the future.

Future Gadgets planning smart homes technology