For the gadget freaks and technology geeks amongst you, the following is planned.
Lighting
We will be using LED lighting throughout, the bungalow currently has 36x50w halogen down-lighters and a huge electricity bill to go with them. These will be replaced by 3w LED down-lighters in the main but we will also be using LED pendant style lighting where appropriate. The lounge will have a Rako automated lighting system installed to provide several 'mood' settings. The Rako system will be controlled via iPad, iPhone and Harmony remote. The garden will also make use of LED lighting where appropriate.
Network
Virgin Media provide the broadband/tv/phone service to the house. The office contains all the necessary routers, servers, UPS etc housed in a comms cab and the office and lounge will be cabled with Cat5E. Cat6 was discounted on cost and also Cat5E can provide the gigabit network I need. Cat5E was needed in the lounge to provide network access for the naimuniti and media streamer. A wireless network will also be available, provided by these discreet WLAN devices.
Audio
Multi-room audio was discounted as we just don't need it. The naimuniti will provide all the music we need in the lounge. Surround sound might be an issue as there are no walls to mount the side/rear speakers so we will probably end up using in-ceiling speakers for surround duties. Brands under investigation include Polk Audio, Monitor Audio and Kef.
Home Automation
Eventually the Rako system will be expanded to control most lighting circuits in the house as well as exterior lighting. An IP CCTV system is also planned, linked into my current server which will be triggered on motion detection.
