Introduction

["Jeremy Aston" <jeremyaston@xxxxxxx>]

Hi,

My name is Jeremy Aston and I've just joined the list.  I have just
moved house and originally planned to put a network in when we do a
major extension in the next few months.  I have a professional
knowledge of computer systems, networking and multimedia, as well as
a domestic interest in audio/visual technologies.  I started looking
at home networking options, expanded into distributed AV and, of
course, have naturally picked up on the wider opportunities offered
by the broad church of "home automation".

At the moment my interest and questions are firmly centred around a
professional DIY job however I noted that in my area (West Sussex)
there are not many options for getting advice and support in
designing and implementing HA projects.  Some of the local Hi-Fi
dealers are getting in on the act but still appear relatively
inexperienced with the computer (Hardware/Software/Networking) side
of things.

I work in Brighton and was able to pop into the CEDIA expo last week
for an hour.  It was very interesting but appeared to confirm my own
generalisation that the market is polarised into two camps, firstly;
those who want (and can afford) a high end distributed AV system to
be designed and installed, and secondly; competent technologists
prepared to design, source, project manage and even install
themselves.  This surely will change.

I am sure the domestic market here will grow, after all we shall
almost certainly follow the pattern of the US and Canada.  This will
continue to be a technological "sale" for some time therefore I
think
there is ample opportunity to grow a business that sits in the middle
of the spectrum, offering consultancy, design, project management and
even installation.

As my own project unfolds I shall be seriously considering the
viability of such a business and I would be interested to hear
other's viewpoints on this.

All the best!

Jeremy