A new association has been set up to highlight issues within the home automation market. Called the Commercial And Home Automation Association, CHAA has been formed to tackle technical issues in home automation that would benefit both the residential and commercial markets.Andrew Hendy, CEO of the Melbourne based outfit which is just four months old, says the Association will provide a framework for members to go to Government over a range of issues, such as energy saving, and also aims to provide a framework for training.
Currently it is working with a major university with global connections on providing a range of training courses from TAFE level upwards, particularly in regard to software training. With a membership base of 20 companies including installers of home automation, Hendy says the association’s remit is much more broadbased than other organisations and will include security, access control, sprinklers and airconditioning and unify other industries under its umbrella.
The established players in the home automation association scene include CEDIA, the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association which has grown up around the home theatre industry, ALIA, the Australian Lighting Industry Association, ASIAL, the Australian Security Industry Association Ltd, and NECA, the National Electrical and Communication Association.
CHAA says it will benefit both the commercial and residential market and is hoping to work with the other organisations.
“Our website has a directory of members for the public, so that all residences can look at the directory. We are also having discussions with Government and looking for more members statewide,” says Hendy. “The current membership base includes installers of home automation and also comprises some involved in specific energy saving devices,” he added.
“We took a stand at the Melbourne Home Show in August, and since than have been talking to a lot more companies. We started because there was a need, and the reception has been excellent. We are also working on tailor made insurance products, and have Vodafone as a sponsor, and any existing or new members will get a month free with Vodafone,” said Hendy.
CHAA is hoping to establish a training system that will enable its members to gain accreditation, which would also be an indicator for the public in choosing installers. It is currently talking to some of the bigger players in the Home Automation market, including Control 4, AMX, Crestron, Elan and Savant, in order to come aboard.
In an attempt to get home automation into the mainstream, CHAA has also organised a television show with the Internet TV provider, Australian Live TV. Called The Automation Show, it will comprise a weekly television show which will be streamed live on the net. For home owners, it will provide a useful insight into the benefits of home automation, and CHAA members will get a discount on advertising, and get the benefit of being able to showcase new products on TV.
The show is aimed for launch in February and will be linked from the CHAA website so viewers can easily stream content when they want to.
