Most of us going into a home automation project have some idea of what it is that we want. However, there is often a big gap between what we want and what can be delivered. There are always new ideas and new technologies delivering a raft of new and different possibilities. It is always wise to work with a professional home automation company to put your project into reality.

Still haven't gotten a Digital Video Recorder (DVR)? Until you use one you just don't know what you're missing.

So what's so great about digital video recorders? Here is an excellent article that breaks down the uses and advantages of DVRs. It starts: We live in a big, wide, wonderful digital world. So how come so many people still record their favorite TV shows onto big, wide and not so wonderful analog VHS cassette tapes? Until recently, in-home digital video recorders were too expensive and hard to find and using them was a technical black hole for many.

I've always been envious of cable users that have the ability to zip through commercials (recorded shows only) with a 30 second skip button. If you're not familiar with the 30 second skip, it's just like it sounds. You push a button while watching a recorded program and you'll skip ahead 30 seconds. During commercials, whacking on the skip button 3 or 4 times is much faster and easier than the fast forward button.

What to wire, or make wireless? These days, almost any device in the home can be controlled remotely and networked with other devices. Smart Homes for Dummies offers a summary:

- Household items: Drapes and shades, gates, garage doors, door locks, doorbells, lights, dishwasher, refrigerator, heaters, alarm clocks, washer, dryer, microwave, coffeemaker, hot water system, air conditioners, central vacuum system, water controls (shower, sink, and so on), pool cover, fireplaces, toys, lawnmower, cars and other vehicles, piano, weather station, furniture

- Audio/Video: Receivers, amplifiers, speakers, VCRs, CD players, DVD players, PVR (personal video recorder) players, TVs, WebTV devices, DSS dish, radios, remote controls, cable TV devices, TV videoconferencing device

- Security: Baby monitor, video camera, surveillance monitors, motion detectors, smoke detectors, occupancy sensors, pressure sensors, infrared sensors, intercoms, voice enunciators

- Phones: Corded phones, cordless phones, 900-MHz phones, 2.

It's summer time and don't you wish you could just "bottle" all the great sunshine and save it for a rainy day or at least extend the day a bit. Now you can with Sunjars.

For those who love the sunlight as much as I do, this is a unique creation from Tobi Wong, just so that you can have the soft glow of sunlight surrounding you as the twilight diminishes for a romantic evening for 2 or with several for a party that will bring out the fireflies and party peeps.