A home control glossary of terms

Backbone

The low-voltage wiring that connects various electronic systems together.

Category 5, or Cat 5

A type of wiring commonly used to transmit data between computers. However, it can also be used to transmit audio and video signals to speakers and TVs throughout a home. Commands from a home control system can also travel to lights, thermostats and other devices over Category 5 cabling.

Conduit

A pipe or tube through which cabling can be fished.

Feedback

A feature of some keypads, touch panels and remotes that enables the status of electronic equipment to be communicated back to the user.

Future proofing

The practice of designing and installing a system that will meet the technological needs of a home today as well as prepare it for its future needs.

Hardwired system

A system that uses its own dedicated cabling infrastructure to deliver command to electronic components.

Hub

The central part of a system where all wiring terminates and the processing intelligence resides.

Icons

Symbols or graphics that represent electronic components, features or functions. Icons are generally displayed on a home control touch panel.

Macro or scene

Any sequence of commands issued by a single operation, such as pressing a button.

Multiroom, multisource system

A system that is able to distribute different audio/video sources (DVD player, media server, computer, DSS receiver, and so on) to multiple speakers and TVs simultaneously.

Prewiring

The practice of placing wiring behind the walls of a home as it's being constructed.

Structured wiring

A bundle of wire that usually includes RG-6 coaxial wring and Category 5 (or 5e or 6) communications wiring.

Universal remote

A remote that is able to operate several devices within an entertainment system.

User interface

Any tool, product or method, like a touch panel, handheld remote or keypad, designed to enable a user to easily operate a sophisticated electronic system.

Zones

: Individual parts of a house (for example, the sleeping area, the outdoor area or the living area) that can be managed autonomously via a home control system. For example, speakers located in one zone might receive music while speakers in another zone remain silent.