Four Major Smart Home System Categories

Lighting

Uses smartphone apps (or other devices) to remotely control the lighting throughout the home

Can preset different modes to allow lights to change in sync

Curtains

Uses smartphone apps (or other devices) to remotely control the curtains throughout the home

Can preset different modes to allow curtains to open or close automatically

Air-conditioning

Uses smartphone apps (or other devices) to remotely control the AC or heating units throughout the home

Can detect and automatically adjust temperature and humidity levels by switching devices on and off

Has an indoor air quality sensor and can automatically turn on air purifying devices

Audio-visual

Uses smartphone apps (or other devices) to remotely control the AV devices throughout the home

Can preset different modes to activate devices and adjust sound volume, picture quality and other settings

To create a smart home theatre, you might consider adding a 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound system and a large screen or projection screen to your home. A smart AV system can offer a wide range of modes to maximise your movie or music experience. "Typically, the user would need multiple remote controls to operate a home theatre like this. While the husbands of the house might be more comfortable with working with technology, it can get complicated for other family members," Cheung explains. "A smart system is able to streamline the process and make it easy and intuitive for everyone to control the devices."