Of course all this smart homes stuff is really just smoke and mirrors. Control and integration gives the impression of a solid entity when, in reality, there are many separate devices operating.

Some aspects of centralisation can exist and serious systems do benefit from a rack of components located (usually hidden from view, and definitely well ventilated) in a central place. Recent developments have allowed for alternative strategies, more akin to networked PC's than this centralised mainframe based approach.

System integration allows lighting to be responsive to when you are, say, watching a film. Pause the film and the lights fade up, play it and they dim. You can have total darkness for the projector without finding yourself in a blacked out room when the film ends.

Blinds and curtains can be similarly automated. This high level of integration can be accomplished with surprising ease. The clever parts are working to a budget and maintaining ease of use.

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