Abstract: Technology is described for providing automated access to a property. The method can include identifying an access request at an access agent. The access request can define a physical visit by a service provider during a defined time period at a property. An approval from a property representative may be received to create a scheduled visit in response to the access request. Another operation is receiving a notification from a device in communication with the access agent that a person is detected at the property at a scheduled visit time and location. The identity of the person may be authenticated as being the service provider using an authentication agent. An automation device under control of the access agent may be activated to enable physical access to property for the service provider.

Abstract: A method may include capturing, by a camera, video data that relates to operation of the automobile. The method may include storing the video data using a first data storage device that includes a first storage capacity in which older video data included in the first data storage device is overwritten by newer video data upon exceeding the first storage capacity. The method may include determining whether an event has occurred at a given time point, and responsive to determining that the event has occurred, identifying a video segment included in the first data storage device that corresponds to the event. The method may include storing the video segment using a second data storage device. The method may include identifying a reviewing entity to which the video segment may be sent based on video content of the video segment and sending the video segment to the identified reviewing entity.

Abstract: A system is provided for remote control of electronic devices. An automation controller can be used to control electronic devices via a network. A communication port for the automation controller is used to provide control signals for at least one electronic device via the network. An analog receiver module receives analog video signals from analog sources. A digital display module can receive a digital control interface from the automation controller. The digital control interface can include automation graphical interface controls. A display module, coupled to the automation controller, is used to composite the digital control interface received from the digital display module into a composite image with analog video signals.

Abstract: Technology is described for confirming that a device is at a geographic location. An identifier is associating with a geographic location. An audio signal is received containing the identifier at a mobile computing device in the geographic location. The identifier is validated via the mobile computing device to verify that the mobile computing device is at the geographic location.

Abstract: A system and method for sending a response message over a wired communication channel in an automation network is disclosed. The method includes the operation of defining a radio frequency (RF) network between a central controller and a plurality of automation devices. A control signal is transmitted from the central controller to at least one of the plurality of automation devices over the RF network. A response message is sent from at least one of the plurality of automation devices to the central controller using a wired network.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling access to local electronic devices in an automation network while maintaining failover capability. The method can include the operation of setting a state of a networked device to an online state. Another operation is sending a communication from the networked device to a controller requesting permission to change state of the networked device. The networked device may wait a predetermined amount of time to receive permission to change state. The state of the network device can change without permission from the controller after the predetermined amount of time has passed.

Abstract: A system is provided for remote control of electronic devices. An automation controller can be used to control electronic devices via a network. A communication port for the automation controller is used to provide control signals for at least one electronic device via the network. An analog receiver module receives analog video signals from analog sources. A digital display module can receive a digital control interface from the automation controller. The digital control interface can include automation graphical interface controls. A display module, coupled to the automation controller, is used to composite the digital control interface received from the digital display module into a composite image with analog video signals.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to enable distribution of media content across a network using physical verification. The system includes a media server configured to send media content across a local network. A storage device can be in communication with the media server, and the storage device may store media content having encryption and provide the media content to the media server. A media reader that is in communication with the media server can be checked by the media server to determine whether a recording of the media content on removable physical media is loaded in the media reader in order to allow the media server to distribute the media content previously stored on the storage device. An output device can be enabled to receive media content from the media server and to reproduce the media content for an end user.

Abstract: A media component is provided for controlling home automation signals. The media component can include a housing containing management circuitry. A plurality of communication ports can also be included for the media component. The communication ports may be coupled to the housing. In addition, a plurality of light units is provided. The light units are lit in order to guide a user to take a pre-determined action with respect to the communication ports.

Abstract: A system and method for sending a response message over a wired communication channel in an automation network is disclosed. The method includes the operation of defining a radio frequency (RF) network between a central controller and a plurality of automation devices. A control signal is transmitted from the central controller to at least one of the plurality of automation devices over the RF network. A response message is sent from at least one of the plurality of automation devices to the central controller using a wired network.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for regenerating infrared code signals configured to control an automated device. The method can include the operation of receiving a plurality of infrared control signals from an input source. A format of the infrared control signals from the input source can then be identified. A long hand representation of the infrared control signals can be regenerated based on an identified format of the infrared control signals. A further operation is storing the long hand representation of the infrared control signals in a control code database.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling devices on a network, such as household devices on a home automation network is presented. The present invention provides an extended addressing option and an extended packet size option. The present invention further provides packet order control, partial packet support, and multiple bit priority control. The present invention also provides a central controller that avoids the maintenance requirements of a distributed control system. The central controller may be coupled to a computer, allowing the computer to program the central controller and to act as a redundant controller in case the central controller fails or is otherwise unable to effectively control the network. The central controller may communicate with devices and other equipment over a variety of types of networks, including EIA-485 balanced cabling and ethernet networks, as well as other types of networks.