07.24.2008 — As part of its commitment to making builders' lives easier, Time Direct Inc. offers a systems package to homebuyers.

President Michael Murdock calls it the "Up & Running Home."

For example, such a package (which would be included in all of a developments homes) might feature:

- HAI Home Management System -- OmniPro II, keypads, thermostats, temperatures sensors and relay board.
- Home Entertainment System -- 52-inch HDTV, 5.1 surround sound speakers, A/V receiver, DVD recorder, VHS recorder and Harmony remote control.
- 4 Zones of Audio -- Nuvo Simplease system, 5-disc CD player, Nuvo speakers and key pads.
- Home Networking -- Belkin 4-port wireless router with security enabled.

It's cookie-cutter, but it's not, Murdock says. He explains that the basic system comes with the price of the house.

So, homeowners are ecstatic about getting so much technology for "free." They often choose to upgrade, he says.

After a contract is signed on a home, an interview is held with the homeowner to determine several factors. Then, on the day before the closing, Time Direct installs all the systems.

"All the homeowner has to do is plug in their computer, and they are on the Internet; pick up their remote, and they can watch TV; press a button and have music to move in by; and, on their way out, arm the system, and their home is already monitored and protected," Murdock says.