HTE Smart Home Glossary
Home Technology Experts Smart Home Glossary
HTE / HLL Smart Home & Lighting Glossary
A complete guide to the terms, technologies, and systems used in luxury smart homes, lighting design, outdoor entertainment, and home automation. Click any section to explore.
A – C
- Access Control
- Systems that manage entry to a property via smart locks, intercoms, keypads, or mobile credentials. Learn more
- Accent Lighting
- Focused lighting used to draw attention to specific features, adding depth, contrast, and visual interest.
- Acoustic Panels
- Specialized panels designed to absorb or diffuse sound, reducing echo and reverberation.
- Acoustics
- The science of sound in a room — managing clarity and reverb in theaters and media rooms. Learn more
- Ambient Lighting
- Soft lighting that provides general illumination and mood. Learn more
- Analog Timer
- A mechanical timer that controls lighting on/off cycles using a rotating dial and pins.
- Architectural Lighting
- Lighting integrated into the structure — recessed, linear, cove, wall washing, and more. Learn more
- As-Builts
- Final documentation showing exact fixture locations, wiring, and specifications as installed.
- Audio Video Systems
- Integrated solutions for sound and visual media including TVs, speakers, projectors, and controls.
- Automation
- Technology that performs tasks automatically, such as lighting scenes or climate routines. Learn more
- AV Distribution
- Sending audio or video sources throughout a home from centralized equipment. Learn more
- Bandwidth
- The amount of data a network can handle, affecting streaming quality and device performance.
- Bullet Lights
- Directional landscape spotlights used to highlight trees and architectural features.
- Circadian Lighting
- Lighting that adjusts throughout the day to support natural human rhythms. Learn more
- Climate Control
- Smart HVAC systems that automatically adjust for comfort and efficiency. Learn more
- Commercial Lighting
- Lighting systems designed for offices, retail, hospitality, and other non-residential spaces.
- Control System
- A centralized platform that unifies lighting, shades, audio, video, and security. Learn more
- Control4 Controls
- A smart home platform that integrates lighting, audio, video, climate, and security.
- Curb Appeal
- The visual attractiveness of a property as viewed from the street, enhanced through lighting.
D – F
- Daylight Harvesting
- Automatically adjusting lighting based on available natural daylight. Learn more
- Dimmer
- Hardware that smoothly adjusts light levels without flicker. Learn more
- Distributed Audio
- A multi-room audio system that plays music throughout a home.
- Distributed Video
- Sharing video sources across rooms without local equipment clutter. Learn more
- DMF Lighting
- Modular, high-performance recessed lighting systems. Learn more
- Downlights
- Recessed fixtures providing general illumination from the ceiling. Learn more
- Exterior Lighting
- Lighting designed for outdoor architectural, landscape, and functional use.
- Facade
- The exterior face of a building, often highlighted with architectural lighting.
- Full-Service Lighting Design
- A comprehensive approach covering concept, specification, installation, and final aiming.
G – L
- Gateway / Hub
- The device that connects and coordinates smart home components.
- Glare Control
- Techniques used to reduce harsh brightness and improve visual comfort.
- Grazing
- A technique that emphasizes texture by placing light close to a surface.
- Home Automation System
- A centralized system that controls lighting, climate, audio, and security.
- In-Ceiling Speakers
- Discreet speakers mounted in ceilings for whole-home audio. Learn more
- Integration
- Connecting multiple systems into a single, unified ecosystem. Learn more
- Landscape Lighting
- Outdoor lighting for gardens, architecture, and pathways. Learn more
- LED Lighting
- Energy-efficient lighting technology with long lifespan and precise control.
- Lighting Design
- Planning and specifying lighting to enhance architecture, safety, and experience.
- Lutron Controls
- A professional lighting control system known for reliability and smooth dimming.
M – P
- Media Room
- A flexible entertainment space for TV, movies, gaming, and music. Learn more
- Motorized Shades
- Automated window treatments controlled by schedules, remotes, or apps. Learn more
- Multi-Room Audio
- Music playback across multiple areas from one centralized system. Learn more
- Outdoor Audio
- Weatherproof sound systems for patios, pools, and landscapes. Learn more
- Outdoor Living Spaces
- Patios, decks, pools, and outdoor areas designed for comfort and use after dark.
- Path Lighting
- Low-level lights used to illuminate walkways and driveways.
- Precision Aiming
- Carefully adjusting fixtures to direct light exactly where intended.
- Plug+Play Cabling
- Sealed, corrosion-resistant wiring used in outdoor lighting systems.
Q – R
- Rack System
- Centralized housing for AV, networking, and automation equipment. Learn more
- Recessed Lighting
- Fixtures installed within ceilings for clean, minimal illumination. Learn more
- Residential Technology
- Integrated systems that enhance comfort, security, and entertainment in homes.
S – Z
- Scene
- A preset that controls multiple systems simultaneously. Learn more
- Savant Controls
- A premium smart home platform offering intuitive scene-based control.
- Security Lighting
- Lighting designed to improve safety and deter unwanted activity.
- Shadowing
- Using contrast between light and dark to create depth and drama. Learn more
- Smart Home Technology
- Integrated systems that automate lighting, climate, security, and entertainment.
- Technology Integrator
- A professional who designs, installs, and supports connected systems. Learn more
- Tunable White Lighting
- Lighting that shifts color temperature throughout the day. Learn more
- Wall Lighting
- Fixtures mounted on walls to illuminate vertical surfaces and adjacent areas.
- Wellness Lighting
- Lighting designed to support comfort, mood, and healthy sleep cycles. Learn more
- Wi-Fi Access Point (WAP)
- A device that extends strong wireless coverage throughout large homes. Learn more
- Wired
- Systems that rely on physical cabling for consistent performance and reliability. Learn more
- Wireless
- Systems that communicate without physical cabling using radio or network signals. Learn more