Adam Dent and Danny Dawson have developed a wireless centralised control system, linking a home's lights, music, TV, temperature and security system, all at the touch of a button.

Adam and Danny, both directors of NGN Digital, based off Boroughbridge Road, York, have been friends for more than eight years. They first gained telecommunications expertise when they served together in the army.

Both were telecommunications installation technicians for six years, deployed to the Balkans, the Middle East and South Africa.

Their company now works with home automation company Control 4.

Adam said: "When we left the army we both started working as design engineers for the Ministry of Defence. We were soon recognised as the top designers in the team and were asked to provide more people of the same pedigree.

"It was then that we decided to get together and employ consultants on a sub-contract basis for the MoD.

"Part of our training in the military was audio and visual installations, PA systems and simple visual displays. We offered these services to one customer who was very impressed and, after recognising a niche in the market for affordable products, we decided to expand our company into the intelligent home' market.

"Our experience with home automation was that it was a luxury only available to rich footballers and A-list celebrities. With advances in technology becoming more accessible, such as HD and Wi-Fi, we wanted to change this. We teamed up with Control 4 and now provide a product and service that is both affordable and practical for the average homeowner."

Adam and Danny are formally launching NGN Digital at an open event at their new interactive showroom from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, February 10, where consumers will be able to experience home automation products at first hand.