Using wireless technology, many of the systems can start literally with one light control or a thermostat control. Many have $100 to $200 starter kits, allowing homeowners to add different controls à la carte when they choose. Others are more involved, of course, but companies are definitely marketing to a wider home audience this year, not just builders and people with scads of money doing megabucks home renovations. Home automation isn't for rich folks only anymore.

Here are a few names from CES 2007 I think you'll be hearing about, and some of the products they offer:

Control4 - Via a wall-mounted touch screen with a familiar round dial, this system allows you to program lights to go on and MP3 songs to play to wake you in the morning, play music throughout the home, and control thermostat levels for different times of the day. With one touch of a button, you can let your house know you're home or leaving, turning on and off lights and electronics. With a handheld remote, you can control TV viewing and recording. A basic setup of this system to control some lighting, thermostats, and home theater will run between $3,000 and $6,000.

iControl Networks - A web-based system that allows you to monitor your home when you're not there via webcams, door and motion sensors, light controls, and carbon monoxide detectors. A basic $149 starter gets you a control box to link with your broadband service, one door/window sensor, and a motion sensor. The starter kits range from $149 to $649 for more controls. There's a monthly $14.95 service fee.

HomeSettings - Working on a smaller scale, HomeSettings offers individual plug-in light and appliance controls, operated with a remote control via a wireless connection. A starter kit with a controller and two lamp modules costs about $100.

Insteon - Offers several kits starting at about $100 to control lighting, temperature, ceiling fans. Insteon's light controls are part of Best Buy's $15,000 ConnectedLife.Home automation package.