At the show, Netgear showed the VueZone wire-free home monitoring system (with add-on night-vision camera).

FORBES: CES Summary: Evolution Of User-Centric Computing

Receiving the most buzz however seemed to be the GE Nucleus, a home energy monitoring system that uses Brillion Technology to work with smart meters and help homeowners manage electricity consumption (and eventually water, natural gas, and renewable energy consumption after software upgrades).

FORBES: Get yourself connected: GE at CES 2011

Motorola's new Home Monitoring and Control System HMEZ1000, a system of wireless network cameras and sensors that let's you keep tabs on your home from anywhere, and will automatically email or text message you when a door or window is opened, or when the temperature or humidity hits a certain level.

ENGADGET: An evening with Motorola

The Chinese government is attempting to solve the baby formula problem at home by strengthening its food monitoring system.

BBC: Business

In 2007, I contracted with ADT to install a home security system and monthly burglary and fire monitoring.

FORBES: When Your Home Security Company Becomes the Greatest Security Risk

While The Sharper Image camcorder clock is a simple option for catching an isolated transgression, the Lukwerks system is an attractive option for monitoring a home or small business.

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Because the technique uses off-the-shelf wireless transceivers similar to those used in home computer networks, "the cost of this system will be cheaper than existing methods of monitoring breathing, " says Neal Patwari, senior author of a study of the new method and an assistant professor of electrical engineering.

ENGADGET: Researchers use wireless network to monitor breathing, could save lives