We developed the HAT (home appliance translator) and HAT-Sub to enable conventional appliances without telecommunication capabilities to connect to home networks. The demand is rising for home appliances to connect to networks so that they can be remotely controlled, however, purchasing information appliances places financial strain on users. If conventional appliances could connect to home networks, this problem would be solved. X-10 devices can do that, but they can only turn appliances on and off. HATs and HAT-Subs allow more advanced control and determine the state of a conventional appliance in more detailed by using an IR signal and supplied electricity. The user can program a VCR and adjust the temperature of a heater and remotely determine whether those tasks were correctly done by using HATs and HAT-Subs. These devices use power lines for automatic communication. Users can construct home networks more easily and cheaply, without information appliances, new communication infrastructures, or complex settings.