What is everyone using for home automation?

[wayner]

You're asking to do quite a bit - how much are you willing to spend and how many lights do you want to control? Control4 is supposed to be a fair bit cheaper than systems like Crestron, but given all the stuff that you want to do I would think that a Control4 system of that magnitude would likely cost upward of $25k.

With Control4 you can't do everything youself - it is dealer installed but you can do pretty much all of the programming yourself once the system is up. You would likely need an additional Control4 controller at each TV. Control4 light switches run around $100 each, especially or more in Canada.

[gplasky]

Originally Posted by Xiphoid

Any suggestions? I've thought about Sonos, but that only gives me audio. Control4, but not sure how much it'll cost. I'm willing to do it DIY (within reason), Control4 seems like it's dealer only. Homeseer seems too complicated for my simple DIY brain. There may be other options...so I'm open to suggestions.

If you're worried about how much it will cost you've picked the wrong hobby and too many things to control.

Gerry

[wayner]

Originally Posted by gplasky

If you're worried about how much it will cost you've picked the wrong hobby and too many things to control.

Gerry

Very true - Control4 is supposed to be a far cheaper alternative to the likes of Crestron. They sell a 7" touch screen that acts as a controller. These screens go for $1500 - kind of excessive when you can buy an iPad, which is hugely more functional, for 1/3 the price.

Fully fitting out a large house with HA and having distributed audio, video, HVAC, security, etc can easily cost $50,000.

[Xiphoid]

I could scale back the requests to lower the cost...I was thinking of spending somewhere around $5k...maybe $10k if it was fantastic. I don't think I could justify $25k. My thinking was that the Control4 could work with many of the systems that I already have in place (security, HVAC, etc.), and the real cost would be in the server, lighting controls, and a couple keypads (I think I could get away with three and use the iPad as the mobile device for greater mobility).

[panteragstk]

Originally Posted by Xiphoid

I could scale back the requests to lower the cost...I was thinking of spending somewhere around $5k...maybe $10k if it was fantastic. I don't think I could justify $25k. My thinking was that the Control4 could work with many of the systems that I already have in place (security, HVAC, etc.), and the real cost would be in the server, lighting controls, and a couple keypads (I think I could get away with three and use the iPad as the mobile device for greater mobility).

To be honest I think Homeseer would be the best for you since sage integration is important. I'm looking to do similar things to what you are wanting. I'm with you as far as wanting to DIY most of it, but I think HA of they type we are both wanting is beyond our ability without lots of time and effort. Homeseer has installers to do the initial install and then add what you want as you purchase things.

You could just buy the Homeseer software and program everything yourself to save money. Once I build my house I'm going to start with everything I need so i don't have to spend so much replacing perfectly good switches and things like that. What you are wanting is a tall order so I would do things in stages. Lutron makes everything for controlling lights, blinds and HVAC (HVAC isn't out yet, but will be soon). As for sprinklers homeseer has plugins for most sprinkler controls as well as alarm system, cameras, automated garage door and other door locks, so I think with that you'd be set, but it will be very complicated.

Good luck.

[monetteboy]

Originally Posted by Fonceur

I think the Homeseer plugin might be the only one with bidirectional control... CQC and MainLobby have drivers to control SageTV, but it doesn't work the other way around.

Any plans on the horizon to get two-way control from Sage/CQC ?

[Fonceur]

Originally Posted by monetteboy

Any plans on the horizon to get two-way control from Sage/CQC ?

Not from me, but Beelzerob who did the original CQC driver is considering it. Around post #12 in the thread:

http://www.charmedquark.com/vb_forum...?t=9773&page=2

[panteragstk]

Is it bad that I'm considering Homeseer for the simple fact that it is compatible with sage? It does seem like a great product though.

[monetteboy]

Originally Posted by Fonceur

Not from me, but Beelzerob who did the original CQC driver is considering it. Around post #12 in the thread:

http://www.charmedquark.com/vb_forum...?t=9773&page=2

Excellent...I need to keep on the CQC forum a little better ;-)

[Fonceur]

Originally Posted by panteragstk

Is it bad that I'm considering Homeseer for the simple fact that it is compatible with sage? It does seem like a great product though.

It's all about priorities and convenience...

If you spent most of your time in front of the TV, it might make sense to control everything from it... Even if that means stopping a movie so you can get to the main menu and check the thermostat in the basement...

If you want touchscreens all over the place, then controlling the HA through SageTV is less important.

If you have an iPad/tablet glued to your hand, it might make more sense to have individual apps optimized for each uses...

[panteragstk]

Originally Posted by Fonceur

It's all about priorities and convenience...

If you spent most of your time in front of the TV, it might make sense to control everything from it... Even if that means stopping a movie so you can get to the main menu and check the thermostat in the basement...

If you want touchscreens all over the place, then controlling the HA through SageTV is less important.

If you have an iPad/tablet glued to your hand, it might make more sense to have individual apps optimized for each uses...

Yeah, I see what you are saying. I've looked at DIY HA between CQC and Homeseer and they both are great, but Homeseer actually had all of the options I could ask for. Controlling it from sage is a plus, but since we do watch quite a few movies getting alerts through sage and being able to view security cameras is a huge plus. I've yet to install anything just because I'm not planning n staying in the house I'm in for more than a few years so this isn't something I'll be jumping into for quite a while. I'm starting small and using eventghost to automate my HT room for now and will expand when the time comes.