Recent content by Jim Hefner

Cool. Thanks for the help. This is what I'm going to use for the audio distribution to the different zones. I still haven't decided on the receiver yet tho. I'm looking for some super budget but something that won't be obsoleted in a year.

Cool. I super duper appreciate all the replies. I've been busy pulling wire all over the place. It appears I'm going to use the toslink optical cable from the imac to the HT. Or Airport Express w/ Cat V. For my local area audio I've given up on the in-wall solution due to the extra amp...

What is the simplest method for taking audio out of my iMac to a HT receiver/amp? I've seen that Apple TV and Airport will handle the task but I'd rather not have another piece of wireless networking equipment. I'm looking for a wired solution. Can I run optical cable that long? Also, I'm...

Awesome! I'm definitely getting closer. Now I'm trying to sort wether it's possible to get a HT amp/tuner that will drive another 3 pairs of speakers. I'll just use the local volume knobs to turn off the HT audio in the other rooms . I really don't want to have another piece of hardware (ie...

The same audio output everywhere is fine. As long as I have the ability to turn the volume all the way off in each zone. I will however have 2 audio inputs (HT and iMac) & 3 zones. One zone the HT, one my office (where the iMac w/ iTunes is), and the MB. Volume control knob on the wall is...

It appears that Insteon is soon coming out with a garage door monitor and operator. Here. Not that I'm excited about being a beta-tester for them... Are the newer generation Insteon devices really more reliable? I can handle maybe 1 out of 25 devices going bad e/o year but not much more than...

I really really appreciate your guys time in answering my questions. As I hoped, it is a tremendous help! I kind of was thinking about doing 120v cans and waiting till I can afford the LEDs. Any tips on what types of 120v bulbs provide the most natural light and are dimmable? Halogen? I...

Should I move my questions to a different section? Mod? Thanks

Thanks, Lou. I will check into the LED's. Do you have a good source? I don't have to be able to control the lighting remotely but it would be nice. My iMac runs 24/7 so that's not an issue. I don't know what kpl or ISY is. A couple hours of programming from my computer is no problem. The...

Right on! Thanks for the responses. They are much appreciated. Lighting: I'm leaning toward the Insteon stuff. It appears they have a spotty track record but it also appears they have gotten much better. I want to be able to dim 8 different zones both from local wall switches as well as...

I love the fact the internet has a forum for every single type of enthusiast on the planet. Frankly, I'm hoping my stay here is brief as I've a demanding career, family, and too many hobbies/interests already... Anyway, I'm purchasing a new home (already constructed) and my "HA" needs are tiny...

Link is broken again. Thanks