Recent content by timkur

Is this something can could be corrected via a firmware upgrade in the UTMA, or is a function of the video chip in the display? First generation Media Center extenders (including the XBox 1) used RDP sessions to share video between devices, so it has been done before to get 30fps from a thin...

It would be great to know if the protocol they used would support full motion video. I haven't found any information about that yet. Tim

I'm currently building a house, and trying to run Cat5 everywhere where my imagination takes me. :) I'm curious as to what unique or cool HA features/rules you guys have implemented. Just as an example... I will have a motion sensor in my upstairs hallway for security. I plan (hope?) to set...

I was wondering if upgrading the EZ8 to give you some of the Gold functionality (serial port, extra inputs, etc) would start to tip the balance in favor of the Gold. I guess I had misunderstood the telephone automation before. Having the Elk call you in certain events (programmable via rules...

I've noticed everybody here has decided on the Elk M1 Gold, and I never see any mention of the M1EZ8. Why is that? Seems like the big difference between the two is the voice capablity, but from my understanding, you need to have seperate speakers (outside of any distributed audio speakers) to...

If I go with INSTEON-style light switches, they'll still work (turn lights on and off) if my HA PC goes down, right? It's just lighting rules (timers, linked to security sensors, etc) that would cease to function? Thanks Tim

Nevermind.... I found it. Post had the title "Looking for the NX-8e Gateway Interface Protocol". Tim

Sounds like the Russound is in the same price point then.... under $2k with keypads. Stats seem pretty similar too... must be products competing to the same audience. Tim

I was planning on using a PC for an automation controller... I'll need to have one anyways to drive the RedRadio touchscreens I was planning on using... and so I figure why spend more on the Elk and get a second automation controller. However, I'd want to make sure the Caddx supports everything...

I haven't done any indepth comparisons of the distributed audio amps, but the Russound CAM6.6T is at the top of my list. It seems a lot cheaper than the Concerto (though my quick internet search turned up one for $7k that included all of the keypads... I'm guessing the unit on its own is a lot...

I'm comparing the functionality between the Caddx and the ELK M1. I was able to find the RS232 protocol pretty easily in the elk website, but no such luck on the GE website. Any pointers? Thanks Tim

Thanks for everybody's input. I think I've got enough background knowledge now to understand a lot of the other posts... getting started is always the hardest part. Thanks for your patience, and for not giving the STFW response. jlokanis, Yeah, I'm guessing we're going to be doing near the...

I've noticed a lot of people are using that Elk M1... it just didn't click as to what the system was. Can it be used with any external monitoring service that I would choose? For instance, could I use that with the ADT monitoring service? Thanks Tim

Is there a beginners guide or a FAQ for security systems? I am planning on using a PC for home automation, and will probably use the RedRadio touchscreens to control it. My house, being constructed right now, is being pre-wired for a security system, and the security guy is ready to sell me...