All in 1

[johnrcsmith00]

Hi!
I'm thinking about buying an home automation system. Some all in one, control everything system, like lights, blinds, etc.
If possible also music, movies, and video surveillance camaras.
Can you guys recomend some companys for me to contact? I live in Europe if that matters.

 

[fcwilt]

These folks started in Austria (if memory serves me):
 
http://www.loxone.com/

 

[johnrcsmith00]

Thanks for the answer,I apreciate it!
 
Can you guys say more alternatives?

 

[pete_c]

There is today software which runs on Wintel, Linux and iOS you can use connecting software to a variety of controllers.
 
Search on the forum for some free wintel automation software.  There is also a bunch of Opensource stuff today out there.
 
I am currently playing with OpenHab and prefer to run it in Linux than Wintel (its much faster for me).
 
Personally here I use Homeseer.   Homeseer 2 runs only in Wintel.  Homeseer 3 runs in Wintel and Linux.
 
I have two boxes running Windows Standard Server connected to 20 plus pieces of hardware via RS-232, USB and network. 
 
Newest Homeseer runs in Linux and I am currently testing the lite version and the pro Homeseer 3 versions on a Rasberry Pi and Ubuntu 14.04 32 and 64 bit builds. 
 
I have recently switched over to only Linux for running of Homeseer 3. (Arm, Intel, AMD CPUs). 
 
There is a touchscreen interface with designer that talks to Wintel (or CE), Android or iOS touchscreens.  The designer only runs in Windows and can update the touchscreens in vivo running in Wintel, Linux or Android. 
 
I like to play (tinker) with automation and Homeseer offers me the opportunity to connect to just about anything hardware wise; which I do.
 
Relating to a hardware (with firmware) combination security / automation panels two are mentioned and used on this forum. 
 
One is a Leviton HAI product and the other is an Elk product.  These two companies have been around a long time and were the first to offer combination automation and security panels.  Well too I had a combination security, x10 with TTS panel in the 1980's. 
 
The Elk panel is very modular while the Leviton panel is sort of an all in one (more expensive?).
 
Personally today I have two HAI OPII panels running with security and automation.  They talk UPB, X10, Z-Wave and Zigbee.  They also connect to touchscreen monitors, HVAC thermostats and my Russound audio system.  Oldest panel is 10 years + old and running just fine these days.
 
The two panels mentioned will let you program automation in simple lines of code. 
 
While I utilize the internet; my automation is not dependant on the cloud nor software running on the internet.  It works fine without the internet.  That said I can access my stuff via the internet when I want to.
 
While I do utilize wireless; I like my powerline stuff the best (X10 and UPB).  My security stuff preferences relate to only wired sensors.  That said I do play with wireless sensors but am not dependant on them. (I do though have Z-Wave, Insteon and ZIgbee stuff that I play with).  My thermostat is wired via a serial connection to my combination automation / security panel.

 

[LarrylLix]

Insteon systems use a different frequency for the RF portion, in European systems. There are a few supporting controllers that can operate in EU. Universal Devices is working on producing there own modem that can support the EU frequencies so their ISY994i can be used in EU also.
 
The Universal Devices ISY994i can accept a  zwave module so that a bigger variety of devices can be supported with Zwave, Insteon and X10 systems. X10 is powerline communications only and not a secure operations systems. Zwave is RF only. Insteon is both RF and powerline and has secure communications with confirmations and retries.  There are many other control systems, although much more expensive, that can operate Insteon devices. Most require a dedicated PC while the ISY and some others use their own self-contained low power CPU.
 
Powerline systems usually have to synchronise with the line frequency. Most of the N. American systems are not compatible with EU

 

[fcwilt]

Thanks for the answer,I apreciate it!
 
Can you guys say more alternatives?

 
Typically installed by a dealer
 
Crestron
-http://www.crestron.com/
 
AMX
- http://www.amx.com/markets/residential/
 
Control 4
- http://www.control4.com/
 
Savant
- https://www.savant.com/
 
Elan g!
- http://www.elanhomesystems.com/home.asp
 
 
DIY Friendly (doesn't mean simple)
 
Homeseer
- http://www.homeseer.com/
 
Cinemar
- http://www.cinemarsolutions.com/
 
CQC
- http://www.charmedquark.com/
 
 
Security System with some automation features
 
Leviton Omni
- http://www.homecontrols.com/Categories/HomeControllers
 
ELK M1
- http://www.homecontrols.com/Categories/HomeControllers
 
 
There are quite of few others that I have heard of but know nothing about.
 
I have Elan g! in my home.
 
I have licences for Homeseer, Cinemar and CQC but have only experimented with them.
 

In terms of pure power CQC is likely the best of the DIY systems but it has a learning curve.

 
I did an extensive evaluation of the Loxone system as part of writing a review. Flexible and powerful but (as of my evaluation) limited user interface customization.

 

[johnrcsmith00]

Thank you very much for all your answers!
 
Best regards,