Best Software Interface for HAI

[SHRemote]

I'm having an HAI system installed in my home. I would like to have several touch screen/panel type controllers located around the house. Some will probably be fixed (i.e. in-wall) while others may be more portable.

I was considering the HAI Omnitouch 5.7e panels, but as far as I can tell, they can only run the Omnitouch Pro software and nothing else. So, for instance, I would not be able to run my Sonos audio from the panel.

For this reason I am leaning toward different panels such as the Borg Protege, which is basically an in-wall touch screen computer running XP embedded. The Borg could run the Omnitouch Pro software (which is hideously expensive at $550) or Snap-Link or something else in addition to running other programs entirely (like Sonos). I'm also wondering whether the upcoming flood of touch screen devices running Android 3.0 may offer the best bang for the buck.

At this stage, though I'm simply wondering whether the Omnitouch Pro software is worth twice as much as WL3 (which I could run on my WHS box) and 4 times as much as Snap Link or Home Control.

 

[ano]

I'm having an HAI system installed in my home. I would like to have several touch screen/panel type controllers located around the house. Some will probably be fixed (i.e. in-wall) while others may be more portable.

I was considering the HAI Omnitouch 5.7e panels, but as far as I can tell, they can only run the Omnitouch Pro software and nothing else. So, for instance, I would not be able to run my Sonos audio from the panel.

For this reason I am leaning toward different panels such as the Borg Protege, which is basically an in-wall touch screen computer running XP embedded. The Borg could run the Omnitouch Pro software (which is hideously expensive at $550) or Snap-Link or something else in addition to running other programs entirely (like Sonos). I'm also wondering whether the upcoming flood of touch screen devices running Android 3.0 may offer the best bang for the buck.

At this stage, though I'm simply wondering whether the Omnitouch Pro software is worth twice as much as WL3 (which I could run on my WHS box) and 4 times as much as Snap Link or Home Control.

From what I have seen, HAI software seems to be very overpriced and buggy. WL3 is O.K. and about the best to access on a Blackberry or iPhone. It's O.K. on a touchscreen
.
Have you looked at this one:
http://www.meetmyro.com/

Much depends upon how much customization you want? Something like CQC is the most full featurered, but also very work intensive to get all set up. MainLobby might be another option.

 

[Frunple]

Check out Elve. It's still under development, still waiting for some HAI additions (mostly keypad commands so I can use touchscreens as a console) but it will do anything you want or need.

 

[SHRemote]

From what I have seen, HAI software seems to be very overpriced and buggy. WL3 is O.K. and about the best to access on a Blackberry or iPhone. It's O.K. on a touchscreen
.
Have you looked at this one:
http://www.meetmyro.com/

Much depends upon how much customization you want? Something like CQC is the most full featurered, but also very work intensive to get all set up. MainLobby might be another option.

Myro looks like a direct competitor for the HAI Omnitouch Pro software. Looks nice but it's even more expensive than OmniTouch! It's interesting that they show it integrated with the Borg panel.

Elve looks to be less specific to HAI, kind of like CQC.

The key for me is finding a solution that will do what I want without too much fuss: 1)control all HAI functionality including security, HVAC, RadioRA lighting, pool/spa, etc. 2) have SIP video phone functionality 3) control or at least integrate with Sonos.

 

[Neurorad]

You seek the holy grail of DIY HA. Affordable, flexible, easy.

Please post back when you find it, I'd be interested.

You're going to have to make a concession on one of those.

 

[jdk972003]

SHRemote, I am right with you. Your looking for something to provide the touchscreen control while controlling additional systems outside the HAI umbrella (like Sonos).

Normally this is where people branch into CQC, Homeseer, Elve etc. to achieve more control or a broader control of systems in their house the HA controller can not cover.

For the price of the HAI OmniTouch Pro software I am considering to go with Elve, CQC or Homeseer. You get all the control that HAI provides but so much more. And in all cases you need a computer to run the software so its really a matter of function and pricing vs form.

I think Elve would be your cheapest route keeping in mind it is the newest of the choices.

Homeseer would be the next cheapest if all you did was the basic plus the HAI driver (and you need to research to make sure it works as you want first...there could be issues I have sen in my reading about the driver being old)

Finally, CQC to me seems the most robust, but has the steepest learning curve. And its price is the highest (assuming you only buy what you need form Homeseer, they are about the same if you buy the Homeseer Pro)

I am in the exact same place as you. Just got a Omnipro II and am trying to determine the best way to integrate ipads as control points.

Its tough. Go for the trial versions of CQC or Homeseer and see what you think. Thats my plan once the panel is in hand.

 

[ano]

CQC and Elve are not easy set it and forget it systems. I use CQC and have tried Elve. That's not to say they can't do everything you want, just that they are not systems that you just connect and go. For both you have to design all your screens.

Myro is more in-line with what you are looking for, and I have tried it and it runs well. I also agree that it is very overpriced. They do have some cheaper versions but you loose features. I also have run both the HAI software and Myro on a Borg panel, and they both work. Because they are such low-volume products, they are priced very high, and I don't think either company is motivated to reduce their prices.

 

[SHRemote]

Thanks for all of the input. I guess the good news is that I don't have to decide right away which way to go. I'm still waiting to hear back from Borg regarding the availability of a SIP video phone applet (so I can register the panel to my PBX as an extension and answer calls from other panels or my door stations).

I'm also thinking to ditch the whole Borg idea and go with iPads or Android tablets instead. It's obviously very hard to predict where the industry is heading. However, with the popularity of the iPad and the coming wave of Android tablets, it may be that HA companies will focus on those platforms instead of wall mounted computers.

Mounting and charging these devices is an issue, but we're already seeing a slew of options for the iPad at least. I expect we'll see similar options for the most popular of the Android tablets.

 

[electron]

Mounting and charging these devices is an issue, but we're already seeing a slew of options for the iPad at least. I expect we'll see similar options for the most popular of the Android tablets.

116 options and counting



The ultimate list of Apple iPad mounts

With the price of a refurbished iPad dropping to $350, it's almost a no brainer. Look at last years CEDIA coverage, nothing but iPads.

 

[Dean Roddey]

I think that there's always still a good argument for having one wall mounted, large, always available touch screen in a common area somewhere. You always know where it is, you always know it's ready to use, and it has enough real estate to display plenty of info quickly.

 

[SHRemote]

I think that there's always still a good argument for having one wall mounted, large, always available touch screen in a common area somewhere. You always know where it is, you always know it's ready to use, and it has enough real estate to display plenty of info quickly.

I agree with you, Dean. I think I want to have at least one (at the front door for sure) permanent installation. Still an iPad or 10" Android may fit that bill, provided there's an elegant installation, charging, connection and software solution. The other benefit would presumably be consistency among the various devices. If I deploy 3 or 4 of the same devices around the house (some installed permanently, some portable) I can have a consistent "look" and "feel". That would be nice for everyone who isn't a tehno-freak like me.

 

[pete_c]

I still utilize the older legacy serial link from my OPII to my HS box. I would welcome an update to the plugin but it does just fine for me in its current state. I am able to utilize and control devices connected to the OPII just fine. If you are into creating your own touchscreens you can with HSPro Touchscreen designer. I'm not an artist but it works for me. You can make the TS's simple or complicated. In the last year or so I've redone most of my screens. Here is a sample (not completed) but security status is on the bottom of the screen is its directly read from the Homeseer plugin (I also am using Omnitouch 5.7 and 3.5" screens - they are simple and easy for my wife to understand). Lately been throwing some flash into the screens. (clock).

 

[Frunple]

Why not make the clock background transparent so you don't have that black box around it?
Not familiar with hspro designer so that may not be an option, should be though.

 

[AnthonyZ]

In Flash, if you set the background to white, it will render as transparent. Unless, of course, you convert the background to a symbol, in which case it would render as white.

As for the OP's idea to wall mount iPads, I can understand but, I hope you don't catch Apple upgrade/update fever. As they iterate, the physical dimensions change, potentially creating issues with expensive wall mount solutions.

 

[pete_c]

Thanks Anthony; and will give that a try....been adding a lot of flash lately to my HSTouchscreens (goofing around).

Had a look at the configuration piece for the clock and it was already white along with the html link for the flash.