HAI Options and Questions from a new owner

[nexus99]

I just got a Omni IIe running with a simple keypad for control. Now its time to grow the system. And this leads to lots of questions.

1 ) In the living room I am leaning toward using a Pronto to control TV and the HAI (lights, and security). Anyone know of anything better than can do all the HAI automation plus AV items?

2 ) I need a good solution for the bedroom (which doesn't have TV and no current plans for one). I'd like some kind of touch screen on a nightstand that I can control the lights and arm the security system with. Could this be done with an iPhone somehow? I hate the idea of spending 1000 bucks for a desktop touchscreen.


3 ) I am interested in running Life Ware but it doesn't look like HAI is supported. Are there plans for this to change?

4 ) Anyone know what the deal with the 3.0 software that is coming soon is? I assume that the programming app will be revved as well as the firmware on the board? How hard is it to rev the firmware on an Omni IIe?

5 ) If I do a whole home audio system can the HAI announce alarm arms and such through the system? Can I call in and scare the crap outta my wife over the speakers?

Thanks!

 

[aard3]

I just got a Omni IIe running with a simple keypad for control. Now its time to grow the system. And this leads to lots of questions.

1 ) In the living room I am leaning toward using a Pronto to control TV and the HAI (lights, and security). Anyone know of anything better than can do all the HAI automation plus AV items?

2 ) I need a good solution for the bedroom (which doesn't have TV and no current plans for one). I'd like some kind of touch screen on a nightstand that I can control the lights and arm the security system with. Could this be done with an iPhone somehow? I hate the idea of spending 1000 bucks for a desktop touchscreen.


3 ) I am interested in running Life Ware but it doesn't look like HAI is supported. Are there plans for this to change?

4 ) Anyone know what the deal with the 3.0 software that is coming soon is? I assume that the programming app will be revved as well as the firmware on the board? How hard is it to rev the firmware on an Omni IIe?

5 ) If I do a whole home audio system can the HAI announce alarm arms and such through the system? Can I call in and scare the crap outta my wife over the speakers?

Thanks!

Nexus,

Congratulations on your new purchase, I know you won't be disappointed.

1.) I can tell you that I personally use Prontos. The Pronto is a fantastic product, and the HAI Module works really well. You can use the module to emulate a HAI touchscreen, and/or you can actually integrate commands into your button presses... For example, have a button that when you press it, it will
1. Send IR to turn on TV
2. Send IR to turn on DVD player
3. Send a command to the Omni to dim the lights.

You can look into some other remotes. but I think for the money, and for what you get as far as integration. The pronto is the way to go. Logitech Harmony has some nice remotes, RTI, and UEI, but there currently is no true 2-way communication between them and the controller.

2.) I use a tsu9600, because I like the cradle, plus I have a TV in my bedroom...You could use and Iphone or Itouch with H@me (free from Itunes store, 3rd party), but there is no cradle... You could use any Windows Mobile based PDA and use Snap-Link Mobile...Or you could get a Samsung Q1 or something similar and run Snap-Link on it.

3.) Err... I honestly don't know. If you're looking for just the "Media Center Experience", you can use any windows media center PC and we have a software package that will run on it and allow you to control your Omni from your television.

4.) There will be a new version of PCAccess and firmware. If you look at your Omni IIe board, and there are what looks like some blank spaces where some chips should go in the middle, and you have 7 "ports" across the top, then you have a flash upgradable board. You just need to use PCAccess to flash the board when the new firmware comes out. If you have an older board, you just need to order a chip and replace the one on the board.

5.) Yes, there is a vocabulary built into the omni, and you can use an audio board that will give you an output to run into your whole house audio system. Yes, you can call and scare your wife...lol ;-)

Hope that helps.

 

[upstatemike]

if you are thinking of using a Pronto 9600 be sure to check out the Polar Bear Wall Dock option.

 

[nexus99]

Thanks for the info! I think I will start with a 9600 or a 9800 for the living room. Now just to find a used one somewhere

 

[ASIHome]

if you are thinking of using a Pronto 9600 be sure to check out the Polar Bear Wall Dock option.

Polar Bear Docking Station - http://www.asihome.com/ASIshop/product_inf...roducts_id=3840

Thank you,

 

[programmergeek]

1 ) In the living room I am leaning toward using a Pronto to control TV and the HAI (lights, and security). Anyone know of anything better than can do all the HAI automation plus AV items?

Pronto is what you want! and HAI plug in.

2 ) I need a good solution for the bedroom (which doesn't have TV and no current plans for one). I'd like some kind of touch screen on a nightstand that I can control the lights and arm the security system with. Could this be done with an iPhone somehow? I hate the idea of spending 1000 bucks for a desktop touchscreen.

yes HAI and the iphone work well, however you need a windows home server. This sound like alot but it solved so many other problems in my house I would of bought one anyhow. Also then you can get to your HAI system from any device over the internet I check mind from my iphone all day long. Can also use it to house wireless cameras instead of the hai hub.

4 ) Anyone know what the deal with the 3.0 software that is coming soon is? I assume that the programming app will be revved as well as the firmware on the board? How hard is it to rev the firmware on an Omni IIe?

jasnuary I think

5 ) If I do a whole home audio system can the HAI announce alarm arms and such through the system? Can I call in and scare the crap outta my wife over the speakers?

Yes this works well on the HAI! Since it has a specific audio out.