I don't know if you "advanced cocooners" can relate to this, but I am terribly flummoxed by the deluge of reference to various hardware/software components with no overarching explanation of code names, which pieces fit with which others, and why.
For example, some of you mention using what look like multiple HA "computers" (Elk+Ocelot, Elk+HomeSeer, Charmed Quark+HomeSeer, etc.) with little to no explanation as to why, exactly, you are doing this ... or how.
I'm trying to get ideas on how to put together a modern "whole house" AV system and I am absolutely buried underneath the hardware/software options. I don't know when to use CQC alone or with "HomeLobby". Where does "Russound" or "Neuvo" (What Stargate says is going to be supported with the new release of their LCD keypad)?
What kind of wiring and speakers and peripherals are well regarded and will work with the various other components.
As I said, I don't know how many of you can relate but I am absolutely adrift at sea here. I want to proceed but don't know the lingo, don't know the components, don't know how to put them together or - even more frustrating right now - which ones might usefully go together.
I'd love to see a FAQ/recommendation list for good whole house audio systems. It would also be really nice to see what components different members have interconnected and for what purposes and in what hierarchy.
Surely in a digital home we must be getting to the point where it isn't necessary to run 16 gauge speaker wire to every room but can begin to use normal digital cabling?. I have been googling for some time on whole house AV and there are a myriad of "solutions" ... too poorly explained or contrasted to help me solve anything...or even begin to LEARN/sort through anything.
This may be hard for some of you to believe, but I've never even SEEN a "Smart Home" or a Whole House AV system. I've gone into several high end audio shops and they are all willing to sell me a whole house solution but can't show me one first. That's a tough wall to lean on for support.
If my question seems too remedial, can you refer me to a resource that will really help get me up to speed?
For example, some of you mention using what look like multiple HA "computers" (Elk+Ocelot, Elk+HomeSeer, Charmed Quark+HomeSeer, etc.) with little to no explanation as to why, exactly, you are doing this ... or how.
I'm trying to get ideas on how to put together a modern "whole house" AV system and I am absolutely buried underneath the hardware/software options. I don't know when to use CQC alone or with "HomeLobby". Where does "Russound" or "Neuvo" (What Stargate says is going to be supported with the new release of their LCD keypad)?
What kind of wiring and speakers and peripherals are well regarded and will work with the various other components.
As I said, I don't know how many of you can relate but I am absolutely adrift at sea here. I want to proceed but don't know the lingo, don't know the components, don't know how to put them together or - even more frustrating right now - which ones might usefully go together.
I'd love to see a FAQ/recommendation list for good whole house audio systems. It would also be really nice to see what components different members have interconnected and for what purposes and in what hierarchy.
Surely in a digital home we must be getting to the point where it isn't necessary to run 16 gauge speaker wire to every room but can begin to use normal digital cabling?. I have been googling for some time on whole house AV and there are a myriad of "solutions" ... too poorly explained or contrasted to help me solve anything...or even begin to LEARN/sort through anything.
This may be hard for some of you to believe, but I've never even SEEN a "Smart Home" or a Whole House AV system. I've gone into several high end audio shops and they are all willing to sell me a whole house solution but can't show me one first. That's a tough wall to lean on for support.
If my question seems too remedial, can you refer me to a resource that will really help get me up to speed?