Integrated vs Separates

[dougri]

Feel like I'm having an audio discussion here, but I thought the title was appropriate

Anyway, I have been leaning toward the Elk M1G over the HAI Omni for security and home automation... my plan is to start with basic security, add some basic lighting/scene management over the next year, and eventually tie in thermostats, flood sensors and video surveillance (had not given much thought on how I'd do this, though I've heard there are many options).

Then, I started seeing threads with people adding on to their basic security systems with HA software and Z-Wave (or other technology) controllers... seemed like a decent option. Next, I became interested in the Mi Casa Verde Vera coupled with the GE NX-8E. So, Given that the separate solutions appear to be more affordable, what functionality or performance would I be missing out on going the separates route? Seems like the MCV Vera II wrapped around the NX-8E and provides what I set out to do at much lower cost, and seems to provide straight forward video as well neatly tied into a rule-based HA system.

What sounds too good to be true usually is, so what am I missing? System Stability? Support? Solid Company? I've not been able to find out how/if the MCV device manages speech, and I'm sure there are other differences.

Lastly, with Logitech pushing out their googleTV device with Z-wave, I could see a VERY active open-source community adding lots of functionality to what will eventiually be very affordable devices (if they take). Seems like their is potential for a significant shift in the HA market over the next year or two.

Any thoughts and/or advice is greatly appreciated. If nothing else, I need to get a security system going this year even if I wait on the nicer stuff.

 

[pete_c]

I believe that Mi Casa Verda a kind of unique HW (embedded OS) Z-Wave solution versus say an HA server which is more a pure SW solution. So in its purest sense its not really an HA solution but rather a Z-Wave intelligent controller. It simply works for Z-Wave. The simplest HW analogy would be the old Radio Shack X10 timers sold in the 1980's except with current HW/embedded software technology. On the HA software side there are a number of solutions which will provide you the most flexibility but carry more "baggage" and are relatively easy to set up.

If you are leaning towards an all in one solution HW solution then Elk/HAI is going to give you the most features for the money. These two function both independantly and can be connected to an HA software server providing even more functionality. So these are like multitasking controllers on steroids in that they both have the ability to connect and control various devices.

Personally I started with a software HA controller and an alarm panel with speech in the 1980's. At the time I liked that the alarm panel had over 32 zones each with speech and that I could tie these device to my software box which would control X10.

I guess if you want to go with "separates" relating to Z-Wave playing; then a box (PC) which only is dedicated to Z-Wave (say with one z-wave controller connected to it) might be your best bet to test the waters. Personally (if I were an HA newbee) I would go with a server doing only Z-wave (many available) to give you the opportunity for a bit more flexibility. "Integrated" - then again its a combo HW device like the ELK/HAI or a piece of software running on a server which can control multiple devices.

I have two "integrated" devices; one being the HAI OPII (pure HW) and the other being my HA Server (Homeseer). Both of these talk to multiple devices and each other. IE: HAI OPII - security, HVAC, lighting (multiple protocals), audio, etc and the HA server with 18 plus serial connections. This though is the way I have evolved in HA.

Expanding HA to a second home I chose to go the HAI OPII route instead of an HA server. Its a simple setup right now that I can build on just doing security and lighting. I've also added wireless (to test) and will be adding the HVAC to it. So, I chose to go with the multifeatured HW controller on steroids for home #2. Sometime in the near future may add a very small footprint HA server (something I can hang on the wall adjacent to the alarm panel).

Its really up to you and how you want to test the HA waters first.

BTW - had some storms pass thru the area last night. Mostly lighting. No flicker or losing power last night. The HW panel (HAI OPII) continues to function fine (and it should). The DVR with 10 video cameras is acting funny this morning (it has a large autonomous wire footprint). The HA server continues to function BUT it seems that one of (18 plus) connected serial devices (1-Wire serial device - 2nd largest autonomous wire footprint - inside and outside of the home) is locked up. I also lost keyboard/mouse connectivity for the DVR / HA Server / misc server. I've reset the HA / misc server and its come back fine. I have not reset the 1-wire but will have to most likely take it off line and reconfigure it. (which I have done in the past). In summary I see that the lighting storm affected the HA server (one device - multiple events) and the software DVR server which in term affects some software events on the HA server. The HW controller (OPII) appears to be running fine at this time. (lighting X10, UPB and Z-Wave all works still & HVAC is still working fine).

 

[programmergeek]

You can't go wrong with a HAI or ELK. I think HAI has more perfirals covered like thermostats etc, elk has better consumer end support. I have both in our show room and sell about equal but perfer to install the HAI myself over the elk if they are getting a bunch of accessories. At the end of the day though they both don't do everything so people usally bundle another software solution with them. But as a starting point go get one.