I am new to home automation but have heavily been into building Media Center PC’s, whole home audio systems, and home theaters. I have been reading about home automation and I think this is a logical progression. My intended goal is to have everything integrate with Vista Media Center and Xbox 360 but I want the system to be able to run independently of my computers until they are stable. The software products that seem reasonable and integrate with Vista MCE are mcontrol and HAI’s software?
Lighting: I would like to build a system that can control lights from a central location using a device like a INSTEON KeypadLinc Dimmer or their new wireless device and down the line Vista MCE. I would also eventually like to add macros, motion sensors (lights and music follow through house), remote controls (turn on lights from outside or by phone), and the internet to trigger events in the home. Where do I start or are their resources out there that I should be reading? I dont want to buy equipment now that won't be compatible in the future. I thought systems like th Insteon starter kit would be a good place to start?
Music: I will be putting together a whole home audio system. I have used Abus system in the past but I keep reading about people who can walk in their house hit an AllOn button and the music starts and lights come on or they can walk from room to room and the music follow. What type of Whole home audio system should I start with or is this to ambitious.
I dont have unlimited resources. I would like to keep cost somewhat reasonable
Thx for your help!
Lighting: I would like to build a system that can control lights from a central location using a device like a INSTEON KeypadLinc Dimmer or their new wireless device and down the line Vista MCE. I would also eventually like to add macros, motion sensors (lights and music follow through house), remote controls (turn on lights from outside or by phone), and the internet to trigger events in the home. Where do I start or are their resources out there that I should be reading? I dont want to buy equipment now that won't be compatible in the future. I thought systems like th Insteon starter kit would be a good place to start?
Music: I will be putting together a whole home audio system. I have used Abus system in the past but I keep reading about people who can walk in their house hit an AllOn button and the music starts and lights come on or they can walk from room to room and the music follow. What type of Whole home audio system should I start with or is this to ambitious.
I dont have unlimited resources. I would like to keep cost somewhat reasonable
Thx for your help!