What is the right software for me?

[dzirkelb]

I have succesffully hooked up a couple light switches and have dabbled with HomeSeer a bit, but I am already seeing some options I want to be able to do, and am not sure HomeSeer is what I'm looking for. So, here is what I will want to do:

control devices / run macros via speech automation from microphone and/or telephone
I would like to be able to use my existing telephone setup with no additional hardware (I am using MagicJack)
I will need to be able to control UPB and Z-Wave
I would like to be able to control lights, home theater, music, thermostat, unlock doors, garage doors, start cars, motion sensors, and cameras
If able, be able to control Windows Media Center
Change channel on TV if possible
change input's on receiver / volume if possible
make phone calls (not as important) and notify of incoming calls


That's about all I want right now. I have seen a couple programs out there that appear to give me what I am looking for, but I would like people's personal recommendations on what I should get. I would also like the program to be fairly cheap, hoping to keep it under 300 dollars if possible, if not, then I'll still entertain ideas.

Oh, I will be running this on a windows based PC also....it will be on at all times.

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

If you are comfortable with HomeSeer, you should continue investigating it into your wish list as, with additional hardware, should be able to perform most of those tasks. Maybe visit their forums for more information on various plugins they offer.

CQC is another popular choice here as well.

 

[123]

Have you had a chance to look at the HA Technology Comparison sheet?

 

[dzirkelb]

I didn't realize the technology spreadsheet had the software on it also, thanks...that pretty much pointed me to HomeSeer for what I want to do. I'll post over there to fidn out what version I will need. Thanks!

 

[pete_c]

I've been using HS for years now with the first TTS computer being a legacy free AMD 500Mhz PC. Thinking about it I've only upgraded the PC four times to current date since the late 90's. A quick overview of OS/HW:

1 - AMD 500Mhz PC - using Windows XP Pro - Homeseer HA OS - first version
2 - Intel 1.0Ghz PC - starting with Windows XP Pro - Homeseer HA
3 - Intel 1.6Ghz PC - migrating from XP Pro to Windows 2003 Standard - Homeseer HA
4 - Intel 2.8Ghz PC - using Windows 2003 standard today migrated to Homeseer Pro version a couple of months back. Today I am using somewhere around 18 serial comm ports plugged into server via Digi USB to 8 port serial boxes plus a couple of more USB to Serial devices. In addition testing network to serial boxes. Serial connectivity is to a variety of HA devices.

5 - New endeavor - Intel quad core PC using a Mini-ITX case and Motherboard. - same OS for now

Initial Touch screen endeavors utilizing tablets (Fujitsu, Progear & Epod), Integrated 14" old Kodak Touch screens, 7-8" wide touch screen LCD's with 1.3 Ghz mini-pcs, embedded terminals to current 1.6 celeron mini-itx PCs.

Had capability to do VR (purchased a wireless microphone for said endeavor) but never implemented it. Instead using wireless keypads/touchscreens for inputs events.

Found a computer with an X-10 device still plugged in running on a small footprint 286Mhz PC with Windows 95/networking on it. No TTS on it. Only X-10 scheduling on it.