I have searched and read like crazy on CT, but perhaps am taking too much in. A sticky that outlined what could be done with home automation sort of like the equipment spreadsheet would have been helpful to me. I am trying to pick a technology that will support my requirements both today and tomorrow, but without knowing everything else that I can automate it is hard to plan. We just moved into a house built in 1974. Pulling hardwires for the lighting control won't be possible although I can pull wires for many other HA requirements and in fact have just pulled audio wires for a whole house stereo.
My question is really how do I pick a technology? I had everything in my shopping cart at SH for a full Insteon system a few months ago, but found this site and now have a soured opinion of using the Insteon equipment. I am attracted to the reliability of the UPB installations, but of course also follow a price point.
Here is what I currently want to automate and also some ideas for the future. Please feel free to also add more ideas to what you think. I am mostly interested in why for my needs what technology might be better.
--Needs to control:
1) Lights
2) Scenes
3) Multi-switch Lights
4)Ceiling fans
5) Need to have IR or handheld programmable remote for control that will control TV etc. (IR repeater in everyroom from Home Audio system already)
6) Computer control (would prefer if the computer could poll the devices to know off/on or status)
7) Macro programming a plus (if I have the term right) IE based on a few events another happens: If the garage door opens followed by the entry door to the house, turn on the entry lights.
--Future
1) Thermostat, 3 zone system currently all with old analog dials
2) Blinds
3) Sprinkler System
4) Home Security (currently have a Honeywell hardwired system)
--The house currently has a HTD.com home audio system controllable via computer. A couple add-on’s would make this more complete. My single cable box is also in the basement routed to every room in the house.
1) HDMI baluns or multi-room system
2) A remote touchscreen for my computer. Currently the PC is in the basement with the Home Theater, but the monitor/keyboard is in the kitchen. I’d like to add a touchscreen in the master bedroom and could pull the necessary wiring.
3) Video switching – future need as I am okay with everything being on the same channel atm
Thank you for your input!!
Sean
My question is really how do I pick a technology? I had everything in my shopping cart at SH for a full Insteon system a few months ago, but found this site and now have a soured opinion of using the Insteon equipment. I am attracted to the reliability of the UPB installations, but of course also follow a price point.
Here is what I currently want to automate and also some ideas for the future. Please feel free to also add more ideas to what you think. I am mostly interested in why for my needs what technology might be better.
--Needs to control:
1) Lights
2) Scenes
3) Multi-switch Lights
4)Ceiling fans
5) Need to have IR or handheld programmable remote for control that will control TV etc. (IR repeater in everyroom from Home Audio system already)
6) Computer control (would prefer if the computer could poll the devices to know off/on or status)
7) Macro programming a plus (if I have the term right) IE based on a few events another happens: If the garage door opens followed by the entry door to the house, turn on the entry lights.
--Future
1) Thermostat, 3 zone system currently all with old analog dials
2) Blinds
3) Sprinkler System
4) Home Security (currently have a Honeywell hardwired system)
--The house currently has a HTD.com home audio system controllable via computer. A couple add-on’s would make this more complete. My single cable box is also in the basement routed to every room in the house.
1) HDMI baluns or multi-room system
2) A remote touchscreen for my computer. Currently the PC is in the basement with the Home Theater, but the monitor/keyboard is in the kitchen. I’d like to add a touchscreen in the master bedroom and could pull the necessary wiring.
3) Video switching – future need as I am okay with everything being on the same channel atm
Thank you for your input!!
Sean