Ok, after 5h of internet research my brain is smoking, just have a few simple questions:
1) Where can I find a IR to Z-wave module, so that when I use my Harmony 880 to run the Watch TV macro, it would also turn on a few Z-wave lamp modules to a certain dimmed position.
2) What is the cheapest software solution for controlling Z-wave devices? I just want something cheap that I'll run on my Windows Home Server where I plug in one of those USB Z-wave thingies (or do those come with some basic software?)
3) eventually I would like to integrate the Z-wave network into win7 Media Center, I would assume I would need to buy a software plug in? (can this then be my PC base automation controller?)
Now my WHS is running 24/7, but the media center PC only on demand (WOL) - any thoughts.
4) Eventually I would to add a Z-wave thermostat, so that I can change the temp when I am laying in bed at the other end of the house (maybe with iphone or media center xtender or similar in the master bedroom). So can I just use any Z-wave thermostat and then control it from anywhere I can control other Z-wave items?
5) just to make it more confusing, I have a Vista 20P security system which I would also like to eventually integrate so that I can check zone status and arm/disarm remotely, any input on this? I have found that I likely need to buy the Vista ICM and hook that to my network and hope that whatever control software I choose has drivers for it and I should be good to go, right?
I know these questions have been answered here and there and sound very newbie-ish, but I have been searching my butt off over the last few days and haven't really found the right answers...
As always I appreciate your guys' help.
Thanks.
1) Where can I find a IR to Z-wave module, so that when I use my Harmony 880 to run the Watch TV macro, it would also turn on a few Z-wave lamp modules to a certain dimmed position.
2) What is the cheapest software solution for controlling Z-wave devices? I just want something cheap that I'll run on my Windows Home Server where I plug in one of those USB Z-wave thingies (or do those come with some basic software?)
3) eventually I would like to integrate the Z-wave network into win7 Media Center, I would assume I would need to buy a software plug in? (can this then be my PC base automation controller?)
Now my WHS is running 24/7, but the media center PC only on demand (WOL) - any thoughts.
4) Eventually I would to add a Z-wave thermostat, so that I can change the temp when I am laying in bed at the other end of the house (maybe with iphone or media center xtender or similar in the master bedroom). So can I just use any Z-wave thermostat and then control it from anywhere I can control other Z-wave items?
5) just to make it more confusing, I have a Vista 20P security system which I would also like to eventually integrate so that I can check zone status and arm/disarm remotely, any input on this? I have found that I likely need to buy the Vista ICM and hook that to my network and hope that whatever control software I choose has drivers for it and I should be good to go, right?
I know these questions have been answered here and there and sound very newbie-ish, but I have been searching my butt off over the last few days and haven't really found the right answers...
As always I appreciate your guys' help.
Thanks.