Control 4

[Big Tuna]

This home automation stuff looks awesome! There are tons of options and its very customizable. I'm thinking of designing it to run lights/media in my new house. One remote will be nice! Gotta love new technology


http://www.control4.com/

[Chassmain]

No doubt that Control4 certainly makes a beautiful turnkey product, but you definitely pay a price.

Have you thought about any of the more "do-it-yourself" options that use the INSTEON protocols? If you have a little knowledge with electronics or can handle basic directions you would have no problem implementing any sort of lighting/appliance schemes for I'm sure a fraction of the price.

Check out the products at:
http://www.smarthome.com/_/INSTEON/_/23b/land.aspx

They make all sorts of plug-in modules or replacement outlets/switches that do exactly what you're looking for for about 40 bucks a pop.

If you've got any questions PM me.

[Curt Leatherbee]

Looks good. I also like the X10 systems. http://www.x10.com/automation/

[Chassmain]

Yeah, good stuff, and probably a smidge cheaper, but technologically inferior to the INSTEON stuff in terms of reliability/network range. X-10 is just PWM communication over the power lines whereas INSTEON combines that with a wireless mesh network.

Both good stuff, but INSTEON gets my vote.