Home Automation - Want to know more?

[jandcreative]

We are shifting to our new house so I'm thinking of getting a home automation setup. I want to be able to control lights (well, lamps really), home theater (mostly audio, including set zones around the house) from a central touch screen/smart phone/web interface. I'm also looking into pet feeders as well, that you can load up with dry food and set to a timer. Will list down some more things that could be automated.

However, I am unable to decide which brand to go for or where to get more information on home automation. I want to be thorough before making any decision.

 

[davidcaulfield]

Hope you have a fat wallet

 

[DPG]

This is a UK forum, so any products recommended may not be available over your side of the world. Daz

 

[SKY]

I fit Crestron systems to very very expensive houses - this is the Rolls Royce of home automation.
I also have fitted the Crestron to my 4 bed house!

In honesty its all the system does is switched things on and off in a fancy way!

Its a nice system to have but its a pain when it goes wrong or the programming corrupts.

Its like feeding biscuits to fat men, they don't really need them but they are nice to have....

 

[markythesparky]

Try looking at Living Control. This is mustard.

 

[Gage]

Or just build your own set up via plc/relays/solenoids etc. It's what I'm doing, a lot easier and cheaper than going for the commercial products. Better too, most of them don't offer enough diversity to do anything you like. Like running the bath on your way home (one of my favourites).

 

[ian.settle1]

This is a UK forum, so any products recommended may not be available over your side of the world. Daz

Probabily are but about half the price if not cheaper of this rip off country

 

[telectrix]

or employ a sexy young au pair. she should turn anything on.

 

[Lordy9099]

My suggestion is LightwaveRF home automation system and it is not that expensive... LightwaveRF - Home you can pick them up from B&Q or Screwfix

 

[moospark]

My Missus is capable of all of the above tasks, but as with other systems, not cheap. The side benefits more than compensate though.