RE: Newbie Greetings-Long Post

["James, Daniel" <daniel.james@xxxxxxx>]

Hi Doug

and welcome out of the closet :-)

>A)  What software would have these capabilities at the most reasonable
price?

>from
rather than a standalone controller?

A lot of us run Homeseer and find it good for the majority of tasks, it is
very well supported, and has a good user bulletin board.

If you were thinking of going to a stand alone system - Homevision is the
way to go. - loads of input very flexible and doesn't rely upon a pc to
run.
(hence stable!! :-)

>B)  What hardware would be required for the recommended software?

Homeseer is PC based, Homevision is a dedicated unit.


>C)  Could the HA computer also act as a server, or should it be
dedicated
>for HA service only?

No reason why not, I run Homeseer, CCTV, IIS5, and an MP3 server on one
box.


> D)  Could the PT-510 interface with the HA software for home control?

Yes, - there again there is a number of ways of doing this, Homeseer serves
up a nice simple web interface, and I believe that Homevision can do the
same.

>E)  Did I forget any key features that no home should be without?

Oh yes....

The Philips Pronto.....

http://www.consumer.philips.com/global/b2c/ce/catalog/product.jhtml?divId=0&;
groupId=CONVENIENCE&catId=SOUNDANDVISIONACCESSORIES&subCatId=UNIVERSALREMOTE
CONTROLS&productId=SBCRU940_00


Regards

Daniel


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