What would you do differently if you were to automate a new home from scratch?

["Carlos" <csa2@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I am buying a house, and I want to automate it all -- centralized media
server, home theater, security cameras, motorized drapes, sprinkler
system, multiple music zones, touchscreens in every social area, timed
events, and remote access to it all.  I am somewhat geeky, so I can
take technological challenges. I curently have Windows Media Center on
one PC, and I feel it would be nice to use one single interface for the
media, the cameras, and everything else. So, I appeal to your
experience and your wisdom... Which technology should I use (Insteon,
Z-wave, UPB... )?  Which control program (HomeSeer, mCentral, ... )?
How should I distribute the media (Media Center Extender, Xbox, or just
cable it all?  And what would you do differently in your experience?