Hi- what is considered the standard quality home controller of choice? JDS Stargate or other?

["Jim" <camdenguy@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I'm about to move to a wreck of a place - it's going to need electrics
rewiring and plastering. I'd like to create a versatile infrastructure
capable of fitting in with some form of a home automation system.

I'm currently thinking of running a couple of cat5 cables to each room
as well as the new electrics. Also at least stereo input feed to each
room and one mic feed from each room to a central controller - have
heard about the JDS Stargate system. something like that.

Maybe there are better systems around now... I want to eventually have
a system of at least X10, maybe one of the more proprietary systems
around. I want to be able to automate a lot of functions in my home. I
would like to have thumbprint biometrics and role-based access and
voice control to the various functions of my home.

What would people here recommend as the best current 'controller' for a
home automated house that I'd like to have?

And what would anyone here suggest to me in terms of cable/conduit
laying, general design and which system to go for?

Also what sort of budget would I be looking at? I used to be network
support, and would be more than happy to buy a crimper and make my own
sockets to save on costs.

Can anyone recommend any good sites describing how best to wire for a
home automation system I would like?

thanks