Re: PC device control vs hand held or wall mount remote

["BruceR" <br@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

All of the technologies offer some form of serial or USB controllers
that store programmed events. See the Smarthome catalog for good
descriptions.

From:Jon Juhlin
j_juhlin@xxxxxxx

> This is a newbie question. If this group has a FAQ area on the WWW
> perhaps my question has been answered already. If so, direction to
> the FAQ would be gladly accepted.
>
> I am building a new home and have only a couple of pretty simple
> automation projects that I'd like to address up front. I will be
> installing cat5e cabling for a hardwired home computer network.
>
> I would like to control a few lights and motorized window shades via
> the PC controlling the network. Most of the home automation posts I
> have seen refer to X10 and other devices that seem to rely on hand
> held remotes or wall mounted remote controls.
>
> What is required to control these devices directly by computer?
>
> I'm not opposed to a hardwired solution but this does not seem to be
> in the mainstream of home automation.
>
> Jon Juhlin