Re: PC solution like Crestron

[Marc_F_Hult <MFHult@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:49:32 -0700 (PDT), Ringo <ringoenglewood@xxxxxxxxx>
wrote in message
<8edba4e7-ed08-4ba7-a06b-d10cf46ca14e@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>:

>Hi All,
>
>I am looking for a PC-Windows based home automation solution similiar
>to Crestron.  I would like touchscreen panels that would control
>Security Cameras (as well as provide video feed), Fireball, Home
>Theater, MP3, speakers, etc.
>
>Is there such a solution out there already?  Or am I already locked
>into Crestron proprietary technology and steep prices?
>
>I figure with Microsoft's Windows 7 support touch screen capability,
>the possibilites are endless.  Any thoughts and recommendations would
>be greatly appreciated.
>
>Ringo

If what you are looking for is a system that may cost on the order of $1K
rather than the $10K+ of Crestron, either Charmed Quark www.charmedquark.com
or HomeSeer www.HomeSeer.com can what you want.

HomeSeer right now has a sale for the upgrade of the base configuration to
HomeSeer Pro that includes all of the add-ins that are normally separately
priced for only an additional $150. The new, included HSTouch is dynamite in
my opinion -- but with its flexibility comes the need to do much
configuration/programming/design yourself.

If 'free' sounds good, investigate Premise System that used to be the premier
PC-centric HA software -- until it was sold to Lantronix, and then to
Motorola,  who abandoned it. Last I knew, one could still download the
software for free. There is an active community that has kept up with the
latest and greatest such as iPhone support. Start here:
http://www.cocoontech.com/wiki/Premise

HTH ... Marc
Marc_F_Hult
www.ECOntrol.org