PC-Based Home Automation Options
Home automation is becoming more popular in new homes--smart homes, they are
often dubbed--but people in older homes may also want to add elements of home
automation as well. PC-based home automation is one of the easiest ways to get
started. Many of the software applications out there offer a range of features
and room to grow, but can be started with something as simple as a couple lights
on timers. Here is a breakdown of some of the major players in home automation
software that is suitable for home use:
ActiveHome--Put out by X10, ActiveHome is amongst the cheapest PC-based
home automation software out there. Kits that include the basic software,
modules, and control a single lamp start at $50 or less. This is a very good
starting point for home automation as it shows you the basics without requiring
a huge financial investment.
ActiveHome can be purchased online at the X10.com
website.
HAL--Made by Home Automated Living, the basic HAL CD is about $40. For
the introductory kit that controls a single lamp, it is about $100. HAL is
operated via voice commands that you can speak to your computer through a
microphone. The program also responds with a computer voice, delivering home
automation information. It can also search the Internet for you and report the
latest news or stock quotes out loud.
Home Control for Windows Media Center--This home automation software works
with Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004 and costs $200. It is designed to work
with HAI Omni automation devices that can control your home security system, the
lighting system, and temperature control. It also allows you automated access to
your media files (music, videos, photos, etc.) and the Internet.
HomeSeer--Created by HomeSeer Technologies, their basic home automation
software costs about $150 with starter kits beginning at $200. HomeSeer software
is designed for newbies to home automation. It uses a familiar Windows
interface. HomeSeer offers both X-10 and Z-Wave (kinds of home automation
technology) integration and comes with a built-in Web server which allows you to
remotely access your system through the Internet.
Netplace--The pricest of the pc-based home automation systems we're
looking at, Netplace is put out by Web Mountain Technologies and starts at $800
for a home server. Modules come separately. Unlike the other software packages,
Netplace is its own dedicated computer. It makes use of UPB, another home
automation technology, that is more reliable than X-10 but also more expensive.
Source: Nov/Dec 2004 issue of Smart HomeOwner