Home Automation for Windows XP MCE 2005

[James Fee]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.homeseer.com/' target='_blank'>http://www.homeseer.com/</a><br /><br /></div>HomeSeer has released their <a href="http://www.homeseer.com/pdfs/MCE-2_sw_only.pdf">Home Automation System plugin</a> for Windows EXP MCE 2005. I seem to get catalogs all the time from companies that sell these automation systems, but I have yet to bite. Does anyone use such a system and would having it integrated into MCE be beneficial? I can see it being useful to turn on and off audio and video equipment around the house, but maybe it could be hooked up to start the hot tub and get the Barry White music going for an eventful night. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/images/smiles/dilemma.gif" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/MCE-Screen-Shot-185.gif" />

[Felix Torres]

This makes sense; using the "data furnace" to monitor and/or control the various systems in the house (heater, a/c, lights, security systems, etc).
I know a couple folks that use the X10 system around the house. They seem happy, in a Tim Allen-ish kinda way... :wink:

There seems to be a nice (low-key) industry built around this tech.
Its the rare example of a low-hype, high value IT business...

[James Fee]

So maybe this could be used to control lights and sound when you watch a movie? I mean, could this be automatically be done when I hit play? Seems like a cool idea to me.

[Felix Torres]

So maybe this could be used to control lights and sound when you watch a movie? I mean, could this be automatically be done when I hit play? Seems like a cool idea to me.

Depends on the scripting functions of the control software.

But, Windows being Windows, you can always run external scripts to automate whatever the apps doesn't do automatically.
(When all else fails, there's always WinBatch(TM).) :wink:

So, the answer is yes; you can tie internal functions and actions to external actions.
Theoretically, you can have the house flash the lights starting 5 minutes before a scheduled TV show comes on for you to watch.

[Neil Enns]

Cool stuff. I just ordered google's new "House Hacks" book, which is mostly about X-10 stuff. Can't wait to see what ideas they have. Maybe this will prompt me to get an MCE :)

Neil

[James Fee]

Cool stuff. I just ordered google's new "House Hacks" book, which is mostly about X-10 stuff. Can't wait to see what ideas they have. Maybe this will prompt me to get an MCE :)

Neil

What MAME (http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=6892) isn't good enough? ;)

[Jason Dunn]

The power of platforms never ceases to amaze me...