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View Full Version : Hawking HomeRemote Automation and Monitoring

Chris Gohlke
11-04-2008, 12:00 AM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.hawkingtech.com/homeremote/' target='_blank'>http://www.hawkingtech.com/homeremote/</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"The HomeRemote Pro Home Control and Remote Monitoring Starter Kit lets you secure, monitor and control your home remotely via a computer web browser or cellular phone. Using the broadband connection in your home, the HomeRemote Pro Internet Gateway communicates with the HomeRemote Pro servers to allow remote control of your home lighting, appliances, doors, garages, window shades, thermostat and much more from the user friendly HomeRemote Pro Interface. Taking control of your home and ensuring the safety of your loved ones has never been easier. With the HomeRemote Pro System installed, simply log on to the HomeRemote Pro website, enter your login information and begin monitoring your home; or open the HomeRemote Pro application on your cell phone and begin viewing live video of your home or turn the heater on before arriving home. The applications for the HomeRemote Pro System are limitless; begin customizing one for your lifestyle today."</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1225749459.usr10.jpg" border="1" /></p><p>This one will come down to marketing since it pretty much looks like a repackaging of X-10 type automation features.&nbsp; If it is easy to set up and well marketed, the average consumer might go for it (and the associated monthly fees) without realizing that their are already products that don't require a subscription to work.&nbsp; Side note - if you have a SlingBox, consider using an unused input to hook a camera up to and get free remote monitoring.</p>
Hooch Tan
11-04-2008, 12:48 AM
Digging in a little bit, it looks like they're using "Z-Wave" as the underlying technology which is a step above X-10. I used to use X-10 stuff ages ago, and it was fun and convenient, but when I moved, I couldn't be bothered to set everything up again.

You're absolutely right that home automation doesn't require a subscription fee. The only real cost involved would be the middleman service, which is pretty nominal. But I'm sure they charge people a pretty penny.

Me, I'm looking forward to after I move, and then investigate API options to build something out myself for my own needs. That or go lazy and tie it into Linux MCE or a Trixbox server.