DIY Home Automation
The article lists and describes somewhere around 45
different home automation vendors. Of course it includes the big dogs,
like Crestron, AMX, Elan and Control4, but it also lists many of the
not so well known providers. Each company is listed as DIY all, some
or none. We've decided to give you a rundown of all the companies that
offer a complete DIY solution. To give credit where credit's due, many
of the descriptions are cut directly from the CE Pro article.
1.
Advanced Quonset Technology Inc.
- Makers of the PC based software, Home Control Assistant. It ranges
in price from $80-$250 and supports Z-Wave, UPB, Insteaon and X10.
"HCA is one of the simplest applications to use for home automation.
HCA uses visual tools to develop home automation solutions rather than
complex scripting languages. At the same time it has powerful enough
features to provide a bridge between Insteon, UPB, X10, IR and other
common technologies."
2.
Charmed Quark Systems Limited
- Offering PC based control solutions ranging in price from $495 to
$2635, the package offers support for Z-Wave, Insteon and X10, with UPB
on the horizon. Their software "utilizes the existing home IT
infrastructure to deliver cost effective automation solutions."
3.
Cinemar Inc.
- Cinemar offers PC based software solutions in addition to their
dedicated CPU, touch screen and universal remote control interfaces.
The products range from $20 for entry level software to $2999 for a
dedicated CPU based controller. They support UPB, Insteon, X10 and a
proprietary wireless control protocol. "Cinemar leverages PC based
hardware to bring an economical and reliable media and home control
capability to middle- to high-end homes. Cinemar prides itself on
providing tools to enable dealers and users to create stunning
interfaces with no artistic background or programming experience. The
software comes complete with a vast graphics library which can be
incorporated into the design via simple drag and drop principles."
4.
Cortexa Inc.
- Cortexa offers dedicated CPU based control boxes and touch screen
interfaces ranging in price from $1,399 to $2,599. Their system
supports Z-Wave, UPB, Insteon and X10. "The Cortexa system may be
either fully integrated with Media Center Edition 2005 or Vista or just
as a fully functional home control system. Remote access is seamless
and identical to local access. Packaged to be simple to install and
affordable, every system includes the full software system with all
interfaces and free software updates. No software license fees apply.
User can automate as much of their home as they want for the initial
purchase price."
5.
Eaton Electrical
- Eaton offers a Zigbee compatible keypad solution for $75 called Home
Heartbeat. "Home Heartbeat in an 'out-of-the-box' wireless,
plug-and-use home awareness product to remotely monitor safety,
security and comfort issues in the home, providing homeowners with
peace of mind. The system routinely provides updates (via key fob,
email or text message) as it monitors home appliances, sump pumps, and
the opening and closing of doors and windows."
6.
iControl Networks
- "iControl's award-winning Remote Home Monitoring Service enables
users to monitor their property, control their home and keep up with
your family when they're away, using any Web browser or Web-enabled PDA
or cellphone. Starter kits take less than 30 minutes to self-install,
and because iControl is Web based, there's no software to download.
iControl is the simple and affordable way to help you stay in charge of
your home when you're away."
7.
JDS Technologies
- Under the brands Stargate and HomeRunner, JDS offers touch screens,
keypads and dedicated CPU controllers in the $199 to $2,395 price
range. Their solutions support Z-Wave, UPB, X10 and Insteon. "The
HomeRunner user interface turns image files into full interactive,
two-way control surfaces. Use photos or drawings of each room in the
house for backgrounds and simply touch (or click) any device in the
photo to control it. Status can be indicated in various ways including
text, graphics and animated gifs. Each family member can have their
own personalized set of control screens on shared touchscreens and
computers. While not in use, Homerunner can serve as a digital photo
album."
8.
PowerHome Automation, LLC
- "Powerhome is a DIY home automation software system with a fully
programmable interface." The PC based software costs around $70 and
the system supports X10, Insteon and a proprietary wireless protocol.
9.
Promixis, LLC
- Promixis offers a couple versions of their PC software solution, one
at $50 and the other at $150. "Promixis is a leader in home automation
technology for do-it-yourselfers. Systems are highly customizable and
open. User interface will run on Windows devices including PDAs, WM5
phones, UMPC, other tablet PCs and Windows computers." They currently
support Insteon and X10 and plan to add Z-Wave support in the future.
10.
RCS Inc.
- RCS offers several CPU-based control boxes ranging from $125-$620,
they also have a couple keypads for $110 or $250 and a touch screen for
$980. Their products, Commstar and Stargate have support for Z-Wave,
UPB and X10. "Commstar and Stargate have been some of the most widely
sold network controllers for over 10 years."
There were several automation systems not listed in the CE pro article, such as
Pluto,
Mister House,
HomeSeer and
Indigo.
There are probably many more we've failed to mention, but at least you
see that there are quite a few ways to add that special touch of custom
home theater installation without breaking the bank.
