TheGreenButton - Windows Media Center Forums

What's your preferred controller?
I used to use Homeseer, but it got a bit too commercial for me.
Now I use an ISY99 controller, and it's fantastic. I don't push too many automation tasks through it - a lot of lighting, mostly using Insteon switches.

Interested in your preferred 'brains' and also what kind of setups do you have?

My X10 domotica project I started almost 2 years ago. I wanted to combine the luxury to remotely control my lightning and heating together with an alarm system. X10 was (and still is) for me the solution.

I'm using two control units, the CM11 to be used with Windows Media Center and the SC28 as the general console:
and

I also replaced my light switches in the house for the ones that can be controlled by X10, the AW10:


For the alarm system, I used door/windows sensors and IR movement detectors, the DS18 and MS18:
and

The family can now control the lightning and heating with software from ExDomus including the add-in for Media Centre:

It is possible to automatically switch the lights on at sundown and roll up the curtains at sunset. And there are many more options, just imaging...

Unfortunately the ExDomus software is no longer available and for Windows Media Center there is now HomeSeer or ActiveHome

The console is connected to a telephone line and I can call in to switch X10 devices (including my heating to warm up the house before I arrive!) and it calls me in case of a triggered alarm.

rgds,

.Nico

Nice .Nico. Welcome, and a great post!
Thank you.

Epic post Nico, answered several questions I posted in the other topic in this Forum

Sorry Fleadh, I am intending to post a more thorough guide as to how I have stuff setup, but I'm running around like a blue arsed fly at the mo, and only have time for quick one liners

I'll be looking forward to your guide! I'm hoping some of what you post can help me do a few things I'm looking at doing.

I use the Insteon 2412N controller for Insteon and X10 switches. It is programmed using IE or an iPod/iPad. Getting WMC to control lighting is possible using mControl for WMC or Home Boy (free). The 2412N ($130) is simplistic, networked based, and inexpensive. I control about 20 devices, mostly lights, but also a pool pump/heater, and garden lights.

I have an ISY 99i Pro with about 40 devices (thermostats, lighting, keypads, irrigation control, garage door control, motion sensors). It has a REST interface that is way easy to interface with. If only I new how to program UIs in Media Center.