Homeboy for WMC is a free application that allows you to control your home with Windows Media Center. It is available for free download at http://homeboysoftware.com/ . Post your comments and feedback here or on the Homeboy Software website.

I don't have the home automation devices myself to be able to try your software, but it looks pretty good so far! Impressive that you are able to integrate with the insteon system. You're right, the other media center automation software out there is very out-of-date, so its nice to see a new developer in the mix.

If I could make one recommendation (from the screen shots) I'd say that the system could be a bit more graphical. If you're familiar with the media center movie library, for example, they have subheadings across the top of the screen (could allow splitting of devices into rooms), and then images horizontally underneath (you could use various images lined up to represent lights, tv, cameras, etc.)

Also, when you hit enter on one of those images, it should have a default action, instead of going into a submenu that lets you choose on or off. Then maybe the 'info' button atop a device can let you do more complicated actions.

The info button would also be a very 7mc-esque place to put the "Add Device" and "About" buttons.

Ok, so maybe that was more than one recommendation... but hopefully they help! Looking forward to using this program when I am not in an apartment, someday!

Too bad it doesn't work with Z-Wave devices

Insteon...Nice... I know Insteon is backwards compatable with X-10, I still have a bunch of X-10 stuff (it is so easy when you do not have to run power in the walls to get remote access to a light or other items)... Does it work out of the box with X-10 stuff ?

Edit: Installed, Nope, no X-10 stuff (unless there is a way)...Not good for my needs :(

I'll upgrade to Insteon one of these days...

I've got a bunch of X-10 also - wish there was an add-in for it!

+ Another for X-10

Sounds like there is a demand for X10. I wrote a response to the same question on the Homeboy Software site: http://homeboysoftware.com/products/homeboy-for-wmc/ . I'm interested to hear how the reliability is of those who are using X10? It's not out of the question that we won't support X10 in the future but at the same time, we want users to have the best experience possible and aren't certain whether X10 can provide that by itself. Insteon isn't very expensive to install and it can be setup by the DIY'er so we think it's worth it. Thoughts and comments?

 No support for Z-Wave in the immediate future but long-term, if the demand is there, it is likely.

Hey! Loved this post. We really appreciate the constructive feedback. The first version of Homeboy for WMC was really just to get something to market. You sound like you have some good experience with Media Center? We've got all these items down to review for when we go back to the drawing board for the next version. Thanks!

A few comments/ideas.  A number of us may have a mixed Insteon/X-10 enviroment as I do.  If you support Insteon, it would be better to support the newer USB version of the Powerlinc and not just the serial interface (which I don't have) being an old product.  Insteon also has a web enabled interface which if could read the device, you could pick up all existing configured devices and addresses.  The Insteon web enabled interface can also control X-10, as does the existing USB Powerlinc. 

As I mentioned on your website, it would be very interesting if you could have conditional events triggering on/off (like mControl) functions such as  1) whenever you play on a movie the lights dim, and 2) whenever you pause/stop a movie, the lights ramp back on.  Just a dream.

I really light the simple inteface, and agree with one poster that suggested adding On and Off beside every device would make it easier to use with fewer clicks.  Also, perhaps a single page where all devices could be added and sorted so that more frequently used devices could be listed first would also be useful.

Overall, it is nice to see this interface being available.  It just might entice some to enter into home automation!

P.S. X-10 is fairly reliable in a small/medium sized home, but I find Insteon to be rock solid. 

 

Is there any chance you can support MiCasaVerde's Vera??  

 

wiki.micasaverde.com/index.php/Luup_Priority_Projects

www.micasaverde.com/

Well, I fially bought the Insteon 2413U controller and installed HomeBoy.  I hope there are some enhancements one day.  Right now I have a few rooms installed and I must say it does respond immediately to signals (absolutely no detectable delay).  As I mentioned in a previous post, having a conditional feature such as 1) hit the play button, specific lights dim to off, 2) hit the pause or stop button, lights turn on. This would be a great feature.  Beyond that, having it act as a full controller would be fantastic (e.g. turn lights on based on sunset for your location by day of week);  but that is asking a lot. 

Another +1 for X-10 but only because I have a bunch of old X-10 devices in a crate in the basement.  I might have to consider getting an Insteon device...  Wondering if this shows up with an extender too.

epete

Another +1 for X-10 but only because I have a bunch of old X-10 devices in a crate in the basement.  I might have to consider getting an Insteon device...  Wondering if this shows up with an extender too.

I also wouldn't mind X-10 support as the Insteon controllers do that as well and I have a few X-10 in my mix. ePete, I can confirm Home Boy shows up on my XBOX extender.  It appears you have to reinstall the devices, but it should work.  Can confirm if you'd like.

+1 for x-10. I have my entire house still wired for it but never use it through media center since my last format. Mcontrol configuration was more than I wanted to do again at the time and since it hasn't been upgraded I thought I would wait for something better anyway.