Hi,

 Just wondering how many people are using Media Center to automate their houses.(Lights, Heat, and ETC)  I use HAI but wondering what other people have and what features one has over another.  Anyone use Lifeware?  It looks cool but I think it is out of my price range.

 Drew

X10 / Insteon / Other?

I use an isy99i as the brains with a mix of X10 and insteon kit.

I gave up using media center 6 foot GUI to control stuff as it became more of a laborious button pressing issue to get to somewhere just to turn a bloody light off.

So, now with the isy99i, I use my iphone and iLinc Pro to talk to it. I also use a mix of X10 IR commands to trigger stuff through an IR543 via a Logitech Harmony One. The instant ability to use hard or soft buttons on the Harmony seems to be the quickest easiest way the wife and I trigger events and scenes.

My MC7 no longer plays a part in automation.

I use mControl.  There is a main software component and an add-in for Media Center. 

I have it slowly dim to off my home theatre lights when I hit the "play" button.  When I "pause" or "stop" a video, the lights ramp back on.  Haven't tried it with the popcorn maker or drapes, but it should work!  My lights are Insteon/X-10.  The majority of my lighting automation doesn't take place in Media Center but in mControl itself, which resides on my HTPC/server.

I also use mControl to view live video from my D-Link ethernet camera's. It works with a number of camera's. 

mControl is fairly inexpensive for what it does, about $150.   

stonethecrows

X10 / Insteon / Other?

I use an isy99i as the brains with a mix of X10 and insteon kit.

I gave up using media center 6 foot GUI to control stuff as it became more of a laborious button pressing issue to get to somewhere just to turn a bloody light off.

So, now with the isy99i, I use my iphone and iLinc Pro to talk to it. I also use a mix of X10 IR commands to trigger stuff through an IR543 via a Logitech Harmony One. The instant use of buttons on the Harmony seems to be the quickest easiest way the wife and I trigger events and scenes.

My MC7 no longer plays a part in automation.

This sounds like a good setup - thanks for the pointers.  I'll check out the isy99i.

I just edited post to add links to the products.

I use Embedded Automation MControl with X10 devices. Both the software & X10 devices are a low cost solution. It has the MCE interface. A little cumbersom to use the interface for just turning lights off & on so I have a few X10 keypads laying around. I mostly use it with the macros to automate turning things on and off.

Ref the isy99i, they sell recons at a hundred bucks off. I bought one it was basically brand new - no issues whatsoever, and they have first class support.

It's the best product for controlling and managing insteon scenes hands down.

mikinho

Home Surge Protector

Interesting. Do you have something installed in your breaker panel?

stonethecrows

Interesting. Do you have something installed in your breaker panel?

Yes I do, the Leviton Whole House Surge Protector 51120. It took me about 20 minutes to install. An extra benefit is that the lights do not dim anymore when using the vacuum + microwave + dishwasher. I haven't "lost" an Insteon device since. I previously I had to RMA 1-2 every couple months due to dirty power coming in.

mikinho

lights do not dim anymore when using the vacuum + microwave + dishwasher.

...or turning on MC7 PC

Thanks for the info. I will look into that. Looks to me like some sort of large capacitor setup with paths to neutral.

mControl supports a number of controllers (see their website).  You could start with a simple X-10 controller and lamp module (about $80) or an Insteon controller and light switch (about $120).  I have both Insteon and X-10.

Insteon is better and more reliable for larger homes with more lights.  No need to use HAI.  Insteon supports specific thermostats. mControl will work with ISY-xx and other controllers have Internet interfaces. 

Danno100

Insteon is better and more reliable

I totally agree even for a smaller dwelling. These puppies are great. You can do funky things with them. Wherever your imagination stops really...

I use Homeseer with X10 & z-wave.  I've never seen much need to integrate it with MCE.  Using the TV to turn on the lights just seemed too complex and unecessary.