Posts by sic0048

ATV should work, but it is going to have it's quirks too. Namely, you are going to have to turn the TV on to control it because you'll need the visual interface. With Sonos, I don't think you would have to have the display on to...

Certainly a SIP phone system like Asterisk (I suggest PBX in a Flash as a great option) or 3CX (which runs on a Windows OS machine) can have intercom functionality. You can create ring groups that have multiple extensions in them, or...

Well if you expect to have 110v power, then you need a box to meet code. If you think you can get away with a POE (power over ethernet) solution, then a box is probably optional. If you need a box, you can always add a stud frame on...

That's the biggest issue. There are multiple ways to wire things usually. Every person's situation is different which also makes it hard. What I would wire for isn't necessarily right for you and your system. That is why it is so...

Well most options are either going to fall either in the professionally installed category or the fully DIY category. I think you are unlikely to find an installer who will be willing to come in and simply "program" your DIY automation...

Running the wire is the key element right now. If you take good notes (measurements from walls, ceilings, etc) of where your wire ends up and take pictures, you don't have to worry about terminating all the wire right now. It can...

I've used CQC for years and love it. It's the pricing model and device support that I think makes it stand out from the crowd. Regarding pricing - most of the other automation systems out there charge you for each device you want to...

Cheap and home automation do not belong in the same discussion. First you have the cost of the hardware. Is all of your equipment controllable (and just because it has a dedicated app doesn't mean that a centralized automation system...

Do you want to have the installation done by a professional where you will be locked out of the system (ir must have the professionals come back to make any future changes) or do you want to have more of a DIY scenario where you install...

I would just reiterate everyone's comments so far.... You should wire both RG-6 (for a direct cable, satellite, or OTA signal) and Cat5e/Cat6 wire (for network, and other signals like HDMI, etc via the use of baluns). Don't leave out...