Wanna Control your A/V Components?

Ok, so you want to control your A/V components, but you really don't know where to start?

Well, let's start with what you want to do. Do you want to replace your remote control? Do you want to catalog your DVD collection and play them at any time? Do you want to stream XM Radio, or Internet Radio stations? How about running a Media Center computer? Yes, all of this is possible, and relatively easy, with home automation.

Now, HOW do you want to do this? Do you want to use a universal remote control? How about your iPhone or your web enabled cell phone? A slick interface on a "pad" computer would be cool, huh?

Well, the universal remote control route is the easiest, and if all you want to do is control everything via one remote, is the best choice for you. Check out RemoteCentral.com for some ideas, or google "remote control".

Controlling everything via your iPhone is fairly easy, but is going to require more work, and a home automation controller (a computer) to handle everything. You'll send commands via a website over WiFi, and your components will respond. Check out the GC-100 at GlobalCache.com for an idea of how to do this. If you're a Mac person, check out iRed or the upcoming airRemote. If you're a PC person, check out MainLobby.

Home Automation - It's Easier than you Think!

I know... just the mention of the term "home automation" both excites and frightens you. So many people have a fear that home automation is too difficult - there's too much to learn, and you have to be a programming genius to tie it all together!

Not so! The industry has made leaps and bounds in the past few years, and several companies offer full home automation packages. Smarthome owns the Insteon brand, and they offer several packages that will allow you to control the lights and appliances throughout your home - via a remote control, the computer, or even via the iTouch!

Of course, the X10 brand has been around for a while, and while not as robust as the Insteon devices (Insteon devices create a wireless grid and repeater system), they do have the experience in the marketplace to make your automation project a rousing success. Of course, you can mix and match X10 and Insteon devices using any number of bridges available. For example - you want to control your pool's light from the back porch? Both systems offer lighting components, but X10 has a remote switch panel that doesn't require AC to operate (fully battery powered). So, go ahead and install the Insteon switch for the light, but install the X10 switch panel to control it. Your bridge will handle the interoperability flawlessly!

What's that? You want to control your A/V equipment too? The industry's got you covered. Did you know there are units to emit IR remote codes that interface with your network? How about systems that transmit your IR codes across your TV cable to other rooms? Hide your A/V equipment in a closet, run cables to all of your TVs, and control it all from a single remote in any room... all this is done easily with components out there right now.

So, the next time somebody tells you that home automation is difficult - you tell them things have changed. Just Google "home automation" to prove it!