HTINews - Letters to the Editor

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dsmith@execpc.com

I really enjoyed your interview with Craig Chadwick of Custom Solutions. Any chance a HomeVision will show up as the contest prize one of these months? I have a bunch of great tips but I'm waiting for the right prize before submitting them.

Well, I passed this message on to Craig and he has generously agreed to donate a HomeVision unit for the contest this issue. Just shows that it never hurts to ask. Better get your contest entry in now!

Harry Anderson handerso@cisco.com

Bob, your newsletter just keeps improving! I thought the Oct 96 issue was great, but each issue is full of useful info. I just wish my $30 subscription to PopHomeAuto had as much information (that I hadn't already read in HAPro or ElectronicHouse) Your check is in the mail!

Many thanks Harry. You ain't seen nothin yet.

I think I have covered all the bases on prewire for my new home (the time has come to work) I'll probably have to pursue competitive bids from high end integrators after the fact to do a comparison article. I'm still struggling with a controller choice. I really like the HAL2000 voice control idea, but I'm afraid it doesn't have the logic power that I am expecting from StarGate. After visiting with Jeff at CEDIA last September, I'm convinced that box and software could handle just about any situation. But I want simple control for my wife. (I'm not worried about my 21 month old, he'll pick it quick!) Like you, I've become interested in CyberHouse--bought the book. What I haven't figured out is how these products might work together. I emailed the HAL2000 folks with questions about h/w interfaces like 2-way IR, digital/analog/relay, RS-232 to NAPCO (or DSC?), video output, etc., but they haven't answered.

I've asked HAL2000 for a demo to review in the next issue but haven't heard back as yet. Like you, the voice control thing sounds great (except the fact that you have to talk into a telephone for it to work).

Is CyberHouse as flexible as StarGate's event manager? What do I give up, if anything. What do I gain that StarGate doesn't do well. And what about HomeVision? I know you've tried to cover some of this in previous issues with the comparison article and table, but they seem to have pretty comparable gozintas/gozoutas. Can HAL work with these programs -- would it even need them? I have studied these products as much as time, the web and newsgroups allow and still don't feel like I know enough to make an informed choice. I think a lot of your readers are struggling with the same question.

I agree, it's a tough decision. What I like about Cyberhouse is the upgrade path. As long as they continue to support the product you should be able to add on interfaces (via serial ports) as new technologies emerge. For example, when CEBus gets rolling and a serial port interface becomes available, Cyberhouse could simply add a software module (Type Manager) to handle it. I suppose Stargate and Homevision could do the same :-( Still no clear winner. With Cyberhouse you need a PC running at all times which is not bad if you put in a dedicated server (about the cost of a Stargate Panel). This does give you more flexibility with communication etc though and being able to upgrade using off the shelf PC components appeals to me. On the other hand Jeff has big plans for stargate as does Craig with HomeVision. Any of these products is going to give you a lot of power and I think your decision will fall into place as you do your due diligence (which you appear to be doing now). Try out all the demos (Jeff should have one out soon) and see which interface feels cuddly ... that's the one for you. By the way ... good luck with your wife ... mine is a hard sell when it comes to learning which buttons to push.

HOUSE UPDATE

BTW, the toilet seat selection went smoothly, but so far we have spent at least 4 weeks agonizing over the brick/stone combo. Here is an update on what I am trying to do:

• All rooms will have dual RG6, dual CAT5, 2-way IR, Enerzone StatNets and motion detectors and Panasonic digital phones.
• Master bedroom, study, theater and son's room have MM fiber just in case.
• We have 11 zones of HVAC on three units.
• All windows/exterior doors will be wired for security. I would like to connect my PIRS into the security box with RS232 sensor status reported to the controller, instead of having to wire to both each PIR to both boxes.
• Whole house audio/video and some HA functions will be controlled with Marantz remotes/macros.
• Combination of PCS and X-10 lighting controls
• Driveway sensor
• Outside security cameras, baby monitor camera (I customized a smoke alarm/camera before I found out you could buy them) and front door camera with motion detectors should use IR to pop modulated video onto PIP or change to the activated channel when motion is detected. (Including turning on the TV in any occupied room if it is off -- current sensor detection) Record to VCR if system is in away mode.
• Automatic control of lights and thermostat setbacks will be activated by the PIR's.
• Front door intercom and electric strike.
• Motion activated low light paths after bedtime, stair pressure sensors.
• Alerts to Mom and Dad if Jr. is roaming.

As you can see, the logic involved with occupancy determination, sleep time, etc. demands a system with a powerful and flexible programming environment.

Looks like you've covered all the bases and then some ... I'm green with envy.

BACK TO FEEDBACK MODE:

The interviews this issue were great. I was turned off by the CGA video output of the HomeVision product when I saw it at CEDIA, but I thought Craig's comments were right on target. At Cisco Systems, we believe that the web browser will become the user interface of choice for most information and control applications in the future. The hot interest in webPC's and webTV's bare this out. I believe that HomeVision could become a superior product with this kind of face-lift.

One final thought. I like the idea of downloading the newsletter, but I haven't found an easy way to print, except article by article. Is there any way to print the whole thing? I like to highlight and make notes on the paper -- a throwback to my childhood.

Arrrg ... the most frustrating thing about HTML. No way to control printing. Perhaps in the next generation I'll be able to change the way I do things so that I can maintain the flexibility and navigation benefits of HTML with some printing options. You PC systems guys will have to help me out with that one.

Keep up the great work,
Harry

Glen Moore gmoore@onlink.net

Hi Bob,

Downloading the newsletter works perfectly.
I enjoy reading the articles and find them very informative. The links are handy.
I hope you are able to continue producing the newsletter.

Thanks, Glen

Glen answered a query I sent to the mailing list regarding HTINews downloading. If you're having any problems please let me know.

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