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Volume 1 Issue 1 October 1996 |
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REVIEWS
Home Control Software
HomeVision / JDS TimeCommander-Plus (HomeBase) / X10 ActiveHome
This month we'll have a look at 3 of the more popular home control systems software. This review is based on the demonstration software downloaded from the internet.
COMPARISON TABLE
| ITEM | HomeVision | JDS Timecommander-Plus | X10 ActiveHome |
| Operating System(s) | Windows 3.1 or higher | Windows 3.1 or higher | Windows 3.1, NT, 95 |
| Storage (Hard Disk) | 6 MB | 3 MB (NI Libraries) | 5.75 MB |
| Stand Alone Operation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Two Way Communication | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Direct Control | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Access (Modem) | Next Version | Yes | No |
| I/O Devices: | . | . | . |
| - X10 Powerline | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| - Infra Red | Send / Receive | Send / Receive(Add On Interface Required) | Receive(Additional Device Required) |
| - Digital Inputs | 8 (+8 Bi-directional) | 16 | No |
| - Analog Inputs | No | 8 | No |
| - Relay Outputs | 8 | 8 | No |
| - Video Output | Yes | No | No |
| - Serial Control Interface | Yes | Yes | No |
| Programming Entities: | . | . | . |
| - Flags | 255 | 64 | No |
| - Variables | 255 | 32 | No |
| - Timers | 255 | 16 | Yes (Macros & Modules) |
| - Macros | 255 | 16 IF / 16 THEN | Yes (Flash & Standard) |
| - Sunrise / Sunset | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Monitoring / Logs | Yes | Yes | Yes (Undocumented) |
| Security Mode | Random | Yes (Sunrise/Sunset) | Yes |
| Dawn and dusk offsets | Yes | Yes (Before/After) | Yes |
| Multiple X10 Transmissions | Yes (Selectable) | Yes (Selectable) | Yes (1 minute delay then resend) |
| Printouts | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Backup | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price (Approx) | $599 | $599 | $50 to $100 |
