Scott Varn
Q. Is there a system with a touchscreen wireless remote that will let me control EVERYTHING in my home? Lights, music, heat, security, video….. Thanks! - Todd/Seattle
A. Actually there are many but I have to ask ... do you want to control them all with one system or have multiple systems? I will infer that you really want it all under one hood. A do-it-yourself guy has very limited options. Most of which consist of multiple systems loosely tied together via X10 devices and possibly software. X10 uses existing wiring, RF, and line carrier technology to communicate with no new wiring necessary. It has been around for some time, is relatively inexpensive and is fairly simple for the home user to configure. However, it is not completely reliable, especially in older homes. But it’s biggest drawback is the it does not control everything - like you asked.
You need to find a programmable remote that can handle X10 and the A/V (that can be done), but the thermostat is a bit trickier. It could be a fun hobbiest-type system - that is, if stringing many parts, from many companies and somehow forcing them to work together is your idea of fun. And just so I don’t get 1000 e-mails from uber-geeks who claim to have done this themselves and think it is easy… Todd asked for a touchscreen system that can control everything. Unreliable, obscure technologies do not count.
Ultimately, the best solution is a professional system installed by a system integrator - the most powerful and expensive being Crestron. Their systems can do anything, but the programming is extensive and the hardware is not cheap. But it is still the most open and flexible of all systems - and because of this it requires a pro with years of experience to program and maintain. AMX and Savant Systems—an Apple-based control system—are also at this top tier of robust systems with wireless touchscreens.
Control4 is another professionally installed system. It is much more accessible in price and they manufacture most of their own hardware; light switches, thermostat, amps, controllers and various touchscreen interfaces. Both of these companies have the tools and the integrators to put it under one hood. I recommend a professionally integrated system, not because I want to endorse my industry, but because it is the only way to get the truly tight system you want. Once it’s installed, you can simply enjoy its functionality rather than being your own home automation maintenance man.
Someday, due to the prevalence of broadband access and iPhones, it is likely that companies like Apple and Microsoft will develop tools that will link all the devices in your home. In fact, that revolution has begun - but the complete solution is not here yet for the DIY guy.
Related articles:
10 Key Features in a Home Automation System
Home Control 101: Insteon vs X10
Let Your iPhone Take Full Control
Remote is one which sends a signal.For instance your TV gets a d.c voltage hits the direct point with which TV is triggered and it functions. Basic is this.audio engineering colleges
Now you can not send the DC.Wherever you have your eqpt at home it should be activated.To activate it you must have a remote control through an FM transmitter .Which trigers your equipment at home, which triggers your others at home, PC.& others.The transmitter sends an FM wave coupled with a dc voltge.So this is the total design you should have for eqpt usage and control.
Yes ! There are a few ways this can be achieved
I would recommend this method…..(lo w cost model)
Required:
1. A microcontroller circuit which control relays
2. A computer which server as a server
3. A touch phone with wifi connection
To start with try making this device which controls all the appliances connected to a single switch board. Once you can control relays connected to the circuit you will be able to control any appliance connected to it (on/off). If you want a regulator you will have to connect the regulator poles to a relay (i.e. to have five steps in case of a heater connect five relays to the regular of the heater).and control the relays using the microcontroller.
There are many microcontrollers which can be controlled by a computers serial port (ex atmel atmega). So in the server write a web application which sends required data to the required pin of the serial port. run this web application on local host. Connect the controller circuit to the computer. You can test the circuit from the computer browsing the local web application you just made.
Use the wifi on your touch phone and connect the server from your phones browser.
That’s it you will now be able to control the appliances connected wirelessly using infact any touch device which has a browser.
If you have a public IP at your home .you will also be able to host this website and control the the appliances from any ware in the world
-Hari
As in most things in AV, the system is only as good as the installer that put it in. This is one of the cases that this is the most true in our industry. I have seen Touch Panel / Screen remotes that look like a 1990’s web page, and I have seen some that are exactly what the customer wanted. The integrator makes all the difference.
Professional, RTI, Amen!
Name:
Email:
Remember my personal information
Notify me of follow-up comments?
Please answer the question below:
Type the first letter of the word "stereo":
Electronic House is now available in a digital edition. Learn more.
I love my Sunfire Ultimate receiver, however, I have a Denon 2808CI and the room… 
Stay up-to-date with home electronics. 
Weekly email offers tips, info and product news.
Get the content that's important to you.
There is a new iPhone app to control the Vantage Controls Infusion System coming out.
Using your iPhone/iTouch, you will be able to control your home lighting, Jacuzzi, fireplace, sprinklers and window shades. Whatever your Vantage Controls Infusion System can control, you will be able to operate from your iPhone/iTouch.
The application that can control the Vantage Infusion System directly without the use of a stand alone PC, has been submitted to APPLE, and is awaiting approval.
Go to www.HAME-LLC.com