I have someone who wants a system in their 2nd home where they can remotely turn on/off some lights and view a few security cameras from a computer screen 500 miles away. I’ve used a blackbox in the past for power control via telephone, but I’ve been out of the loop for awhile. What are my options here? I thought of a separate slingbox for video and blackbox for power but I’d prefer one slick package that controls multiple systems. Any thoughts or links appreciated.

P.S. There is high-speed internet access at both homes (via cable) and both are well-wired. The newer 2nd home has a Russound CAV system for video/sound distribution, the primary home has no existing whole-house distribution (yet) but cat5 everywhere and a nice dedicated HT setup. None of these need to be integrated into the solution, but it would be a bonus. Also, the budget is somewhat tight, if I could do it for under $2K I'd score major points with them.

This message was edited by willywaxer on 10/29/05 20:13 ET.

$2k? Are you insane? I couldnt even get a Crew 500 miles away for less than that let alone provied/install any gear.

Take a look at Destiny Networks. They ahve a $1000 retail box that has RS-232, and IR Control, Built in web-server.

For video, an IP camera or 2 is your best bet. You might be able to get these parts around your 2k price point, but Installation, and programming is going to be muchmore.

No, I could put in a few web cams for less than $200/ea. I could separately provide dial-in power control for a few dedicated lights for $500-600. Maybe that is the best route. I was just looking for a slicker solution since I've been out of the loop for awhile. This isn't a big deal to them. They mostly want to observe ski conditions in the winter and watch their petunias in the summer. They'd also like to have a few lights on before they arrive and to look like they are there when they aren't. Rather minimal really.

Check out Homelogic(homelogic.com) they have exactly what you are looking for. You can login to your home and check your heat , lights cameras, pool, even watch what is on tv from work. All from one interface. They even take care of the DHCP issue with your internet connection.

But not for 2k

Give this a look they are inexpensive for the 4 camera contoller/recorder and believe it or not they actually look fairly good and under 1K. Now that takes care of the cameras remotely, the rest of the house turning of lights remotely over IP I think your black box idea is going to be the cheapest route!

[Link: sorainc.com]

Another issue is remotely resetting the modem, router, etc. when the occasional power outage locks it up.

The dial in system (Sensaphone, etc.) has some value, but I think it's a little on the no-frills side for something like this.
I know that I would not want to have to remember to call my cabin at 9 PM every night to turn off the lights...

At the budget you are considering, you won't get more than some IP cameras and some Intermatic lamp timers from the hardware store.

I am really not joking...

They even have one with an astronomic clock now, which would be handy in this application where months may go by before the schedules could be physically changed.

web cams for $200 each. Man you don't cahrge much. Maybe I should subcontract you. I won't get out of bbed in the morning for $200... I only sell Panasonic IP cameras andf I generally price their outdoor cams at $1200 installed. That is general pricing. It could be more depending on what kind of surface I'm installing it to (Limestone? Granite? Stucco? Brick?), how high in the air I have to go (anything over 20 feet is waaay extra), and what I'm integrating it to. And also what kind of support/service is expected of me. $200? You got to be kidding. Sheesh, eveyhthing I sell I'm married to and sorry, I simply won't get married to 2 Ben Franklins - not for life anyway.

If they have a security system you could change it over to a HAI panel and add a couple of Lutron Radio RA switches. All of this could be controlled through HAI's web interface or telephone innterface, not only would you be able to turn lights on and off, but you could tell if any zones are open or you could arm and disarm the system remotely to let in any maintenance guys. Then you could sell them on some HAI thermostats so that they can also call ahead and turn up the heat. Why sell them the cheap route only? Sell them something you can expand on in the future.. Web cams are pretty plentiful.

homeseer would work with some x-10 lights and moduated cameras to a pc w/ a video card.

homeseer has phone back-up incase of the router issue.

definantly a long lasting battery backup on the pc, and router/modem

do they have a buddy there who can reset the modem WHEN that time comes?


home seer isn't great, but wil lget the job done

Where can you get these, and is that 1k WITH cameras?

Actually I would be willing to bet you can buy them direct they don't have many dealers,but if you can't get them let me know and I will hook you up for cost + frieght as a one time deal. No they don't come with the cameras but heck those are fairly cheap and this box really took me by surprise all the features it has and ease of use!

Is there anything that makes these stand out over any other security DVR? Or is it just that they have a much lower cost/retail than many on the market?


Robbie S

FPcrazy: I sell the panny cameras to my customers at $199. The Airlinks are $99. They are direct IP so they are cheap and easy to install and I put them under eaves. If you charge $1200, well, that's your business.

others: I like the HAI idea. I also like the Homelogic idea for the same reason: I could talk them into adding additional services. The thermostat option would be an easy sell, I may get them to increase their budget.
Timers are not an option as the lights are needed on demand for camera operation as well. The cameras are not for full security (they live in an area where they usually leave their doors unlocked!). They mostly want to monitor the weather conditions and see when other family members or guests have arrived. Two is all they likely need. Thanks for the ideas everyone. I may end up going my original route. I did something similar for a client this way about 4 years ago who just wanted to watch his Koi pond while at work for well under $2K and one of the cameras was underwater.


P.S. Anybody ever use the Barix stuff? : [Link: smarthome.com]

Or remotelife?: [Link: smarthome.com]

This message was edited by willywaxer on 10/28/05 12:50 ET.

I am not a security expert buy any stretch but of the few I have had my hands on this one was the most user friendly and had the most features. That is not to say others dont have those also but I did look around and for the $$ it gave my customer the most and set up was easy. So short answer is...I am not sure!