Did Windows MCE and Lifeware go open source or did I miss something ;-)? Lifeware uses their own completely proprietary software just as Crestron and AMX do. It just happens to use MCE as the interface. Crestron and AMX can also control MCE but allow a custom interface to be created.

I DO understand why you might prefer once approach to the other, but I really wish people would stop misusing the term "proprietary". Life ware is EVERY bit as "proprietary" as Crestrojn and AMX, marketing claims notwithstanding.

Thank you for your response QQQ. You are correct. They both are "proprietary". Do you, or any else, have any suggestions for my setup that I described? Thanks!

You said you are very price conscious. That's open to interpretation :-). On the other hand you are mentioning systems that are not what i would call budget systems. So I am not sure what options to give you. The things you want are not things I'd equate with budget systems, that's for sure.

The other challenge to answering your question is it's sort of like answering "what the meaning of life". If you said I want sound in 6 rooms with a keypad it's easier to answer.

That said, if this is going to be DIY or you like the advantage of "not proprietary" by which I'll assume you mean anyone can have it and so forth, you may want to take a look a CQC (www.charmedquark.com). It is very powerful automation software. It is NOT a multi-room A/V system, rather you would use it to control one. That is one place you might look. Crestron can of course easily do all that you want.

People tend to get open source and open standards mixed up. WSD is an open standard that many companies are working on.

Thanks for the quick response QQQ. When I say price conscious, I'm not looking to spend $200,000 on a system... I'd like to get insight into what system I should go with that has all the functionality that I need, but is the best for my pocket.

I can see what you mean about not being clear. Hopefully this clears it up:

Video - 5 Bed Rooms, 1 Media Room and 1 Living Room (7 Rooms for Video):

1) Each room should have the ability watch 7 different live-S/HD-TV feeds while being
able to record those feeds.
2) Each rooms should be able to access media (dvd/pictures,etc...) while being able to
watch to the same movie at the same time. Room A is watching "The
Matrix" and room B is watching "The Matrix" but at different points of the movie.
3) I guess each room would be its own video zone.

Audio - 5 Bed Rooms, 1 Media Room, 1 Living Room, 1 Dining Room, 2 Areas Outdoor, (Approximately 11 zones for Audio):

1) Approximately 21 Speakers (not including media room speakers)
2) Each rooms should be able to access media (music, etc...) while being able to
listen to the same song at the same time. Room A is listening to Michael Jacksons
"Thriller" and room B is istening to Michael Jacksons "Thriller" but at different points
of the song.

Lighting - Don't know how many switches their are... Approximately 18 zones for
lighting

Security - No security system installed yet, but I would like the system to be able to
handle security as well. We also have wiring set up for video cameras.

HVAC - Central air conditioning is installed. I would like the system to control this as
well.

Irrigation - I would like the system to be able to control this.

Pool/Spa - No pool yet, but their might be one installed in the future. I would like the
system to be able to control this.

Appliances - In the future, I might want to use appliances like the Connect Io
Intelligent Oven, I want the system to be able to control that as well.

Phone System - I have Panasonic KX-TD1232-7 with a KX-TVS120 voicemail system.
If the system can, I would like for it to be integrated with the
phone/messaging system. We use Cat-5e for the wiring, so VOIP is
also an option.

I want to be able to control the systems via a touch-screen, pda, over the network via a computer, on the TV, etc...

Hopefully that gives a clearer picture of the situation.

I said I did not prefer proprietary, but if I did and had to go the proprietary route, I'd like to choose a system that allows for the most customization and will still give me the functionality that I need (still with the price conscious thing in mind). The reason I did not like Crestron/AMX was because of how "complicated" their systems were. I am not a serious programmer (although I have a ASP .NET background). I want to be able to configure/customize/troubleshoot my system if my installer/initial programmer is not available to come in and fix things...

I appreciate your input. Hopefully more people can jump in and give their opinion as well. Thanks.

-DLewis

You could easily spend 200k on the system you describe. Whether you choose Crestron, Lifeware or any other system, you have a VERRRRRRRY complex system.

Basically you are describing a system with Crestron (or some other) control system, Crestron or some other brand distributed audio system, Kaleidascape DVD server system, Crestron, Vantage or Lutron Homeworks lighting (18 zones to you might mean 18 rooms, but 18 zones in a lighting system means 18 controlled loads), a control system that can hook into a security and CCTV system, pool control and whatever else you can think of.

If you do this system as a DIY, you might be able to do it for 80-100k,if you work really hard to keep costs down, plus a million hours of your time.As QQQ mentioned, CQC can handle the control of this type of system, but you will have to supply all of the parts for your subsystems.If you are going to hire it out, I don't see how you could possibly get it done, with any of the current players equipment/software, for less than 150 - 200k.

rlustig, thanks for your response. I'd definitely be interested in going in stages with this type of project... My IMMEDIATE need is Security. From jump street, I just want to pick the right control system that will handle all my future needs and not too complicated (once I jump into the other areas).

Also, QQQ said that CQC is "NOT a multi-room A/V system, rather you would use it to control one", so that wouldn't be a good option I assume.

Thanks!

Russound would be a good start for distributed audio system and DSC for security.
For Automation you it is going to be tough to get your hands on a system to do DIY.
Try HomeLogic, which is compatible with both subsystems above as is EI.

DSC is not going to be easily controlled down the road. I would suggest going with a GE security system. I have seen the Advant series used with Crestron a few times.

I think the term 'proprietary' could still benefit from a bit of clarification on this thread.

In terms of Lifeware, the software is proprietary in that you must install it on whatever interface device you decide to use. ie: pc, media center pc, UMPC, TouchPanel, etc. We are not proprietary in regard to what equipment you use. For example, with Lifeware, you are not limited to using Lifeware TP's, Lifeware lighting systems, etc. as you are with the 'proprietary' systems such as Crestron, HAI, etc. We work with most of the major players in just about every category and can integrate seamlessly with a good mixture of all of them. After a quick skim of your needs, I think Lifeware could do a good job for most of it, especially if you want the integration of the kitchen appliances. The only thing that sticks out as something we do not support is the phone system you mentioned. We do currently work with the oven you mentioned, as well as the LG washer/dryer. You also do not need knowledge of programming languages to configure the system. We have a tool built for 'programming' that walks you through the setup. The only down side that I can see for you is that we are not set up for the DIY'ers. We only sell to our dealers/distributors. If you are a dealer, then all you need to do is get in touch with one of our regional sales reps to become a Lifeware dealer. Once that happens, we have tons of resources for helping you get your system up and running. Otherwise, we could put you in touch with the dealer nearest you if you were still interested.

NONSENSE! PROPAGANDA! DID I SAY NONSENSE?

I'm not sure why you would call that quote 'nonsense'. It is quite true that Lifeware does not require you to use EI's hardware. We are merely developing the hardware as an enhancement to the overall experience.

joshod, on another thread a user mentioned that Life|ware doesn't have 'home theater support'. Although I was not too clear on what that meant, could you clarify this?

I would assume that he meant that we do not have a large number of components like DVD players or projectors that are certified. We do offer a couple of receivers, such as Denon, that are compatible. Most of the other equipment can be controlled through the use of the Global Cache GC-100, however the communication is not bi-directional using this method, so there is no feedback to show status of the various components. You can find a list of compatible products on our website: www.life-ware.com under the Connected Partners list.

joshod, in addition, I was told that Niveus does not allow for multi-zone a/v setups (just one zone). Could you recommend another a/v system that will work with Life|ware that will allow me the functionality I want (simultaneous listening/viewing of the same a/v media, viewing different live-S/HD-TV content in 7+ rooms with S/HD-DVR capability, etc...). Thanks!