[mythtv-users] Alternatives to X-10, was: X-10 Module for Myth?

[Steven Adeff]

On 6/6/06, Meatwad <meatwad.get.the.honeys at gmail.com> wrote:
> Steven Adeff wrote:
>
> > another option is CLIPSAL, an Aussie company that SquareD (Schneider
> > Electric) partnered with to sell in the U.S. market.
> > http://www.squaredlightingcontrol.com/
>
> Interesting. I checked with my residential rep and he hasn't even been
> offered the kool-aid yet. The commercial rep I use knew of it and told
> me to check back next year. Marketing is here. Product doesn't seem to
> be available. To be perfectly honest, I stopped dealing with SquareD in
> the late 80's except to replace defective breakers.
>
> Solutions like CLIPSAL already exist in the States and have reached
> maturity. Vantage, Lutron, and Lightolier are the go-to systems for
> integrators wishing to tie into HAI, AMX, Crestron and the various DIY
> control systems like Mr. House, Homeseer, etal.
>
> For retrofits, Lutron RadioRA is a straighforward, fairly cost effective
> way to automate. Bi-directional control of the system is possible with
> RS-232.  Lutron RF is a very well known animal and behaves very well
> when a system is designed properly. They even make a separate SKU
> specifically for a certain area of NYC plagued with interference from
> civil services. Lightolier has the Compose series which is similar to
> Leviton's DALI powerline (X-10) controlled equipment. They also have the
> Multiset Pro series but additional control wiring must be run throughout.
>
> For new construction, Lutron Homeworks, Vantage C-Box and Lightolier
> Lytemode systems are extremely robust but require centralized dimming
> cabinets usually located in the mechanical room. Loads are piped/wired
> directly to the cabinets while the control surfaces communicate via low
> voltage wiring. Typically, systems such as these are found in the 3
> million dollar and up homes.
>
> An emerging wireless mesh technology called ZigBee (802.15) looks very
> promising but so far, only Control4 has product to the market and it
> looks like they have their work cut out for them to bring their wireless
> dimmers to maturity. Keep an eye on this segment if and when it matures.
>
> My recommendation still stands for the Graphic Eye in dedicated theaters
> and for whole-home control, the RadioRA. If you are well connected, you
> may be able to purchase the components but the learning curve for
> designing the complete system is fairly steep. Lutron dealers receive
> extensive factory /technical/ training in system design as opposed to
> other manufacturers' sales and marketing sessions.

I only know of CLIPSAL/SquareD because they pitched their product to
us at work (we do pharmacutical manufacturing facility design), it
looked interesting and I noted they had "Residential" support.

meatwad, do the systems you mention have linux compat. software? Whats
the average install price for a 2 bedroom house/condo?

-- 
Steve
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