$800 for Home Automation/Security. What would you get?

[Rob Black]

I have budget of $800 -$1000 Here are my requirements.

1. Four IP Camera's w/ DVR functionality
2. Controllable from three HTPC's, In wall Touch Panel's & a iPad/iPod
3. Ability to Turn off/ Turn on lights via INSTEON Dimmers & Switches [4 Zones]
4. Huge plus If it can integrate into WMC7 [but not needed]

What would you pick?

 

[Rob Black]

Here's what I was thinking

Camera System:

Defender SN500-4CH-002 Feature-rich 4 Channel H.264 DVR Security System
http://www.amazon.com/Defender-SN50...curity/dp/B002UKOUTK/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

mControl Software (Works with WMC7)
http://www.smarthome.com/1413/INSTEON-compatible-mControl-Software-V2/p.aspx

USB INSTEON PowerLinc Controller
http://www.smarthome.com/2414U/PowerLinc-INSTEON-Controller-USB-Based-Home-Automation-Device/p.aspx

INSTEON Remote Control Dimmer, White (2 of these)
http://www.smarthome.com/2476D/SwitchLinc-Dimmer-INSTEON-Remote-Control-Dimmer-White/p.aspx

INSTEON Remote Control On/Off Switch (Non-Dimming), White (2 of these)
http://www.smarthome.com/2476S/Swit...ontrol-On-Off-Switch-Non-Dimming-White/p.aspx

Everything listed above comes out to $850.00. Anything better? Should I be looking at something like HomeSeer?

 

[erikjackson]

Looking for a IP camera set up??? Keep dreaming! You can not even get a good quality DVR for $800That 4 ch. system will last abot a year before it stops working. And those cameras will allow you to see about 25 ft. May have to up your budget to get some better stuff and will last.

 

[Adidas4275]

i like HomeSeer much better than mControl

you can find HomeSeer pro on 50% sale if you wait for it.

it is a much more robust HS system than mControl

I use IP cameras that are POE with a POE switch and HomeSeer for the analytics of the video

 

[Rob Black]

0That 4 ch. system will last abot a year before it stops working

You own one?

 

[Adidas4275]

this is from my vivotech outdoor IP, POE camera



homeseer's HStouch for iOS and Android devices has come a long way and no longer requires any setup, or minimal. Which is a huge +



also i would recomend UPB or z-wave for lighting. I have had good success with GE z-wave switches

 

[Justintoxicated]

A dog and a universal remote.

 

[valve1138]

Adidas, what cameras do you use?

 

[Adidas4275]

this is my camera, I have 2 at the moment... need more
http://vivotek.com/products/model.php?network_camera=ip8332


I found them on ebay around $220

 

[valve1138]

Ouch! Too rich for my blood

I need a few that are around $100 each. Wired or wireless, doesn't matter.

 

[Adidas4275]

with out IR or POE you can get Vivotech's that are around $100

here are all of there IP cameras

I have found their embedded linux software intelligence works well
http://www.vivotek.com/products/network_cameras.php

 

[valve1138]

Excellent, thanks!

 

[Rob Black]

A dog and a universal remote.

Got both already

 

[madcoder]

Homeseer FTW