| There are a number of applications available for | | | | Z-wave and X10 protocols. HomeSeer has an |
| use with X10 and other home automation | | | | interface that somewhat resembles Microsoft |
| standards; however, it is fair to say that the | | | | Outlook with a bar situated on the left hand side |
| software applications out there are not very well | | | | of the screen that provides the user with three |
| known. My post today critically evaluates the | | | | options; devices, events and logs. |
| leading software packages you can use to | | | | A limitation of HomeSeer is the fact the PC must |
| automate your home. | | | | be running at all times, there are no options for |
| | | | downloading pre-defined settings onto a PC |
| ActiveHome | | | | controller like you can in ActiveHome. |
| One of the most well-known home automation | | | | Powerhome |
| products on the market is the X10 ActiveHome | | | | Powerhome differs from and arguably betters |
| kit. The application comes with the CM12U module. | | | | ActiveHome and HomeSeer. The application has a |
| ActiveHome is a good starting point for | | | | fully programmable interface, meaning tech savvy |
| somebody starting out with... home automation; | | | | home owners can input custom Visual Basic |
| however the program is rather old-fashioned | | | | scripts to allow for greater control and flexibility. |
| looking and simply adds to the geeky reputation | | | | There are many advantages to Powerhome, for |
| of home automation. | | | | example, you can configure the application to |
| You would have thought given that the application | | | | send status updates via email to a mobile phone |
| was developed by the market lead; X10 who | | | | when away on holiday and the text-to-speech |
| have been around since the 70's that ActiveHome | | | | feature can be setup to greet visitors on arrival |
| would be slick and sophisticated by now. It's | | | | via intercom or it can act as an alarm by warning |
| saving grace however, is the fact it is readily | | | | approaching visitors at night that the house is |
| available in Europe. | | | | monitored by CCTV. |
| HomeSeer | | | | Powerhome's limitation is the fact that it is not |
| HomeSeer is a more refined software application | | | | very user friendly and the program is probably |
| than ActiveHome because it allows for greater | | | | best avoided if the user does not have any |
| flexibility, such as, controlling the home from web | | | | programming skills. |
| or email, something which ActiveHome does not | | | | Please visit for more on smart homes. |
| initiate. The application supports the INSTEON, | | | | |