Questions before I get started, Lighting Control, and Direct Tv

[rgabriel]

Hi Everyone, I ran across LinuxMCE, I haven't touched linux in years, mainly a gamer when it comes to computer use. But for a living I work with home automation and security systems. My main questions are the following.

1) If the alarm your using has a rs232 connection and outputs all data that it receives to LinuxMCE, would it be possible when the computer receives a communication from the alarm panel that a motion detector was triggered in the living room at 6 pm to turn on the lights at full level...etc It could be more complex like if its 6 pm in the middle of summer, sunset is not for another 2 hours so lights do not need to be turned on. Mainly features like these would rival 10-25k home automation systems using Leviton X10 switches (Don't use standard x10 switches their horrible) I've had no problems with Leviton stuff. The alarm panel is a concord ultra with a home automation module putting out rs232.

2) I have 4 Direct Tv HD receivers, none are DVR's. I guess there's really no option for me to record stuff using this, so really I'd only be using this for automation, digitalizing my dvd library and music library....etc, unless I have an option for this.

3)Has anyone used one of those 4 analog bnc camera input cards in this, their are a few out their that work in Linux, how hard would it be to get one of these to work in LinuxMCE if there are linux drivers already for it. I'm not a big fan of ip or usb cameras, you can get analog cameras a lot cheaper and a much better picture for far less money, not to mention you can get true weather proof IR cameras with 150' rangers for good outdoor coverage.

4)Do you really need a media director in every room, or could us remote mount everything in a closet like I do now and just have a flat screen hanging on the wall with an ir plate broadcasting the signal back to the closet.

I know its quite a few questions, just throwing some stuff out their before I get too involved in a new project.

Gabe

[1audio]

1) The basics of the integration you mention are pretty automatic with a supported alarm panel. The more advanced (seasonal) features would take some programming but could be done.
2) Like all the other walled garden video sources recording HD is a problem. Antenna or unencrypted cable can be done easily. SD output from SAT/Cable can be done. HD is waiting for a capture card (and the possible leagal issues if its digital)
3) There is mention of advanced security camera stuff in the forums. I have not gone there yet.
4) You do need an MD for each display. You can put them in a closet but it will be a retro install and the Gyro remote uses RF so It will be a challenge to deal with. However there is a flat (1") MD available that bolts to the Vesa pattern on the back of the TV.