Better than x10: Insteon, z-wave, zigbee?

[m4rky_m4rk]

Hi,

I dabbled with Home automation using Marmitek x10 modules. I have various modules lamp LM12, appliance AM12, TM13 RF transceiver, Ir receiver IRRF7243, Controller CM15 +Active Home Pro.

x10 is OK but can sometimes be problematic with reliability problems from mains noise. Adding filters helps but these are expensive and not always a 100% cure. I was wondering, before I end up with too much invested in x10 modules, what would be the next step up for a more reliable but not too expensive system.

Insteon looks interesting because its alledgedly more relaiable than x10 but is also compatible with my existing x10 units. Any experience here, comments etc? I am based in EU.

[neilball]

If you want decent lighting control via wireless then i would look at Rako - it is good value when compared to other dedicated lighting control systems but more expensive than X10. You can start out simple - you can set up & program dimmers & keypads without any specialist tools although their is also a software package for more advanced programming. You can also get a cool whole-house remote with coloured led screen which can also be used via USB with your PC and software toolbox for wireless programming of the system.