Hi guys, I was wondering if I could get some of your input. Im about to renovate a house and want to take my gadget geek to the next level. With the walls being open, I figure Ive got a one off opportunity to automate some stuff for cheap.
Ive spoken to a few installers, and theyve started talking about things like enterprise grade wifi access points and switches. Whilst I may need those things, Ive no real idea and just the mention of the word enterprise grade scares the bank manager. All the lighting solutions have to be lutron. Etc. and Im worried that Im speccing a solution far beyond my requirements.
The wifes system requirements are simple.
1) It needs to be super simple for her and guests to use without an instruction manual
2) It needs to all work together to minimise requirement for lots of different switches etc.
3) Needs to look good
In terms of wish list, Ive researched features, but not into brands which I hope is where your expert opinion would be helpful. Would it be possible to do all of the following?
1) I want proper data cabling to every room to future proof as far as possible. Is cat 6 worth the additional money?
2) Motorised satellite dish with picture distributed to the four rooms with a TV
3) Central server to distribute music and films
4) Set top box by each TV (4) so that different films can be streamed to each
5) Intercom system of some type so that I dont have to shout to the kids two floors up. I hate shouting!
6) Automated blinds to two rooms (maybe three if cheap to add one extra)
7) Money saving sensible heating control (heatmiser?) to do underfloor heating on lower two floors and radiators on the top two
8) Money saving light control to do all off when exiting, porch light to come on at dusk and scenes in two rooms
9) Security system with cameras on external doors and ability to turn on lights/music if anything sensed
10) Potentially upgrade it over time
We currently have a squeezebox audio network with five rooms connected with wifi. Id like to continue to use those but hard wired if possible. But its a pretty blank canvas from there .
How complicated is it to do that? If I want it to all be integrated is control 4 the only way to do this? Or are there other cheaper alternatives(albeit whilst fitting the wifes demands)?
Thanks for taking the time to respond,
Ive spoken to a few installers, and theyve started talking about things like enterprise grade wifi access points and switches. Whilst I may need those things, Ive no real idea and just the mention of the word enterprise grade scares the bank manager. All the lighting solutions have to be lutron. Etc. and Im worried that Im speccing a solution far beyond my requirements.
The wifes system requirements are simple.
1) It needs to be super simple for her and guests to use without an instruction manual
2) It needs to all work together to minimise requirement for lots of different switches etc.
3) Needs to look good
In terms of wish list, Ive researched features, but not into brands which I hope is where your expert opinion would be helpful. Would it be possible to do all of the following?
1) I want proper data cabling to every room to future proof as far as possible. Is cat 6 worth the additional money?
2) Motorised satellite dish with picture distributed to the four rooms with a TV
3) Central server to distribute music and films
4) Set top box by each TV (4) so that different films can be streamed to each
5) Intercom system of some type so that I dont have to shout to the kids two floors up. I hate shouting!
6) Automated blinds to two rooms (maybe three if cheap to add one extra)
7) Money saving sensible heating control (heatmiser?) to do underfloor heating on lower two floors and radiators on the top two
8) Money saving light control to do all off when exiting, porch light to come on at dusk and scenes in two rooms
9) Security system with cameras on external doors and ability to turn on lights/music if anything sensed
10) Potentially upgrade it over time
We currently have a squeezebox audio network with five rooms connected with wifi. Id like to continue to use those but hard wired if possible. But its a pretty blank canvas from there .
How complicated is it to do that? If I want it to all be integrated is control 4 the only way to do this? Or are there other cheaper alternatives(albeit whilst fitting the wifes demands)?
Thanks for taking the time to respond,