Looking for Home Control Hardware that connects to and is programmable by computer

[Specialk92282]

I'd like to automate a few things around the house and I haven't been able to find what I need to make it happen.

Specifically I need some kind way to control power via my computer. (Hopefully with a product that has a .Net API)

My best guess is that I would need some kind of PCI card (or external USB device) that would connect to some relays attached to main room lights.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[jkresh]

check www.smarthome.com, they have x10 zwave and zigbee which are the big home control units, they also have a couple of software packages (some can work with different hardware types). x10 works over powerlines, zwave and zigbee are both wireless. Home depot also carries some of the switches.