I'll talk about it a little here but as I didn't use that much freeware and how I'm overly focused on form, and as I can't seem to figure out how to put images in posts, I'm not sure if anyone here is interested. If you want pictures or more details, I put everything on my personal website, http://www.myhometheaterpc.com. You can reply here with questions, but I can only check this forum after hours.
So on to the good stuff:
As the HA/HT package that I use [CQC] takes care of all the messy little details of actually integrating my HA/HT applications, allowing me to create custom screens, and controlling my back-end devices, I realized I could spend my time focusing on the aesthetics and usability of my interface. I realized I could use real art in a PC interface to my home theater & home automation system.
I'm using an art-based computer interface for CD/DVD/TV playback, and (live within 4 weeks)XM/heating/irrigation. I didn't put it on the site, but within 6 months I will have an art-based touchscreen to activate my security alarm and lighting too.
I used the art from www.vladstudio.com as the backdrop to my screens, and integrated that feel into my screen design. My goal was to make this as usable as possible by the non-techies in my family. [which is most of them].
It was all relatively cheap, at least compared to the Creston/AMX/etc of the world; I already had an HTPC client/server setup. I got a serial-controllable receiver (Denon 3805), an HA/HT package (CQC), an RS232-controllable thermostat, and an RS232 controllable irrigation controller (RAIN8).
Now, the cool thing is that I moved all my equipment to the closet in the next room which the wife loves, and we can still see the Denon status&control on the same screen as the Media Mgmt stuff. I can use a cheap $250 tablet PC (fujitsu 3400) with a wifi card as a house-wide controller for music/heat/lighting soon.
Hope you enjoy reading about the system as much as I do using the system.
So on to the good stuff:
As the HA/HT package that I use [CQC] takes care of all the messy little details of actually integrating my HA/HT applications, allowing me to create custom screens, and controlling my back-end devices, I realized I could spend my time focusing on the aesthetics and usability of my interface. I realized I could use real art in a PC interface to my home theater & home automation system.
I'm using an art-based computer interface for CD/DVD/TV playback, and (live within 4 weeks)XM/heating/irrigation. I didn't put it on the site, but within 6 months I will have an art-based touchscreen to activate my security alarm and lighting too.
I used the art from www.vladstudio.com as the backdrop to my screens, and integrated that feel into my screen design. My goal was to make this as usable as possible by the non-techies in my family. [which is most of them].
It was all relatively cheap, at least compared to the Creston/AMX/etc of the world; I already had an HTPC client/server setup. I got a serial-controllable receiver (Denon 3805), an HA/HT package (CQC), an RS232-controllable thermostat, and an RS232 controllable irrigation controller (RAIN8).
Now, the cool thing is that I moved all my equipment to the closet in the next room which the wife loves, and we can still see the Denon status&control on the same screen as the Media Mgmt stuff. I can use a cheap $250 tablet PC (fujitsu 3400) with a wifi card as a house-wide controller for music/heat/lighting soon.
Hope you enjoy reading about the system as much as I do using the system.
