Choosing a smart home system: touchscreen displays, accounts, HD TV control

Hello,

I’ve been interested in smart home/automation systems for a few months now. I’d like to install such a system in my own home.
Now I’m facing the problem of choosing a system, etc...

The main ‘features’ of the system I want to have in my home:
- 2 touchscreen monitors (17–19 inches),
- one 8-inch touchscreen monitor in each room,
- each household member has their own account in the system,
- account permissions can be changed,
- home control via the internet,
- watching HD TV and films from a home file server on several TVs (a different channel on each TV),
- lighting control,
- etc...


I want each monitor to ‘receive’ the image from the computer. But how do I connect several monitors (2 large and 8 small) to the computer and display the image on them (e.g. monitors in the rooms can only control devices in the room they’re in, whilst the large monitors can control all devices in the house)?

Please could you suggest some companies where I can buy ‘smart home’ devices?
I’ve heard of X10, but it doesn’t suit my needs.


Please could you help?


Kind regards.

http://www.inteligentne-instalacje.pl/serwis/
I hope you have some idea of the costs involved in such an installation....
(The last house I had valued came to over 200,000 zł, excluding white goods...)
Regards, J.

That’s exactly why I asked about some companies here. The EIB system is probably the most expensive and isn’t very ‘flexible’.


Yesterday I came across a company called Beckhoff. I think I’ll go with one of their controllers. I’m just not sure yet how to sort out the issue with a dozen or so monitors. Does anyone have any ideas?

Best regards.

I’m not an expert on this, so this is just a suggestion – and perhaps a wrong one.

As the author mentioned, you’d need a file server; on top of that, each monitor or TV would need to be fitted with a mini-computer based on, say, a VIA EPIA, but you’d have to install an operating system on each one – for example, Windows (a paid version) or a Linux distribution with the appropriate codecs installed, so that films could be watched; as for the TVs, each would probably need its own TV tuner.

I’ll say it again: I’m not an expert on smart homes; perhaps such ready-made LCD panels do exist.

You focus on audio, video and the internet, whereas a smart home is about managing lighting (sequences of scenes), heating/air conditioning, roller blinds,
SSWN systems, access control, room occupancy monitoring, gate control......
Regards, J.

lysy1980 wrote:

Each monitor or TV would need to be fitted with some sort of mini-computer based, for example, on a VIA EPIA

That would probably be the best solution.


@adamjur1 – for now, I’m sorting out the audio-video issues, as there are unlikely to be any problems with the lighting, etc.

For communication, it is best to use a LAN and Wi-Fi network due to the volume of data being transmitted (of course, the data (signals) must be properly encrypted to prevent unauthorised access). EIB or an RS485-based system can be used to control devices and connect sensors, and if you want wireless control, I’d recommend ZigBee. The most versatile approach is probably to use Wi-Fi for video transmission and ZigBee for control and sensors.

I will be using a Beckhoff controller. I will connect all the sensors, lights, etc., as well as a computer (server), to the controller. I will connect touchscreen monitors to the server. The server will run an application that will send the image to each monitor separately.

However, I am still looking for a solution for the TV (watching HD TV via a single N set-top box).

I’d also been thinking about building one on a Beckhoff at one point – not a bad choice. I built mine on a Saia controller. It was about nine years ago, and the house has been running smoothly on it ever since. I don’t know if you’ve given any thought to the cabling, because you’ll end up with massive bundles of wires with a centralised system like that. Even in a relatively small house.

I’ve just had the idea of connecting a few controllers via Ethernet. One controller for each room (depending on how many devices need to be connected).

Hello,

Apart from EIB, there are many other solutions that aren’t KNX-certified. In my humble opinion, you can set up the system more cheaply and effectively using one of the other solutions. Given the number of panels you intend to install, this won’t be a small system at all.
You’re right that there won’t be any problems with lighting and so on, which is why you should choose a system that’s sufficiently open to integrating external devices (audio-video) and, of course, affordable enough to handle the basic tasks: lighting, controlling blinds, heating and so on.

Generally speaking, it would be much better to split this across several cabinets connected, for example, via Ethernet. As for the panels, it’s best to go for some decent industrial ones, also connected via Ethernet; I’d recommend Hakko because of the excellent graphics… it’s incomparably better than EIB and the like.

Hmm, these panels are quite interesting, but I was thinking more along the lines of a panel PC with Windows XP pre-installed.

On Windows? the reliability standard will be completely different. Not long ago I had a panel like that with a crashed Windows Embedded; in Poland, no one knows how to set up a system like that. And with Hakko, you get free software with a huge library of graphic symbols, including even animated ones... you can display camera images in the window, draw whatever you like, etc., and it will always work

Well, you never stop learning... But why are you getting discouraged after just one panel with Windows not working?
To be honest, I haven’t actually owned this Hakko panel myself, which is why my opinion is what it is.

Here are a few interesting articles to read: http://www.smartech.pl/poradnik.html

Well, I’m absolutely smitten with this Hakko – it’s in a completely different league to the likes of Siemek and the rest. I built an application on the 8.5-inch model two years ago, and since then they’ve brought out even newer models. Even though that one was already way ahead of the competition.
And the EIB is just right for the average installer. With a disproportionately large portfolio And if someone knows how to programme an industrial controller and has slightly higher requirements, then as above.

I’m not sure if you’ll be interested in this solution, but I set something like this up in my flat yesterday.

I’m also in the process of building a house and have already prepared the wiring for home automation; I’m just not sure which system to choose.

On my home network, I’ve installed a Linksys NSLU12 NAS file server.

Linksys NSLU2

I’ve connected a 1TB hard drive to the server via USB.

I’ve connected a D-Link DMS-520 DMR (Digital Media Receiver) to my TV

D-Link DMS-520

I didn’t have a cable in the room where the TV is, so the DMR connected wirelessly, and whilst watching films, there were no interruptions – playback was smooth.

It can play films, display photos and play music from any computer on the network and from any file server

At home, I’ll set up something similar but on a larger scale
and use a file server with greater capabilities, e.g.
QNAP

or

Synology

I’m also in the middle of building my own system and have opted for the Domito system, manufactured by MCD Electronics – the first Polish company based in Żywiec. I don’t know if you’ve heard of them, but they’re significantly cheaper than other systems (especially Western ones), As for functionality, it’s apparently quite extensive too, although a few components are still missing, which is why I’m leaving some space in the distribution board and extra cables for the future. I have two 4x12 distribution boards and I’m fitting 5 modules, a power supply, ES units, and a whole lot of cables – but they all fit in the distribution board.

If you’re interested, check out the manufacturer’s website:
www.domito.pl
www.inteligentnedomy.pl

Initially, I worked out the costs as follows:
for around 1,400 zł, you get a module with 8 universal inputs programmable via PC (analogue, digital (on/off) and an IMW – communication – input), 8 relay outputs (depending on the module, there are also dimmable and analogue outputs for fluorescent lights, etc.) and 4 processors inside, which can act as a scene manager, heating controller, programmable timer module or astronomical calendar
plus a power supply for just under 100 zł (which is enough for 5 modules, draws around 75W, and that’s all I’ll be paying for, as it powers the modules, and the modules, in turn, power the sensors and switches; additionally, I pay for the electricity consumed by the appliances in the house) – and we have a building automation system for 1,500 zł, which controls 8 devices via 8 switches or sensors
I can always easily reprogram the entire system or a selected part of it

I’d be interested to hear from anyone who’s already had experience with this system – please do share your thoughts

Hello
Building automation systems are expensive, and there’s no getting round that.
However, if someone wants to avoid installing a fully smart system and simply supplement their existing one with various subsystems, I recommend my
Halla (http://neuron.com.pl/hall2007.html)

Best regards, Wojtek

If you’re interested in building one yourself, have a go with Beckhoff and some multimedia platforms (NVIDIA ION)
However, if you’d like someone to build something like this for you, send me a private message – I think I can put together a rather interesting multimedia package, including an HDTV.
Alternatively, just the HDTV platform itself with a recording server and other cool features

Best regards!

I have a question, as I want to install an alarm system in my holiday home using Zigbee (this is also my final-year project), and I’m wondering whether, with this ZIG-WDB-B0 module-PCB module, will it be possible to connect motion sensors and configure the GSM module (to send alerts via text message)???


Here is the link to the module: http://www.maritex.com.pl/index.php/pl/shop/search?find=gz

Hello!!
There’s a rather interesting article on ‘building automation’ in the APA monthly magazine (issues 7 and 8), covering all the systems, including cost estimates for a small house and quotes from various companies.
And here’s a link where you can read about it:
Link

As for connecting the motion sensors, that won’t be a problem.
Connecting the GSM module won’t be a problem either. All it requires is writing some good software for the whole system.

Oh, but will this exact model support these features, and is it worth buying, as I’ve seen that the software is ready (i.e. a starting point) on the official Zigbee website?


Or perhaps this would be a better investment than the model mentioned earlier?

http://www.libelium.com/tienda/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=50

If this second kit is sold as a set with the item shown in the photo, it is better suited for use in building Zigbee sensors.

I stumbled across this thread by chance, and as I’m interested in the subject and work in the field, I’ll add my two cents.

Firstly, I don’t know where the myths about installation costs of around 200,000 came from. Of course, it might cost that much at EIB, but for an average home, where we’re only implementing control functions without getting into audio/video features, the installation costs 10–15 thousand, and that’s for a system with quite a lot of capabilities, including a 15-inch colour touchscreen control panel and a full range of functions.

I myself have a system based on Moeller’s xcomfort installed in my own home. The installation in an 85m flat, with control of blinds, lighting and heating across 6 zones, plus sensors for windows, doors and motion, and a whole host of centralised functions – cost me <10tys. On top of that, there’s a control unit with a display and software for ‘higher-level’ functions such as scenes, SMS control and monitoring.

XComfort is out of the question in this case. It’s too small and limited a system for on/off/adjustment functions; Wnosalik is looking for a comprehensive system with audio/video control and, from what I can see, is trying to steer well clear of EIB, LONworks and the like.

Well, in that case, xc really won’t work

Personally, though, I’d go for KNX – and make sure it’s from a reputable manufacturer. Remember, you’re installing this system and it’s meant to last for years. Sometimes you might save money initially, but later on you’ll end up spending twice as much on repairs and the associated refurbishments. Try Schneider Electric, for example: http://www.elektroonline.pl/a/2722,Wielofunkc...czem_LCD_i_wbudowanym_termostatem,,Automatyka
Good luck